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!

 

[Shooting4life]

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.

I personally prefer the regular stainless finish of the 627-0 over the bead blast of the 627pc just because it is easier to clean up. I don't carry either so the bead blast is still ingood shape but it would be much easier to scratch compared to the traditional stainless.

The 627-0 shown is a 5 inch 6 shoot. It is really nice and very high quality. The 627pc "blood work" is worth considerably more but still does not have the fit/finish of it's older brother even though it is pc and the no dash is not.

 

[WSCJonathan]

I totally prefer prefer the regular finish too. I'm not planning on carrying it either but the 686P seemed like a tank in comparison.

 

[RidgwayCO]

I've got both, a M627PC 5" from the original batch, and a M686-5 Plus 4". If I had to choose between them, it would be extremely difficult. The M686+ is probably more useful in a variety of roles (being an L-frame), has a terrific trigger, seven rounds, and the satin stainless finish is very tough. On the other hand, the M627PC is a wonder. Great trigger, eight rounds on tap, and the heavier N-frame handles recoil with ease. It doesn't hurt that it's also a good looking beast.

Oh, there's one interesting difference. The smaller M686+ has a longer cylinder that can handle Remington 180gr SJHP bullets seated to the cannelure, while the larger M627PC has a shorter cylinder and can't load the same round without the bullet projecting beyond the front of the cylinder. Weird but true...

 

[Mulefoot]

My 686plus is @ the performance center as of today,i am having the action package (trigger job) & the 5"performance barrel installed.Cant wait to get it back.

 

[chinalfr]

Go for 627pc.

 

[WSCJonathan]

Go for 627pc.

I think that is going to be the plan. 4 inch 627PC. I'll make sure to take some pics once I order one and it comes in.

 

[.357magger]

I own both and regularly shoot both. I keep a 627PC at home and carry the 686-5+ in 4 inch. Or I leave the 686P at home and carry the 627PC. (and I formerly owned a 627 Pro but no longer).

Mainly I carry the 686 as it has a brushed finish and is easier to polish out with life's lil knocks and bumps. Neither gun has experienced any knocks and/or bumps but that's what I tell myself anyway. But here's how I would decide your issue were it me.

What do you want to shoot in it all the time?

Yeah, yeah, I know, EITHER will handle more .357's than I can ever afford and will stand up to them just fine but...for me...the N frame is just a tad easier to shoot with full bore .357's than the L. Ergonimics perhaps? Don't know cause the 627 is lighter but whatever it is, it is. Additionally, Stainiz is dead on about the brightness of the dovetailed front on the 627PC. Was going to "mod" it but it's pretty darned nice in llow light as is so as is is how it's staying.

Not so with my 686. That one is wearing an express rear and will soon have a gold bead on the front. That too is a VERY fast set up for me and even without the bead, it's pretty fast. Just dot the "I" and..."boom". And that one shoots like a lazer beam with Gold Dots n .38+p. Relatively mild recoil, very fast followup and I seem to shoot it just a tad better than the 627 with full bore mags.

It also came down to mostly carrying the 686 as it is easier to load with speedloaders than the 627. Forget about moonclips in .38/357's, especially with 8 rounders. Might as well call them speedwobblers imo. What is pretty simple in .45 is a whole nother animal with smaller diameter casings. In short, at the moment, I'm shooting the 686 a tad faster and better than the 627. Maybe a training issue and with more use the 627 would improve but...it's not like this is a problem as I'm glad I have both.

So...imo...the same thing applies to your choice. Whichever fits YOU best will be the best choice. Thanks for letting me ramble on, post a pic or ten when you get your choice, and welcome to the forum.

 

[WSCJonathan]

.357Magger, thanks for the review! If anything it is too helpful. Haha...

I'll probably shoot a 3/1 or maybe 4/1 ratio. Especially until I start to reload which will bring down the cost of .357 to something more manageable.

I never really thought about it, but the 686P seems like too little (less than 627) and too much (non-competitive shooting gun) at the same time. I might have to consider the 6 shot.

It seems like in the end both guns are very similar but one has the speed advantage and the other has the capacity advantage.

I'm curious about a few things. Which trigger do you like better? Are both guns about the same accuracy wise?

 

[Gorenut]

I think that is going to be the plan. 4 inch 627PC. I'll make sure to take some pics once I order one and it comes in.

From my understanding.. the 4" is the PRO while the 5" is the PC (other models like the UDR also count as PC, but the 4" seems specifically PRO).

I own a 627 5" PC. Definitely the best revolver I've owned so far. Though admittedly, a part of me kind of wishes I got the UDR instead, haha. Just something so cool about having 8 shots of 357 from a snubby.

As far as 7 vs 8, of course 8 is always better but you really have to factor if the extra weight is worth the extra shot. On a side note, I feel the double action on an 8 was noticeably faster vs a 6 shooter due to the cylinder having to travel less between shots. The bad news to this though, due to the nature of 8 shots, no Safariland speedloaders. Those 5 Star ones are well-priced, well made, and look sharp, but I'm not a fan of the twist types. Might as well take advantage of the extra cost of the revolver and use moonclips.

 

[Nightowl]

Well, I'm an N frame guy, so I would go with a gun with an N frame with forged parts, which I think the Performance Center guns still have. But, thats just my prejudice.