Now I'm torn 627PC and 686+ 3" Talo?

[RetLawman590]

Hi,

I had pretty much decided on the performance center 627 .357 8 shot. Recently saw a pic of the 3" 686+ Talo 7 shot .357. Now I am torn. I've read the Talo version has a forged hammer and trigger along with those really nice grips. I think it may actually be a little easier to conceal because of the smaller L frame even with the slightly longer barrel. Thinking recoil and follow up shots should be about the same. What do you guys think? The 627PC is about $100 more. I also have Med sized mitts and know the L frame fits me like a glove. The N frame will be dependent on what grips I go with.

 

[Snowbandit]

I generally prefer N-frames but, in this case I would have to go with the 686 because I don't like the unfinished looks of the unfluted cylinders. And that's what it's going to have to come down to for you too. Both are very fine revolvers. Which ever one happens to suit your taste is the one you should probably get.

 

[jessegpresley]

The 627 is going to have a Performance Center trigger. I have this 627 and a 686-3 2.5". I enjoy shooting the PC more. Winners, either way though. Dig those Talo grips. Wonder who makes'em?

 

[choppers]

I have them both also. I use the 627 for carry and the 686 for target work. I had the cylinder polished on the 627 and it looks real sweet. I did it because it's easier to clean then the bead blast finish. There both great guns but I like the 627 better for carry and looks.

 

[Neal]

Easy decision. For concealed carry I would go with the 686+.

 

[cobra44]

I like the 627 for carry. You can get it in the fluted cylinder model also. With either one you cannot go wrong.

 

[exfebee]

I also have both the 686-4 & the 627PC. Like them both equally as well. Have the DeSantis thumb break holster for the 627 & waiting for the same style holster for my 686-4. The 686 is in a Galco holster at the present time. With a good gun belt both guns carry well. A good set of S&W grips is essential on each. The N-Frame was not a problem getting used to & fits well. There is really no kick to low recoil with the 627 shooting 357 ammo. I think theres more kick with the 686 firing the same 357. Both are great guns. Here couple pics for comparison. Good luck.
Carl

 

[RetLawman590]

Boy, you guys aren't making this decision any easier.

 

[BillyWayne]

I have the 686 Talo and a NG 327. Both are easy to conceal. I do not like the Talo grips. The cuts in the grips do not feel comfortable at all. I changed the grips and am now a happy camper. As for N frames I need grips that do not cover the backstrap. I have shorter fingers so reach becomes an issue. I would get the 627 PC. You can always find a 686 3". The 627PC is a bit harder to find and comes with a better trigger. Let us know what you decide.

 

[NavyFrank]

Carl where did you get the speedload holders and holster. They look great. Frank Jr.

 

[exfebee]

Frank Jr,

I got both the speed loader pouches & holster from Optics Planet. Speed Loaders are 5-Star. Pouches are DeSantis Sku #: A35TJUUZ0 and holster is DeSantis Sku #: 001TD43Z0 Left Hand-Tan-Lined. Thanks.
Carl

 

[RetLawman590]

I have the 686 Talo and a NG 327. Both are easy to conceal. I do not like the Talo grips. The cuts in the grips do not feel comfortable at all. I changed the grips and am now a happy camper. As for N frames I need grips that do not cover the backstrap. I have shorter fingers so reach becomes an issue. I would get the 627 PC. You can always find a 686 3". The 627PC is a bit harder to find and comes with a better trigger. Let us know what you decide.

Thanks, what grips did you change to on the 686. I also know if I go with an N frame I am also going to need grips that don't cover the backstrap. Any recommendations? I think Hogue rubber rounded do not. Thanks

 

[remat457]

As for N frames I need grips that do not cover the backstrap. I have shorter fingers so reach becomes an issue. I would get the 627 PC. You can always find a 686 3". The 627PC is a bit harder to find and comes with a better trigger. Let us know what you decide.

+1; on both counts, I find the N-framed NG's with the full rubber grips make the trigger reach just a little too long while the L's fit fine.

Personally, I like the unfluted cylinder on the 627 too.

 

[teufelhunden]

OK, I've obviously been out of touch... What is the Talo 686? I have been looking at the standard 686 with 3" barrel, but the Talo is new to me. I like it.

exfebe - nice photography!

