Help me decide: 627 Pro or 686 SSR

[Steadman]

Hi folks,

First post, long time lurker:

I just PM'ed Stainz about this issue when it occurred to me that it would be useful to get some other perspectives.

I'm looking for the do-everything-well .357 revolver. I know, I know. It doesn't exist. I just want to come as close as I can.

What does do-everything-well mean to me? Primarily it carries well in the field as a hunting/hiking/woods loafing gun. It also can handle the stoutest factory .357's, is easy and fun to shoot on the range, is quick handling, durable, reliable and can function well as a home defense firearm. It also would allow me to compete in a variety of revolver competitions.

I've narrowed it down to the 627 Pro and the 686 SSR. The 686 SSR seems like the obvious choice, but I'm attracted to the 8 shot capacity of the 627. That N frame looks bulky and heavy for woods carry, but on paper it isn't all that heavier than the 686.

What do you guys think? Help this avowed 1911 guy make his choice!

 

[APS]

Well, competitions aside, perhaps the 627 is the way to go. Like you said, it's not that much heavier and since you're not going to carry it concealed...
If you consider competitions, the 686 can be used in IDPA, ICORE and PPC. The 627 can be used in ICORE, but not IDPA and I'm not sure about PPC. You can use both in USPSA but the 627 would get the nod there. In general, I've found that IDPA matches are easier to come by than the rest.

 

[shootmeselfinfoot]

the ssr is just a beauty. satin finish. the factory trigger is more smooth than a regular 686. and the barrel is just a beauty. I would see it in person before buying it if possible if you are not sure.

 

[shootmeselfinfoot]

ok ok the 627 pro is real pretty too. I would get both!

 

[Steadman]

ok ok the 627 pro is real pretty too. I would get both!

You see my dilemma!

I can't get both. I have to get one or the other. I've seen the 686SSR in person and it's gorgeous. I've yet to heft the 627 Pro.

The other issue is that my local dealer has the SSR in stock, but the 627 is backordered.

Thoughts??

 

[eagle359]

Happiness is a warm N frame.

 

[Steadman]

Are there any advantages to the 686SSR over the 627? I'm just concerned that the 627 is going to be very unwieldy for field carry.

 

[Resjudicata]

I have the 627PC with the 5 inch barrel. I love this gun. It balances very well and is not as front heavy as most revolvers. The barrel is definitely thinned out some.

I think the Pro is a 4" full profile barrel, is that right? It may balance out the same as the 5" thinned barrel. Is there a reason that you want a 4" barrel? Is this for IDPA?

If you aren't getting this for concealed carry then I would go with the 8 shot. However, if you want to carry it then the 686 would get my vote.

Chris

 

[epj]

I have the 627PC with the 5 inch barrel. I love this gun. It balances very well and is not as front heavy as most revolvers. The barrel is definitely thinned out some.

I think the Pro is a 4" full profile barrel, is that right? It may balance out the same as the 5" thinned barrel. Is there a reason that you want a 4" barrel? Is this for IDPA?

If you aren't getting this for concealed carry then I would go with the 8 shot. However, if you want to carry it then the 686 would get my vote. Chris

The Pro is a 4 1/8" barrel that is sort of "slab-sided". To me, it is no heavier than a regular 686. Balance is probably better. Moon clip ready, 8 shots, what's not to like?

 

[MTKTM]

Well, competitions aside, perhaps the 627 is the way to go. Like you said, it's not that much heavier and since you're not going to carry it concealed...
If you consider competitions, the 686 can be used in IDPA, ICORE and PPC. The 627 can be used in ICORE, but not IDPA and I'm not sure about PPC. You can use both in USPSA but the 627 would get the nod there. In general, I've found that IDPA matches are easier to come by than the rest.

It is true that you can use an 8-shot gun in USPSA/IPSC competition, but the last time I checked I believe you'd be competing in "Open" class, thus up against red-dot equipped 24-round totally tricked-out race-guns rather than in the revolver class where guns are limited to 6 rounds. Thus, a shooter would be at an impossible disadvantage and would just be shooting for fun rather than to actually compete.

I like the 627 because of the 8-shot capacity and the slightly better "feel" of the gun, an intangible to be sure and one with which others may differ, in preference to the SSR, for all of the mentioned purposes, hunting, hiking, woods-loafing, etc., but for most common sorts of handgun competition (IPSC and IDPA around here) the SSR is the clear choice. As someone else suggested, get both!!

 

[Steadman]

Hey guys,

Thanks so much for the input. I'm getting the 627 Pro. I think epj's photo sealed it for me. Wow.

I also got an email from Randy Lee of Apex Tactical. He had great things to say about both revolvers but said that the forcing cone on the 627 is especially bomb-proof.

For only a few ounces more it's a no brainer. 627 Pro it is! Now I just have to wait a month for Smith to fill their orders.

Thanks again.

 

[Steadman]

epj,

Are those Arhends retro combat round to square conversion grips? If so, which wood? I'm going to order the same set this week. Great photo. Nice choice.

 

[boomer686]

Hey guys,

Thanks so much for the input. I'm getting the 627 Pro. I think epj's photo sealed it for me. Wow.

I also got an email from Randy Lee of Apex Tactical. He had great things to say about both revolvers but said that the forcing cone on the 627 is especially bomb-proof.

For only a few ounces more it's a no brainer. 627 Pro it is! Now I just have to wait a month for Smith to fill their orders.

Thanks again.

Please explain what he means aboutthe forcing cone being bomb proof.

 

[epj]

epj,

Are those Arhends retro combat round to square conversion grips? If so, which wood? I'm going to order the same set this week. Great photo. Nice choice.

Yes, those are the Ahrends Retro Combats. The wood is Cocobolo.

 

[epj]

Hey guys,

Thanks so much for the input. I'm getting the 627 Pro. I think epj's photo sealed it for me. Wow.

I also got an email from Randy Lee of Apex Tactical. He had great things to say about both revolvers but said that the forcing cone on the 627 is especially bomb-proof.

For only a few ounces more it's a no brainer. 627 Pro it is! Now I just have to wait a month for Smith to fill their orders.

Thanks again.

You will be pleased with your decision. I know I was. My dealer had to make a few phone calls, but he managed to find one within a few days from an out of state distributer. That was last fall.

 

[epj]

Please explain what he means aboutthe forcing cone being bomb proof.

The barrel shank where it is threaded through the frame is larger in diameter and thus stronger. In bygone years the K frame .357's had some issues with cracking in this area. The L frames pretty much solved this issue, but the N frames are stronger still.

 

[SPR1]

I think this comes down to hand size as well when looking at a general purpose revolver. The 627 is bigger and requires careful grip choice if one has medium sized hands.

 

[Chriss]

The Pro is a 4 1/8" barrel that is sort of "slab-sided". To me, it is no heavier than a regular 686. Balance is probably better. Moon clip ready, 8 shots, what's not to like?

The round butt is what's not to like.

 

[SW357Addict]

The 627Pro to me is S&W best all around revolver out right now.

The 627Pro is the definition of versatile.

* It has a trigger that is just as good as a PC gun.
* It has the perfect barrel length that can handle any task from hunting to target shooting to self-defense.
* It is eight shots of .357Mag or .38SPL with or without moonclips.
* It has adjustible sights with the front sight being a quick change type.
* It has a round butt gun so it can accept any grip from round butt to square butt conversions.