327 federal Magnum

[Green Frog]

Green frog, I have a model 66, plus a 16-4 cylinder assembly, how do I tell if it will work? I realize I need the barrel but two out of three ain't bad! I already converted two of my 4 inch 16-4's to 327 but I want a stainless revolver now. What barrel length did you go with?

Peyton,

Sorry I missed this question earlier. You can easily remove the cylinder from the Model 66 and replace it with the Model 16-4 cylinder... one screw on the front limb of the side plate is all you need to remove it. If it is too long, no problem, since you can cut down the amount the barrel extends through the frame, and if too short, you can set back the barrel as needed. A barrel should still be get-able from Brownell's, Numrich, etc. The only problem is that you will have a blue cylinder on your stainless gun. If you are going to the effort and expense to build a "dream gun" I would suggest that you find a S&W Model 617 cylinder to rebore or buy a "blank" stainless cylinder from H. Bowen. If that leaves you with an "extra" Model 16-4 cylinder, I'll happily buy it from you for a blue version I want to build soon.

Regards,
Froggie

Still lovin' my Model 616!

 

[kbpc821]

.327 flexibility

I have 3 .327 magnum revolvers. 1 - 3" and 2 - 2". I have found these to be ideal for teaching new shooters particularly women. They can start out with a light .32 S&W long which feels just a bit more than a .22 but it is in a package that is the same as larger calibers. They learn sight picture, trigger control, singe and double action shooting all in a package that doesn't jump a lot in their hand.

They will shoot the light recoiling .32 S&W Long a lot. A lot more than a snub nose .38 even with light hand loads and thus they get practice with the gun and become comfortable with it.

For self defense put original factory loads and get 400+ ft. lb. of energy. Bottom end of .357 range. Real stopping power in a gun they are very familiar with and comfortable shooting.

I recommend a double action revolver for people who don't shoot a lot because they are as reliable and safe as possible and don't take "remembering". Pick it up, point at target, slowly squeeze the trigger - bang. Can't limp wrist it; no safety to leave on.

Thanks for reading.

Ken

 

[eggman89]

I own a J-Frame chambered in 327 Federal and I absolutely love it. Cannot believe that Smith and Wesson did not stick it out with this piece as I have friends that would buy one in a second. It shoots very accurately and handles everything from 32short to 327 federal including 32 H&R which is a sweet self defense round for gals. The 327 rounds have quite a bark but for self defense should be a stopper.

 

[gbran]

Geez, here I was holding out for a 10 round K frame 327.

 

[snubbiefan]

If we have to revive a 5-1/2 year old thread on the subject....I'm afraid it's an indication that it's time has passed. I was once an avid fan of the .327, but eventually came around to the conventional line of thinking. People have their favorite cartridges and I think that's great. I also think that most people came around to the realization that you can do just as much and more with the 38/.357 for a lot less $$$ and you can find the ammo anywhere. I know it's boring, but it's a fact. For those who don't reload, the 38 Short Colt makes a wonderful "training" round if that's what you're looking for.

 

[HeyJoe]

Ruger certainly doesnt think its time has passed having resumed manufacturing this year on the 327 SP 101 as well as releasing new offerings in the 327 in a LCR and a single 7

 

[red feather]

Have a Blackhawk 327 . I handload cast 32mag and 32 long. I have a box of 327 115 grainers. i will most likely only use them for hunting/ camping carry gun To me i bought the Blackhawk as a strong 32 mag platform. i can handload the 32mag to almost match the 327 Fed

When and where did you get the BlackHawk??

 

[red feather]

Ruger and Federal partnered up on this. Until Ruger and S&W drop it it is still going. If Starline would produce brass it would be great, unfortunately they are pushing to make what they do now, let alone add an extra.

I just got some 327mag and 32 H&R mag at midway. Rec. it last week.

 

[Green Frog]

My how times have changed! Ruger is making 2 revolvers for the 327 FM and Starline has produced at least 2 or more runs of brass while Federal keeps letting loaded ammo trickle out into the distribution pipeline. Smith & Wesson still hasn't made a strong commitment to the 327, but they are still flirting with it. Revolvers are somewhat passé, I know... so ANY new revolver cartridge is going to be a slow starter and will have only a few dedicated followers at the beginning, but the fact that this 5 1/2 year old thread rises from the ashes again suggests there is still a spark of interest.

