S&W 627 PC vs S&W 686 PS

[HsHrt101]

Greetings from Tucson, AZ!
This is my first post, but have been reading comments for months. S&W is my favorite manufacturer. I want (preferably) an 8 shot revolver that will shoot both 38 SPC +P and 357 Magnum ammo. All you experts out there-- please give me feedback on the pros and cons between the 627 performance and the 686 pro. Plus, barrel length and suggestions. Thank you! Note: I am a 5'3" woman, but very strong. Of course, the less recoil the better, though ;-)
-T

 

[Bobmar]

HsHrt101: The 627 is an N frame and the 686 is an L frame with a K frame size grip. Try each size first to see what fits your grip. The round butt may fit differently that square. The rest is which you like better. If it doesn't fit nothing else matters. Bob

 

[Gorenut]

Went through the same dilemma and ended up with the 627 PC simply because I found one at a killer price and I've always wanted one. Its one of the holy grail revolvers for me simply because there aren't many other wheelguns like it. 8 shooter is just too cool to pass up. Can't go wrong with either though. If you prefer a smaller one, definitely go with the 686.

 

[Reevolvers]

don't forget the 627 Pro Series. Its an 8 shot like the performance center but with a 4 inch barrel like the pro series 686 SSR. I personally have both the performance center 627, and the pro series 686SSR. I think that the 686 pro is the better buy overall. I base this on price to features ratio. The 686 is NASTY ACCURATE for less money! It is overall more handy than the jumbo 5 inch 627 PC. I will never part with the 686. Likely I won't part with the Performance center either. However if one HAD to go. The 686 will stay no doubt. I put 250 rounds through it today as a matter of fact. All hit their target with ease. Best gun going I say!

 

[gr7070]

First and foremost, at 5'-3" it's likely the 627 grip will be too large for you and too uncomfortable a reach to the trigger. That alone is enough to make your choice.

About the only thing the 627 has on the 686 is the extra two rounds. Unless you have a legit need for the extra two rounds this isn't a factor, and in some cases thoses extra rounds are a significant detractor.

At your size and gender you really need to handle them before you buy.

 

[HsHrt101]

Thank you all

Thank you all for your input. I really appreciate it! Even though I am only 5'3", my hands are as large as my 6 foot brother! (And I wear a size 10 men's boot!) lol... I guess I need to find a shop that has both and handle each one. I would think the longer 627 would lessen the recoil when shooting the 357 mag ammo. What does "SSR" stand for? Please let me know if any of you from AZ or nearby find a "killer" deal on either model that you don't snatch up yourselves
-T
P.S. Was doing some research and ran across this one: S&W M&P R8 357 Magnum 5"
Any comments, experiences, etc. with this baby? Looks sweet!

 

[gr7070]

Depending upon your brothers hands, the 686 should fit very well, and the 627 might be just fine or just a hair big but still plenty doable.

I've shot 4" and 6" 686s side by side and can't perceive any difference in felt recoil and the amount of muzzle flip after the trigger is pulled. There is a lot of difference in their balance and feel prior to pulling the trigger but I can't tell a difference during the recoil.

SSR stands for Stock Service Revolver. It's taken from a popular (and very fun) action pistol game called IDPA. Something the 686 would work well in, but the 627 for all intents and purposes is not an option.

The R8 is largely an expensive scandium version of the 627. Some folks report they don't hold up as well as all steel frames under very large round counts; some have no issues with the same counts??? I would assume it'll last many decades or lifetimes with a few thousand rounds a year. If not, there's a lifetime warranty.

 

[gr7070]

What's your intended use?

Any interest in games?

 

[Reevolvers]

I tell people that the SSR stands for Super Sexy Redneck! Though gr7070 is correct it stands for Stock Service Revolver. I would also advise you to handle all of these choices before you buy. The 686 SSR is the best handling Smith and Wesson made in recent years. If you really like the size of the N-Frame 627 then it would be a good choice. Kinda like buying a Cowboy Hat.... Its an extremely personal choice! You will have to decide which works best for you.

