627 V-Comp, TRR8 & M&P R8

I already have a two 8 shot PCs (627 New UDR and 327 SC/PC). I was looking for a TRR8. I wanted a longer barrel.

I found a used 627 V-Comp which I had never seen before and bought it without thinking of the downside of the comp. After I shot some cast bullets, I found the comp was all leaded up and not at all easy to clean. I didn't want to use any harsh chemicals as I was afraid the finish on the comp would be damaged. I put the V-comp on consignment sale at my LGS and restarted my search for the TRR-8. Along the way I also found there was a very similar M&P R8. Decisions, decisions.... Of course neither one seems very available to local dealers.

My dealer is trying to get both the TRR-8 and the R-8 for me. I'll probably take which ever comes in first, if ever. There is only a small difference in the prices they quoted.

Does someone by chance own a 627 V-comp AND a TRR-8 or R-8? I'd like to read your opinions of them.

I don't own any of the three, but I do own a 627-PC, and I'd like to get my hands on a TRR8/R8 to compare their handling, split times, etc. to the steel framed 627.

Depending upon what's important to you, I doubt the slight differences between the two R8s would matter much. I would likely take whichever comes first were I in the market.

They're ugly, but they're also neat guns in their own right, and I suspect they operate incredibly well. I very much like my 5" 627. Very fun gun, and runs well in a number of the action games.

I was interested to read your comments about the V-Comp model as I have given some thoughts about acquiring one.
I'd like to hear your comparison of the 327PC vs the 627 UDR.

I also have become a fan of the 8 shot N-Frames.
Currently I have the TRR8, 327PC and a 627 Pro which have 5, 2, and 4 inch barrels respectively. I am very pleased with all of them. I have a range block set of 8 shot speed loaders made by 5-Star and it works very well with all of these revolvers.

Your question was compare the TRR8 with the 627.
The TRR8 shoots incredibly well both single action and double action. I also like the way the 627 shoots but it is not quite in the class of the TRR8.
One thing that really surprised me was the TRR8, which is the lighter gun, being Scandium alloy framed, seems to tame the recoil from full 357 Mag loads better that the heavier, steel framed 627. Maybe because the rails on the TRR8 distribute more of its weight on the barrel. I still have the stock Hogue Monogrips on both guns so it isn't a question of different grips. I am going to try some Pachmayrs on them since I don't feel the finger grooves of the Hogues fit my hand very well.
I also prefer the gold dot front sight on the TRR8 over the red ramp insert in the 627 Pro.

You also asked about the TRR8 vs the R8. I have not handled an R8 but assume they shoot equally as well. I think you have to decide if you would like the option of removing the bottom rail sometimes since it is a permanent part of the barrel on the R8 but removable on the TRR8. There is a nice video of a guy shooting the TRR8 in the desert with the rails removed on U Tube. I haven't shot mine with the rails removed yet but intend to try it sometime.
My thoughts on the TRR8 are to get some sort of light or laser/light combo (probably Streamlight) for the bottom rail. I have also thought about getting a red dot sight for the top rail. I would also like to try an optical scope on the top rail. Thus far I am still in the planning stages but when finances allow I will add some accesories.

So I think the TRR8 vs R8 question comes down to do you forsee using some attachment like a light or laser full time on the bottom rail. If so, you might prefer the R8. If you want the option of shooting with both rails removed, then the TRR8 would be preferable. In any case, I am sure that you will be pleased with either one.

ridgewalker said:

I was interested to read your comments about the V-Comp model as I have given some thoughts about acquiring one.
I'd like to hear your comparison of the 327PC vs the 627 UDR.

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The 627 UDR shoots much better for me. Less recoil, more accurate (for me). Of course the adjustable rear sight on the UDR is nice. I drifted the front sight on the 327 for windage but elevation is by guess-timation.

I have a Lobo IWB holster that they both fit. The bulk isn't much different but the weight sure is. I have some back, foot and leg problems so the weight makes a big difference. I'd only carry the UDR if I knew I was going in harms way and didn't have any other choice.

I used the 627 V-comp for my club's first monthly Bullseye match. Since I put it up for consignment sale, I put the red dot on the UDR and shot the second match with it. (It looks kinda funny shooting Bullseye with a snubby, but it worked real well.) The TRR8 will be my Bullsye gun (amongst other purposes including PPC), if I ever get it.

ridgewalker said:

I also have become a fan of the 8 shot N-Frames.
Currently I have the TRR8, 327PC and a 627 Pro which have 5, 2, and 4 inch barrels respectively. I am very pleased with all of them. I have a range block set of 8 shot speed loaders made by 5-Star and it works very well with all of these revolvers.

