Very happy with M&P R8

[Storm]

I am a Smith & Wesson shooter and collector. My tastes with revolvers usually runs to the traditional, but when the M&P R8 came out something really grabbed me about it. I know the gun arouses strong emotions and opinions from both ends of the spectrum, and believe me, I'm no "mall ninja", but this was one that I had to have. Back in September I found one locally lightly used for just under $700. I dove on it. Then, on the drive home I noticed that the barrel was just perceptably loose. When I got home and inspected it further I found that the muzzle retention ring was loose. I have a feeling that the previous owner probably dealt the gun rather than deal with the issue. The gunsmith at the shop where I bought the gun offered to try and tighten it, but I decided that the gun should go back to Smith to have the problem resolved. This would assure that it was done correctly, and it would give Smith the opportunity to evaluate what was going on. Despite the fact that I was not the original owner of the gun Smith sent me a label telling me that they would take care of it. I had the gun back within a month. Since it had to go back to the Performance Center I considered the turn-around time to be excellent.

Once back the gun sat in my safe for five months unshot. This past Friday I shot the R8 for the first time. I'm certainly not new to S&W revolvers having shot them for decades, but this one really was something quite special. Considering the frame I expected a bit more recoil than usual with both .38 Special and .357, but it was quite the contrary with the gun shooting extremely smooth with less of the recoil that I would expect with a similar steel framed revolver. Yes, the single action trigger is outstanding, and the double action quite good (possibly just a tiny bit disappointing for a Performance Center gun) but this revolver was making me look so darned good. I find most S&W revolvers to be inherently accurate, but I was shooting to a whole new level with the R8.

My conclusion is that a lot of it had to do with the balance of the gun which I found to be just about perfect. Beyond the R8 itself, three and five inch barrels seem so right to me to begin with. I won't give a range report but suffice it to say that I left the range with a very big smile on my face.

Then just to add icing on the cake, Smith & Wesson customer service stepped up to the plate once again and hit another one out of the park. No, the barrel retention nut wasn't loose again (tight as a drum) but I noticed that I didn't have the four screws to attach the top rail. While I don't shoot pistols with scopes I thought that I might like to try it some time in the future. The CS associate at Smith didn't ask for a serial number, or any payment, and just took my name and address and said that screws would be on the way. That just adds to the whole experience and is another reason why I own many Smith & Wesson firearms.

 

[Steve_NEPhila]

I have one as well and after 1000+ rounds, a set of JM grips and lots of grins this revolver has performed flawlessly. The action on mine is about 99% of perfect and makes her a gem to shoot. I bought a holster for it as well for the occasional open carry from Leather gun holster, concealed carry holster - Simply Rugged Holsters? - Proudly made in the USA if you were interested.

 

[Storm]

Good to hear that the gun is as good for someone else.

I think my slight dissappointment with the double action trigger is that it could be just a bit lighter and maybe a hair smoother, but I think that my problem might be that I'm comparing it to the DA trigger on some of my older Smiths and my Colts which are downright buttery smooth. I also dry fired an R8 that had a trigger job done by a local smith and it was rather incredible.

 

[WoodsCustom]

I felt the way you did when I first saw the R-8, I had to have one. So, I bought one, brand new. Before I ever shot it, I did a basic slick action job on it and put in an extended firing pin from Cylinder and Slide.

The revolver is incredible. I shot MANY a "Thursday Night Thunder" IPSC matches with it right along side of the race gun boys, you shoot what you bring. As long as its IPSC legal, have at it. I always placed in the top 10. Those guys literally HATED to be shown up aganst "A REVOLVER."

I carried it anytime I went to town on busness in a Galco dual position Phoenix and two full moon clip reloads either under a business jacket or my Domke vest. The revolver is incredibly light easy to manage full house 125 grain Federals, and is a joy to carry for an N-frame.

Its a GOOD feeling walking along knowing you have that firepower. I wish I was packing it here in Afghanistan instead of this Beretta.

WC

 

[Storm]

Yup, that is significant firepower! Everytime that cylinder swings open and I look at eight rather than five, six or seven I have to grin.

I may have the smith who I referred to do a little work on the trigger, but I'm doing so well with it I might just leave well enough alone.