Brandon

 

[Lefkiguy]

I picked up a used 627 pc a couple of years ago and really didn't like the combat grips it had, gun seemed to want to nose down out of my hand because of the round butt configuration. I picked up a Miculek style grip and it feels and shoots great, that might be an option for you if you go with the 627.

 

[gr7070]

I picked up a used 627 pc a couple of years ago and really didn't like the combat grips it had, gun seemed to want to nose down out of my hand because of the round butt configuration.

Same experience here with my 5" 627-PC. I went with the ubiquitous rubber Hogue monogrips though.

It's a great gun, and I greatly enjoy for what I bought it for, but it pales in comparison to my K & L frames (OP, the 686 is an L-frame, if it hadn't been stated yet).

 

[Poohgyrr]

Grips can really make a difference in comfort & accuracy when shooting revolvers. I don't know any way to find out what works - other than trying them out. The right wood grip can even work better than the wrong rubber grip.... Might sound backwards, but that's what has happened to me; go figure....

Otherwise, if you prefer an eight shooter and have the time to look and wait, there are four inchers and some 3 1/2"ers (used) available out there.

IDPA rules only let us load six rounds, which might explain why the 686SSR only holds six, when the same size 686+ model holds seven...

But if there are any ICORE competitions in your area, they will let you use however many rounds will fit in your wheelgun.

The S&W 357/38 is a great revolver; learning to shoot one of these is never a mistake.


Here is a pair of S&W's wearing good wood grips, the snub M66 also does well with the Pachy Compacs mentioned above:


And one of the eight shot 3 1/2"ers wearing good wood grips:

 

[627 city hunter]

Poohgyrr,

How did you make that an 8 shot (the black one with wood grips
and 3 1/2" barrel)? By simply switching cylinders and hardware?

I am really interested.

 

[leviathon]

Poohgyrr,

How did you make that an 8 shot (the black one with wood grips
and 3 1/2" barrel)? By simply switching cylinders and hardware?

I am really interested.

I too am interested. I love a 3.5inch bbl length and I was under the impression the only S&W with a factory 3.5" bbl was the 27 and 28?

 

[Poohgyrr]

Lew Horton had a Performance Center special run a few years back: blued or nickle, with 3 1/2" and 5" barrels. Something like 250 of each were made. S&W told me mine was two years old when I bought it brand new in box, discounted about $400-500 below suggested retail. Awesome N frame 357 Magnum, I actually prefer it to a 5" 1911/45ACP. Wish I'd had the money to buy a nickle version too.

I understand the cylinders are different enough so swapping parts doesn't work...

Another one to look at is the 4" 627Pro.

 

[627 city hunter]

Yep, I got the modernized version, 627 Pro. Get it. No regrets here.

Gotta tell ya yours in niiice! I bet its worth a pretty penny too!

Horton and Talo make some excellent variants on regular S&W.

 

[Stainz]

My 4" 627 Pro (5/08) became an instant favorite... until 4/2010, when the 2 5/8" PC627 UDR was rereleased and I bought my first one (4/2010):

Stainz

PS My wife is 5' 10" - but very recoil-shy. She hates the 642 Airweight I keep loaded with +P 158gr LHPSWC's - tolerates them in her 2" 10 bedside/car revolver, and loves them in the 2 5/8" PC627 UDR above.

 

[627 city hunter]

When talking about 627 anything, I think Stainz is /end thread/ in terms of information, pictures, and accessories. Apparently, this is the case even on other forums!

Stainz, you own stock in S&W? haha

 

[HsHrt101]

What's your intended use?

Any interest in games?

I was in an accident and disabled in 2010. Thus, I had to give up my other active hobbies like bowling, volleyball, etc. I used to go hunting with my dad as a kid and found I was a good shot. Now, I'm not interested in killing anything, but still enjoy target shooting. So, it is a growing hobby. Of course, SD also comes into play, as well. Thank you all for your responses. I ended up getting a 627 Pro Series and love it!

 

[Gorenut]

Great choice! As many others have stated... grips make a huge difference. My 627 started to melt into my hand once I finally found grips that married the gun perfectly. I've definitely owned prettier grips than these.. but these Ahrends beat them all in terms of function at a great cost.