Choosing Between a 325 Thunder Ranch and 327 TRR8

zogger · May 26, 2017

Narrowed down my choices for a home defense and range revolver to between a 325 Thunder Ranch vs 327 TRR8. Both have the removable rail that I want. The key differences for me is 45ACP vs 357 Magnum/38Spl, the barrel length (4" on 325 TR and 5" on TRR8), and capacity (6 Rnds on 325 TR and 8 for the TRR8).

For home defense, the barrel length makes no real difference. Out on the range, the 5" would give me some better accuracy a longer distances.

The TRR8's ability to shoot the cheaper 38Spl vs the 45 ACP at the range is a slight advantage. However, I doubt I would use 357 Magnums for home defense. Too much noise and less recoil control if used inside the home. The 45ACP probably is almost as loud but maybe less recoil. So for home defense, if I used 38Spl in the TRR8 it would be less powerful/effective than the 45ACP in the Thunder Ranch.

The extra 2 rnds for the TRR8 would be helpful for home defense but not any real factor of the range.

Comments appreciate! Thank you!

Cal44 · May 26, 2017

I probably pick the 45 TR.

I just checked and the price of practice ammo is the same from on-line sources.

As for HD, and 230 gr hollow point is likely just as effective as a 357 magnum with less recoil, flash and noise.

typetwelve · May 26, 2017

I'll just come right out and say that I really don't get the drive for semi-auto ammo in revolvers when looking at it from a functionality standpoint. If I'm going to run 9mm or 45auto (or any other round commonly found in a semi auto firearm) for self defense, I'm going to run it in a semi auto firearm. For range fun? Meh...I guess I could see that.

I have a 627Pro...and I have it for a reason. 8 rounds of .357 or .38.

Personally, I'd go with the 327, but take that for what its worth. I'm a huge fan of the .357 magnum.

(On a related note...I keep a XD in 9mm loaded for home defense.)

colt_saa · May 26, 2017

I have owned both but sold off the 325.

I really love the 327 TRR8. With it's tensioned barrel, it is astonishingly accurate, just like the Dan Wessons of old. I also think it looks great, but mine is the two tone TRR8

I do own other 45ACP revolvers. I have a 625 V-comp and a Thunder Ranch Revolver model 22 so I am not sure why I sold the 325 since I seldom sell anything. It just did not catch me right.

The 8 shot 357 Magnum has always appealed to me since Smith and Wesson introduced it in 1996. I own and shoot many of them

As to the sound, do not even give it a second thought. I have discharged a single round of full power 357 Magnum ammunition in a 12' bedroom and I have fired 4 45ACP+P Hydrashoks from inside a closed Dodge K-car. I can tell you that I have no conscious recollection of hearing the shots. Plus, if your life is on the line, do you really care which one is quieter?

Recoil control is not a function of ammunition, it is a function of training and practice. Never choose ammunition based on how loud it is . . . Choose ammunition based on how well it can stop.

L-2 · May 26, 2017

I'm just trying to understand the factors to be clear:
-Loudness; usually measured in decibels-
-Capacity; not a factor, but measured in number of rounds in the cylinder and doesn't include reloading-
-Power; unsure how this matters, but measured in foot/lbs. If there's enough energy to "power" through a barrier (like clothing and skin) and still penetrate into a human body to approx. 12", then that's what evaluate. There are a few sources to research the ballistics of given brands/models of rounds within calibers. .45 ACP, .38 Special, and .357 Mag all have a track record of being good for self-defense.

Let us know what you decide as both of those revolvers look like good choices.

gnystrom · May 26, 2017

colt_saa said:
I really love the 327 TRR8. With it's tensioned barrel, it is astonishingly accurate, just like the Dan Wessons of old. I also think it looks great, but mine is the two tone TRR8

Would you do us all a favor and stop posting pictures of this revolver. My drooling over it has has rendered two keyboards totally useless.

zogger · May 26, 2017

colt_saa said:

Beautiful revolver!

zogger · May 26, 2017

"As to the sound, do not even give it a second thought. I have discharged a single round of full power 357 Magnum ammunition in a 12' bedroom and I have fired 4 45ACP+P Hydrashoks from inside a closed Dodge K-car. I can tell you that I have no conscious recollection of hearing the shots. Plus, if your life is on the line, do you really care which one is quieter?

Recoil control is not a function of ammunition, it is a function of training and practice. Never choose ammunition based on how loud it is . . . Choose ammunition based on how well it can stop."

Good point about the sound. If I have to use the gun to defend my family, do I really care how loud the discharge is?

If I go with the TRR8, then I should use .357 Magnum as my defense rounds. I would then have 8 rnds for defense. Good point!

Txs!

