Questions on 327 TRR8 and or R8

[Droadz]

Before I pick up my lovely Trr8 from jail, I wanted to pose a question to my fellow Smith forums people. I want to buy some 38 and 357 rounds. I wanted to know from anyone who shoots the R8/TRR8...what do find these bad boys like to shoot? Ideally I'd like a brand that I could use for practice and HD, although I feel like any brand would work for HD. I've been eyeing Federal for 38 in either 130 or 158gr. Figured I'd probably stick with Federal for 357 too. I read the shells are good for reloading, which maybe I'll look into, but intimidates the **** out of me. Or do I buy a cheap brand at first to get usedto the gun then go the Federal route? Overall I have no idea about what good prices are or what brands are good for this gun....?

Appreciated any help!!

 

[TAC]

Before I pick up my lovely Trr8 from jail, I wanted to pose a question to my fellow Smith forums people. I want to buy some 38 and 357 rounds. I wanted to know from anyone who shoots the R8/TRR8...what do find these bad boys like to shoot?

When I first bought mine several years ago, I was feeding it Federal American Eagle (AE357A) .357 Magnum High Velocity 158GR. Jacketed S.P. Mostly because at the time, it was the cheapest I could find. I ran about 300 rounds of this through the gun for a break-in. After shot that, I shot what ever I wanted, and everything worked well.

Check your barrel retaining nut, on the two piece barrel, making sure it's not working lose. Being careful, not to change the barrel/cylinder gap, in the process. They've been know to loosen up, especially if the gun heats up good and hot.

 

[bigwheelzip]

If you enjoy shooting your new revolver, then the cost of feeding it plinking ammo may become more important than the name on the box. Buy a bunch of different brands, and see what your preference is.
Many people who shoot often, will use different ammo for plinking and self-defense.

Enjoy your new wheel gun.

PS: Prices, I'm plinking with Herters 158gr FMJ from Cabelas, with stacked 20% discounts, for $14/38SP & $16/.357.

 

[getoff]

mine didn't care what it shot. shot lots of whatever i could get. best defense type for mine was older Remington 158gr, SJSP. not exactly new technology, but seemed to be the thing it shot best with...

 

[Neumann]

The TRR8/R8 are very strong, and can handle nearly any magnum load with the possible exception of Buffalo Bore intended for an overbuilt Ruger. The cylinder is steel, and the barrel liner. The weight is 36 oz, but I am not uncomfortable shooting heavy loads. The TRR8 is the most accurate .357 I've owned, due perhaps to the exceptional trigger action, but I think the tuned barrel plays some role too. With heavy use, you may need to have Mr. Goodwrench re-tighten the barrel and adjust the cylinder clearance. S&W will not release the tools or specifications for this operation.

 

[TAC]

The TRR8/R8 are very strong, and can handle nearly any magnum load with the possible exception of Buffalo Bore intended for an overbuilt Ruger. With heavy use, you may need to have Mr. Goodwrench re-tighten the barrel and adjust the cylinder clearance. S&W will not release the tools or specifications for this operation.

I 'think' my TRR8 came with a tool for the barrel nut. But I can't be sure. I sold it many years ago, and I'm getting old.

However, I found this:

Smith & Wesson TRR8 327 Barrel Nut Wrench Tool .357

$34.95

Smith & Wesson TRR8 327 Barrel Nut Wrench Tool .357 - $34.95 : EWK Arms

 

[Droadz]

Nuemann why can't this gun handle BB ammo? I was thinking of using it while camping/hunting....

TAC you're the first I've heard where you get a tool, that's been a complaint. That you have to send it to Smith to get it tightened.NOW that's why I'm tempted to buy this tool on the of chance it works

 

[TAC]

Nuemann why can't this gun handle BB ammo? I was thinking of using it while camping/hunting....

TAC you're the first I've heard where you get a tool, that's been a complaint. That you have to send it to Smith to get it tightened.NOW that's why I'm tempted to buy this tool on the of chance it works

I bought one around the time they came out. S&W probably limits the availability so that people don't torque the barrel improperly, as well as adjusting the barrel gap properly.