 

[Big_T]

I Wish....

I wish I was packing it here in Afghanistan instead of this Beretta.

WC

You said it, brother!

 

[shuter1]

I have one too . . .

and couldn't agree more about all of the good things that have been said. One of the 2 most accurate revolvers I've ever owned (the other is another Smith - a PC 629 "Hunter").

Mine has an Ultradot mounted in alloy rings from TPS. It's a bulky combo set up this way, but very controllable, accurate, easy to shoot, and fun!

I also like the "retaining nut" system on this gun (even though it came loose on the OP). This seems a better way to secure the barrel than engaging the rifling with a tool and cranking the barrel in, as I'm told is done on the other 2-piece barrel Smiths. That just don't seem right.

see ya

 

[Storm]

and couldn't agree more about all of the good things that have been said. One of the 2 most accurate revolvers I've ever owned (the other is another Smith - a PC 629 "Hunter").

Mine has an Ultradot mounted in alloy rings from TPS. It's a bulky combo set up this way, but very controllable, accurate, easy to shoot, and fun!

I also like the "retaining nut" system on this gun (even though it came loose on the OP). This seems a better way to secure the barrel than engaging the rifling with a tool and cranking the barrel in, as I'm told is done on the other 2-piece barrel Smiths. That just don't seem right.

see ya

I consider that loose retaining nut a blessing as I would bet dollars to donuts that had it not been loose I never would have gotten that gun and at that price I could have returned the gun for a full refund, but with Smith CS it was a no-brainer to keep it.

 

[BillyWayne]

I have one of these R8s. It had been on my short list for a while. I was at the toy store one day getting ready to buy a 327 Night Guard when the store owner asked me if I wanted a R8 because he was getting one in. I told him to put my name on it. I bought the Night Guard as well. One expensive visit. But I do love the R8! I may put some Ahrends on it if I can find a really dark set.

 

[Walker45]

I have been reading every piece of information about the R8, and 99% is all fantastic reviews. I am ready for my first revolver, its simply trying to find an R8 in stock under a $1000.00.

I envy you owners, but I too will own an R8 soon.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Glad you like yours because I hated mine and got rid of it.

 

[VermilionSTi]

Glad you like yours because I hated mine and got rid of it.

Great post. Knock the revolver but, don't offer any information about why you hated it and got rid of it.

 

[David Sinko]

A while back I traded away my 627-4 8x.38 Super (which was the worst S&W revolver I ever owned) so I desperately needed a real 8 shooter, which at this point was going to be a .357 Magnum. I took a long look at an R8 but decided not to get it. It was too expensive and the alloy frame is a turnoff. Judging from the reports of shooters who own N Frames with alloy frames and actually use them, the durability just isn't there. I want mine to be both a match and carry gun and it will definitely see hard use. The barrel is a turnoff too. I did not like the 5" barrel of the Super and I always preferred the 4" barrel for its versatility. I see the two piece barrel as a cost cutting measure and want nothing to do with that. And I think the barrel has polygonal rifling, which is not good for a revolver that must shoot lots of cast bullets. It was easy to walk away from this revolver. I'm glad I did because shortly thereafter I found a nice used 627-5 with 4" normal contour barrel. My -5 is significantly heavier, but I like all that extra steel. I put Miculek grips on mine too, and I'm surprised at comfortable it is to shoot full power ammo. These grips were always painful on my 625s.

Put 5000 rounds through your R8 and let us know how it's holding up. I don't believe what I read in the magazines and I'd like some feedback that has credibility.

Dave Sinko

 

[sza]

Put 5000 rounds through your R8 and let us know how it's holding up. I don't believe what I read in the magazines and I'd like some feedback that has credibility.

I have close to that many through mine, almost exclusively lead. Still going strong. It's been back to the factory twice:

1. Barrel tensioning nut came loose (or wasn't properly torqued from the factory)--happened after about 100rds. Fixed under warranty.
2. I had a primer failure (on my reloads) that blew out the side of the primer and torched the firing pin bushing. S&W fixed it on their dime.

It still locks up tight and is one of my most accurate revolvers.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Great post. Knock the revolver but, don't offer any information about why you hated it and got rid of it.

If you want to know, ask me properly. Otherwise back off.