Groo01 · May 26, 2017

Groo here
I have both.
The TRR8 is a great hunting / long range revolver.
With a red dot sight , clay birds at 100yds is almost easy.
BUT, for defense I would always use 357's [125gr ones ]
at full powder.
You need the expansion the high speed HP gets you [ against bad person]
The Thunder Ranch can also hold a light but not red dot.
The TR faster/easier to reload[shorter shells in moon clips]
and due to the larger bullet can still be effective with lighter loads.
For inside I would choose a low pressure big bore over a a high
pressure small bore.
Both are Very fine shooters.
The TR makes bigger holes, the TRR8 makes smaller ones,very far away!

steelslaver · May 26, 2017

I would go with the 325, but then I favor big bores for the real chores.

shell627 · May 26, 2017

I would go with the 325 TR .But I love 45acp revolvers and own and carry several.

ScottN · May 27, 2017

I have become a huge fan of 357 firearms. The Remington 357 125 gr Golden Saber is nice option because it is lower flash and power but still effective. It shoots great out of my R8.

I say go for the TRR8 and then pair it with a lever action 357.

Jul · May 27, 2017

With both rounds being chambered in a revolver I would give the edge to the 357 over the 45 for the simple fact it holds 2 more rounds and you can shoot 38s. That's just me and I'm sure either will serve you well. Not just because I have a TRR8

zogger · May 27, 2017

Getting some great comments. Thank you all!

BLUEDOT37 · May 28, 2017

I'd vote for the 325TR but I don't understand why S&W doesn't make it in a 5" bbl. like the 327TRR either.

325TR = 31oz.
- & -
327TRR8 = 35oz.

Both great guns but I'm a 45 (friendly) fiend. You can bump up the 45ACP's power to 45 Super if you really feel "under-gunned". And I like shooting mine with S-L 45 Auto Rims (they can handle 45 Super power too!)

Can't go wrong either way.

.

325TR

(-07c)

.

327TRR8

(-07b)

.

zogger · May 28, 2017

Right now leaning towards the TRR8. I like the 5" barrel and the 8 shot capacity. However as many have said, both would get the job done.

zogger · Jun 14, 2017

I found a LGS in the area that had both the 327 TRR8 and the 325 Thunder Ranch. Plus they also had the M&P R8! So I got to put hands on all three.

My first time holding a Scandium frame revolver. I like the feel of them. Also, even though they are N frames, their weight is less than an L frame. The triggers on all 3 were very good.

While all three are nice, I will go with the TRR8. Reasons:
1. Like the 8 rnd capacity for Home Defense
2. TRR8 comes with both the top and bottom rails included.
3. While it would be cool to shoot 45 ACP, .357/.38 Spl is fine for Home Defense and at the range.
4. I prefer the 5" barrel. I already have 3", 4", and 6" revolvers so the 5" sort of fills things out.

Now to work the finances!

ScottN · Jun 14, 2017

Sounds like a well thought out choice to me. I went with the R8 because I knew I was going to attach a light...so I preferred the integral bottom rail rather than a removable one. It still comes with the extra rail to install on the topside if I ever decide to add an optic.

zogger · Jun 14, 2017

ScottN said:
Sounds like a well thought out choice to me. I went with the R8 because I knew I was going to attach a light...so I preferred the integral bottom rail rather than a removable one. It still comes with the extra rail to install on the topside if I ever decide to add an optic.

I did not realize that the R8 also comes with the top rail. WHile it doesn't change my mind, it is good to know.

Also, what is the purpose of the metal clip that is located between the forcing cone and the top of the frame?

Neumann · Jun 14, 2017

I owned a TRR8 for about a year before getting a craving for a .45 ACP revolver. I like the weight, handling, smooth PC trigger and above all, the superb accuracy of the TRR8. The DA pull is about 9.5 pounds (and I did check the tension screw - tight). It is the most accurate .357 I have ever fired. At 35 oz, recoil is easy even with hot loads.

For me, the choice for .45 was between the 325TR, 625JM and 625PC. Unlike the TRR8, reviews for the 325TR were mixed, particularly with regard to accuracy. There are concerns that a tensioned barrel might require factory service more often for guns used in competition (not my gig).

I ultimately chose the PC version. I like the heft and balance of a steel gun with a tapered lug, and the trigger is very smooth and light. The PC has cut rifling, which is less likely to lead with cast bullets, and still good for jacketed.

With the right tool, it is very easy to load enough moon clips for an afternoon of shooting. Loading the TRR8 is easy if there are no steps in the cartridge. I use RNFP bullets, or Jacketed HP, rather than semi-wadcutters, which tend to hang up. If anything, the 625 is even easier. The chambers are well-chamfered.

The metal clip is to protect the aluminum top strap from flame erosion. The top and bottom rails are still in the original box, and I plan to keep them there.

Choosing Between a 325 Thunder Ranch and 327 TRR8

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