The Model 327 TRR8 - I would love a .44 like this!

[dr0]

I'm just a huge fan of the .44 mag, I own three currently, but am always thinking about the next one. My first pistol was a 9mm, it was the late 1980s, I lived in LA, it was the current thing. Then I started shooting with a friend from work who knew way more about both rifles and pistols than I did.

He had some really nice guns. A Colt Target Model 1911, a Smith .357 revolver and a Dan Wesson .44. I got hooked on wheel guns, Smith & Wessons, 1911s, and the .44 cartridge all at once from our friendship.

S&W have done a reasonable job of keeping a lot of nice .44 revolvers in production, I don't feel we as prospective new-gun buyers have anything to complain about. Sure there are a few holes, like a nice classic looking .44 mag snubbie. (The current one being just too oddly weird for my taste).

But this 8 shot .357 really is a nice gun. Another friend pointed it out to me in conversation last week, and I'm thinking this, in .44, would be exactly what I'm looking for. What I like:

* Durable flat black finish:
I love stainless, and Smith blueing is great. Have a 6.5" blued, but
it's just not a gun I want to take to the desert or woods much. The
stainless is totally practical, but not quite as nice as this flat black
coating.

* 5 inch barrel
This is a consensus great length on the N-frame revolver, great
balance, looks and trade off between carry comfort and ballistics &
sight radius.

* Sightly modernized half-lug barrel.
I've always loved the traditional 1/2 lug, this one with the flat sides
is a nice compromise between pure classic and nice innovation.

* Grips.
those are my favorite stock N-frame grips. Have them on my 29.

* Scandium Frame
I've got a S&W Scandium 1911 Commander size pistol. It's great.
I don't know if there are pressure issues with the .44 Mag that would
prevent a Scandium revolver, but if possible it would be great.
36 ozs for a 5" N Frame means it becomes a great carry gun.

* Sights
Practical v-notch and interchangable front. Perfect.

* Price: $1329
That is a bargain. A every-day Model 629 5" is $989/
$342 buys a lot of specialness, including "Performance Center"
goodness.

SUMMARY: Even though I have (more or less) sworn off buying .357's I might break down and get this one. (Of course I felt the same way about Dan Wesson's re-introduced model 715 and haven't.)

A .44 though, and I would not hesitate! Here's hoping that Smith extends the "TRR" series! I know an 8 shot isn't in the cards, I'll be happy with "six for sure" of everyone's favorite old-school big bore: The .44 Mag (and Special)

 

[Neumann]

The TRR8 has an aluminum (scandium alloy) frame, but a stainless steel cylinder, two piece barrel and ball detent lockup. I agree that platform would be ideal for a .44 Magnum - a little light but manageable. The TRR8 is just under 36 oz, compared to a 329 PD (.44 M) with a titanium cylinder at 25 oz. I'm pretty sure it would be a TRR6, however.

The TRR8 is very accurate. I think the tensioned barrel has a lot to do with that, along with the PC trigger treatment (10# DA, 3# SA). I've been shooting clover leaves at 25 yards, SA. I am loving this revolver! With a good OWB holster on order, I expect it will be my favorite trail gun too.

 

[mazer]

Well, I have the 329PD and it isn't pleasant to shoot in 44mag. Not harsh, just not pleasant. Not compared at least to my Stealth Hunter or my PC 44mag Snubbie. Also, because of the recoil bullet jump is an issue, I have to crimp my bullets down hard to shoot a full cylinder. I even had some Winchester Whitebox bullets start to move forward since I was checking every 2 or 3 shots! But, for me, the 329 is one of my around town every day carry guns, so it is mostly loaded with 44spls...and with those, it's very easy to shoot!!!! And accurate! If you reload, you could tone down the power a bit, which is what I am doing, I don't need max speed when using 300gr SWC for woods walking!!!
But, that all said, the TRR8 would be interesting in 44 or 41caliber!

 

[Goblin]

It's worth asking the performance center if they'd build you a 329 with a barrel more to you're liking. I agree with your concept.

 

[Lou_the_welder]

Why not get the 329pd and have them put a steel cylinder (non-fluted) instead of the titanium! It would be extra but would also be lotsa fun i think! (All speculative. You would have to call them and see if they could do it first. ...)

The 329pd 4" is a scandium frame! That means the barrel has to have a shroud? and be a 2 piece! (Dunno, can anybody chime in on this! I love my hands and do not make it a habit on shooting 44 magnums in a scandium frame) BUT, the cylinder is titanium and weighing in at a mously 25 oz, may not be very pleasant to shoot full magnum loads.

Perhaps changing the cylinder to stainless steel and a longer barrel might add enough weight to make it pleasant enough to shoot and be like a TRR8/R8.

 

[rickjones]

The TRR8 is the ultimate revolver, no question about it. Just sent it in to smith for maintenance at around 4000 rounds. The gun is modular and can be equipped for any situation. I currently have crimson trace grips, xs big dot night sight and extended cylinder release. This is obviously a defense set up but if you want to hunt, install top rail and scope. Competition, add a red dot. I carry a safariland RLS light that snaps on the bottom rail. Endless uses and surgical accuracy, best revolver I've ever owned. Get one!!!!

 

[Florida J Frame]

I agree. The TRR8 is the smoothest, most accurate revolver I own.