This one has really attracted me. The 357 8 shot in I believe the 3" barrel. I like the shape size and everything I see but honestly I just don't know if there are other models I should compare to see if I like better. I want to carry at sometimes and have a solid car gun that's easily stored.

I think these have enough accuracy to have some fun on the range beyond my snub nose ranges. Any opinions or options I should consider before slowly beginning to pursue one of these? Sorry for my ignorance on models and styles. This just seemed like the size and type of gun I like but I haven't held one yet, not sure about the weight, construction etc.

Any others I should look at?

I've owned a couple of the Night Guard models...the .357 8 shot, and a .44 special. I didn't have any problems with them, but eventually traded them for semi-autos. There was a period, a year or so ago, when there seemed to be a lot of talk about the NG revolvers having a lot of FTF (failures to fire) and it turned out to be an issue with the firing pin...apparently S&W put one in that was too short; the fix was easy, install a slightly longer firing pin. I haven't really kept up with the issue, to know if it have been resolved with new guns.

I like the NG series (if they work) because they feel good in the hand, and they are a great carry gun...plus, I like the looks. I sometimes regret trading mine, and think about getting another...at the time, I didn't like the lock, but that can be removed. It shouldn't be there, but that is a whole other issue.

I have a 396 nightguard, had the hammer bobbed and disabled the "Lock". Going to make this my winter carry gun.
I have not had any trouble with mine.

I carry, in my rotation, a 325NG. Love it. It wears Ahrends RB combat finger grooves. Very comfortable. Not a hint of trouble.

A buddy of mine had 2 of the short barreled 357 Mags with a high quality double shoulder holster.

When I was shooting with him I tried out his "rig", and can say it was comfortable. The guns shot real good, even as far as 25 yards.

I am not a 357 Mag kind of guy... BUT two 8 shot 357 Mags, I will admit the concept did get my attention.

I do have a 325 Night Guard, the one in 45 ACP.
I have a long history of S&W revolvers in 45 ACP, for target and Duty use.
First with half moon clips and later with full moon clips.

A S&W in 45 ACP is one of the best revolvers on the Planet, IMHO.
I really like the 325 NG. I find it very controlable, and plenty accurate for personal protection.

I keep it under my pillow EVERY NIGHT.

Also let me add I have fored a few hundred rounds in the 325 and as long as I use full moon clips, half moon clips 1/3 moon clips or Auto Rim ammo I have never had a failure to fire. It will shoot some ammo with out the clips, but not all.
This is common with the new S&W 45 ACP revolvers they state that you must use the "clips".

However I can say that the older Mod 25-2's that I have fired shot any 45 ACP ammo, including my reloads with out clips.

I have a 396 in 44sp. I love it so far and it has one of the best SA trigger's I've ever felt right out of the box. DA trigger is still a bit heavy but that's because I haven't shot it enough. The weight and size is just about perfect, enough weight to tame a little recoil (44sp anyway, I can't speak for the 44mag) but light enough to carry all day.
Best of luck in your search

A year ago, I went to the local pusher's to buy a new 327NG, which has a 2.5" barrel. As I perused the beast, I noted it was not moonclip ready - yuck - deal killer! A foot or so away sat another new 2 5/8" PC627 UDR - the remake of the 'Blood Work' gun - like the one I had bought in the previous April. At 10 oz heavier - not a problem as a house/car gun - it is a real Performance Center product - and moonclip ready. I got 'out the door' for, at most, the cost of a McD's 'happy meal' more than the 327NG - a deal for me.

They, the SKU #163422 27.6 oz 327NG and the SKU #170133 37.6 oz PC627, share the same MSRP - $1,049 - now. Just something to consider.

My pair of PC627 UDRs, sporting the SKU #414170000 'N-frame PC grips', ~$50 + s/h, and a Lobo Leather holster (... on a cheesy/old belt!):



I have a few S&W's with tritium 'Night Sights' - like my 60 Pro, Governer, and 2" 632 - I prefer the big orange ramp and adjustable rear sight of the PC627 UDR for all lighting conditions.

Stainz

Great, this is excellent info. This sounds like it's going to be worth driving a few places to handle one. And consider the different variations. Very encouraging, but then again it is a S&W and I've had really good luck with them.

Sad note... I can't keep the PC627 UDRs clean - one - sometimes both - go to the range every trip! Very good triggers right out of the box, too. Both came with poorly fitting Eagle wood grips, however. I did replace them with a bit larger grip - better fit to my medium+ hand. S&W did swap grips with me and sent me proper fitting Eagles - I just prefer a bit larger grip. Those Eagles are handsome. Good luck on your search.

Stainz

Those are some beautiful guns for sure. At some point soon I'm going to get a top of the line S&W or close to it. The performance center models do look like some fine work. Much to consider.

It's all personal choice.

For carry, I prefer the light weight of the NG guns. And the biggest size frame for me would be the L. I have the 396, and thought about the 7 shot 386. But I usually use revolvers in a back-up roll.

For range use, I'd go steel.

You may just have to buy and try.

396 eye candy

__________________
Watch & Pray

I have a 386 NG. Front sight was too high for the fixed rear C&S rear sight, so I replaced it with a Bowens adjustable rear sight. After about 250 rounds of 38spl, I started testing 357s.
The internal lock froze the gun after the 2nd round. The IL is no longer in use. On the bright side, it handles the magnums surprisingly well for a lightweight gun.

Attached Images

NGcompac grips.jpg (74.5 KB, 72 views)

Absolutely nothing to do with a 327NG - or the NG series. This was the 'original' version of the 396NG - the 296. It's Ti cylinder helps pare away a few ounces - 19.7oz empty - over the 396NG. You 'enjoy' that when you shoot it - and clean it, too. Still, it was canned over nine years ago. I bought mine new, on closeout, nine years ago early this winter - it was less than half it's then current list at $349 locally!



In the Mika pocket holster shown - and retaining it's OEM boot grips - it fits ~3/4 of my pants front pockets. The GA Arms 200gr Gold Dots barely break 800fps from the 2.5" 296, but are still able to reportedly fully open in ballistic gel - they should be good protection from two-legged threats. I do include a first round of 240gr LSWC when woods stomping.

Stainz

I have had alot of guns, the 357 is KING, When I found out you could get a 27 oz n frame holding 8 shots, what a no brainer. Best gun I ever had. Light, good shooter, night sights, 8 shots, Smith and Wesson, what more could you wan't? Seriously don't let the price tag get to you. It is an awesom gun you won't regret.

The 329NG is my hiking/backpacking gun for black bear country. Seeing you are interested in a big N-frame anyway, why not a 329 and shoot .44 Specials for SD???

I have had my 386NG for a bit over a year and I LOVE it, its about perfect IMOP, tossed the Paks and put on CT grips

also have the 327NG and I like it but its too big to carry, the 386 carries great

also have the R8 and this is a freakin great gun, practical maybe not but I love it

look at the performance center 357 mag model 327 trr8 21oz empty 2" barrel....scandium titanium steel just magnificent...my main carry..I love my bubba