Smith & Wesson Model 686P or Model 627?

[WSCJonathan]

I've been going back and forth for a while and I've finally come to the conclusion that my next purchase is going to either be a 4 inch Model 686P or a Model 627. I've seen and held them both in person and I still can't quite make up my mind. It is going to exclusively be a non-competitive/match range and home defense gun so size and weight won't be an issue.

More is always better, so I like the idea of 8 shots instead of 7. The only drawback I can see to that is there is only one manufacturer that makes a speed loader for the 627 and they aren't cheap. Is one more or less shot really going to make that much of a difference at a range or for personal defense?

The 627 is a "Pro Series" but I'm not quite sure what that means. I couldn't tell much of a difference between the two triggers but I'm not an expert and I've never shot a revolver before so I'm kind of a noob when it comes to them. For what it is worth I've read nothing but good things about both of the triggers. Just wondering if anyone who has shot both can shed some light on it for me.

The only other thing that really stood about between the two other than the 627 was just a little bit bigger (being a N frame) were the finishes. The 627 I checked out was the 5 inch version with the wood grips on and it was gorgeous. It has a "Silver Matte" finish and while it was more attractive it didn't seem like it would be as rugged or durable as the "Satin Stainless" finish on the 686P. Would there be a difference in wear between the two?

Any information about either gun would be really helpful. I have a feeling this is going to be the first of many revolver purchases and I'm glad there is such an awesome community out there.

Thanks!

 

[FranklinD]

There are 2 sources of speedloaders online for the 8round 327,
if that helps.
.357 Model 608 Accessories
Thunder Ranch® Oregon 8Shot Speed Loader
I have the 5star loaders, and they are very well made. No problems with ordering online.

The 627 Pro uses a different mainspring for the trigger, and a target type barrel mod. I haven't used one, so I don't know how much of a difference it makes.

Franklin

 

[tommy F]

another option to consider, Tuff products makes 8 shot strips that are pretty effective and easier to carry in a pocket.

 

[WSCJonathan]

Yeah, I know about the different speed loaders for the Model 627. It isn't a deal breaker by any means. Just an observation. I was more interested in the difference between the guns and opinions on each one.

 

[jessegpresley]

Since you're not carrying it, get the bigger, heavier one; the 627. Will handle recoil better. If you get the 627PC UDR it comes cut for moon clips. 8 instead of 7 is just icing on the cake.

 

[TDC]

Welcome to the forum, WSCJonathan. You too, FranklinD...

Well..... I've gotta think if 7 or 8 shots aren't enough for a home defense situation you may have a real war on your hands.... but having the extra security of a speed loader or two full of extra ammo is always a plus.

Choosing between any L or N frame is a truly difficult choice for anyone with experience with both frames. I own both and they are equally capable of handling the hottest 357. In the end it will be which gun fits and feels best.

Let us know which you choose.....

 

[WSCJonathan]

The 627PC UDR is amazing. I wish I could spend the almost 2K on one. Haha...

I have always been leaning towards the 627 4 inch. My biggest concern is if it will hold up as well as the 686 after heavy use. The 686 looked and felt like a tank.

 

[Mr. Fahrenheit]

Unfortunately, I don't have any experience with both firearms to give you my opinion of a comparison.

However, I can tell you that about a month and a half ago I ordered a new 4 inch 686P and I thought it was the greatest thing ever. So much so that when three weeks ago the opportunity came up for me to buy a 2.5 inch 686P, at a very good price,...I did.

The triggers on both are freakin' awesome.

I'm not at all familiar with Performance Center revolvers. I have seen them and they do look gorgeous but I've never shot one. I don't keep my revolvers on display. If I'm not carrying the firearm or shooting it at the range, it's locked up in the safe.

S&W's Performance Revolver site says this,
"Performance Center guns originate from standard designs or are created from the ground up. From hand cutting and fitting to fine tuning for precision, these firearms are top performers. Products from the Performance Center are the ultimate expression of old-world craftsmanship blended with modern technology."

You're not going to make a bad decision regardless of which revolver you buy.

 

[WSCJonathan]

TDC thanks for the welcome! I think one of the problems is that the 627 4 inch is pretty rare in my state so I doubt I'd be able to get my hands on one. It would be a special order type of thing. Ironically the S&W factory is less than an hour from me. If it comes down to it I can always take a drive down and check it out.

I contacted a bunch of dealers and no one had one in stock. The closest was the 5 inch with the wooden grips. I would prefer a 4 inch .357 and didn't see the need for the extra cost. I could tell it had been in the shop for a long time because when I asked how much less the 4 inch would be he said, "It is going to cost pretty much the same amount." They had it listed for $1029 which is more than the retail for the 4 inch.

 

[jessegpresley]

The 627PC UDR is amazing. I wish I could spend the almost 2K on one. Haha...

They're a bit under $900, actually. They were reissued last year.

