Decision time. 327 vs. 627

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Shrek Of The Arctic

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I'm very close to the purchase of my next .357 revolver. (Just one more, right?)

My primary excuse is for Steel Challenge, but realistically I'm drawn to it for practical use and carry as well.

As such, I want an 8 shooter. My question is, whether I want a 327 or a 627?

627 seems a bit less expensive, and there are fewer horror stories of cracked frames and such around them. A 4" or 5" barrel would be darn nice. It has the added benefit of more weight for handling recoil and hanging steady on a given target.

327 TRR is the coveted item I have wanted for many moons. Obviously easier to carry, tensioned barrel, and cool rails. Cracked frame reports are a bit spooky, but I'd be shooting .38 Special about 85-90 percent of the time.

What are y'alls thoughts?

I'm leaning towards the 327, just cause it's been coveted for so long, but as I'm getting closer to the target, I can't help checking myself.
 
What has been S&W's past response(s?) to the "cracked frame" occurances...?

Warranty coverage or not?

Cheers!
 
From what you said, I think that if I were *really* going to use this gun for Steel Challenge with any regularity I’d buy the 627.

On the other hand, if I wanted a cool gun that I’d “coveted for many moons” I’d buy the 327.
 
I have a 627 Pro I’ve used in USPSA and ASI games and simply love the gun. Accurate, reliable it’s a great gun.

I do not carry it however, as it’s a bit big and heavy for CCW role IMO. Suspect the 327 May be too big to carry comfortably all year round too, but am sure someone does.

I had my 627 modified to accept an additional cylinder chambered so I can shoot 9mm, 38 super and a bunch of other like but lesser known/ used calibers too.

Of your quest, I’d get a 627.
 
The Steel Challenge is fun, but I know one day, I'll burn out, change divisions or just generally move along.

I spent about five years or so daily carrying a S&W 625 Mountain Gun. I reckon with good leather and cold weather, we can get away with alot? I currently carry a 325 Thunder Ranch, or my 627 with a 2.5" bbl. occasionally, but I'd be lying if I didn't concede I usually just pack a J frame these days.

This one would be carried when hiking and knocking around in the territory where one could find an unfriendly black bear, pack of dogs, or the ubiquitous Alaskan meth monkey.

Thinking about it, I DO have a nice 627 for packing, so....maybe a 627 Pro or V comp wouldn't be bad?

I like confidence in my guns, and rumors of cracked frames, loose barrel shrouds, etc. Are a bit concerning. I already have a 325 for regular carry, as well as a 2.5" 627...which seems a darn nice gun. Maybe I can afford a full weight blaster?

I like the rail on my 325, but in practice, it's never been particularly useful. The optics rail for a 327 is undoubtedly a bonus, as far as an easy optic solution.



Many good points to consider already! Thank you!
 
There is no doubt that either revolver would serve you well

Smith & Wesson alloy framed revolvers have been cracking in that same location for 50+ years now. It has nothing to do with shooting 357s or 38s. It also has nothing to do with how many rounds are fired. My Pug node Model 327 arrived with a crack straight from the Factory. However the problem is way overblown by the Internet. There are millions and millions of alloy S&Ws out there and the percentage of cracks is very low overall.

The Factory takes care of these, even many of the older ones that do not have S&W's lifetime warranty are covered

Any of the Model 327s are wickedly accurate. So a TRR8 is not a bad choice.

trr8-2s.jpg


If you are only buying one, buy the one your Really Want. Otherwise you will be continuously thinking about the other revolver anyway.

The 627s are heavier and will tame recoil better, but the 327s swing from target to target much nicer

627%20pc%20small.jpg


The V-comp is an even heavier revolver due to the fuller shaping of the under lug and remember comps work with gas volume. If you are only shooting 38s there is little to no effect

627V-Comp%20%20Rs.jpg


Like Tanners Owner, I have second cylinders set up for a few of my revolvers. My N-frame cylinders are set for 9x23 Winchester but they will chamber and shoot about a dozen various cartridges down to 380ACP

627%209x23-2.jpg
 
An old buddy of mine used to be a silhouette shooter. He stated pretty emphatically that Dan Wessons were always extremely strong contenders. He said a big reason for that was the removable barrel system that basically made a tensioned barrel. The 327 shares this trait. Not to say that's a deal maker or a deal breaker, or an absolute rule. Just a consideration. I've also been told I'm gunna want a barrel wrench with these style barrels, although I've put a fair few rounds through my 325 without issue.

As I get older, I find my handguns getting heavier. I do like the easy optics mount, and the 327 has been the covetous item for many moons. Of all the things I've read about them, most rave about their accuracy and none have complained.

If I find an amazing deal on the 627, I might still go for that, but I think my path is leading to the 327

Y'alls feedback has been helpful. Thank you!
 
What ever you buy look it over carefully before you pull out the plastic.
Last month I passed on a NIB 627 Pro . It looked like the rear sight channel on the top strap was cut off center . Without saying anything I showed the gun to my friend who was with me and he noticed it right away .
 
Unfortunately, I think you're right. It wasn't too long ago I was sniffing around revolvers and found a brand new Colt Python AND a Performance Center 686 that were out of time sitting behind the glass. I try not to buy revolvers I can't check out personally, but...on this one, I'm gunna have to take a leap of faith. I hope it goes well, with whichever one it turns out to be!
...
 
Gunbroker 327 won out. Little dinged up, but $1200 seems a good deal based on what I've seen. Here's to hoping it's a good one!
 
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