Range report: 627 Performance Center

[BenR]

Here's a somewhat brief range report on this fine gun.

I was able to shoot nearly 100 rounds through this magnificent revolver in the time I had at the range the other day. Not a single thing to complain about. I fed it a variety of loads:

- Federal LE Tactical Hydra-Shok 158 gr. JHP
- Speer LE Gold Dot 158 gr. JHP
- Corbon 140 gr. JHP
- CCI Blazer 158 gr. JHP

The 627 Performance Center slammed the heavier loads downrange with ease. If you've shot these, you know what I mean when I say slammed.

Accuracy was excellent, its balance couldn't be beat, and the trigger pull was pure silk in double and single action. I was surprised that the stock grips were so comfortable.

I didn't notice much of a difference in felt recoil between the three premium brands of ammo. The CCI Blazers were absolute pussycats in comparison and would likely be a better choice for spending a really long day refining skills at the range. Their price point is good, but there's no free lunch. The aluminum-cased Blazers were dirty, so to speak, in comparison to the premium rounds. That being said, they presented absolutely no performance problems, and consistency from round to round was great.

The S&W 627 PC is one hell of a revolver. It grabs attention at the range with its bold appearance, and it's tough to put down once you've cleared a cylinder. I'm convinced this gun will shoot anything you feed it. This wheelgun gives the competent shooter a solid, balanced, accurate, and reliable tool for a variety of applications, and it gives the novice shooter a luxurious introduction to the venerable .357 Magnum.

 

[qballwill]

I love the silver grips, I just wish the Eagles were large enough for my hands. They punish me when i shoot magnums out of mine. Congrats on your gun

 

[Stainz]

I bought the first of the re-release of the 2 5/8" PC 627 UDR that hit town in early April, 2010. I hated the grips - needed 'more' - and better quality, as two early sets were defective. I loved the revolver - so much, I sold an old friend to fund a second one by October 2010. Similarly gripped, they are indeed great shooters. One is kept for the ultimate in protectors - the other is a range gun. Here are my pair:

The holster was made by Ray Cory of Lobo Leather - great fit! The grips came from S&W Accessories. Admittedly, my pair see's .38's - some +P's - and only mild loads in .357M cases. It is, without a doubt, my favorite firearm. I cannot miss with it - even the SPC targets - it's more accurate there than my 4" 627 Pro! Loads super with the Fivestarfirearms.com speedloaders - or moonclips. Glad to find another fan - congratulations!

Stainz

 

[BenR]

I loved the revolver - so much, I sold an old friend to fund a second one by October 2010.... Loads super with the Fivestarfirearms.com speedloaders - or moonclips. Glad to find another fan - congratulations!

Stainz

Thanks! I can see the logic behind owning two. I'd already like to have another! I like those grips a lot and understand they're not readily available anymore. That's a shame. The fit and finish on the stock grips are great on my gun, so no real complaints there. Still, I might try a few different pairs of shoes for it. Glad to hear that the 5 Star is good for this revolver. I've had one on my wish list since this gun arrived.

 

[.357magger]

Also a fan of this GREAT revolver. Don't know that I want two of them...but sure am thinking of adding the .44 mag variant as a cousin if you will. I agree that they turn heads at the range too. Have had several requests to give it a try when shooting this one.

Here's mine, Plugged and fitted with a factory shipped fluted cylinder rather than the unfluted variety. I got this one from a forum member and I believe his info that this one shipped fluted. Wearing Ahrends RB Combats as an alternative shoe choice.

Sorry for the pic quality, new digital on the list as anniversary present in a few months...

 

[ladder13]

Beauties, guys! One of very very few locked guns I would consider buying. If I run into one, it may come home with me.

 

[BenR]

Wearing Ahrends RB Combats as an alternative shoe choice.

I like those grips a lot. Gives me something to think about.

 

[CWH44300]

ya its a cool looking snub nice report on it too.....ha ha

 

[.357magger]

I like those grips a lot. Gives me something to think about.

Ben,

Don't get me wrong, I like the Eagle's they ship with too. The Ahrends just extends maybe, maybe, another 1/8" inch or so and lets your pinkie finger hang on too. I can manage with the Eagles, but I only get half of that finger on it and I have to "squish" my hand tight to make it work.

To each their own.

Oddly enough, it shipped to me wearing the ones Stainz has on his and I found those to be just a tad too long. Go figure.

 

[XTrooper]

I absolutely love this revolver. I've owned, shot, and carried revolvers, on and off duty, for over 40 years now and this is one of the very best I've come across.

Regarding grips, I found the Eagle Secret Service grips it came with to be too small for me. Mine usually wears these Ahrends Retro Combats. I keep it loaded with Federal .357 Magnum 158gr Hydra-Shoks.

 

[Stainz]

I got my second set of those 'N RD Walnut for Perf Center' grips, SKU #414170000, as both of mine sport in the picture, in March. I have since told several other folks the part number - who have also succesfully ordered them. They are not always 'in stock', but the wait won't be long. They were <$60 with s/h & s/t.

