986, 627 or 929

[Vanman]

I was faced with choosing one of these S&W to be my choice in local matches. My club has frequent "knock-down" steel matches with a class for revolvers.
Using a revolver with speed loaders was out of the question so most revolver shooters used a model 625, as did I.
Then I got a 986 and loved EVERYTHING about it until others started using 8 shot guns, and I was outclassed.
So I bought a lightly used 627 on this forum and was pleased until I discovered that trying to load 8 wiggling 38s at a time was not as easy as I expected.
I considered getting a 929 (can get a lightly used one at a VERY good price) but I felt that the longer barrel was a detriment.
Then I thought about having the 929 barrel replaced/shortened and contacted numerous known gunsmiths and found that "it can't be done" or the cost was out of my budget or that the wait was 14-16 months or got no response.
Then I considered having the 627 cylinder re-chambered for 9mm and was not happy with the cost or the fact that it only standard velocity loads in 9mm, 38 would eject properly.
Then i thought that I would have a 2nd cylinder made in 9mm. And got no response, can't be done, 14 months or a quote of $1100.
So then i came to this forum and did a search of old threads and read for several hours.
From the info I got here, I intend to get some 38Colt brass (short) from Starline, moon clips from TK for the Starline brass, and load them on my 650 using 38 sp resizing die, 9mm dies for expanding, seating and taper crimping and 9mm load info die. I have a load of 150gr coated round nose 358 bullets and will use load info for 9mm.
Now I will spend tomorrow searching and reading more on the Brian Enos forum.
I want to thank you guys for providing all of the info here.
If you have any more suggestions, I would be grateful.

 

[Bob L]

First, Welcome to the forum from SW Ohio. We're glad that you stopped by and hope that you join us. Please keep us update on your journey and we love pictures.

 

[slickracer]

Why not load .38 Short Colts and run the 627 as-is?

 

[Ignatz]

If you are comfortable shooting a 5" 627 and like the sight radius, looking at the 929's extra 1.5" sight radius looks excessive.
Its not. It might take a little time to get use to it, but with being scored Minor in USPSA, hits in the "A" scoring area are important.
I have three 929's that use Federal, Winchester and Blazer brass that was picked up at the range. The 627 we have, uses Starline brass. I also looked into converting the 627 to 9mm, and gave up like you.
The moonclips for the 929 are thicker and more durable than the TK clips for the 627 using Starline brass.
My wife now leaves her 929 sit and started shooting our 5" 627. Its a fun gun to shoot and I also like shooting it in the local matches. But I would take my 929 to a larger match as I feel more confident with the longer sight radius. I didn't say I'd shoot better, but I would feel more prepared.

 

[Protocall_Design]

I have been shooting 2 627s, one 4" and one 5", with Starline brass and TKCustom moonclips for several years, like you are talking about doing. I'm using 160 gr. Bayou bullet roundnose with 4 gr. of 231/HP38. This has been a very good combination for a long time. I think you will be happy with the same setup. I strongly recommend getting a BMT moon clip tool. It's the best one out there. It makes mooning and demooning fast and easy.

 

[Pizza Bob]

If the 929's siren song continues here are a couple things that may make the gun more attractive to you.

The use of RIMZ poly monn clips. Not finnicky about what brass to use. Clip supports the whole case head, not just held by a thin metal cilp in the extractor groove. I have used these in competition with .38 Super Comp brass in my 627-4 PC, with no problem and they seem to fit the 9 mm brass even better (head diameter is a few thousandths more).

This gunsmith has a whole package for the 929 - do as little or as much as you want. But the one that made me think of your comments is that he cuts off the threaded nipple and recrowns the barrel.

David Olhasso

Here is my 929 that he did. Have not yet had a chance to shoot it - given current conditions.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[Vanman]

Some more useful info from you guys.

Bob L, I've been an S&W Forum member for years but this was this 1st time I entered this area and I'm glad that I did.

Slickracer, that is what I intend to do.

Ignatz, thanks for your reply and I will keep it in my mind as a back-up plan. I found that WW brass worked much better than others in my 986. I only intend to shoot this in local matches of knock down steel. Usually the stages consist of 12-20 targets. The only away matches I do are SASS matches.

Proto, I have the 150gr bullets from Bear Creek Supply and will start with them. I will check out the Bayou Bullets the next time I need to order. I already have a BMT loader for my 986 and agree with you. Guess I'll need another. I have some Titegroup, Unique and Clays in stock and will start with them.

Pizza, Nice looking gun. I tried the Rimz clips in my 625 and wasn't a fan. I saw Dave on Shooting USA and I will check out his site.

