6 Shot 627-2 Performance Center

[rudiwells]

I'm in The Netherlands, So I recently purchased (and waiting to pick up) a really nice 627-2. It has a 5 inch barrel, stamped on the left side with performance center. It's a 6 shot.
I've heard this might be maybe a German/Dutch import to satisfy 6 shot competition rules. It's stamped WTM0093 inside the frame and on the butt of the grip, but also with a serial on the frame - 24480030 (I dont recall where he said this one was) and I've asked in the other date thread for help with the information on Manufacture.
Gold dot front post and trigger back stop. NILL grips, possibly from the original importer?
I didn't see a six shot one of these before before, would someone care to help shed more light on what they think might be some more history?

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome aboard!

The 627-2's I've seen had 8-shot cylinders, so you could be correct about it being intended for export. They were released in 1988.

I did find reference to S&W Product Code #170123, which is listed as a 627 having a 5" profile barrel and a 6-shot fluted cylinder. Product codes beginning with 170 are from the Performance Center.

 

[SmithNut]

Interesting revolver, the ones distributed here in the US by Lew Horton were 8 shot as you may know. That is a later version from the originals in that it has the integral cylinder stop/frame lug. Do you have the product code? It would be interesting to compare to the product code for the US versions (I'll have to dig mine out and see what the PC code is...)

Neat gun!

Here's mine (8 shot)

Click on the pic for a larger view

 

[rudiwells]

Interesting revolver, the ones distributed here in the US by Lew Horton were 8 shot as you may know. That is a later version from the originals in that it has the integral cylinder stop/frame lug. Do you have the product code? It would be interesting to compare to the product code for the US versions (I'll have to dig mine out and see what the PC code is...)

Neat gun!

Thanks! I have to wait several weeks for the police to give the ok, then I can pick it up, but I'd be happy to get as much info as you would like when I get it.