2011 Model 627 Pro Series (updated)

[627 city hunter]

Hello to the posters out there, I have read your site for about 8 months now. Thank you all for the advise and experiences. I really enjoy revolvers and a 627 Pro Series seemed the best purchase for me. This is the 8 round moonclipped version.

BUT:

I have 3 problems:

1. My rear iron sight is tightened, yet is not centered and constantly wobbles. (Is this normal?)

2. My 4 1/8" barrel is canted to the left a mm. (Worth requesting it re-aligned?)

3. THE BIG ONE: The firing pin will not strike any .38 or .357 at all thus not firing.

(The cylinder is in time and opens. The hammer and trigger both pull single or double action. The force of the hammer seems very weak.)

(I believe this could be a problem with the internal lock which I have used regularly only recently within the last 6 months.)

Two different shooting range F.C.L.'s have said to send it to Smith and Wesson for tuning.

I am a disappointed to say the least. For a $1,000 revolver, this is appalling particularly that it it has seen under 500 rounds. No custom ammunition. Only regular boxed ammunition: Corbon, Winchester, Remington and Federal (125 grain .38 Special, 125 grain .38+P, and 125 grain .357 Magnum).

I need this gun for daily self-defense, not merely recreation for target or hunting. I work construction, contracting, and architecture in the worst neighborhoods of New Orleans, LA. (No joke - 9th Ward and Michoud). I generally open carry when appropriate.

I would absolutely appreciate your veteran input or advice. Please see photos. Thank you in advance.

 

[627 city hunter]

Further pictures...

Please see below. Here you can see where the firing pin is. It comes short of the rounds I believe.

 

[markush]

Please see below. Here you can see where the firing pin is. It comes short of the rounds I believe.

I'm confused on a couple of points. First is, in your second post pic the firing pin is not and will not protrude if the trigger is not pulled and held to the rear....are you assuming the gun will not fire based on not being able to see the firing pin in that pic? Or have you taken it to the range and it will not fire? Second is, from your pictures I cannot see the cant in the barrel. With all the "my barrel is canted" posts I'm not doubting you, I just can't see it in those photos.

 

[handgunner356]

You say you have fired 500 rounds and now it will not fire at all? Did you check the stain screw at the bottom of the front strap? Is it all the way tight? I can't tell about the barrel either, but if it is off S&W will fix it, just call and explain what you have and they will send you a pickup tag for it. The rear sight blade does have a slight bit of movement to it, but should not change setting.

 

[627 city hunter]

Firstly, markush and handgunner356, thank you for your replies.

I cannot with the cylinder open pull the trigger or pull the hammer into single action. The firing pin is barely visible even when the trigger is pulled in any action with the cylinder closed. I suspect the firing pin is not getting full travel due to some problem with the locking system. I recently began using the internal lock as I was in company of others unarmed and could not carry a firearm due to the particular labor at the residence. Never had problems before this.

Yes, I have shot several hundred rounds through it maybe 500+. I try to shoot 100 a month and no less than 50. I also vary between both calibers.

Yes, I have been to two ranges in two days to attempt to fire the revolver.

It will not fire with or without moonclips whether .38 or .357.

The cant is minimal perhaps a mm to the left when looking from the sights in a aiming perspective.

Should my rear iron sight wobble left to right up and down to the point I can hear it? The revolver was sighted in this manner when I bought it in August 2011 as was the minimal cant.

I have called about the pick up tag its on its way. I would rather not be without my only revolver. I have a Taurus 24/7 Pro .40 which is double action only. I loathe it.

EDIT: THANK YOU, handgunner356!
it was simply: the STAIN SCREW was LOOSE.

Maybe if I ever have any more serious problems I will send it into S&W. Totally, visible firing pin. Range time tomorrow! As weather is bad and work demand low! Maybe some target pics too. Not a marksman like some of you cats.

 

[markush]

Glad you figured it out and it was something you could do without sending it in! I couldn't say about your rear sight blade...I don't know if I could hear mine but there is slight movement. You said you have a shipping label on the way so if the sight and barrel cant bother you send it in and let em look...it's a free ride and all it will cost you is time without it. Good luck.