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I bought one set of two 5-Star speedloaders and range block. Liked them so much I bought a second set.

ridgewalker said:

Your question was compare the TRR8 with the 627.
The TRR8 shoots incredibly well both single action and double action. I also like the way the 627 shoots but it is not quite in the class of the TRR8.
One thing that really surprised me was the TRR8, which is the lighter gun, being Scandium alloy framed, seems to tame the recoil from full 357 Mag loads better that the heavier, steel framed 627. Maybe because the rails on the TRR8 distribute more of its weight on the barrel. I still have the stock Hogue Monogrips on both guns so it isn't a question of different grips. I am going to try some Pachmayrs on them since I don't feel the finger grooves of the Hogues fit my hand very well.
I also prefer the gold dot front sight on the TRR8 over the red ramp insert in the 627 Pro.

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I've tried Pachmayrs and don't like them at all. Hogues just seem to fit me. I ordered a couple of the Hogue Tamer grips from S&W and use them on most of my N-frames at the range. I do have identical Ahrends wood grips on the UDR and 327 PC. Sine I bought these guns for carry I prefer the wood for looks and lack of "clingyness" with a covering garment.

ridgewalker said:

You also asked about the TRR8 vs the R8. I have not handled an R8 but assume they shoot equally as well. I think you have to decide if you would like the option of removing the bottom rail sometimes since it is a permanent part of the barrel on the R8 but removable on the TRR8. There is a nice video of a guy shooting the TRR8 in the desert with the rails removed on U Tube. I haven't shot mine with the rails removed yet but intend to try it sometime.
My thoughts on the TRR8 are to get some sort of light or laser/light combo (probably Streamlight) for the bottom rail. I have also thought about getting a red dot sight for the top rail. I would also like to try an optical scope on the top rail. Thus far I am still in the planning stages but when finances allow I will add some accesories.

So I think the TRR8 vs R8 question comes down to do you forsee using some attachment like a light or laser full time on the bottom rail. If so, you might prefer the R8. If you want the option of shooting with both rails removed, then the TRR8 would be preferable. In any case, I am sure that you will be pleased with either one.

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I plan to use the top rail a lot or all the time. I don't anticipating using the lower rail unless I decide to use the TRR as a home defense gun. I currently own a Streamlight TLR-4 (light and laser) that I use on a Springfield XD-M.

ranger7 said:

I plan to use the top rail a lot or all the time. I don't anticipating using the lower rail unless I decide to use the TRR as a home defense gun.

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Sounds to me like you answered your own question. You should get a TRR8 not the R8. Since you don't really need the bottom rail, I don't think you should get an R8.
I think it is possible to put a top rail on other fine S&W revolvers but for an 8 shot, Scandium framed 357 Magnum with a 5 inch barrel, the TRR8 is the way to go.

Thanks for your other very interesting comments and observations. If I do get another 8 shot N-frame, I will probably go with a 627-UDR. But really at the top of my wish list right now is a 3 inch 686+. If they still made Night Guards, I might choose to get the 357 Mag NG because I like Scandium alloy.

My M&P 327 has a white bead front sight. Works great fro Steel Challenge!

I have the R8 and I like the looks of the ejector shroud better than that of the TRR8. The rail on the bottom is not an issue for me. Which ever one you choose, you will like it just as much as your 627PC and the 327PC. Basically if you combined the two guns you have now you would have the R8/TRR8.

James

As to your question about the 627 V-comp. I had one years ago (sold it for Cowboy guns) it came with two compensators. One for lead and one for jacketed bullets. Or maybe, one just had the "slits" and the other was solid?

I wish I hadn't traded the V-comp. It was the best looking 627 of all!

Macinaw said:

As to your question about the 627 V-comp. I had one years ago (sold it for Cowboy guns) it came with two compensators. One for lead and one for jacketed bullets. Or maybe, one just had the "slits" and the other was solid?

I wish I hadn't traded the V-comp. It was the best looking 627 of all!

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If I could find the solid "comp" I'd probably keep the 627 V-comp. It should save me $$, trouble and wait. Didn't realize there was such a thing.

Macinaw said:

As to your question about the 627 V-comp. I had one years ago (sold it for Cowboy guns) it came with two compensators. One for lead and one for jacketed bullets. Or maybe, one just had the "slits" and the other was solid?

I wish I hadn't traded the V-comp. It was the best looking 627 of all!

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I found another post somewhere that mentioned a "barrel cap/crown protector" or comp without the slots. Also an old ad where somone listed it as part of the 627 V-Comp package. I e-mailed S&W to find out if I can get one. Told my LGS that I may pull my V-comp from consignment sale if the cap becomes available. If I can get it before the V-comp sells I'll cancel my orders for TRR-8 and R-8.

