8 shot revolver differences and considerations

[Florida J Frame]

If you go with a TRR8 be sure to test it well firing double action. Mine had to return to the Mother Ship for light strikes in DA only. It shot fine in SA. They replaced the firing pin and strain screw and I haven't had an issue since. Never had a problem with the IL. It's the most accurate hand gun I own but I have since changed it's role to target use and now my "bump in the night" gun is a Beretta 92FS. Just as reliable with twice the capacity and faster reloads.

 

[vospertw]

If you go with a TRR8 be sure to test it well firing double action. Mine had to return to the Mother Ship for light strikes in DA only. It shot fine in SA. They replaced the firing pin and strain screw and I haven't had an issue since. Never had a problem with the IL. It's the most accurate hand gun I own but I have since changed it's role to target use and now my "bump in the night" gun is a Beretta 92FS. Just as reliable with twice the capacity and faster reloads.

I had heard there were some problems with light strikes. Was it an earlier gun? I heard/read somewhere that the guns made after 2011 or so were fixed...

 

[jtcarm]

and Bob Munden could draw, fire and re-holster in under 10 one thousandths of a second



When the average bad guy becomes Massad Ayoob, then this might be something to worry about



Neither statement has anything to do with real world citizens defending their homes.



Show me just a single case report where a perpetrator even tried to use this technique regardless if he was successful or not. Just One Case.

He doesn't have to be Massad Ayoob. Or use his technique. He just has to get a hand on the barrel and the struggle is on. More barrel = more to grab and more leverage to tear it out of your hand.

An attacker 30 years younger, stronger & quicker than me certainly has the advantage, especially if he has hold of a 5" vs 2", barrel. He'd have a harder time grabbing the 2" to begin with.

I got no axe to grind in what the OP picks, I'm just offering food for thought from a respected authority.

I'd rather have a 5" 627, but probably not as a first choice for home defense. Nor would any magnum round, unless I lived alone in the boonies.

How bout this: Can you cite an instance where a longer barreled handgun made the difference in a home defense scenario? With enough research, I'm sure we could both find something to support our case.

Those would be great questions for Massad Ayoob

I imagine the answer to both would be the same: you're more likely to die from a lightening strike than choice of a 2 5/8" vs 5" barreled 627.

 

[vospertw]

He doesn't have to be Massad Ayoob. Or use his technique. He just has to get a hand on the barrel and the struggle is on. More barrel = more to grab and more leverage to tear it out of your hand.

An attacker 30 years younger, stronger & quicker than me certainly has the advantage, especially if he has hold of a 5" vs 2", barrel. He'd have a harder time grabbing the 2" to begin with.

I got no axe to grind in what the OP picks, I'm just offering food for thought from a respected authority.

I'd rather have a 5" 627, but probably not as a first choice for home defense. Nor would any magnum round, unless I lived alone in the boonies.

How bout this: Can you cite an instance where a longer barreled handgun made the difference in a home defense scenario? With enough research, I'm sure we could both find something to support our case.

Those would be great questions for Massad Ayoob

I imagine the answer to both would be the same: you're more likely to die from a lightening strike than choice of a 2 5/8" vs 5" barreled 627.

It's certainly a consideration. I guess I was thinking 5" from the standpoint of recoil recovery.

Also agree regarding your last comment. Of course, that would take all the fun out of researching and discussing every last aspect of every piece of gear we buy...

 

[Florida J Frame]

I had heard there were some problems with light strikes. Was it an earlier gun? I heard/read somewhere that the guns made after 2011 or so were fixed...

It is an earlier gun but for a home defense gun I would test and verify before trusting it. I fire every "serious use" gun at least 200 rounds before it goes into the rotation.

 

[River Walleye Guy]

627, yes moon clips

- is the 627 cut for moon clips? It's not a show-stopper but it would be nice to have the option for reloads. It also appears the TRR/R8 may have some trigger work that is not included with the 627? Finally, is there any accommodation for adding an optic on the 627? I wouldn't do it for HD but might for hunting.

colt - thanks for the breakdown. I didn't notice the difference in the rails on those two handguns.

My 627-5 PC took moon clips. It may depend on the version of 627, but I only know the dash 5.

 

[colt_saa]

He doesn't have to be Massad Ayoob. Or use his technique. He just has to get a hand on the barrel and the struggle is on. More barrel = more to grab and more leverage to tear it out of your hand.

An attacker 30 years younger, stronger & quicker than me certainly has the advantage, especially if he has hold of a 5" vs 2", barrel. He'd have a harder time grabbing the 2" to begin with.

I got no axe to grind in what the OP picks, I'm just offering food for thought from a respected authority.

I'd rather have a 5" 627, but probably not as a first choice for home defense. Nor would any magnum round, unless I lived alone in the boonies.

How bout this: Can you cite an instance where a longer barreled handgun made the difference in a home defense scenario? With enough research, I'm sure we could both find something to support our case.

