Please help me decide: 28-9 or 627 pro?

[American1776]

I love 4 inch N-frames. That said, yesterday I was at a LGS, and I happened to take a look at a few new stainless J-frames. I was AMAZED. The new S&W's that I examined had incredible fit and finish. Cylinder lock-up were absolutely tight.

So I'm thinking on getting either one of these new:
1) Model 27-9, 4 inch. That's the blued re-release of the M27 Classic series.

2) Model 627 Pro series, 4 inch. That's the 8 shot.

I really love the checkered top and classic features of the 27-9. If I got this one, I'd probably put bonded ivory grips on it for the 'Patton' effect. It's a piece of history.

I also really like that the M627 Pro is an 8-shot .357 magnum. That's a great self-defense package. It's the same amount of firepower as the vaunted 1911.

This will be a carry and defensive revolver. Anyone who has one of these (or both), I'd appreciate comparisons and thoughts. It comes down to classic or new, I suppose.

 

[murphydog]

If you are going to commit to regularly carrying a 4" N frame .357, I would opt for the 627 for the reason you mentioned, 8 instead of 6 rounds. Also I recall examining a recent production model 27 and the top strap "checkering" was not as in the old days; it appeared impressed and I was not .

One of the stainless J frames you saw would be much easier to carry (and more likely to be carried).

 

[epj]

I have a 627 Pro, which is a super piece of equipment. Maybe rather have an original 27 instead, but not the repo. Maybe rather, but not necessarily. 8 shots, moon clip ready, super accurate. Not much there not to like, unless you just don't like the Pro's barrel contour.

 

[American1776]

If you are going to commit to regularly carrying a 4" N frame .357, I would opt for the 627 for the reason you mentioned, 8 instead of 6 rounds. Also I recall examining a recent production model 27 and the top strap "checkering" was not as in the old days; it appeared impressed and I was not .

One of the stainless J frames you saw would be much easier to carry (and more likely to be carried).

Thanks for the advice! I was wondering about the checkering.

I currently carry a M657 performance center .41 magnum everyday, and that replaced a model 58 .41 mag. N-frames are what I typically carry. In the pocket is usually a PPK/S, so I've got the pocket gun settled.

The stainless finish on the 627 would be lower maintenance too.

 

[American1776]

I have a 627 Pro, which is a super piece of equipment. Maybe rather have an original 27 instead, but not the repo. Maybe rather, but not necessarily. 8 shots, moon clip ready, super accurate. Not much there not to like, unless you just don't like the Pro's barrel contour.

Sounds like a cool defensive handgun. I like that barrel contour. Not sure yet on the 'sloping' ejector shroud. Looks 'futuristic'. I'm a traditionalist, mostly. But the 8 shots do really make it appealing.

Are their any specific timing issues with the 8 shot over the 6?

 

[colt_saa]

I love 4 inch N-frames. That said, yesterday I was at a LGS, and I happened to take a look at a few new stainless J-frames. I was AMAZED. The new S&W's that I examined had incredible fit and finish. Cylinder lock-up were absolutely tight.

So I'm thinking on getting either one of these new:
1) Model 27-9, 4 inch. That's the blued re-release of the M27 Classic series.

2) Model 627 Pro series, 4 inch. That's the 8 shot.

I really love the checkered top and classic features of the 27-9. If I got this one, I'd probably put bonded ivory grips on it for the 'Patton' effect. It's a piece of history.

I also really like that the M627 Pro is an 8-shot .357 magnum. That's a great self-defense package. It's the same amount of firepower as the vaunted 1911.

This will be a carry and defensive revolver. Anyone who has one of these (or both), I'd appreciate comparisons and thoughts. It comes down to classic or new, I suppose.

The 8 shot model 27s have been produced in both blue and nickel.

Here are the blue ones

​

I only have Ivory on one of my 27s, but it is the same length as Patton's, 3 1/2"

​

Here is Patton's hand signed order for that revolver. The grips were added after it left S&W

​

 

[DR505]

Thanks for the advice! I was wondering about the checkering.

I currently carry a M657 performance center .41 magnum everyday, and that replaced a model 58 .41 mag. N-frames are what I typically carry. In the pocket is usually a PPK/S, so I've got the pocket gun settled.

The stainless finish on the 627 would be lower maintenance too.

Why step down to a .357 from your .41? I'm confused. If I am carrying an N-Frame, it is usually a 3" 657.

 

[American1776]

Why step down to a .357 from your .41? I'm confused. If I am carrying an N-Frame, it is usually a 3" 657.

Good question. I like to have both as options. My 657 2.6" performance center gun is a wonderful carry gun. Got a Galco High ride and I don't really notice it.