 

[627 city hunter]

Right, markush

Only thing is I am gonna stop by the range and do some slow accurate firing and moonclip loading. 100 rounds of 125 grain .38+P JHP from Remington ($29.97 from Wal-Mart too cheap not to buy).

Can't afford to work in the area I do without this defensive tool. Put it to you like this: L.E.O.s just drive through. They don't get out the car until after the "event" is well over.

My forsaken Taurus 24/7 Pro .40 is a laughable, jamming, D.A.O. catastrophe. It is reasonable accurate. That's why I was adamant about figuring this S&W issue right away. I am fully swayed to revolvers. In fact, my Taurus jams 3 out of every 30 rounds! Pawning that thing for the price I got it after Hurricane Katrina. People will buy anything polymer and .40 no matter the brand down here. I had just hit 21 then and it was an impulse buy at Academy Sports because everything else was sold out and it was on sale for $350.

Pay this 627 PS off and then I think its time for 627 PC 2 5/8" or as y'all call it U.D.R. Milo and Ottis.

 

[Stainz]

The strain screw is for removal of the hammer leaf spring - it is not an adjustment. Leaving it loose, to lessen the hammer spring's pre-load and thus the required DA trigger pull, is not advised as it will continue to unscrew with the vibration of shooting. Lessened pre-load also means lessened hammer strike - as you experienced. Keep the strain screw fully CW - tightened.

If the rear sight leaf is loose, the leaf installation screw, actually, a slotted split nut on the left side looking forward, may have inadvertently been 'tweaked' instead of the windage adjustment screw, which is on the right side. If so, the nut will have to be replaced to retain it's position. Windage adjustments are effected by just the fully slotted screw on the right side, elevation by just the rear top screw. Use the correct sized hollow ground, or 'gunsmith' style, screwdrivers. The forward most top screw, when removed, will permit the backward movement required sliding of the elevation nut and resultant removal of the entire rear sight of the 627 Pro, and most other adjustable sighted S&W revolvers. There are better rear sights available as aftermarket parts, too.

I can't see the barrel tilt/cant - but it would require a return trip, if it is noticeable. Good luck. BTW - the 627 Pro, SKU #178014, is a great bargain, but it's MSRP is now up to $969 - most dealers discount something. Locally, they run $790-$850 at gun stores. How'd you manage to pay $1,000?

Stainz

 

[627 city hunter]

Stainz,

No I never loosened the screw. I believe it just needed tightening from use. Works great now.

The barrel cant though maybe barely visible is not enough to be unarmed by sending the firearm back to S&W in my current employment situation.

Got to get back to you on the sights. Planning on getting some night sights. Recommendations appreciated.

As far as paying $1000, I tried EVERYWHERE to get this revolver for 3 months before it was finally made. Only 7 were made in the summer months. I had to even find the distributor for the F.C.L. (Midwest was distribution co.) They STILL haven't gotten my 8 round Tuff Strips! What should I do?

Pics from 100 rounds of Remington JHP .38+P. Only 1 miss. As far out as 60 feet. Shot through the intended target regularly notice the two major points I was aiming. The majority of the shots in regions 7 and 8 were shot left handed. I practice with both hands for emergency. All in all always satisfied with this gun. Fires straight through the same spot easily at 30 feet. revolver now has seen 600+ rounds. All shots fired from standing position. Sometimes single handed left and right as well. I am right handed. No "resting bags" used (not sure the term).

Gun show in New Orleans all this weekend at the Pontchartrain Center AND S&W representatives for a super sale of S&W products in Prairieville near Baton Rouge. Getting rid of the awful Taurus .40 24/7 Pro.

What are these S&W sales like? Are they worth the trip. They advertised to have "special" firearms.

 

[627 city hunter]

Regardless of not sighting in the revolver or a minimal possible barrel cant, it is still quite accurate. I would add that it has increased my novice skill in revolvers drastically from general shoot placement to rapid shoot placement. I was shooting several firearms of varying type and caliber over the weekend and believe my skills have been sharpened significantly. When firing a S&W 640 no dash, I out shot the owner of the firearm who had it for 40 years and daily carries it. I really enjoy this firearm. 800+ rounds.

If any of y'all can recommend an affordable reloading system particularly with bullet dies for .38/.357 of any nature, it would be much appreciated.