In 1997 Lew Horton Distributors convinced S&W to do an 8 shot 357 Magnum revolver. When I got wind of this I called and asked to be sent number 357, I like serial numbers. I was told that this was a one time run of 300 firearms. In the upper left corner of this old group photo is the 27th production revolver. It was delivered in June.
The concept was so successful that the entire run was sold out in just several weeks. Usually these runs take at least a year or more to sell out. So Lew decided to do a second run. I received a call asking if I still wanted number 357. It is the revolver in the upper right of the group photo and was delivered in September. This run also sold out in record time.
More were produced and eventually the firearm became a cataloged item. Over the years many other configurations were offered. In 2000 a distributor named Bangers offered a blue carbon steel 8 shot model 27 in 4" or 6 1/2". Only 100 of each were produced. There was supposed to be a follow up in 2001 if a 3 1/2" and a 5" but it never occurred.
In 1998 Lew Horton had the 627 Hunter produced. This was a very heavy barreled 6 1/2" slab sided revolver. It was Mag-Na-Ported from the factory had a weaver base integral in the barrel design as well as a hidden weight system that allowed the weight and balance of the firearm to be customized by the owner. Even the hottest 357 magnum loads are pussy cats in this big wheel gun.
1999 saw the introduction of one of the most highly sought after modern snub nosed revolver ever, the 627PDR. The Personal Defense Revolver had a 2 5/8" barrel and a unfluted cylinder. Thanks to Clint Eastwood this came to be called the Bloodwork revolver.
In 2003 the Performance Center introduced a cataloged revolver initially called the 327Sc. Today most folks call it the 327Carry or the 327PC, It is a Scandium framed, 8 shot, 2" revolver with fixed sights. This revolver is still in production today.
2005 say the introduction of the 327JM. This was a 5" scandium framed revolver that was limited in production.
In 2006 Lew Horton came back and offered blue steel 8 shot Registered Magnums in 3 1/2" and 5". 350 of each were produced. In 2007 nickel versions of both Registered Magnums were introduced, 250 of each barrel length were manufactured. Below is a picture of all six variations of carbon steel, 8 shot model 27s. Each of the six revolvers in the picture has the same number and the set remains unfired since leaving the factory.
2008 saw the introduction of the 327NG. The Night Guard is a Scandium framed 2 1/2" carry revolver that is fitted with an Ashley Express big dot front sight and a U shaped notch rear sight. This was not a Performance Center offering and is a standard cataloged firearm.
There are several other variations but I do not have any more photographed at this time. Hope that this sheds some light on this wonderful development in revolvers.