Those would be great questions for Massad Ayoob

I imagine the answer to both would be the same: you're more likely to die from a lightening strike than choice of a 2 5/8" vs 5" barreled 627.

In other words, you have never heard of a single instance of Massad Ayoob's scenario actually happening in real life either.

 

[vospertw]

In other words, you have never heard of a single instance of Massad Ayoob's scenario actually happening in real life either.

I have a lot of respect for Massad Ayoob and he's been gracious enough to answer numerous questions via email. It certainly can happen to LEO's as they are duty-bound to apprehend thugs requiring contact distances. It would be interesting to find out how often it happens to armed citizens. Conversely, I've seen several reports lately of citizens disarming bad guys and using the gun against the attacker.

 

[vospertw]

Your 642 will actually work quite well for home defense. A larger gun with higher capacity is a better weapon provided you have enough distance between you and the intruder(s). When a lot of folks think home defense, they envision a scenario of someone breaking in at night and that they will have a lengthy enough lead time and warning to get their gun and engage the threat at a distance, but home invasions happen at all times of the day and the criminals often gain access to the home suddenly and quickly. In such cases, the snub is actually superior.

The gun really should be immediately available(carried or beside you) at all times as well and the snub is more practical in this regard. Denver residents rarely use guns for protection in home invasions - The Denver Post

Don't disagree. The 642 is on my all day even at home. The 8 shot would reside in the quick-open safe near the bed.

 

[Florida J Frame]

Do you leave the quick-open safe open when you retire? Amazing how long it takes to open one of those things when someone kicks the door in.

 

[vospertw]

Do you leave the quick-open safe open when you retire? Amazing how long it takes to open one of those things when someone kicks the door in.

I can't do that but agree it takes longer than you would like when you really want it open.

 

[eveled]

"AFAIK" this is the only 8 shot that is not moon clip ready. 627-5

 

[forrestinmathews]

•Moonclips help to reload by ensuring all spent cases eject together and none can get caught under the extractor. They also keep the fresh ammo together and speed up the reload.
•A North Mountain Moonclip holder can hold sixty four to eighty rounds in a very convenient package in a drawer and is highly portable if you need to leave your bedroom or home.
•Weapon mounted lights are great when you drop your flashlight in the off mode or it burns out or if you want to appear like you have friends with you. Bet you didn't think about that last one. I don't mind pointing a gun at you while I figure out your intentions in my house.
•Who cares about the weight or the recoil? We aren't working out with it, nor are we shooting a hundred rounds straight. In the moment of truth these things will not matter.
•Get an XS night sight. They work in all light conditions. You may be in the dark or the or the light or transiting from one to the other.
•Eight .357 magnums will be enough violence to create a big enough shock envelope to reload and repeat as necessary.
•The barrel length of five inches will be just fine. Try not to let him grab the barrel, but if he should, change the vector kick him in the pants and squeeze the trigger. He'll let go. I'd rather have him grab a five inch gun than a two inch...he'll likely be further from the cylinder and thus less likely to be able to prevent me from firing my gun. The best and most effective disarm techniques are targeting the trigger guard so barrel length is invalid.
•Massad Ayoob is a writer. Jim Cirillo killed people in gunfights. Read Jim's books.
•Sip the Koolaid, don't gulp.

 

[dwever]

I have owned and competed with the stainless steel PC 627-5 in both the 5" and 2.625" barrels. I still own the 2.625"

About two years ago I shelved my revolvers and carried only duty Glock or Wilson Combat 1911's (.45 CQB Elite and 9mm X-Tac) for defense. Then, after experiencing very rare but major malfunctions with the 1911's, both times in competition, it is Glocks and the 627 only now.

I recommend the 2.625" barreled 627 for the following reasons:

1. Very manageable recoil and flash is not a problem with the right .357 ammo such as Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel Ammunition .357 Magnum 135 Grain Jacketed HP. With .38 and most .38 +P recoil is negligible. Follow up shots come very fast and smooth with this weapon.

2. Having owned the 5" barrel 627, the 2.625" is much more manageable, particularly on your side if that matters.

3. Accurate. Nice site picture, 25' silhouette shooting is easy with this weapon.

4. With firearms, duty should always come before beauty, but the 627 is a fine looking weapon.

5. There is just a huge difference in felt recoil between a scandium light weight and the stainless steel 627. If going to the woods, you have the flexibility of just dropping in 8 hot .357 rounds (600 - 800 ft. lbs. of energy) that would hurt to fire from a 21 oz. 327.

6. I use TK Custom match grade moon clips as they are thicker than the S&W's and keep the .357 rounds from drooping and being difficult to load. For .38 the S&W is fine.

 

[vospertw]

I have owned and competed with the stainless steel PC 627-5 in both the 5" and 2.625" barrels. I still own the 2.625"

About two years ago I shelved my revolvers and carried only duty Glock or Wilson Combat 1911's (.45 CQB Elite and 9mm X-Tac) for defense. Then, after experiencing very rare but major malfunctions with the 1911's, both times in competition, it is Glocks and the 627 only now.

