Need advice on Performance Center 627

[444 Magnum]

I have the opportunity to buy one of these locally. Made in 2021, same product code, excellent condition with box and accessories. Does anybody have one and what are your thoughts on it? Do you like the compensator? Is it loud? What should I pay for one in used but excellent condition?
Thanks for your input.

https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/n-frame-170296

 

[444 Magnum]

I'm giving this a bump. Does anyone have experience with these pistols?

 

[cs45pilot]

I do. I had the V-comp all stainless model and sold it and regret selling it. It's an awesome revolver. I now have the 627PC Performance center that I will NEVER sell. Its a big N-Frame revolver that even full-house 357's only tickle in recoil. The V-comp is even better. Get yourself a package of moon clips and the moon clip reloading too. TK-Customs has them in stock. If you're planning on pin or plate shoots, Speed Beez has a great kydex OWB holster. Remember to clean the comp on occasion. I wish they again made the polished stainless model as I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

 

[Protocall_Design]

That's a great gun. The best moonclip loading tool is the BMT Mooner. The model you want is the N38-8. When ordering moon clips, tell them what brass you are using. The clips have to be sized for the brand of brass. I use all Starline.

 

[roundgunner]

I have one and love it.
I have been shooting bowling pin matches regularly for over 25 years. I thought I had the ultimate pin gun when using a Magnaported 25-2. I was at a match with it when I broke the firing pin so a buddy let me use his V-Comp to finish the match.
I knew a lot of guys were using the 8 round V-Comp and considered it an advantage but I very seldom needed a reload so didn't consider them better than a 45 shooting 260gr RNFP.
I was wrong!
The 627 shot lighter and the heavy 38 wad cutters took the pins down as well as a 45. It didn't seem logical but it works.
It took me a while to find a reasonably priced new one during the summer of mostly peaceful protests but when I did I developed a 230gr WC load for it, got a custom compensator, smoothed out the internals and lightened the springs. It is now one of my best shooting revolvers ever.
I use Federal, Remington and Starline 38 spl. brass with .025 clips.
I think if you are looking for a long barrel racing revolver and can live with the new style black finish it is good right out of the box. If you tune it up a little it is great!

I also have it's little brother that is my favorite 357 Magnum ever.

 

[Beju]

I believe Minimum Advertised Price on a new one is $1599.99, and you can find them for as low as $1550 online if you shop around.

Completed Gunbroker auctions on 'basic' (not Jerry Miculek edition, not pre-lock) used 627 V-Comps that cleared reserves range from $1200-1300.

 

[roundgunner]

I believe Minimum Advertised Price on a new one is $1599.99, and you can find them for as low as $1550 online if you shop around.

Completed Gunbroker auctions on 'basic' (not Jerry Miculek edition, not pre-lock) used 627 V-Comps that cleared reserves range from $1200-1300.

That sounds right to me. I paid about that 5 years ago.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

I still have a 627 V COMP. I haven't shot it in years I think. I shoot the 327 R8 alot more. With comparable bullets for both.
The reason I shoot the R8 more is it's weight. All depending on the optic , around 36 oz. The V COMP is heavier.

The 627 can shoot all sorts of hot magnums easily. The 327 can also minus the weight. ..

 

[loony888]

I've just bought a new 627 V-Comp, two tone, with the lock as it's a brand new gun there's no choice in that.

But I went to this particular gun shop to buy it because it was 10% less than the next cheapest (big!) gun dealer that i usually use.

I walked in, not knowing anyone and asked if they had one, yep! the guy behind the counter brought out a battered old aluminium performance centre case and in it was an all stainless 627, because i'm an idiot i didn't quite understand what i was looking at, but it had Michalek grips and i can't recall if it had a lock but i don't think it did. It was pretty dirty, the cylinder didn't turn freely, the extractor was sticky and there were no Hogue grips or the replacement barrel cap in the box....
Because i'm not very experienced I'm nervous buying 2nd hand, gunsmiths here are scarce and expensive, very! expensive and i passed on it and ordered the new one.

Did i screw up? Is there any way of knowing if it's a Jerry Michalek edition and are they collectible etc?
Cheers

 

[Lou_the_welder]

I've just bought a new 627 V-Comp, two tone, with the lock as it's a brand new gun there's no choice in that.

But I went to this particular gun shop to buy it because it was 10% less than the next cheapest (big!) gun dealer that i usually use.

I walked in, not knowing anyone and asked if they had one, yep! the guy behind the counter brought out a battered old aluminium performance centre case and in it was an all stainless 627, because i'm an idiot i didn't quite understand what i was looking at, but it had Michalek grips and i can't recall if it had a lock but i don't think it did. It was pretty dirty, the cylinder didn't turn freely, the extractor was sticky and there were no Hogue grips or the replacement barrel cap in the box....
Because i'm not very experienced I'm nervous buying 2nd hand, gunsmiths here are scarce and expensive, very! expensive and i passed on it and ordered the new one.

Did i screw up? Is there any way of knowing if it's a Jerry Michalek edition and are they collectible etc?
Cheers

That one with the case sounds like one of the earlier V comps . Some think the ones with the cases are more valuable. And it may have been a prelock as you are describing it.
Is it rare and worth a million bucks? No. It may just be worth a little more than the going rate on a newer one. If it were Prelock of course.

I have the newer " pinto " version. As a backup to when my R8 is down. The 627 V COMP is a great gun, whatever the version.

The lock is a non issue in an N frame and I've never had one go out on an N frame. Besides, now that they're being phased out, they may become collectable.

 

[Smith_586]

I tend to disagree, I think the pre lock models are worth well above the newer models, the actions don’t compare to the pre lock by far, I had a pre lock example but someone jeweled the hammer and trigger.

 

[madmikeb]

I have a pre-lock that I've had for years. As has been said above it is an outstanding pin gun! I use the .025 clips and either Remington or Federal brass, didn't know Starline would work with these clips, maybe I can find some of that, Remington and Federal unprimed brass has been hard to come by.

627 is the top one, 629 is on bottom.