My M&P R8 finally arrived yesterday! I was very impressed with the finish and attention to detail of the revolver when I picked it up at the gun shop yesterday. Unfortunately it did arrive with the lock but I'll live with it that way. The cyclinder fit back to front was rock solid while the side to side rotation lockup did have a little play in it. At first I was thinking that a Performance Center revolver should not have any play at all, but my minor concerns were unfounded once I took it to the range this morning.
The double action trigger is typical S&W meaning smooth and heavy as it should be but with an added slickness not present in a previous 686 I owned. The single action trigger is an absolute dream breaking easily and crisply. The cylinder yoke is fitted nice and snug and does not just fall open when swinging the cylinder out. The sights are excellent and can even be used with the sight base mounted which is why I went ahead and mounted it right away and plan to leave it on all the time regardless of if I put a sight on it or not. The feel of the grip and the weight balance of the revolver are perfect. Both help absorb the recoil well with all types of .357 magnum loads and I found it perfectly comfortable to shoot for any length of time. What else can I say other than everything about the revolver radiates quality about it, as I would expect from an S&W Performance Center piece.
Here are some pictures of the R8 and the results of shooting it at the range at 17yds/50 feet with Hornady LeverEvolution 140Gr rounds. The accuracy of this revolver is AWESOME regardless of the load being used, but of course the premium grade ammo like the Hornady really let this artillery piece shine!
The aluminum case that it comes in is awesome and a very nice touch. The moon clips work well and were also a great addition as well but I did most of my shooting loading the old fashioned way.
Here are a few pics of what it looks like loaded with the menacing Hornady rounds peeking out of the cylinder. Please note that all caution was taken to take the photos in a safe way with the camera being the only thing near the muzzle.
The bottom line is...
This is the most incredible revolver I've ever had the pleasure to hold or own. It is worth every penny!
The double action trigger is typical S&W meaning smooth and heavy as it should be but with an added slickness not present in a previous 686 I owned. The single action trigger is an absolute dream breaking easily and crisply. The cylinder yoke is fitted nice and snug and does not just fall open when swinging the cylinder out. The sights are excellent and can even be used with the sight base mounted which is why I went ahead and mounted it right away and plan to leave it on all the time regardless of if I put a sight on it or not. The feel of the grip and the weight balance of the revolver are perfect. Both help absorb the recoil well with all types of .357 magnum loads and I found it perfectly comfortable to shoot for any length of time. What else can I say other than everything about the revolver radiates quality about it, as I would expect from an S&W Performance Center piece.
Here are some pictures of the R8 and the results of shooting it at the range at 17yds/50 feet with Hornady LeverEvolution 140Gr rounds. The accuracy of this revolver is AWESOME regardless of the load being used, but of course the premium grade ammo like the Hornady really let this artillery piece shine!
The aluminum case that it comes in is awesome and a very nice touch. The moon clips work well and were also a great addition as well but I did most of my shooting loading the old fashioned way.
Here are a few pics of what it looks like loaded with the menacing Hornady rounds peeking out of the cylinder. Please note that all caution was taken to take the photos in a safe way with the camera being the only thing near the muzzle.
The bottom line is...
This is the most incredible revolver I've ever had the pleasure to hold or own. It is worth every penny!