Interesting side note re the original Eagle boots - they were made to fit the 'transitional' frame mounted fp N-frames - '98-2001, which were the same grip front radii as the hammer mounted RB N-frames. By '01, that radii had changed. Oddly, current Ahrends grips fit them all - but the older Eagle boots have a gap at the front & top. They fit my older 625-6, '96-vintage, perfectly. I guess they were getting rid of 'old stock' - they finally did send me a pair of the OEM Eagles that fit perfectly - and I didn't like them! Go figure...

Stainz

 

[ladder13]

I absolutely love this revolver. I've owned, shot, and carried revolvers, on and off duty, for over 40 years now and this is one of the very best I've come across.

Regarding grips, I found the Eagle Secret Service grips it came with to be too small for me. Mine usually wears these Ahrends Retro Combats. I keep it loaded with Federal .357 Magnum 158gr Hydra-Shoks.

Steve, love that speedloader too!

 

[6pack]

Excellent gun and great report. The grips Stainz recommended came in last week. Probably a couple more weeks on the gun and Lobo leather.

Most of my gun funds just went into a new pair of 1911 pistols that I had to have!!!!!

Sweet gun. Hope he trigger is as good as my other Perf.Cent. wheelgun!!!!

 

[firewire]

It's my favorite in my (small) collection too. I am shocked at the accuracy as well. Maybe it's the weight helping I don't know, but it gives me confidence in addition to it's "Performance"!

Since mine is also the recent (627-5) iteration, I bought a "plug" but haven't installed it. I mostly bought it just to have "in case".

One thing you might note, in other threads on this forum, is that there seems to be no rhyme or reason, but there are two different front sights being used from the factory. Look at Stainz and .357magger's photo's for the other style.

Photography is my other hobby, so here is a fun "staged" pic with a 5 Star Speedloaders bedside block. I put .38 spl target ammo in the speed loaders and realize now I should have put something more eye catching like Hornady .357 "Critical Defense" since those have a red tip, copper bullet, and silver case. Might have made a nice "pop" to this pic. Next time!

 

[Shooting4life]

They are a lot of fun at the range. I replaced my grips with a set of combats.

 

[XTrooper]

Steve, love that speedloader too!

Thanks! They work great too!

 

[Stainz]

Re those speedloaders, I ordered the same bedside set, a speedloader and a 2 x 8 baseplate, too - and, so I could just exceed a C-note and get 'free' s/h, I ordered the range kit - two more speedloaders and an 8 x 8 baseplate. That is a work of techno-art... but I haven't used it - yet. Having three speedloaders that work with any case ammo - just use similar OAL - is great. The moonclips are nice, too - but persnickety as to case brand.

Stainz

 

[BenR]

I'm giving the range block serious consideration. It looks like a nicely made rig, and you can't beat having two of those speedloaders.

 

[turbo38gn]

I'm hooked... great looking guns, but just as important, I shot my first one at S&W Shooting Range last night... Holy 627... this gun is now on the top of my list.. what a great shooter. It shot better than my new to me ole 10-7, 3".. This PC627 was a range gun... I shot it in DA... that is one smooth shooting gun...

 

[6pack]

It's my favorite in my (small) collection too. I am shocked at the accuracy as well. Maybe it's the weight helping I don't know, but it gives me confidence in addition to it's "Performance"!

Since mine is also the recent (627-5) iteration, I bought a "plug" but haven't installed it. I mostly bought it just to have "in case".

One thing you might note, in other threads on this forum, is that there seems to be no rhyme or reason, but there are two different front sights being used from the factory. Look at Stainz and .357magger's photo's for the other style.

Photography is my other hobby, so here is a fun "staged" pic with a 5 Star Speedloaders bedside block. I put .38 spl target ammo in the speed loaders and realize now I should have put something more eye catching like Hornady .357 "Critical Defense" since those have a red tip, copper bullet, and silver case. Might have made a nice "pop" to this pic. Next time!

Very sweet picture!!!

You guys are killing me. I'm slowly but surely paying my gun dealer for my 627pc. In the past month I've spent too dang much money, though....most of it registered on the wife's radar, too. ARGGGGGGGGHHHHH.


New gunsafe to expand secured fireproof storage:

Two new bottom feeders that I just couldn't live without:

Outpaitent surgery (minor) last Thursday....with my part after insurance cost me $725....ouch.

Refexa (spelling) injections ordered for both knees....$231 out of pocket. Cost for doctor to shoot the stuff in is still an unknown.

Lobo leather ordered for my "soon" to come 627pc.....$70.

Replacement grips from S&W arrived.....another $50.

Stocking up on 357 range fodder and carry ammo.....more $$$ I did find a pretty good salesprice on the Hornady Critical Defense load and now have a couple of boxes in 38spcl, .357mag and 45acp. Stuff runs great in my bottom feeders and no worries or trouble through my beloved 442.

Oh well.....enough of my griping. I'm savoring the wait, actually. My other S&W Perf Cent wheelgun has the same sights and the smoothest trigger I own on any gun. So looking forward to getting lots of range time with this 627.

The Perf Cent guns I've handled have really reinvigorated my passion for wheelguns.

I've got your pics and range reports to drool over as the gear slowly arrives for my gun. I should be under a month on getting the gun in my grubby paws.


Keep this thread alive and kicking guys. Love these N-frame wheelguns.