I've decided I need..ok..want..an 8 shot .357 in my hoard. I've narrowed it down to 3 choices. The 327PC is the lightest (21oz) but also the most expensive at $1200+. The 627PC is 38 oz. and $950. Ruger now has the Redhawk in an 8 shot .357 configuration,and although it weighs the most..44oz., it is the least expensive ($750)and looks the best..to me.
I will carry this in a tanker style chest rig..so my first thought is weight isn't an issue.However, double the weight is double the weight. The looks of the S&Ws is a turn off,but I suppose it could grow on me (like warts)
I have a .44 Redhawk and it fits my big hands very well..and the trigger is as nice as any (it's had work done to it) I have not picked up a late model S&W..so not sure about fit or trigger feel,which are important.
So...here I sit on the fence. None of the local shops have any of these on the shelf..so it's going to be a pick and ship deal. Decisions, decisions..

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My Daddy was a pistol..

What are your thoughts on the S&W M&P R8?

Can't overlook that one!

No experience with that particular Redhawk but generally speaking , I find the Ruger Revolvers (even the much improved newer ones) to be less refined than their S&W counterparts. Getting a decently smooth and consistent DA trigger can be a pilgrimage as well. Lastly, there seems to be considerably more grip options for the S&Ws.
I do own a 627PC and 327R8. Both in 5". Both are excellent guns but my hands down favorite is the 627PC. The factory tuned action is VG out of the box and the interchangeable front sight is a particularly nice option. I find it outstanding in every way.
Your results may vary.

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Dave

"What are your thoughts on the S&W M&P R8?"

I'm looking at 8 shot .357 revolvers with <3" barrel,so R8 not a contender,although it is a cool gun!

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My Daddy was a pistol..

If I could have found a .357 Redhawk I would not have bought my 627. Then I realized I needed a .327 pug as a backup. Now that the .357 Redhawk has been re released, I have no interest. Even with the eight shots.

I am so glad I didn't​ pay a premium for an early 6 shot Redhawk. There are only three of the s&w 627/327' s I like the two I have and the UDR. The others are just visually unappealing to me.



I love my Smith's, but you already have the .44 Ruger, so the .357 Ruger makes sense.

Tough decisions like this are only tough because there is no bad choice. I'm sure you will be happy with whatever you decide to get.

I forgot the nightguard version. I'd love to find a pair of those.

Although an impulse buy, I am loving my 627pc. It's a cream puff to shoot and weighs less than a 1911. I've added it to my CCW rotation and carry it regularly.

Besides being way late to the Party, Ruger's 8 shot is just too bulky and clunky looking - like all their butt-ugly DA revolvers and autos. I know they're reliable work horses, but someone needs to buy their engineers some glasses. Just my opinion.

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If you're already a Redhawk owner and weight isn't an issue, I think you should get the Ruger. I don't recommend lightweight magnums unless you really want the light weight and accept the trade-offs. For me, I would take the PC 627 and never look back.

What Goblin said.

Thanks guys.I'm having a hard time with the slab sided barrels on the Smiths..the lock hole actually doesn't bother me as much.

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My Daddy was a pistol..

My next revolver WILL be a 627......

I love mine, especially with the moon clip option. The slab sides will grow on you. I am patiently waiting for my enhanced pancake holster from Lobo Gunleather.

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"Happiness is a warm gun"

While harder to find, there is also the 2 1/2" Model 327 Night Guard
I own all three, but the Night Guard is my favorite to carry.

I don't have much experience with the others but I love my 627PC. I am biased towards SS guns and the unfluted cylinder looks awesome to me.

I think rather highly of my 627 Pro, but of course it's more than 3".

The super-light 327 PC is hard on the pocket book, promises hard recoil and is a big hunk of metal to carry. If you can find one, a 327 NG with a steel cylinder would be a better choice.

I have a TRR8, 5" scandium, 35 oz and a 627 Pro, 4", 41 oz. Both are recessed and chamfered to take moon clips, but you can shoot without them too. Both have slab-sided barrels, which I kind of like for balance and handling.

The TRR8 has a two-piece barrel, and is exceptionally accurate as a result. The recoil is relatively mild, even with SD ammunition. That's due to the steel cylinder. I understand that the barrel may need re-torquing from time to time, which is a factory job. Both have interchangeable front sights. I replaced them with fiber optics for good visibility against any background.