You be nice to me and I'll do the same.

The members of this forum won't tolerate anything less.

And just so you know, I am entitled to express my opinion without having to explain myself to you or anyone else.

NOW, I will tell you I did not like it.

Light primer strikes with or without full moon clips. Did not matter what ammo I used. Gunsmith looked at it and no change.

Also for such an expensive gun, it had the worst trigger pull when compared to other S&W products that cost much less.

So I got rid of it.

 

[David Sinko]

I see the two piece barrel arrangement isn't all it's cracked up to be, no pun intended. I hope this shortcut was worth it to S&W.

How do you blow out the side of a primer? The only way I can see this happening is with a very high primer and I think at that point you'd realize how high it is when the cylinder doesn't close properly.

Light hits seem to be a problem which afflicts many revolvers with the new "improved" frame mounted firing pin design. It's not limited to the R8 or any other single model.

The trigger pull is also hit or miss. I tend to expect the worst and I always end up adjusting the spring weights at the very least.

Is it possible to buy an R8 and fit a normal one piece barrel?

Dave Sinko

 

[Steve_NEPhila]

I now have about 3500 rounds through my R8, just about all of them cheap Blazer 158 grain LRN and 148 grain WC's. I still enjoy the revolver and it produces fantastic accuracy.

I did send the R8 back to the factory, my main complaint was that the barrel nut came loose. While it was going back I also complained about the extractor rod coming loose and the trigger pull having just a touch of gritty feeling to it near the release in DA (I only shoot DA, well 99.9% of the time).

The factory fixed the barrel nut, replaced the hand and the extractor rod. I can say the action is significantly smoother and now it is just as accurate as before.

I have had a few problems with this revolver, but it is a machine and they wear and have defects. The positive strengths of my R8 outweigh the negatives in my opinion.

 

[mr.magnum]

i think the r8 is a great idea and i've always wanted one.....and i'm glad that nobody on this forum is sensitive. if they were, then their feelings might really get hurt!

 

[VermilionSTi]

If you want to know, ask me properly. Otherwise back off.

You be nice to me and I'll do the same.

The members of this forum won't tolerate anything less.

And just so you know, I am entitled to express my opinion without having to explain myself to you or anyone else.

NOW, I will tell you I did not like it.

Light primer strikes with or without full moon clips. Did not matter what ammo I used. Gunsmith looked at it and no change.

Also for such an expensive gun, it had the worst trigger pull when compared to other S&W products that cost much less.

So I got rid of it.

I apologize. Shouldn't have jumped on you like that. Friends?

 

[Walker45]

Well, if there are anymore dissatisfied owners out there please keep me in mind if you would like to sell or trade.

 

[Kanewpadle]

I apologize. Shouldn't have jumped on you like that. Friends?

Yes.

No problem buddy.

I should have been a little more explanatory in my post.

 

[sza]

How do you blow out the side of a primer? The only way I can see this happening is with a very high primer and I think at that point you'd realize how high it is when the cylinder doesn't close properly.

It blew out on the edge (right where the cup curves), not the side. Just a tiny pinhole, but enough to flame cut the bushing. I posted a thread about (with photos) it in the Gunsmithing forum. Not sure exactly how it happened--it was either just a bad/thin/weak primer cup, worn out brass, or I did something stupid such as crushing the primer when seating it.

 

[Walker45]

I wanted to ask if this was a systemic problem with the R8, or was it just yours that had this problem?

 

[sza]

I wanted to ask if this was a systemic problem with the R8, or was it just yours that had this problem?

Just mine and I'm sure it was due to my reloads and had nothing to do with the gun. S&W still fixed it under warranty.

 

[Walker45]

I see, thanks that helps a lot. I am running a pole in another thread about which should be my next purchase between the 3 M&P models R8, 340 and the 342. Surprisingly the R8 has a slight lead over the 342, I thought for sure it would go R8, 340 and then the 342.

Thanks again for your insight.

 

[exhaust fumes]

You are very lucky! I have been looking for an R8 for about 2 months now and can't find one!

 

[Bengal]

R8 light primer strikes

I have had an R8 for about a year. 300+ flawless rounds through it and I would echo all said in the positive that I have seen in this forum.

