627 PC revolver short review and random thoughts

Shrek Of The Arctic · #1 06-09-2022, 03:00 PM

I'd like to share my thoughts regarding my new S&W 627 Performance I got last week. I am but a poor public sector servant, so a brand new revolver that I didn't have to trade another gun for is a very exciting thing for me.

I have coveted an 8 shot .357 S&W for many years. To be honest, I spent most of those years wanting the Scandium 327 of some flavor, but as years have gone by, I have become slightly less comfortable with the scandium and more open towards the acceptance of a stainless version.

I found a 627 Performance Center with the 2.5" bbl. While perusing the sportsman's Warehouse website, and I immediately jumped on it. In today's world I'm learning that's what I have to do to get things, although it competely goes against my instincts. I had tje revolver in my hot little hands by the end of that week. As soon as I got done inspecting it, just about every employee and customer at the gun counter also had to check it out. It's good looking and neat, so...somewhat of an attention getter.

Initial inspection showed this revolver to quite possibly be the best put together S&W I've ever owned. Timing, lock up, b/c gap were all superlative. Nicer than my 4 and 5 screw Smiths, and nicer than my other PC revolver. In summary, S&W knocked this one outta the park when they put it together.

That is not to say I didn't have my druthers, although some of them put me in a minority.

First off is the trigger stop/ overtravel screw. I do not believe this has any place on a fighting revolver with a 2.5" barrel. I've had far more expensive revolvers cocked and unfireable because of them, so...that had to go away ASAP as far as I was concerned. Thankfully, it's just a roll pin. Easily pullable with a set of pliers and some care towards the guns finish.

Secondly was the firing pin. I have just recently resolved an issue with my 325 PC having unreliable ignition. I'd checked my strain screw a dozen times,and put in the heaviest hammer spring I could find in it with no success. After some research, I'd learned that S&W had shortened their firing pin springs to placate the state of California with some bizarrely unrealistic drop test safety regulation.

I ordered a Power Custom extended firing pin. I have now fired about 700 rounds of every type of ammo I could load or get my hands on, and it has never missed a beat since. While I was waiting for the precious to arrive I had read many reviews of the 627 and saw unreliable ignition mentioned, so I quickly decided that I would not waste time, and the 627 would be receiving one immediately. For approximately $15 or so, it's good peace of mind.

Though the 627 has great lock up, smooth action, etc. I have not mentioned it having a particularly light trigger. That's because it isn't...or...wasn't. The double action pull weight felt like any other heavy, off the shelf revolver. While I was already pulling the revolver apart to remove the roll pin trigger stop and replace the firing pin, I decided to swap out the springs for a Wilson kit. Standard power hammer spring, and 12 pound trigger spring. It made the trigger much nicer, but nowhere near the 8-9 lb DA trigger that other folks talk about.

Finally...we come to the grips. The shortened boot grips it came with looked attractive, but the gun never felt balanced or really secure in my hand. I was trying to like it, but just couldn't. Granted, It would be nicer for concealability. That being said, If I'm trying for extreme stealth carry or some such, a stainless steel N frame is not at the top of my list anyways.

So...I dove into my box of stocks and narrowed it down to two possible selections. One Hogue rubber X frame grip, and one Hogue checkered rosewood grip. The rosewood grip was missing a screw, so that quickly narrowed it down to the X frame grip. It feels amazing. Way more secure and comfortable. To my chagrine, it is also one of the ugliest grips I could have possibly chosen. Purty is as purty does, but I'm still pondering my options here.

Finally....shooting! I've only ran two loads through it so far. Some 158 grain +P .38 Special semi wadcutters and some heavy loaded 158 grain .357 jacketed hollow point of forgotten manufacture.

I sighted it in to the .357 load fairly quickly, and point of impact with the .38s was relatively close. The .38+Ps were very mild in recoil. Not the commonly spoken .22 comparison, but...a level of recoil that I'd imagine every man, woman or child who can handle a handgun being able to manage effectively. The .357s were very manageable, though obviously far more of a handful. I'm sorry I cheated by adding the X frame grip, but it really did shoot quite nicely.

I did a couple cylinder dumps, and transitioned into some failure to stop drills, which I must say...I pulled off quite well. The 2-3 extra rounds in this revolver really are quite comforting when considering shooting to protect.

I've only fired....150-200 rounds so far with and without the included moon clips. All with 100 percent reliability.

A note on the moon clips...if you're thinking you can just chuck 'em in there like you can with the more common .45 ACP revolvers, it don't work that way. Two extra holes, mixed with long skinny cartridges is more of a challenge to load than one would expect. Not an insurmountable challenge, but...not easy.

