Should I buy a 327, 627 or the new Ruger Redhawk in .357?

Jamie1975 · Dec 29, 2016

I love the 686 but I have been considering this 327/627 debate for awhile now and I have decided I want an eight shot revolver. Do I need one or two more rounds? Probably not. Do I want one of these anyway? Absolutely. For my experience, my state and my personal situation I do not prefer semi-automatic pistols.

Now there is this new 8 shot .357 RedHawk that shows up and for some reason I kind of like it. I am a fan of Smith but I find this new Ruger interesting. I have never owned or fired a Ruger. And then there was three, which makes it even tougher for a novice to decide.

I have not seen much discussion on this topic and I really want to know what the professionals think. My intended uses would be to carry and shoot at the range or out back for fun. This is not something I plan to sit in the case or on a shelf. If you were to pick one of these revolvers up next year what what you suggest and why?

Thanks for help!

IraIII · Dec 29, 2016

All three are excellent revolvers. I have owned a 627 performance center 5 inch, and a 386 7 shot, and now own an original Redhawk 357, but with a 7.5 inch barrel.
The Redhawk no matter what you do will not have as good of a trigger as any S&W, the redhawk uses one coil spring for hammer function, and trigger return, so does not have the adjustability of the two spring S&W. The next thing is the Redhawk is BIG 44oz versus the 627 at 37.8oz, and the 327 at 23.1oz. The redhawk is also physically a larger size than the N frame S&W, the cylinder on the Redhawk is 1.8 inches in diameter, while the N frame S&W is 1.710 I believe. The difference is not much, but it adds up when you are starting with an N frame S&W and want to carry it.
All are good revolvers, I think the S&W are more refined, and better, if you want to carry the 327 is tops, for range 627 better trigger, and for range maybe a longer barrel? The early 6 round 357 Redhawks were the strongest 357 I think and stand up to heavy loading extremely well, the new one has less steel outside the cartridge in the cylinder, the Rdhawk is different now in that the bolt circle of the charge holes has been changed to accomodate the 8 shot cylinder, and it is as yet a new unproven design.
These are my thoughts, they are worth what you paid for them.

series guy · Dec 29, 2016

627 Pro Series would be my choice. This one has turned into my favorite shooter.

dwever · Dec 29, 2016

I have owned the PC 627 5", currently own the PC 627 2.625" and currently own the PC 327 TRR8. No experience with the Ruger.

Of the three S&W's I mentioned, the 327 TRR8 is the best shooting revolver I've ever owned. Period. With the 627 in 2.625" barrel coming a close second. The 627 in 5" barrel just doesn't have the balance and quickness of the 327, the 627 is comparatively too heavy while the 327 weighs only 35 ounces but handles full tilt hunting loads in .357 Magnum with ease. Add to that the optional top and bottom rails the 327 delivers with, and your configuration options are many and your price is much. Truly a revolver for the 21st Century. However, if you're going to carry concealed, you want the 627 in 2.625" barrel or the discontinued 586 L-Comp. The 627 snub is also a great shooter, and one I have successfully competed with. On my hip today in fact.

Hope that helps.

Pic from top to bottom: PC 327 TRR8, PC 627, PC 586 L-Comp.
Next pic PC 327 TRR8 with Hogue Monogrips and Aimpoint Micro T-2.
PC 627 snub in carry mode.

BigBill · Dec 29, 2016

I just picked up a Redhawk in 357mag in s/s with a 5 1/2" barrel. She Is a beast with that over sized cylinder too. These are very rare.

Should I buy a 327, 627 or the new Ruger Redhawk in .357?

Jamie1975

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