I have a 686+ PC snubby (also slab sided). Only 7 shots, but a lot easier to carry than the N-frame version.

The PC triggers are great! The Pro has the PC trigger, but without the trigger stop. I measure 9.5# DA and 2.5# SA, without any roughness or staging. PC N-frames have a ball detent instead of a extractor latch. The crane doesn't wiggle at all when closed.

I have a 327PC sitting by my LazyBoy. It has 200 grain Cast Performance gas checks that run 1,250 fps out of a 4 inch gun. It is not comfortable to shoot but comforting to have while I watch TV.

Both the Ruger Redhawk 8 shot 357 2.75" and the S&W 627 2.625" PC, are at the same price point.

1) The 627 has a tuned trigger and the Ruger doesn't.
2) The Ruger weighs 7oz more than the 627.
3) Both have 8 shots and unfluted cylinders.
4) Style and appearance being very subjective, I find the 627 very stylish, and I'm a fan of the slab barrel, but not unfluted cylinders.

Purple Mountain Outdoors https://purplemountainoutdoors.com/

Has a pretty good critique of the Redhawk, and from a guy that owns Ruger (SP101) also.

I'm with Dr Lou ^^^^^^^^^^^^

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Sure you did

Off and on for years I've toyed with the idea of grabbing one of these. Do it man!

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America First

Hmm..... I'm leaning Redhawk. When that guy in the video smacked those two revolvers together I winced, and he lost me. That's when I decided.
I've watched a few vids of a guy with 627pcs that had issues,and sent it back to the mother ship a few times...so any machine can give you problems. However, the Redhawk just looks like right for my big hands,and my grip. If a revolver doesn't fit you..nothing else matters.

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My Daddy was a pistol..

So true! You just have to feel good and confident in what you carry and shoot, and be able to appreciate the character of the weapon! Both are quality firearms!

at least for now, is this 327PD


The only slabside I like


A 27-8 would be a nice addition.

Ned

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Devil's afraid I'll take over.

I was on the same boat last year. I can't decide if I would go with 627, 327, or 686+. I happen just ran into a 327pc (which was very difficult to find at my area). I'm really happy that I got it.

The N frame size help control the recoil. The light weight (we are talking J frame weight!!!) allow me carry it all day around the house and not just leaving it by night stand. And the 8 rounds of 357mag give me a peace of mind that i won't be out gunned.

Just get yourself a rubber grip. The wood grip that it came with are for show. The rubber grip will help you grip on that thing and soften the recoil.

I have Pachys on my .44 Redhawk and would probably do the same to the .357 Redhawk. All the guns I shoot in magnum calibers wear rubber grips. They may not be handsome,but nothing beats them for control and comfort.

This is how my .44 rolls...thousands of rounds through it..never a problem and dead nuts accurate.One of the first year Redhawks made.

I will keep a 327PC on my radar screen..that light of an 8 shot .357 revolver just can't be passed up..

Back out to plow more shnow... (not a typo..I spell it SHnow..like the 4 letter S word..)

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My Daddy was a pistol..

I had the same 627/327 dilemma last month. Went with the 327, it's nice.

I believe I'm going with the night guard 327. Light..looks kinda like a snubby 28 if you squint real hard.. and is a S&W.

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My Daddy was a pistol..

I have carried the 627 in a 2 5/8 length for duty. Of course I wear a suit instead of a uniform so I could get away with it....until I had our "High speed low drag" want-a-be office range officer tell me I had to go Hi cap. I would still be carrying it today if I could and I do off duty. You can get full size Altamonts and it will feel good and sing like a bird.

I'm not a big fan of two piece barrels.

I have a 686+ Pro and 627 Pro. The 627 with a 5" barrel and the 686+ with a 6" barrel. Both are great however I do notice the extra size of the 627.

Indeed. I had one, and sold it. And regret that sale every day. Do have a look at the R8.

I have a 627 pro S&W nice trigger pull 8 shot I like should be able to pick one up for around $ 850.00

Absolutely love mine with the combats. Light but handles and shoots great. I've put several thousand rounds through this one.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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Pass it on.
Mark

I love the 627. Favorite 357 Mag ever.

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Shoot fast & live long
Warren