Thoughts on the 327 Performance Center?

first-model · Sep 10, 2013

Hello everyone,

I have recently become curious about the snub-nose Model 327 from the Performance Center, chambered in .357 Magnum. It's the one with the strange little snub-nosed 2" barrel and the titanium alloy cylinder.

Any thoughts on this particular gun? I don't see too many of them pop up on the used market, which suggests that people buy 'em and keep 'em, or that they're just not that common to begin with.

I don't have a particular use in mind for this gun; it would just be something to give me a bit of variety when I want to shoot wheelgun at the range.

Mike

colt_saa · Sep 10, 2013

I have several 2" Performance Center N-frames, but none of them have a "STRANGE" barrel. My first one was this 8 shot 357 Magnum model 327

I also have a couple chambered for 45 Long Colt

They are great little powerhouses

first-model · Sep 10, 2013

colt_saa said:
I have several 2" Performance Center N-frames, but none of them have a "STRANGE" barrel.

OK, "strange" was a bit harsh. I think they look neat; the faceted sides are curious.

What do you use them for? Carry? Range shooting? Just something out of the ordinary?

Mike

colt_saa · Sep 10, 2013

I bought it because it was cute

The 2" 327 was carried in the front pocket of my 5.11 Covert Tactical pants because I can.

I have lots of other S&Ws for range use. Including 3 more 327s

Hotshot10 · Sep 10, 2013

I handled one at my LGS a few months ago. It seemed to me like something without a clear purpose.

Problem No. 1: a .357 really needs more than that short barrel to achieve a decent velocity (BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .357 Mag Results). Otherwise, it does not gain much velocity over a .38 Special +P, and it comes with more recoil, noise, and flash.

Problem No. 2: it's too bulky to conceal easily. The grip and the cylinder make it a lot larger in person than it looks online. Although it's light, there are a lot more concealable firearms out there.

Problem No. 3: it's not really going to be as effective on the range as something with a longer sighting radius. If you like eight-shot revolvers, the 627 has a five-inch-barrel option.

Add to that the fact that the fit and finish of the firearm were...less than impressive, and I would be spending my $1,000 somewhere else.

I'm not trying to be a jerk, either. I was initially interested in one of the N-frame snubs, but I think you'd be better off with a different, non-magnum caliber.

silvershot · Sep 10, 2013

The stub-nose does look strange, perfect description.

I had a 327 .357 mag PC 2" in 08 I used on and off for carry, not that great of piece for conceal for a 2" compared to other options. Not a great shooter either past 15-20, mags and snubs are not a great combo. These aren't really collectable status pieces yet. Over-priced IMO as well. Seems many here love em though.

first-model · Sep 10, 2013

Hotshot10 said:
I handled one at my LGS a few months ago. It seemed to me like something without a clear purpose.

Problem No. 1: a .357 really needs more than that short barrel to achieve a decent velocity (BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .357 Mag Results). Otherwise, it does not gain much velocity over a .38 Special +P, and it comes with more recoil, noise, and flash.

Problem No. 2: it's too bulky to conceal easily. The grip and the cylinder make it a lot larger in person than it looks online. Although it's light, there are a lot more concealable firearms out there.

Problem No. 3: it's not really going to be as effective on the range as something with a longer sighting radius. If you like eight-shot revolvers, the 627 has a five-inch-barrel option.

Add to that the fact that the fit and finish of the firearm were...less than impressive, and I would be spending my $1,000 somewhere else.

I'm not trying to be a jerk, either. I was initially interested in one of the N-frame snubs, but I think you'd be better off with a different, non-magnum caliber.

Thanks. This sums up most of my concerns. For a thousand dollars, give or take, there's a lot of vintage S&W iron to invest in, and I'm especially mindful of the mixed reviews I read about the Performance Center guns. I haven't owned one and should reserve judgment until I do, but this isn't the first time I've heard grumblings about fit and finish.

The 627 with the 5" barrel is another appealing option. Then again, I might be money ahead to get a 686 and another toy ...

Mike

Gorenut · Sep 10, 2013

first-model said:
The 627 with the 5" barrel is another appealing option. Then again, I might be money ahead to get a 686 and another toy ...

Mike

627 is awesome. I have a 5" PC piece. Just got a pair of Miculek grips on them recently. Wish I got em sooner because they're perfect and it took me about a dozen other grips before coming around to these. Previously I didn't get them due to reports of people saying you need large hands to use them. Guess I have large hands. Shooting is a dream and feels like cheating.

As far as the 327.. I was initially interested in it as well.. but like some of the other posters mentioned... can't find a real distinct purpose for it. Seems like it doesn't do anything particularly well except for looking unique. I think I'd get a 627 snubby before the 327 one.

Joe Kent · Sep 11, 2013

I too have some interest in getting the snub nose model for concealed carry. My thought was an advantage of 8 shots that for me would be Speer 135gr Gold Dot 38 special that I use in my other short barrel 38's and 357's. It would not be for everyday carry but would probably replace my 681 PC carry gun on occasion. Not sure yet, just at the thinking stage.

Smithbrother · Sep 11, 2013

I handled a used 327 snubbie in the gun shop the other day. I was looking for a 686 SSR and they were trying distraction tactics on me. It was surprisingly light and easy to handle but the action was not all that much better than standard IMO. It had wood grips that were not very attractive (something that S&W should probably fix). Also I would fear firing such a light shortie with magnum rounds as it probably would sting the hand quite a bit. It was little and cute though. So I gave it a little chuck under the chin before returning it.

first-model · Sep 11, 2013

Smithbrother said:
I handled a used 327 snubbie in the gun shop the other day.

Do you mind me asking what shop it was?

Mike

Smithbrother · Sep 11, 2013

first-model said:
Do you mind me asking what shop it was?

Mike

Guns and Ammo Warehouse in Manassas, VA. The clerk said it was a consignment sale and the owner is steadfast on $1,000.00 and will not budge on the price. I can tell the weapon had been fired but not sure how much. Grip looked in okay shape. I did not light up the interior of the barrel but the cylindar lock up was pretty tight. IMO the price is just a little too high. He should come down about $150.00.

first-model · Sep 11, 2013

Smithbrother said:
Guns and Ammo Warehouse in Manassas, VA. The clerk said it was a consignment sale and the owner is steadfast on $1,000.00 and will not budge on the price. I can tell the weapon had been fired but not sure how much. Grip looked in okay shape. I did not light up the interior of the barrel but the cylindar lock up was pretty tight. IMO the price is just a little too high. He should come down about $150.00.

Thanks. Unless it's in absolutely mint condition, I'd probably pass on it at that price.

Mike

Macinaw · Sep 11, 2013

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=125772&stc=1&d=1378944401

I am 5'11" 250lbs and have no problem with the IWB holster from Black Hills Leather.

kaaskop49 · Sep 12, 2013

For every Jack, there's a Jill...

Thoughts on the 327 Performance Center?

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