8 shot 38/357 options

[rwoodcec]

Fairly new here and would like to know what my options are if I would like an 8 shot revolver.

I currently have a 17-2 for practice at the range to keep cost down, but would ultimately like to have a total of 3 guns. I am partial to a 27-2 for the classic style and I have heard they shoot very well and I believe there are some in this family available in a 8 shot.
Potentially I would also like something small enough to carry in 38/357 - any older guns with 8 shots? - I have seen the 327 night guard in 8 but not sure about a light weight revolver.
Any help appreciated.

 

[David Sinko]

I recently bought a (hardly) used 627-5 with a 4" regular contour barrel. It's the cheapest 8 shooter that S&W makes, and isn't all that bad, all things considered. My theory is that Performance Center revolvers are to be avoided, since they offer nothing special in the way of true performance. PC action jobs and fitting are nothing to brag about. I believe you get real carbon steel parts with the PC guns, but in the long run, is it really worth it? You still have to tolerate the lock and the frame mounted firing pin, so what difference do the MIM parts make? If you want an 8 shooter, you have to buy a newer gun, plain and simple. There are no "old style" 8 shooters. If you want an action job or a moonclip conversion, have a competent gunsmith do it. I would avoid anything with an alloy frame. They do not hold up well under hard use. And I would avoid anything made by Taurus for the same reason. A steel frame 8 shooter with a 4" barrel can be kind of heavy for concealed carry, but I've been carrying N Frame and Redhawk revolvers concealed for many years without any problems.

There is an 8 shot version of the Model 27 which has the 3 1/2" skinny barrel. It's a PC item and it's expensive. I passed one over when I chose my 627-5. There was no way I could justify the extra cost in terms of the end product.

Dave Sinko

 

[Stainz]

I have two 627s; a 5" 627-3 Jerry Miculek V-Comp PC gun from '01 and a 4" 627-5 'Pro' from last year - see below.

I traded for the older one years ago - it was/is like new. It has the best trigger/action I, or anyone who has checked it out, has ever felt. I thought I could clean up an S&W pretty well - others think so - but that PC gun is super - and pops any primer. The PC Shop can, or maybe did, do wondrous things! Moonclip ready, of course.

Now, the current 627s - your best values. The regular production 4" 627, SKU #163357, has an MSRP of $1,003. It has a pinned front sight - you have to drill and pin any replacement. It is not moonclip ready. The other production 4" 627, SKU #178014 and part of the 'Pro' series, has an MSRP of $1,059. That is less than $50 more most places. It has a spring loaded front sight - tool-less sight changes in seconds. It is moonclip ready. It also has chamfered charge holes, a custom barrel, and that tapered/slab sided barrel - paring .8 oz off the weight of the other one. It is a deal! Both production 627s were new in '08 and come with Hogue rubber monogrips.

I like the PC gun - but it feels massive. It'll go bye-bye long before the 627 Pro. Besides, I love 4" guns. You can get proper moonclips from Ranch Products for $50/50, too. That allows you to waste ammo quickly!

The 327NG is cute - but I don't want any more alloy guns - or Ti cylinders, like one of it's bigger brothers has. I already have CCWs. The 627 is a plinker deluxe - begs to be shot. That's what I wanted - that's what I got! Of course, I keep lots of moonclipped .357Ms ready in Tupperware boxes for rapid response to attacks by the drooling undead!

Good luck!

Stainz

 

[magnum12pm]

You mentioned the 327, I have the PD model. It weighs in at 26 oz. I view it a little large for concealed carry but I use it sometimes in the winter under a coat. I have shot 38s to 38+P+ in it they are no problem, however 357s are a bit stout.

 

[scooter123]

One thing you have to keep in mind is that the capacity of any revolver is linked to the diameter of the cylinder. The J frame uses the smallest diameter cylinder and as a result only carries 5 rounds in the 38/357. Next larger is the K frame and it's limited to 6 rounds. Then there is the L frame, which uses a cylinder just enough larger than the K frame to permit 7 rounds with some models. Finally, there is the largest offering in the 38/357, the N frame which offers 8 rounds with some models.

This means that to get 8 round capacity your limited to variations of the N frame model 27. Choices are the model 27, model 327, and model 627. If you want light weight, the Scandium framed model 327 is where you should look. If you want blued steel or nickle, then you need to look at the model 27. Finally, if you want stainless steel, the model 627 is the one to look at.