Keep the comments coming guys, I'm a sponge.

Vanman

 

[Pizza Bob]

Pizza, Nice looking gun. I tried the Rimz clips in my 925 and wasn't a fan. I saw Bob on Shooting USA and I will check out his site.

I assume that you mean 625, not 925 and I'm Bob, the gunsmith is Dave.

Don't judge all RIMZ clips by your experience with the ones for the .45 ACP. There is a world of difference.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[colt_saa]

Then I considered having the 627 cylinder re-chambered for 9mm and was not happy with the cost or the fact that it only standard velocity loads in 9mm

I can not help you with the costs, they are what they are. However, you are talking or reading the wrong people about the limitations .

Two of my 627s have cylinders re-chambered for 9x23 Winchester and I shoot lots of stuff that is above standard velocity 9MM

I left the original unfluted stainless cylinder alone. The black cylinder was acquired and then re-chambered to 9x23 Winchester by Mark at Pinnacle

I have been shooting this one for about a decade now. I just made my 627 V-comp a convertible but have not done much shooting with it yet

 

[Tanners Owner]

I went through the same dilemma

I had my 627 pro converted with a separate cylinder

You can read about my journey here:

Converting my 627 to shoot 9mm

I am happy with the results and have flexibility with what round I can shoot in the conversion as well as being able to return it to the original configuration.

OBTW- Colt SAA was of great help to me- a wealth of knowledge and experience

Good luck

 

[Vanman]

Tanner, I read your conversion link and was impressed. My biggest concern is shooting 355 bullets in the 357 bbl. How well does the 627 handle the coated 9mm bullets re accuracy and leading?

 

[S&WIowegan]

Tanner, I read your conversion link and was impressed. My biggest concern is shooting 355 bullets in the 357 bbl. How well does the 627 handle the coated 9mm bullets re accuracy and leading?

There are several ways to answer this question. The first is to do some trial and error testing and see what works in your gun. The second answer is that many coated bullet makers can make the bullet you like in different diameters...all you have to do is ask. I and many other S&W shooters believe that S&W uses one-size barrel in revolvers chambered for 9mm, 38 Super and 357/38. When the 929 was introduced, magazine writers were told the barrel was specially sized for 9mm. Maybe so but I quickly discovered many brands of 9mm ammo were very sticky to extract. So, I tried my 38 Short Colt ammo in my 929 and it worked fine(the brass does expand). I have since learned my 929 loves Winchester 9mm brass loaded with SNS cast 125gr. bullets.

Nothing any of us say here to you is 100% gospel truth because barrels and cylinders vary and all bullets are not created equal. Trial and error is part of the fun.

 

[colt_saa]

Tanner, I read your conversion link and was impressed. My biggest concern is shooting 355 bullets in the 357 bbl. How well does the 627 handle the coated 9mm bullets re accuracy and leading?

Accuracy is mostly a function of proper bullet spin.

Bullet spin is caused by the rifling engaging the projectile

Most people forget that there is both a land and a groove diameter involved when they talk about bore diameter. What is actually measured when folks slug a barrel is the groove diameter.

The difference between the land and the groove is the depth of the rifling and what engages the projectile and causes spin. This difference is somewhere around .008" - .013" depending on the type of rifling and who did it

Image courtesy of Hand Gun Safety Course​

Jacketed, plated and coated 9MM projectiles measure anywhere from .355" - "3565" depending on the manufacturer. There is still plenty of projectile for the lands to grab onto and get spin even in a .357" barrel.

Properly coated projectiles should not be leaving lead in a barrel. If the ones you are using are having this issue, I would try projectiles from a different source

I have been shooting mostly jacketed 9MM projectiles through many different .357" barrels for several decades now and the accuracy has been just fine

The accuracy exception comes when we are discussing lead projectiles. For least amount of leading and therefore best accuracy the lead projectile needs to properly fit the barrel it is being fired from

 

[Tanners Owner]

Tanner, I read your conversion link and was impressed. My biggest concern is shooting 355 bullets in the 357 bbl. How well does the 627 handle the coated 9mm bullets re accuracy and leading?

In terms of USPSA/ IPSC like games, I found it shot point of aim- I initially was concerned that I'd need to adjust sights, etc. However, I shoot 147 grain 9mms & was pleased it needed no adjustments.

I love it when a plan comes together

 

[colt_saa]

In terms of USPSA/ IPSC like games, I found it shot point of aim- I initially was concerned that I'd need to adjust sights, etc. However, I shoot 147 grain 9mms & was pleased it needed no adjustments.

I love it when a plan comes together

One of my favorite quotes