Red feather, the 327 Blackhawk you asked about came out about 2011 or '12 with very little fanfare and actually a pretty short manufacturing life. It was available in stainless only, had a 5 1/2" barrel, IIRC and was an eight shooter! I was fortunate enough to get one at distributor cost just as they were deciding to kill it off before they ever really tried to promote it. I still think the 327 fits well in the medium frame double action S&W quite well, thank you very much and will continue to enjoy my "Project 616" even though the factory will probably never make it for the general public.

Froggie

 

[CATI1835]

Ruger certainly doesnt think its time has passed having resumed manufacturing this year on the 327 SP 101 as well as releasing new offerings in the 327 in a LCR and a single 7

I bought both this year. I guess that means "my time has passed". Funny thing is, if S&W made a J frame in this caliber, I'd get one of those too.

 

[at_liberty]

If we have to revive a 5-1/2 year old thread on the subject....I'm afraid it's an indication that it's time has passed. <snip>

I would figure that the cartridge has finally caught on. Every forum has regular activity on the subject of the 327 cartridge and the guns, including many new gun owners and reloaders..

 

[at_liberty]

Well.... people have been predicting the demise of the .41 Magnum for years and years, and it's still with us.

I think there is enough of a niche following for the .327 Federal to survive. One of the problems of it not taking off is the lack of a versatile/practical DA platform (steel K-frame)... and "the great ammo/component shortage of 2009" didn't help matters either.

I hope it survives... it's one helluva round out of a T/C contender custom barrel.

The 4" Ruger SP101 6-shot is a natural with this cartridge. The problem earlier was not recognizing the need for barrel length to really exploit the cartridge's capabilities. I like the shorter SP101 when confined to 32 H&R Magnum. The 3" gun shoots fine with 327, but limits the cartridge's performance.

 

[HeyJoe]

you should Cati1835. i have the 632-2 its sweet. hopefully they resume production sometime in the future.

 

[Beachblaster]

I bought a Ruger Single Seven this year. It is a very nice shooter. I like all the caliber choices you have with revolvers chambered in .327 Magnum. Still too early to tell if it will get popular but it is worth a look for those who are looking for something a bit different.

 

[HarrishMasher]

Read that Taurus and Charter Arms had discontinued building revolvers chambered in 327. I emailed CA this morning and received confirmation that the chambering has been dropped. Taurus has removed 327 revolvers from their web site. Rumor has it that S&W is halting production. Federal supposedly has dropped the operating pressure of 327 ammunition to 36000 from the original 46000.
Anyone have any info????

S&W is halting production? Of what? They have not made a 327 mag revolver in years.

NEVER MIND I SEE THE OP IS FROM 2011.

 

[TejanoViejo]

Just a quick question, please . . .

On what frame was the S&W 632 in .327 mag offered, please?

I checked with S&W.com (archives) w/o success !

Thanks in advance,

P.S. - **ANSWER**: J-frame

 

[CATI1835]

On what frame was the S&W 632 in .327 mag offered, please?

These were J frame, 2" & 3" barrels were offered. Both are 6 shot.

Two Smith&Wesson model 632 Revolvers. RARE : Revolvers at GunBroker.com

Very pricey if you can find one. I would buy a 632 but I don't want to pay $1500 for it.

 

[primetime]

Well as long as we're reviving old threads
I have a chance to pick up a 6" K frame. In 32. H&R mag. These seem to be somewhat rare.
Do they have collector value ?
And Would I be ruining the value by having it reamed out to handle the .327 mag?
I do have a Ruger single six that I was possibly considering for this conversion. I find the 32 H&R mag a dandy small game cartridge and trail companion giving a little more power than the .22 mag.

 

[red feather]

Well as long as we're reviving old threads
I have a chance to pick up a 6" K frame. In 32. H&R mag. These seem to be somewhat rare.
Do they have collector value ?
And Would I be ruining the value by having it reamed out to handle the .327 mag?
I do have a Ruger single six that I was possibly considering for this conversion. I find the 32 H&R mag a dandy small game cartridge and trail companion giving a little more power than the .22 mag.

I just picked up a single six in 32 H&R Mag(yesterday) and was also thinking about reaming it out to 327. I haven't checked yet but assume the leangth of the cyl. will fit.

 

[series guy]

primetime yes, yes, and yes. They are rather rare. They do have collector value. You will kill that value if you ream the cylinder. If it was my gun would I do it? Yes. Greenfrog got me caught up in this .327 thing and I had one built. I really love shooting it and the accuracy is outstanding.