627 info/value request

[OldRook]

So a 627 crossed my path and it seemed rude to not take it home.
I'm pretty new to S&W revolvers and so I'm seeking the rundown from you masters of S&W lore.

It is marked 627-PC, and from my research I believe the product code would be 170116.

No box, papers, etc.... I need to find some moonclips to try.
Serial number is PMA000X.

Thank you in advance for your time & expertise.

 

[AzShooter]

A good place to find moon clips is Hearthco which makes the best. Also try TK Custom. He makes clips designed by Dave @ Heathco.
Revolver Supply Co. also makes good moon clips.

The 627 is now the gun for ICORE and USPSA revolver competitions. Most people are using 38 specials or even 38 short colt for speed reloads.

Lots of decent leather, from Kydex types to race holsters.

Good luck with it. It's one of my favorite guns.

 

[Ignatz]

This looks more like a retirement investment, than a shooter. Find out what its worth before you shoot it.

 

[Camster]

Rude indeed not to bring it home. I had a couple of Performance Center 357s myself,though mine were blued versions. Shoot away! Enjoy.
I bought my extra clips from the mother ship.

 

[DR505]

This looks more like a retirement investment, than a shooter. Find out what its worth before you shoot it.

Why buy a gun and not shoot it? That is confusing! Anything that comes my way gets used! Sort of like buying a car to put in on blocks, cover it, and hide in a garage...heresy!

 

[ladder13]

A pre lock 627 PC ? I would have been all over that one.

No idea on price, but I know it's right when I hear it.

Searching N Idaho gun shops...........

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

...marked 627-PC, and from my research I believe the product code would be 170116......Serial number is PMA000X......

I think you're right on the product code. I saw your gun's brother in the box. Same s/n prefix, PMA00xx. It had a ship date of.....

July 19, 1997.​

Though it's stamped "-PC" I believe it would otherwise be a -2. Eight shot, old frame, no lock, forged parts, with the "extra" ball detent lock-up on the yoke.

Notice how the hammer stands back a little from the recess under the rear sight, leaving a little gap. You only see that in this one style of gun from this brief era in time. The Performance Center used old style frames to make these guns with the new style frame mounted firing pin.

Your gun is a transition between the old style frame, with the hammer mounted firing pin, and the new style frame with the frame mounted firing pin. Your gun even has the old style replaceable cylinder stop stud. A new style frame would of had an integral boss instead.

Smith & Wesson hit it out of the park with this one. What a great revolver, made at a time when S&W was making some of the best revolvers it ever made. You are fortunate to own one and I'm glad you shared it.

 

[Nightowl]

I'm glad you weren't rude! You have found a hard to find, even rare, variation of the 627. The usual cylinder is fluted, but there were some made with the unfluted cylinder. The 170116 product code carried BDM xxxx serial numbers. The same gun with fluted cylinders with RJMxxxx serial numbers was product code 170089. This information is from an article by Rex Halfpenny in the Spring 2012 Smith & Wesson Collectors Association Journal. Rex is extremely knowledgeable about 627s.

Interesting point is that the cylinder body finish was different than the frame. The frame was bead blasted, the cylinder was sort of unpolished stainless, but the flutes were bead blast finished like the frame and barrel, except for the slab sides which was also left unpolished, or bead blasted. They are well made guns and great shooters. Congratulations on a great find!

 

[alwaysoutdoors]

I'd shoot the pizz out of it.

 

[alwaysoutdoors]

There is a lock version on GB with a buy it now of $900. I'd venture to say $1500 plus on this one.

 

[andyo5]

This is a current model. I have the 4" Pro version. I have competed with it and these are wonderful revolvers. Shoot and enjoy it.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

....The 170116 product code carried BDM xxxx serial numbers. The same gun with fluted cylinders with RJMxxxx serial numbers was product code 170089. ...

I saw a PMA00xx in it's box. It had fluted cylinders and a 170116 product code. July 19, 1997 ship date. But I just saw the one gun.

I guess now I've seen two. Since the OP's gun is a PMA s/n and it's fluted.

I've seen four of the RJM guns in their boxes. They were as you you say. Product code 170089 and all had fluted cylinders. These guns had the features of a -2, and ship dates in June - August 1997. Once source said (300) were made.

I saw one BDM in it's box. It was unfluted and had pc 170116, too. This gun had the features of a -3, with the new style frame, no lock, and a ship date of April 16, 1998. A source said (235) were made.

 

[rbert0005]

I get all my moon clips from Ranch Products.

Be advised moon clips can be brass specific. Different manufacturers have different tolerances.

Not a big deal, but worth noting.

Enjoy,
Bob

 

[OldRook]

Thanks for the info folks

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

Condition is everything. My best guess without pictures is retail of $850-$950 in excellent condition. The 627 is on my list.