Looking for information on a PC 627-3

[Ray S]

I recently purchased a Smith & Wesson Performance Center 627-3 8 shot .357 V-Comp.

I purchased the gun from the original owner who told me he bought the gun in 2000 and it was part of a very limited Jerry Miculek run.

Honestly, I was not familier with the gun but thought it had great style so I bought it. I have been trying to do some research to see if it really part of the limited run and if so what the value might be. The gun is in new condition, has never beed fired and has all the appropriate pieces including the hard case.

What I found was confusing to me so it thought I would ask the forum for some opinions.

I was almost convinced that it was a part of the run until I saw a posting that showed a serial number that started with JCM.

There is a serial number on the top of the frame behind the barrel on my gun that starts with NWR.

I will post some pictures of the gun and would appreciate any info that could be provided as well as thoughts on value

Thanks

Ray

 

[Ray S]

Pictures of the 627-3

Here are various Pics of the gun and markings

 

[jughed440]

Everything looks right in the pics. There are several known serial # prefixes. The product code for the 5" J.M. Special is 170142.

 

[Ray S]

Thanks

I actually have the original box tag. That is the product code it shows - looks like we have a winner.

Any idea on value?

 

[mokuloa]

Hello, this post was brought to my attention by jughed440 who knows I collect 627s. I keep a small data base of 627 serial numbers for my reference and research.

FYI some additional info. I have the following serial number prefixes in my DB: CFLXXXX, JCMXXXX, JMCXXXX, KSTXXXX, and most recently your NWRXXXX. Using only the serials I have in my DB, the population is 373. But I am certain it expands well beyond that, my guess is 500 to 600 guns, made in several smaller runs.

I would love to add your SOXXXX number to my DB to go with your serial no., it is on the label, lower right.

NIB 627s are currently fetching strong values, I think your gun would bring 1500 to 2000. Perhaps higher if two or more serious collectors drove it up. Some dealers would immediately ask more, but I judge value by sales price, not asking price.

Happy collecting, happier shooting!

 

[mokuloa]

New information, I just received a new serial number that greatly expands my 627-3 V-Comp population estimate. I am now certain there are over 1000 of them and likely by several hundred more.

 

[ladder13]

Here are various Pics of the gun and markings

That's a great looking gun, wow.

 

[colt_saa]

The 5" 627 V-comp was a Distributor Exclusive Offering from RSR that first showed up in 2000.

Distributor Exclusive Offerings are almost always small limited runs. However, when a Distributor Exclusive Offering is successful, there is nothing that stops the Distributor from ordering a 2nd batch, or a third or keeping the firearm in limited production for 10-20 or more years.

The very first run of 8 shot 627s was an Exclusive for Lew Horton developed in 1996. I wanted serial 357 but was told that a single run of 300 was all that there would ever be. So I bought serial 27 instead. Three months later I got the call asking if I still wanted 357. This was the fastest selling Exclusive they ever had and 300 more were being manufactured. As you know, this same revolver is now a standard Factory Offering and has been in constant production for 17 years.

Same thing with the L-comp. This was a Camfour Exclusive of only 200 pieces in 2000. I have the last one from that run. However, these can still be ordered NEW from Camfour 14 years later. It still is a sought after firearm

There are many more examples of Limited Exclusive Offerings that became long running products

This is why mokuloa's database has multiple prefixes associated with the 5" 627 V-comp. There have been multiple orders and re-orders over the years. This is also why it is so hard to come up with a total number produced. When an Exclusive Offering is a single order and never repeated the quantity gets known rather easily. When it is run over and over for a decade or longer, how do you keep track of it?

You have a very fine revolver. The Performance Center 27/327/627s are some of the most accurate revolvers S&W has ever produced. Shoot it and enjoy it and don't worry too much about how many were made. It will give you and your heirs many years of service.