As much as it seems silly to spend over $1100 on a Performance Center revolver, and then immediately replace the grip, firing pin, and springs, I'm super happy with my purchase, and looking forward to getting to know it better.

I'm already wondering if it may usurp the 625 PCs position as my currently designated home protection handgun.

Thank y'all for letting me share my excitement with you.

hkcavalier · #2 06-09-2022, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shrek Of The Arctic

A note on the moon clips...if you're thinking you can just chuck 'em in there like you can with the more common .45 ACP revolvers, it don't work that way. Two extra holes, mixed with long skinny cartridges is more of a challenge to load than one would expect. Not an insurmountable challenge, but...not easy.

Fiocchi makes a 125gr FMJ with a pointy tip that I've found works well with moon clips. Of course, it's not a great choice for self defense (or making nice neat holes in a target) but it does load more easily.

jack the toad · #3 06-09-2022, 05:38 PM

Congrats on the new gun and thanks for pics and report.

AzShooter · #4 06-09-2022, 05:50 PM

Wonderful complete report and very well written. I enjoyed reading it.

Too bad the wood grips were missing a screw. Call Hogue and they will send you one. They look the best.

It's difficult to compare a 625's speed to that of a 627 concerning in loading. I've gone that route and to my experience nothing loads faster than the 625. I've got thousands of reloads to verify the findings for my shooting.

I've also found, the same as you, that an extended firing pin helps. I've used Cylinder & Slides because I didn't know about the Power but may give them a try next. I broke two C&S firing pins in the last three
months.

two-bit cowboy · #5 06-09-2022, 05:55 PM

Thanks for the in-depth write up.

I've had my 627 PC for quite some time. I haven't encountered the unreliable ignition problem, but I sure appreciate you sharing your solution if it starts to become a problem for me.

Grips. Yeah, those little boots don't work in my XXL mitt. I went for Herrett's Stocks and asked them to round the butt a bit. They feel wonderful.

Worn at the appendix under a vest I conceal the beast mighty effectively in the Simply Rugged leather. Rob Leahy supported my (and his) heritage with the Celtic knot.

Shrek Of The Arctic · #6 06-12-2022, 01:31 PM

That's a mighty handsome revolver with the Herrett stocks. One day, I'm gunna treat myself to a set of 'em. For now, I'm inclined towards the Operator....Tactical Operator....some such name grips from VZ. I've got a pair on my 325 that feel pretty good to me, and it makes some sense to keep the grips consistent on my other N frames.

I have a Simply Rugged holster that's real good. I might go that way. I think Diamond D makes a better chest holster, and I prefer mybold Kramer for s belt holster, but....my Simply Rugged can't be beat for versatility.

For now, I'm doing surprissingly well with an old kydex holster I found in a junk box and tailored to my liking. It was originally for a 629, so...wasn't that far off. The kydex is admittedly buying time though. The forever holster will be leather.

Bullet Bob · #7 06-12-2022, 02:05 PM

"627 PC revolver short review and random thoughts"

Where's the short part?

colt_saa · #8 06-12-2022, 02:25 PM

Congratulations on a wonderful addition to the Family.

I very much like the look of that snubby and understand your excitement at finally getting one. When they first came out they were available in 357 Magnum, 41 Magnum and 44 Magnum.

Over the years I have acquired one in 357 Magnum and a second in 41 Magnum. These are my two favorite revolver cartridges.

Like most everybody else, I do not like the Eagle Secret Service boot grip. As you can see I scrounged up some of the Factory Combats for the revolvers. Yours looks reel good with the Hogue wood grips. As has already been mentioned, Hogue is very nice about replacing a lost screw and stirrup at no charge.

Moonclips for revolver cartridges need to be much thinner than moon clips for auto loading cartridges. That 45ACP has a MUCH wider groove than 357 Magnum brass. That in addition to the longer cartridges contributes to the floppiness of the reload.

If you watch the competitive shooters like JM, they use 38 Short Colt brass to keep the projectiles closer to the moonclip and reduce the wobble. I have found that if I can get the projectiles into the charge holes, then spinning the cylinder does the rest. I am explaining it poorly, but you will work out your own technique over time.

For carry, I keep a moonclipped load in the revolver to insure positive extraction even though the 2 5/8" barrel allows for a long ejector rod. I have a speed strip that I keep in my pocket for the reload. It works for me

Thanks for your post and enjoy the new revolver

hkcavalier · #9 06-12-2022, 05:07 PM

I ordered an Apex firing pin kit, even though I haven't had light strike issues. Might work well in conjunction with the JM trigger job.

Protocall_Design · #10 06-12-2022, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bullet Bob

"627 PC revolver short review and random thoughts"

Where's the short part?

The barrel, of course!