 

[Shooting4life]

I think about rotating my 627pc into the nightstand but never do. I'll just leave the 657 there. One of these days I'll just have to get an autoloader or something.

 

[WSCJonathan]

Jesse, you are right, my mistake. When I searched before I came across the non-reissued gun obviously. That might be something to consider for a CCW down the line but have a M&P 40c right now for that and I'm looking for a full sized range gun. It is a sweet freaking revolver though. Definitely on "the list" now.

 

[WSCJonathan]

Shooting4life, sweet guns! How do you like the 627? Do you have the 4 or 5 inch? How has it been holding up? I'm curious if the matte finish will look as good as the satin after years of use.

 

[Mulefoot]

There are 2different model 627's..1 is 1289.99 & the other is 959.99..which one were you looking at?

 

[bassoneer]

I've never shot the 627, but I do own the 686P in a 4" -4 version. It is my third 686, and I will purchase more 686's...I don't know anything negative about the 627, and some day I may own one of those also, but I really do like the 686P. I've been meaning to order one of the 5-star speed loaders for it, but have not yet. Good luck with your decision...it will be the right decision no matter which you choose. B

 

[Fishinfool]

Both guns are stainless steel, with the difference being in the surface polish. Both guns can and will scratch with use. Unlike blueing, these scratches can be buffed out fairly easily.

Both the N frame and the L frame will handle a steady diet of full power loads. The deciding factor should really be what feels, and balances best in your hand, as these two guns have a similar, but different feel between them.

Since your choice is primarily for home defense and range use, a five or six inch barrel would not be a hindrance at all.

I own both L and N frame .357's, and if made to choose between them, would probably go with the L frame guns, as the grip fits my hand a little better for fast double action work, plus I like the way they balance (slightly muzzle heavy) with the full under-lug.

Larry

 

[Stainz]

It would be a tough decision as to which I liked the best. Below is my 627 Pro, SKU #178014 & MSRP $969, which I bought new 3+ years ago, and my 2 5/8" PC627 UDR, #178133 & $1,049. which I bought new 1+ yr ago. Both have aftermarket grips - and the 627 Pro has a HiViz sight, too. Both come pre-dished for moonclips. As everything I own can be used for I keep a number of moonclips (50/$50 from Ranch Products) loaded with Remington R38S12 +P 158gr LHPSWC. The 5starfirearms.com speedloader/loading base works great, too - with any .38's or .357M's. The moonclips are a bit mor particular!

If I had to get rid of one of the above, I'd say goodbye to the UDR. Of course, I cheat - I bought a second one last October - so I'd still have one! I actually bought the second one for a HD gun - it even got a Lobo Leather OWB holster. Super revolver.

In use, they are very nearly equivalent - despite the greater sight radius of the 4"-er, I can take out the SPC targets at 12yd just as reliably with the UDR. It's lighter, too - by a whole 3.6 oz. I liked the similarly sighted 625JM's grips - got a JM grip for the 627 Pro. BTW, the 627 Pro - like the 625JM - has a spring-loaded front sight mount for fast tool-less sight changes. The UDR has a bright orange ramp - on a dovetail. It's quite visible in high or low level light. Good thing... other choices will be few - and custom made, it seems. Both came with trigger improvements, the UDR's being a tad better - and eased ejector stars for faster reloading.

Ah, but you wanted a 686P comparison. My only 686P is my 5" half lug 'Stocking Dealer's ExclusI bought new 12/04. It's the one with cobwebs on it - in the back of my safe. I enjoyed it over my 6" 66, but neither had a chance once the 627 Pro arrived. They are about the same weight. The Pro and the UDR need different wood grips, the Pro having come with OEM Goodyears and the UDR with it's poorly fitting Eagle boots. Both can take the same exact grips, if need be - they are RB N-frames. I have tried other grips - Ahrends retro targets& square-conversion - all in cocobolo - and prefer my 627s as shown. Hope this helps.

Stainz

 

[clang444]

I wouldn't worry so much about the difference between 7 and 8 rounds in making my decision. Grips can be changed out too, so the feel isn't even so important. Moonclip availability is a non-issue too, they are reusable. I think your final decision should be based upon which gun balances the best in your hand.

Of course, if you are like many of us on this forum, you will eventually wind up with both guns. It may take a few years, and it may not be the exact model, but I'm pretty sure that one day you will have both an N frame and L frame .357 magnum.

 

[Maximumbob54]

My thought right now is, "When in doubt, N Frame it out..."

I'm really thinking of leaving my K frames behind. I always just love shooting my N frames and only like shooting my K's. I don't know if I will ever find a gun I love shooting more than my 28.

 

[WSCJonathan]

Thanks for all the input. I'm 99% sure I am going to go with the 4 inch 627. I think my next gun after that is going to be the 2 inch 627. Sheesh, you guys are horrible. Hopefully I'll have it by the end of the month. I'll make sure to post pictures when I get it!

This is a great forum, I'm glad I found it. Thanks again!