S&W PCM327...SAFE?

[Mr2A]

Dear Colleagues,

This eight-shot wheel gun in .357 Magnum has a two-inch barrel. I was wondering if the cylinder may be subject to flash over from excessive pressures on the seven rounds.

I am considering replacing the wooden grips with Crimson Trace N-Frame Lasergrips. I intend to transport the handgun and two speed loaders in a Galco S1H shoulder holster. This is a rather expensive piece of gear (about $1,300 for the gun alone) so I thought I would post my concerns and configuration considerations for your critique.

Thanks,

Mr2A

 

[Big Cholla]

Mr2A: Every revolver sufferers from 'cylinder' flash at every shot. This revolver is not going to suffer any more than any other given a correct gap between cylinder and barrel breech. My personal take on the laser grips is that it is a piece of electronic gear and as such requires religious maintenance to absolutely be available when needed. Also, as a Firearms Instructor I have observed shooters relying on lasers to confirm aim point take longer than the iron sight people to get a series of shots off. Time is not something one wants to be giving up in a gunfight. IMHO, I would spend the money on ammunition learning how to use the revolver's sights. YMMV .......... Big Cholla

 

[sar4937]

I find this gun to be very hard to shoot accurately. It is very light, and especially with 125gr 357's recoils more than I care for. In fact, Crimson Trace grips probably aren't needed at the distances the gun was designed for. Now other poster's will chime in about 50 yard accuracy. It is a large gun to conceal if you are not a large person. I use a low-flash Buffalo Bore ammo with my revolvers. My 327 has a 2 foot diameter flash at night with regular ammo. You can get ten or more rounds in a semi-auto and they conceal better.

 

[s&wchad]

Safe.

Welcome to the forum.

Big Cholla gave you some great advice. I'm not sure exactly what you're safety concern is, but keep your hand away from the barrel/cylinder gap when firing and you'll be fine. It's as safe as any other revolver, it's light weight and it holds 8 .357 Magnums.

I sure wouldn't pay $1300 for one. I've seen them sell around $900 and you may be able to do better if you can live with one that's previously owned.