 

[teufelhunden]

Please disregard my previous question about Talo. I have educated myself. Nice looking gun, that 686 Talo. Very nice.

 

[BillyWayne]

@RetLawman590 I ended up putting a Hogue Bantam on the 686. It is minimal and good for concealment. The rubber absorbs the recoil of the heavier defensive loads. On the N frame 327 I put on a set of Ahrends. They feel great in the hand.

 

[blastfact]

I had a decision to make sort of like this, just a few weeks ago.

I found I could get a 3" or 6" 686P Talo through my new FFL buddy for $675 each NIB OTD. The 3" would be the wifes first pistol ever. Her learning tool and HD pistol. She does not want to carry at all. The 6" would be my new hunting toy.

But she did not like the size of the 686P. Just to big for her. She's a girly girl for sure. So it was a 60 pro she went with. Cost the same as the Talo's from the new FFL buddy. I decided I wanted the 6" Talo. I knew there was one in Tulsa at a LGS. But they wanted $719 for it plus tax! They had the darn thing for 2 or 3 months that I knew of. They would not deal on it one bit.

That Sat. morning I got up put $700 in my wallet. Told the wife I'm going shopping. If I don't find something at a good price NIB I will order the Talo. First stop I found my new 4" 686P for $550 OTD. Call it a scratch and dent sale. I knew for a fact they had my pistol and two others since first quarter of 09.

If your recoil sensitive replace the wood stocks with a handicap rubber grip. I can't wait to get real stocks on my new 686P. The wood stocks on the wifes 60 pro are great. Retail .357's gave the wife some issues. But full house max reloads were not a issue at all with me and the little 60.

As for the PC pistol. I've found nothing in a PC pistol that warrants the already high price of most current S&W products.

Get the Talo and make it yours. Or surprise yourself with something else.

 

[6pack]

Boy, you guys aren't making this decision any easier.

You already like the L-frame. You like the grips, too.

If you buy the N-frame then you'll be paying $100 more and then buying grips for it.

Seems easy to me.

 

[madstabber]

the 627 is the way to go I have 1 and love it. my buddy has the 686 and its a nice gun but the trigger on the 627 puts it over the top.

 

[dwever]

I agree regarding the 627 trigger - that is a pretty clear deciding point if everything else is more or less equal.

For me, I also prefer the 627 for the N-frame and the 8-shot.

 

[bsms]

I didn't like the TALO grips - look great, but the finger grooves don't fit my hand. I bought a set of Ahrends off of ebay, and they fit my size 8 hand great.

All other things being equal, I'd go with the N-frame...but it is a bit big for carry, IMHO. Not unbearable, but big.

BTW - the brown grips in the pic below are also Ahrends, but the grips bought via Brownells turned out to be chocolate bar brown, and I wanted more flash for the only L-frame I own...

 

[Jimmymac46]

The 686 three inch handles very much like the 696, a serious favorite of mine.....so I would go with the 'L' frame. They have 'K' frame grips, all kinds of after market stuff available, and they are slightly but generally easier to conceal. Arguably, the 686 is the most accurate revolver without modification Smith has every made. Again, go with the 686, you really can't go wrong. A custom trigger is always a plus, but Smith triggers in 'L' frames are hard to beat out of the box. Good luck.

 

[Stainz]

For a CCW, I prefer my pocket holstered 24/7 friend - a 642 . Now, I like my 5" h-l 686+, but I love my 627 Pro and PC627 UDR. For range use, both are great. For belt holster carry, either would be nice. I would get the PC 627 UDR without hesitation. Mine is a keeper... may even get a sibling - as a bedside gun! Moonclip ready, eased chambers, PC Shop trigger, etc, great deal. Okay, the Eagle boots generally don't fit the current N-frame gripframe properly, but that's S&W's fault. It's too big for a boot grip anyway - good grips help. Keeper!

Stainz

 

[Revolver King]

627 or 686

I like N frames as long as they have at lease a 4" barrel or longer. For carry I prefer 3" 686. I don't like barrel shorter then 3" because of the shorter ejector rods. The only revolver I own with less then 3" barrel is a 242. I am not sure why I keep it around, maybe because it is moon clip capable.