I see on Grab A Gun that there's a $200.00+ difference in price between the Pro and the PC version. So other than a one inch longer barrel and wood grips what do you get for the extra money on the PC ?
Just wanting a range toy. No concealed carry.
There has only been one configuration of 627 Pro, so we know which firearm you are talking about
However there have been over a dozen variations of the 627 that were produced by the Performance Center.
Most of us would be guessing that you are looking at product code 170210, which is one of the 5" offerings.
The major difference between a production/Pro firearm and a Performance Center one is that they are made in different facilities, on different machines, with different tooling and different programming. They may look similar, but they are not the same gun with just a barrel swap.
A PRO series firearm is a firearm that came from the production side of Smith and Wesson and had some features added by the Performance Center.
A Performance Center firearm is total built by the Performance Center on their own CNC mills with Performance Center CNC code.
PRO series firearms are great values. No one can argue that. In the case of the 627 Pro you get a better barrel and a cylinder machined for moon clips. The 627 Pro is truly a bargain among Smith and Wesson offerings
PC firearms are built to tighter tolerances. Tooling on the mills is replaced more frequently to assure those tolerances. This adds to the cost. It also adds to the accuracy. Can every shooter see that difference on the firing line? Of course not. In truth probably less than 10% of the shooters out there will be able to take advantage of that difference.
There are other differences as well. There is more hand fitting and polishing with a PC firearm. Often special grips are used. Sometimes better finishes and other things.
Is it worth the monetary difference? It is to me. However it won't be to everybody.
Smith and Wesson single action trigger break is almost always spectacular
As to which has a better double action "out of the box", I do not believe that it matters. You can take 20 of the exact same model and you will get 20 different feels for the double action "out of the box"
Wait until that action has broken into itself and then make your evaluation.
When I get a new revolver (factory new, not new to me), I fill it with snap caps and continuously pull the trigger while watching the evening news. After a month of doing this two things have occurred, the action is now as smooth as can be and my trigger finger is a little stronger
I am a big lover of all variations of the 27/327/627 family of revolvers. While the 6 shot wheel guns are great
I think the coming to life of the 8 shot 357 Magnum is just amazing. I am probably a bigger fan of the modern 8 shot Model 27/327/627 family of revolvers than I am of a 50s or 60s 357 Magnum
All of that being said, I probably have not helped your decision making process
I can tell you that it will be difficult for you to be unhappy with whichever 627 you end up owning
I wish that S&W would come out with another run of traditionally barreled carbon steel model 27's, preferably in a 5" barrel; I would be on one like white or rice no matter the barrel length though.
6-shot or 8-shot, they are the finest guns produced by S&W (my somewhat biased opinion).
