S&W 627 Snubby "Blood Work" - Bloodline Trail

[exfebee]

Tracing back the 627 Snubby-Blood Line, I find that the so called "Blood Work" model came out in the late 1998s/early 1999s, with only 302 ever made. The name originated with the movie by the same name & has just stuck. Those were simply marked "627PC" or "627-3". Some were with Fluted cylinders & some with unfluted cylinders. Most were unfluted cylinders. There's two sets of serial numbers associated with these which start with: HMA and JBS. Then the blood trail dried up until the "reproduction" 627-5 snubby 2.5" came out around a year ago. Was there ever an actual 627-1, 627-2, or 627-4 in a snubby? When did the "627PC" model marking on the crane-frame change over from a "dotted punch" mark to the "stamped" marking? Where did all the 627 "Blood Works" go? And, was there ever a 627 snubby Blood Work made with a "hammer mounted" firing pin? Lots of very interesting information as you check back into the blood-line of this critter. Think they were made mostly for Lew Horton, but the trail also ends there too. Some of their records just show they went to "other" dealers. Were the "end buyers" Collectors or Shooters ? The "Hunt" goes on.......
Carl

 

[Nick B]

Hey Carl: I bought a 627 when they first came out and I think it was in the late 80's or early 90's, like 91-92 . Anyway it was a full underlug 5 1/2" barrel with the hammer mounted firing pin and non fluted cylinder . It also came with the finger grove wood grips which I still have . ( gun long gone ).
Since it was just out it might of been a no dash . Back then nobody cared about dashes . Never saw a snubbie version and as a dealer back then I was pretty much up on what S&W was putting out . Must of missed that one .
Merry Christmas,
Nick

 

[amazingflapjack]

Irecently bought a 627-0, and that's actually what is engraved on the frame when you open the cylinder. It is a 5 1/2 full underlug barrel, non-fluted cylinder, and wears finger groove combats. It has, to me, unusual rifling, and German proof marks and a manual printed in German. I would like to hear from anyone who can tell me about this revolver, thanks. Flapjack

 

[1aafan]

They went to Crazed Collectors like me!

 

[exfebee]

That is super looking. Based upon the cylinder stop, I'd say the Serial Number starts with "HMA0xxx" Like those grips too.
Merry Christmas & Happy upcoming New Years.
Carl

 

[1aafan]

Hey thanks! Happy Holidays to you too! Custom ordered Spegels, Maple...love his stuff and have them on assorted Performance Center Smiths...

 

[firewire]

Those grips definitely set it apart!

 

[1aafan]

Craigs grips are great! You can get them from him in a variety of woods, some more exotic then others...It was either this or something like Ebony for the dark contrast...check out his web site for samples...

 

[exfebee]

Are the current 627 Blood Work owners mostly: Shooters or Collectors. and do you own one that has "never been fired"? Show us a picture....

 

[cobra44]

I have the original. It has never been fired, except at the factory. I wanted this revovlver so long that when I found one I just could bring myself to shoot it.

So I bought the newer one and carry it and fire it.

There is just something about these revolvers that I cannot resist.

 

[exfebee]

Cobra44,
Yes same here. I have the 627-5 new one, like you carry & shoot it. On the prowl for the original, which may/may-not be shot. Which one do you have : the 627PC with the HMA serial number or the 627-3 with the JBS serial number?
Carl

 

[cobra44]

exfebee - The original one I have is the 627PC with the HMA serial number.

It took me 5 years to find it, but it finally happened.

 

[Nightowl]

I was not aware that any of the original 302 627 PC Bloodwork guns shipped with fluted cylinders. I know from posts here that several owners had fluted cylinders factory installed, as I did. I have one of the HMA guns that I use as a carry/car gun. I always wanted a short barreled .357 N frame gun to carry, but never saw one until the Bloodwork gun arrived. Smith made a lot of models I never knew about, but I have never seen or heard of any 627-1, -2, -3 short barrel guns being made. Would like to see some if anyone has pictures.

 

[exfebee]

Hi Richard,

Have not seen any fluted original 627PC Blood Works. The 627-5 i have came from the factory with a fluted cylinder. S&W told me during April 2010 they ran out of unfluteds & only made a handful of fluteds. I have a 627PC at S&W now getting a transplant fluted cylinder on it. Hopefully will be back in a couple weeks. Its the HMA Serial Number. The only difference I've seen between the HMA & JBS Serial numbers is that the JBS has 627-3 stamped on the crane/frame. The HMA ones have a "knob" for the cylinder stop & the JBS ones have an elongated cylinder stop. Both are included within the 302 made.
Carl

 

[XTrooper]

Interesting stuff, Carl. Thanks for posting it!

 

[Nightowl]

Carl: I think you will really like the fluted cylinder. It just looks better to me with that short barrel. They are really cool with either cylinder though. I might even consider getting another one, even with the lock, just to have another. When do you expect yours back?

 

[exfebee]

Soon i hope Rich. Its in the "works" at S&W. Parts are in & just waiting the change out. This week they are on vacation up there.
Carl

 

[Shooting4life]

Just a heads up, one of the original blood works has come up for sale at one the auction sites.

 

[loutent]

Just a heads up, one of the original blood works has come up for sale at one the auction sites.

That's been for sale for quite a while and was just re-listed again. I'd really like one of those, but $2K+ is pretty steep. I probably wouldn't shoot it if I owned it.

 

[Dodobird1589]

Im planning on buying a 627 pro series, but would really prefer a 3 inch barrel to a 4 inch to make cc easier, even though im a big guy and could probably carry the 4 inch with the proper belt and holster. Do they make a 3 inch 627 or can you only get the 4?