I recommend the 2.625" barreled 627 for the following reasons:

1. Very manageable recoil and flash is not a problem with the right .357 ammo such as Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel Ammunition .357 Magnum 135 Grain Jacketed HP. With .38 and most .38 +P recoil is negligible. Follow up shots come very fast and smooth with this weapon.

2. Having owned the 5" barrel 627, the 2.625" is much more manageable, particularly on your side if that matters.

3. Accurate. Nice site picture, 25' silhouette shooting is easy with this weapon.

4. With firearms, duty should always come before beauty, but the 627 is a fine looking weapon.

5. There is just a huge difference in felt recoil between a scandium light weight and the stainless steel 627. If going to the woods, you have the flexibility of just dropping in 8 hot .357 rounds (600 - 800 ft. lbs. of energy) that would hurt to fire from a 21 oz. 327.

6. I use TK Custom match grade moon clips as they are thicker than the S&W's and keep the .357 rounds from drooping and being difficult to load. For .38 the S&W is fine.

dwever - thanks! The 2.625" is starting to make a lot of sense. I will definitely take another, more serious look. I have noticed that my G26 feels better to me than my G19, and I've noticed the same when renting say, a 21 vs a 30.

 

[dwever]

dwever - thanks! The 2.625" is starting to make a lot of sense. I will definitely take another, more serious look. I have noticed that my G26 feels better to me than my G19, and I've noticed the same when renting say, a 21 vs a 30.

Agreed. Our agency only uses the .40's (G22, 35, and 27), I have a 35 on my duty belt. I also have a 34 with a custom trigger for steel plate competition. I have successfully used the PC 627 w/2.625" in USPSA with a Galco Combat Master holster, people are always impressed by the 627. There's also two PC 627 w/5" barrels, one is ported, I see at USPSA, they are set up as serious race rigs.

Me using 90% luck and a Wilson Combat 9mm XTac 1911* tied a local time/accuracy record (below) some months back. With my shooting skills, it was the equivalent of stringing four birdies together while having a ten handicap - I shot better than I am to put it mildly. Next Tuesday I'm going to attempt to repeat that using the 627.

The 627 revolver can do it, and the 627 is the only stock non-race revolver I've ever used that I would or could attempt that with. It has the capacity, accuracy, fast re-load, recoil management, and perhaps most importantly, very smooth even action needed to shoot very rapidly on target as you cycle to get through the stages. One miss or failure to make time on any stage and you're done - so it's pretty fun and stressful.

*(note from asterix in para 3) I have since sold both my WC 1911's. While being extremely reliable, extremely so, they were not utterly reliable, they did ever so rarely choke. I think utter/never fail reliability is necessary in a defensive side arm, and so I am down to my 627, a Glock 34, plus what the agency mandates.

 

[Phauxtoe]

Smith Home gun...

Revolver - YES!

But this one - the Stainless Governor

30 - 30 caliber lead balls in 6 shots!

Why I Choose Buckshot for Home Defense | Outdoor Life

 

[vospertw]

Agreed. Our agency only uses the .40's (G22, 35, and 27), I have a 35 on my duty belt. I also have a 34 with a custom trigger for steel plate competition. I have successfully used the PC 627 w/2.625" in USPSA with a Galco Combat Master holster, people are always impressed by the 627. There's also two PC 627 w/5" barrels, one is ported, I see at USPSA, they are set up as serious race rigs.

Me using 90% luck and a Wilson Combat 9mm XTac 1911* tied a local time/accuracy record (below) some months back. With my shooting skills, it was the equivalent of stringing four birdies together while having a ten handicap - I shot better than I am to put it mildly. Next Tuesday I'm going to attempt to repeat that using the 627.

The 627 revolver can do it, and the 627 is the only stock non-race revolver I've ever used that I would or could attempt that with. It has the capacity, accuracy, fast re-load, recoil management, and perhaps most importantly, very smooth even action needed to shoot very rapidly on target as you cycle to get through the stages. One miss or failure to make time on any stage and you're done - so it's pretty fun and stressful.

*(note from asterix in para 3) I have since sold both my WC 1911's. While being extremely reliable, extremely so, they were not utterly reliable, they did ever so rarely choke. I think utter/never fail reliability is necessary in a defensive side arm, and so I am down to my 627, a Glock 34, plus what the agency mandates.

Congrats! I love 1911's but I agree with your statement.

 

[Barrie]

I have been saving for more then a year now to get one of the 5" models of these. I think they are the Prettiest Gun ever made. I absolutely love it in the staanless 5" model. I have had the pleasure of handling one already and have also enjoyed all questions and answers in this Blob as well. Thank You to all who Participated in it so far.

 

[92wrangler]

I have a 5" 625 in 45acp, which i feel is the perfect barrel length. I wanted the 8 shot magnum version, but found the 4" was typically $300 cheaper. So i compromised and got the 4". You lose most of the velocity gain of the magnum at 2.5", 6" is getting more front heavy and less of a daily carry gun. I am glad i got the 4", works for most any purpose.