Just like the title...which would you choose?
I've got a hankering for a 357 wheel gun, not sure why...just checking my option.
If anybody has either one of these...pics please!!!

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USAF AMMO Retired!

I've got em both and have been extremely happy! I also have the model 60 Pro to round out the package. .357 Mag is my favorite caliber. I have gained an interest in the older weapons as of late so I have been focusing my attention there. However the 2 you have interest in are exceptional examples of the .357 Mag! Congratulations on excellent taste, and good luck with the search.

P. S. Did I mention you should buy both? Well you eventually will!

LOL! You speak the truth, Reevolvers.

AmmoHouse:

The SSR is a beauty (in my humble opinion), has a buttery smooth trigger, and is very accurate. She's a joy to shoot. I like the wooden grips even with .357 - the felt recoil is not uncomfortable and more like a 'push'. I am a fan of the 'slab side' barrel, some folks don't.

The 627 is an N-frame revolver and it's a slightly bigger frame that the L-frame SSR. FWIW, I have the 627PC (8-shot snubbie) on my short list of "next gun to get" list. As Reevolvers said, eventually, you will own both.

Chris

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/at least she finds me handy.

I have the 5 inch Performance Center 627, and the 686 SSR, and am still thinking about adding the darn snubbie to the stable That slab side barrel, and unfluted cylinder are a dangerously sexy combination! Looks like we all like the same guns!

Reevolvers:

Do you think we could get a volume discount? I'm in.

Chris

Well once Ammo House decides on his I reckon we could get a volume buy! Lol!

I have 3 Smith 8 shot revolvers. M&P R8 627 PC 327PC

Two of them I use for Steel Challenge Competition. The additional two shots makes a big difference.


The 327 PC is like a J frame; only bigger!

I just picked this up a few weeks ago.
I like it a lot.

I have a worked over 686 and a 627-PC. Unless you have a specific use in mind that would benefit from the greater capacity I'd go with the 686.

The size and weight are preferred as well as the versatility of the 4" bbl and six shot cylinder.

627 all the way. I was in the same position and went with the 627 PC 5" and it is definitely my most prized shooter. The double action is like no other due to the shorter distance needed to travel between cylinder chambers. The other choice is still a good one but I think it's geared more towards certain competition to fit under regulation standards in closed division. If you aren't competing in that field I'd say you'd get more for your money with the 627.

Between the two I would definitely go with the 686 SSR. Over 6 oz lighter, standard 6 shot making it useful with a variety of speed loaders. I've had mine a little over a year and it's a fantastic shooter.

How much discount...I'll buy one of each, just because I can't make up my mind.
I like my N frames and think the 8 shot is cool...but that SSR just keeps calling my name.

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USAF AMMO Retired!

House I love both mine a lot! I would have to give the nod to the SSR if forced to choose. It is just slightly more handy than it big brother. You won't be disappointed!

I know its not one of the options but my favorite .357 is my Model 19

If the choice is between a 6-shot 686SSR and a similarly priced 627 Pro, unless you plan on competing where that 6-rounder is required, I'd get the 627 Pro 8-banger. Fun with moonclips or 5starfirearms.com speedloader. The spring-loaded front sight takes a HiViz/SDM sight .250" tall and cut for a 'Classic/DX' front sight mount - changes without tools in seconds. I tried many grips, but my 625JM's Miculek style really are a fast and non-fidgety grab - so I got my 627 Pro a similar grip. The 2 5/8" PC627 'UDR' is even more fun, but it wasn't in your question.



Stainz

My 2 Cents.
No mention of what you are planning to use it for.

If IDPA Matches are on your To Do List the 686SSR would be the best choice. That is what it was made for.

Now for a serious plinking gun a 627 would be hard to beat. I have never had an N Frame 357 that was not a tack driver.
Now if I were going to buy one, which model? The UDR sure is a good looking revolver. The 5" Pro should be a tack driver, and it looks good also. An older 627? Why not. Really no wrong answer. I could also live with an R8 or a 327NG.
So many good choices.

If shooting IDPA is not on the list, I would go with a 627 myself.

Bob

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ICORE MO2908

AmmoHouse,

I am right there with you. I can't decide which to get either. I am leaning towards the SSR though. I like the moon clip idea on the 627, my concern is the length of .357s and how fast it will really be with reloads. I used to own a 625 and it did fine but .45 ACP rounds are obviously much shorter so I would think much easier to load.

While speed loaders are cool and I miss not being able to use any Safariland speed loaders, I think moon clips are far handier and aid in faster/cleaner ejections.

Hello AmmoHouse, I'm a little late to the game, but have been mulling about on the same two choices for a while. I decided on the 627PC and placed my order. It came down to knowing my own weakness. If I picked up the 686 now I'd want the PC one later, but have taken the chance that if I get the PC now I may be able to resist the 686 later. Bottom line is you have to go with the one that speaks to you, and unfortunately I seem to have good hearing in this regard (my wife would tell you I'm half deaf).

This is my 60 Pro Series 3 inch wearing Crimson Trace Grips.


This is my 627 PC snubbie wearing Hogue grips.


I now want the 627 PC 5 inch. You don't really need to decide which one to buy, just which one to buy first.

It is pretty simple: buy both. Just decide now which is first. I have a 60 Pro, 686SSR, 627Pro and 627PC. It would be tough to pick a favorite, but it would probably be the 627PC. All have very nice triggers, the 627PC from the box, and the rest with a little help. All are very accurate. Determine your intended use, then pick the appropriate gun.

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Tom

If you not are competing and not doing any planning to reload stuff like .38 supers into your 686 or 627; buy the 625. Its the easier shooting and loading moon-clipped or speed loaded gun. Maybe you also already have a semi-auto .45.

If you are competing, the 627 Pro because the barrel length is 4" and offers 8 shots.