I have the 627 v-comp. I rarely use the compensator cap (the one with the slits). The barrel has the full, weighted lug and is so barrel heavy that the compensator is not really needed...even with the nastiest cast boolit hunting loads I shoot (185 grain Beartooth Bullet, over 15.8 grains of H-110 @ 1250 muzzle velocity).

BTW, ranger...you can still get the standard cap from S&W

pps said:

I have the 627 v-comp. I rarely use the compensator cap (the one with the slits). The barrel has the full, weighted lug and is so barrel heavy that the compensator is not really needed...even with the nastiest cast boolit hunting loads I shoot (185 grain Beartooth Bullet, over 15.8 grains of H-110 @ 1250 muzzle velocity).

BTW, ranger...you can still get the standard cap from S&W

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Thanks for the info. Called S&W today. The standard cap is on its way. Now to get my V-comp back from consignment sale so I have something to put the cap on. Will also pull the TRR-8/R-8 orders (at least for now.)

ranger7 said:

If I could find the solid "comp" I'd probably keep the 627 V-comp. It should save me $$, trouble and wait. Didn't realize there was such a thing.

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It should have been in the box under the foam

ranger7 said:

I found a used 627 V-Comp which I had never seen before and bought it without thinking of the downside of the comp. After I shot some cast bullets, I found the comp was all leaded up and not at all easy to clean. I didn't want to use any harsh chemicals as I was afraid the finish on the comp would be damaged.

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This style comp has been on S&Ws for perhaps half a century. The old model 41s had comps on the longer barrels. Not to mention all those years of competition shooting.

The trick is to coat the comp prior to going to the range. Way back when, I used to by Carter's Comp Cleaner from Gil Hibbard. The lead just wipes off. Not sure if it is still available. A light coat of FP10 or break free should do the same trick.

ranger7 said:

My dealer is trying to get both the TRR-8 and the R-8 for me. I'll probably take which ever comes in first, if ever. There is only a small difference in the prices they quoted.

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I prefer the look of the TRR8's bare bottom to the R8 with it's non-removable rail.

I have had a 627 V-comp since the late 90s when they were first introduced. I had the same experience you did with lead in the comp. You can remove the comp and soak it in Hoppes #9 and the lead will come out. Finish will not be harmed. I also did not receive the non-comp nosecap. I had to call S&W customer service several times to get one( two different people said they didn't exist) but they finally came through. The comp is really unnecessary on such a heavy gun.

Good shooting to you!

Non-comp for V-Comp

My 627 V-Comp came with both end caps when I bought it new.



I only use the slotted compensator end with jacketed bullets.

Looking At The Big Picture

Modern materials and technology are going to happen - it's called progress. The past was not that great and we don't recall it for what it was, as we will not revisit it's unpleasant side for the most part because we just aren't wired that way, unless it was hideously cruel.

I like the old guns and the new ones and look forward to the next generation as well. However, this industry as a whole is not by-in-large total quality driven - it's quality good enough driven. There are other industries where market differentiation occurs around quality - consumer fire arms isn't one of them. And for the most part, most industries aren't either.

This is an old, oligopic-like industry with high entry barriers, and there aren't many market differentiators, but quality could be one if short-term gains versus long-term gains were biased towards the long-term. This requires a balancing act with enough focus on the short-term to ensure sustainability year to year while longer term results are generated and ensured for the next 2 or 3 market cycles. The journey usually takes 3-5 five years with an organization-wide commitment.

I am a business owner and was a very large manufacturing company exec now retired, and I appreciate the difficulty and challenge. But doing things right the first time, on time, at cost, ever time is the only sure formula that gives manufacturers in particular a chance of setting market characteristics in their favor and the margins that come with that kind of performance. The funny thing is, customers admire and support such a market leader when product fit, form and function support such a perception.

I luv S&W and Sig products, and I hope someday one or both companies seriously take on competing through total quality.

R

Are you on the right thread Rachel?

Hmmmmmm

DS-10-SPEED said:

Are you on the right thread Rachel?

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Ya know, it appears not . . . Thanks for the catch; now I gotta find the thread I wanted to post too.

I like the guns discussed in this thread, though I think I prefer my 686 4" 357 to the R8s and alike. That 627 5" does have a lot of appeal and it keeps calling me to take a look. If I look then I'm likely hooked. Saw a Les Baer, Cobra Carry at the LGS yesterday - $3K but what a beautiful and sweet feeling piece. Hope it's sold when I go by on Sat. It's just beyond sweet - I'd jump on it like a scalded cat if I didn't have a new Sig P226 X5 9mm 1/2 paid and that gun was a little north of $2K.

Anyway, thanks again . . . R