 

[Jingles]

My R8 eats everything but I must admit my favorite load is a .38 special 148 grain wadcutter. As far as Buffalo Bore they make a few "Heavy" loads that can only be used in a few Rugers and a handful of specialty guns. If you like your hands you wouldn't want to shoot those loads anyway.

 

[TZZZ]

New to forum just one other post having to do with copper fouling in barrel of my pc 460 but back on the subject I also have a trr8 which I have run 38 special by UMC and magnum research 38 special and perfecta 38 special thru it withno problems I really like the trigger in single action very nice like my 686 -4 I have enjoyed reading the forum for the last two years

 

[Harkrader]

I have a TRR8 and a M&P R8. Actually, I am on Number 3 TRR8 because our charming children (LEO and professional military) nabbed the first two.

As Neuman said (above), mine handle any commercial ammo just fine and both are superbly accurate. My

I did have one serious problem with Tulammo, that has a steel case. Shot number two totally seized the gun and two of us had to use considerable force to get the cylinder open. I sent it to S&W and they replaced the cylinder bolt and hand.
I know plenty of people say they use it without problems, but it is banned from all my guns.

I reload, and aim for 1,300 fps with 125-gr SJHP bullets and the guns handle them just fine, too.

One unfortunate caveat: The barrel and shroud on my second TRR8 (subsequently nabbed by our professional military son) were loose and could be wiggled in the frame. I sent it to S&W. They scrapped the gun and sent me a new one. Sooo, I'd suggest checking that.

Either one is an occasional trail gun for me when I day-hike in the Colorado Rockies.

 

[TAC]

I have a TRR8 and a M&P R8.

One unfortunate caveat: The barrel and shroud on my second TRR8 (subsequently nabbed by our professional military son) were loose and could be wiggled in the frame. I sent it to S&W. They scrapped the gun and sent me a new one. Sooo, I'd suggest checking that.

That bother's me somewhat, especially coming from the S&W's PS. S&W had that barrel designed, and manufactured for them by Walther. I'm not sure if it was just the barrel tube, or the entire barrel assembly. I don't understand why S&W didn't make their own.

 

[rickjones]

My TRR8 is my absolute favorite for a couple years now. I go to the range often and have about 7,000 rds plus through it at this point. I fire a lot off 158 magnums through it and a ton of old police lead hand loads I picked up from a retired officer without ant problem. Between 5-6 thousand mark I did start getting hit in the face with some residue so I sent it in to smith for a tune up and they replaced the cylinder and barrel. Smith customer service was outstanding and I had my favorite back in two weeks good to go. My suggestion is to ride that thing hard and keep your maintenance up and you will have a lot of fun plus that safe feeling when it's on your hip. Best wheelgun I've ever owned paired with some great backing from smith. I plan on getting another when I hit 10k with this one....but you still can't have it lol!! Good luck and keep us posted. P.S. Please hit the small x at the top right of the "barrel tool" listing, if the builder wanted you to mess with it they would have put one in the box.

 

[Neumann]

Buffalo Bore makes some super-hot rounds, at least for .44 Magnum, which can only be used in a Ruger Super-Blackhawk. I don't know about .357. Any restrictions are listed in the promo information and on the box.

You can use any BB ammunition not specifically limited.

Mine came with a gold dot sight, which I replaced with a fiber optic version. The front blade is spring loaded and easily changed. The gold dot is nice for acquisition, but confusing under typical range lighting. Meprolight makes a tritium version.

After shooting the TRR8, I wish Smith still made the 3" Night Guard (steel cylinder). A 5" barrel is definitely for OWB only.

 

[Matixten]

I have both the R8 and TRR8 because I couldn't decided what look I preferred at the time.

Thankfully when I first started putting ammo through them I was using Federal 158GRN LRN. I have stayed with the same grain and use SWC.

Like other members here these are very accurate and I have added a vortex razor red dot on one. Contemplating on sending it out to get ported so I can shoot like Miculek.