686 or 627

[SW357Addict]

I like the look of the 627 pro. It's only a little more than the standard so I'd probably go with the pro if I do decide on the 627. Would anyone have a size comparison picture between the 686(or similar) and 627? I'm just wondering about the size and how well it would fit my hand. My gunshop didn't have a 627 last I checked. I'll try a couple other stores but I think it may be hard to find here locally. This gun would be for home defense and range use. I'm not too concerned about speed loading.

Both the frame and the grip of the 627Pro are slightly larger than the 686. At my job I work in a lab and wear gloves most of the day. My glove size tends to be between a large and an extra large. I have a 686 also and with Hogue rubber grips, my hand fits it fine with maybe a slight feeling of my fingers being crowded. It is comfortable but not absolutely perfect. With the same type of rubber Hogue grips on my 627 Pro my hand has a perfect fit.

As for where to find a 627Pro (assuming you will be buying new), I purchased mine from a gun shop that was advertising on Gunbroker. The 627Pro doesn't seem to be a common as other Smiths so your best bet will be purchasing online and having it shipped to your local FFL.

As for holster fit of the 627Pro, I couldn't say because I have not gotten a holster for it yet. I would imagine that any holster for a 4" N-frame will fit it fine. I haven't gotten a holster yet because I want to get a durable, comfortable one. None of my local gun carry any kind of selection. Just a bunch of Galco holsters that I really don't care for. But I have been considering a Bianchi Cyclone.

 

[Neal]

As for holster fit of the 627Pro, I couldn't say because I have not gotten a holster for it yet. I would imagine that any holster for a 4" N-frame will fit it fine. I haven't gotten a holster yet because I want to get a durable, comfortable one. None of my local gun carry any kind of selection. Just a bunch of Galco holsters that I really don't care for. But I have been considering a Bianchi Cyclone.

OK thanks. Also, thanks for posting the great pics of your Pro. I was getting the wants for an 8 shot N frame, but not sure which one. Your pics have changed that. Now I want the 627 Pro.

 

[stevieboy]

I have a 686 and a 27 (also a 66, but that's another story). They're definitely very different guns. The 27 just feels more massive in every respect. I love 'em both and I'd be hard put to decide which I prefer. both are extremely accurate and seem to handle magnum rounds equally well.

 

[SW357Addict]

OK thanks. Also, thanks for posting the great pics of your Pro. I was getting the wants for an 8 shot N frame, but not sure which one. Your pics have changed that. Now I want the 627 Pro.

No problem. Believe me you will not be disappointed with it. It also has one of the best double and single action trigger pulls right out of the box. I would compare the trigger to a Performance Center S&W.

 

[hberttmank]

The 8 shot 627 is the ultimate revolver to me. Here's my PC 627, 66, and 686+. With the Hogue grip, it doesn't seem much difference in size then a K frame.

 

[Tom C]

Choosing between a 686 and a 627 is merely a matter of personal preference. I find I prefer the 627, both the PC and Pro, to my 686SSR, but that is just me.

60 Pro, 686SSR, 627 Pro, 627PC

 

[jcephl]

Thanks for the pics everybody. They helped me. I want the 627 pro now. It looks like the cylinder is just a little wider.

 

[Tom C]

The diameter of my 686SSR cylinder measures 1.562". The diameter of the 627 cylinders measures 1.715".

 

[Stainz]

I bought my 5" h-l 686+ 'Stocking Dealer Exclusive' 12/04... it came as shown below, with Ahrends grips, HiViz front sight, and v-notch rear sight. It was $489 - regular 4" 686/686+ stock was in the same display case at $499 - go figure. It was fun - until the new 627 Pro came home 5/08. I had to wipe off the cobwebs to take the picture a few months back:

Yeah, I'll keep the 627 Pro - and add the Ahrends 'Retro Targets' and HiViz front sight, the latter taking seconds.

Stainz

 

[jcephl]

I ordered a 627 pro this afternoon. Thanks for everyone's input! I'll be sure to post pics when I get it.

 

[jcephl]

I got the 627 Pro yesterday. I haven't shot it yet but I like the way it feels in my hand. Overall it feels similar to the size of the 686 but with a wider cylinder. There's a small scuff mark on the front part of the lug. Not a big deal but it's annoying to find that on a new gun. Is that common? I'd like all blemishes to be my fault. The moonclips I will have to figure out since I've never used them before. I'll just load the rounds individually for a while. Also, it's a matte finish. I know some people polish their guns so I might consider that in the future. Does anyone think that's a bad idea? I'll be shooting it this week and I can't wait!

 

[Stainz]

You'll love it. A metal polish, like Semichrome or Flitz, should ease that scuff mark. It could have happened at the distributor or store - folks love to 'inspect' new guns.

If you like the moonclips, which take Federal or R-P brass loaded ammo easiest (Push the cartridge while twisting it into the slot.), 'Ranch Products' makes them - and will sell them direct - $75/100 or $50/50 shipped. Nice folks - and quick to ship. Those 'clips elsewhere are $3+/each. If you reload, Starline brass in .357M loads in/out of the moonclips the easiest - $114/1,000 shipped from them (They are backordered until 12/15!). I recommend the Brownell's 'Moon Clip Stripper' in 10mm/.357M (#352-197-100AC list $17). It's long hollow tube will hold all eight from a stripped 'clip.

Brownell's also carries the proper HiViz (.250" Classic/DX style - not pinned!) and SDM sight as well as Ahrends 'Retro Target' grips, both of which are on mine (See earlier post.). Of course, the single best accessory you can purchase for your 627 Pro is AMMO!! Congrats on your purchase.

Stainz

 

[jcephl]

Thanks Stainz. I ordered some Ranch clips and that Brownells moon clip stripper.