But, I like the versatility of the .357 4 inch N-frame. .38 spls. are abundant and low recoil. It's also cheap to shoot. The 125 gr. JHP @ 1,500 ft/s from the 4 inch barrel is a nice option to have, even though I like the 210 gr. Gold Dots in my .41

I see both revolvers filling the same defensive role, just in different styles. I like both

 

[CScott]

I've had my 627 Pro for about 3 years now. I shoot it a lot and like it a lot. I prefer the looks of the classic Smiths like the 27's etc. but the 627 isn't exactly ugly either. If you are serious about using it for personal defense, go with the 627 Pro. If you want a classic to shoot or collect, find an original 27 (or 24, or 58, or ?).
I have had no functional issues with mine at all. I usually shoot 158 gr LSWC handloads or 158 gr JSP factory ammo, all very accurate. After a couple thousand rounds I even trust the IL (which I never use). I did find out that I needed a little more "crimp" on my handloads to prevent bullets from pulling out on cylinders #7 and 8.
Eight rounds loaded and 2 or 3 backup full moon clips is a bunch of .357.
I usually have mine with me along with whatever else I want to shoot. In fact, I just usually have mine with me no matter what.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

I second that. Ive had a #7 38 special creep out. If you handload: make sure they're good crimps and change old cases often.
I was using my 627 one afternoon and the seventh bullet popped out and spilled all the powder all over. Couldnt turn the cylinder for a bit as the bullet lodged itself between the barrel and the cylinder. Fun times! You'll never have these issues with a 6 shot!

 

[dwever]

I also really like that the M627 Pro is an 8-shot .357 magnum. That's a great self-defense package. It's the same amount of firepower as the vaunted 1911.

Without the 1911's high maintenance and reliability issues.

As a carry and defensive revolver I recommend the PC 627 w/2.625" barrel with either a Galco Combat Master or Galco High Ride Silhouette the latter giving you retention. The PC 627 is not called the Ultimate Defensive Revolver for nothing.

 

[GunarSailors]

The topstrap is not quite what it used to be... but its still one of my favorites.

 

[OldGoat]

Get the older classic 27 - the chance to get one may not come along for quite awhile. Begin to save up to get the newer 627 - which will be around now for quite awhile. Don't pass up a chance to own a piece of history in the 27. Regards, Ed

 

[dwever]

Get the older classic 27 - the chance to get one may not come along for quite awhile. Begin to save up to get the newer 627 - which will be around now for quite awhile. Don't pass up a chance to own a piece of history in the 27. Regards, Ed

Problem is, the OP stated, "This will be a carry and defensive revolver." So in this case, function over form, 8 over 6.

 

[thomasinaz]

If you're carrying an N frame for defense, the 8 shot 627 Pro makes more sense from a firepower perspective. 8 rounds in a gun that used to only carry 6 is a good thing. The double action trigger stroke is a little shorter for the 8 round wheel gun, and on mine it's very smooth. Add to this the 8 round gun comes set up to shoot moon clipped rounds or non-clipped rounds. You can carry reloads in clips, speed loaders, speed strips, or an ammo wallet, whichever you prefer. IMHO the 627 Pro brought the defensive revolver into the 21st century, in a good way. Gotta have a pic...

 

[American1776]

Great photos! thanks for the advice. There's the point about the 27-9 not being available forever. I really need to consider how much I'll regret it when they all the new stock dries up.

Then again, that 8 shot cylinder really makes the revolver a modern sidearm.

 

[GunarSailors]

Eight shots is mighty nice... That's why I went with the 27-8 Performance Center 5 inch eight shot. Number 132 of 258. I prefer the traditional barrel and in blue.

 

[colt_saa]

Not to throw a monkey into the wrench here, but for a carry gun, have you considered any of the 327s?

The 327 has the benefit of the N-frame size and the 8 shot cylinder with the weight of a model 19/66 or less.

The 327NG is a great snubby

For something more full size the 327 TRR8 is a good choice with it's 5" barrel

For even lighter weight, one of the models with the Titanium cylinder and barrel shroud is tough to beat

Now the Scandium framed revolvers do loose the checkered topstrap, but you can carry one all day

 

[American1776]

Not to throw a monkey into the wrench here, but for a carry gun, have you considered any of the 327s?

The 327 has the benefit of the N-frame size and the 8 shot cylinder with the weight of a model 19/66 or less.

The 327NG is a great snubby

For something more full size the 327 TRR8 is a good choice with it's 5" barrel

For even lighter weight, one of the models with the Titanium cylinder and barrel shroud is tough to beat

Now the Scandium framed revolvers do loose the checkered topstrap, but you can carry one all day

Thanks for the suggestion! Those are awesome revolvers. Something tells me you have a museum-like collection

I've decided to stick with steel frames for this next gun. Nothing against the space-aged materials. I just prefer the 'heft' of a steel gun. And frankly, I don't mind the weight on my belt.

 

[mg357]

I am kind of torn on the one hand the 627 pro has 8 rounds of .357 magnum. But on the other hand the Model 27 which is a nice gun and is also chambered in .357 magnum

but you have 6 rounds instead of eight it is also a blued gun the finish will take a beating if it carried a lot and it will get damaged by sweat and holster wear.

And for those reasons I am going to suggest the model 627 its an 8 shot and its stainless steel so it can really take a beating.