However, just cracked a new box of Remington 38 ammo and had multiple light primer strikes. Out of 25 rounds, 5 light strikes. An 8 shot attempt would have 6 in a row as advertised then 2 light strikes in a row. Different every time but confusing. There is a significant difference in the dimple on good rounds from the light rounds.

If it is not the ammo- which I am also investigating- has anyone had similar trouble, and what was the course of action that fixed it?

Many thanks.

 

[scooter123]

I see the two piece barrel arrangement isn't all it's cracked up to be, no pun intended. I hope this shortcut was worth it to S&W.

Is it possible to buy an R8 and fit a normal one piece barrel?

Dave Sinko

Dave, you won't find a one piece barrel as accurate as the tensioned barrels. If you don't believe that, do some reading up on the accuracy of Dan Wesson revolvers.

As for it being a cost cutting device, I've worked in manufacturing since 1980 and when you factor in the increased inspection and quality procedures required for producing each part, making barrels in a 2 piece configuration will be cost NEGATIVE in comparison to a 1 piece barrel. I suspect that's one reason why the 620 has been dropped, the payoff that S&W expected just wasn't there when they added up all of the additional costs involved in making 2 seperate parts.

Lets be honest, you don't like it because it's different. No problem there, as another Old Fart there are a lot of things I don't like because they are different. One being Airbags. If you wear a seatbelt, Airbags are pretty redundant. Personally, I think that if cars were percieved as being a bit less safe we'd see much more attentive drivers on the streets. My first car was an old air cooled Beetle and that car would NEVER pass today's crash standards. However, I not only survived, I actually enjoyed driving it.

Now one thing I can tell you is that the 2 piece barrels provide a distinct improvement in accuracy. Buried in it's test archives Guns and Ammo has a test report on the M&P R8 in which they tested it at 50 yards from a rest. With a cold barrel that gun produced a 1.08 inch group.

Name me ONE single S&W revolver that accurate that uses a factory one piece barrel. You won't be able to do it or provide any independent test reports that support this. About the best you can do with the current 1 piece barrels on the 686 is around 2 inches at 25 yards. In addition, the one piece barrels are VERY sensitive to having anything in contact with the barrel when the gun is fired, which means you'll degrade the accuracy by using a barrel rest. However, with a 2 piece barrel you can rest that barrel on a sandbag and see a distinct improvement in accuracy because resting the barrel provides a more stable platform.

BTW, I do a bit of bench rest shooting with my revolvers. It's a real challenge and a great way to improve release skills. My preferred distance for bench shooting is 35 yards, an oddball distance because it's the longest distance at which I can see the red bull on an 8 inch shoot-n-c. I'll also note that I am now shooting with J Point reflex sights, my eyes no longer can focus on handgun sights unless I shoot from a "blade" stance. My model 610 has a good reputation for being an accurate gun and at 35 yards my very best effort to date is one single 2 1/2 inch group, generally it ranges between 3 and 4 inches. I've also experimented with resting the barrel on the 610 and doing that just about doubles the group size, IMO resting the barrel interferes with the barrel "ringing" true. With my 620, that uses a 2 piece barrel, I've managed a 1 3/4 inch group at 35 yards by sandbagging the barrel and if I had a scope I have no doubt I could cut that grouping in half.

To be blunt, IMO the now discontinued 620 may prove to be the single most accurate 357 Magnum that S&W has ever produced and the Scadium frame 327's are probably a close second. One of these days I may just mount a scope on the 620 just to see what it can do when set up properly for precision long range shooting. With a bit of load tuning, I think it has the potential for 1/2 inch groups at 50 yards. As much as you dislike the 2 piece barrels, they do provide accuracy that can approach a carbine rifle and they do it without the abomination of mounting a 1 1/2 or 2 inch diameter bull barrel as was once done to achieve this level of accuracy from a revolver.

 

[Walker45]

Well, I pulled the trigger and I am in the process of buying a few S&W revolvers. The M&P R8, TRR 325 and a M&P 340 are on layaway, with much anticipation. I really am excited about the R8, simply because of your positive reviews. These are my first revolvers and I am sure I will have questions. Until then and I get these out layaway I appreciate your information.

Thanks again...

 

[stantheman86]

I'll take an R8 with a 6" barrel