What's the difference between a 627 vs 686SSR

[DandyDon1]

I'm on the fence on this one;and a "newbie" to S/W revolvers.
A local gunshop has a new 627--eight shot--for $780.

Another local shop has a "used" 686 SSR that says "ProSeries" on it for $675. It appears to be a 95-96% gun-no box.

In reading the S/W factory site, the SSR is a "step up" from the production guns designed for competition shooting.

The 627 is also referred to as a ProSeries gun.

Are these guns the same frame? Same quality?

"New is new" --is the 627 worth another $100?

Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks-DandyDon1

 

[Centenniel]

Both are fine revolvers. The 627 is an N Frame and the 686 is an L Frame. The N Frame is a bit larger.

 

[colt_saa]

The 686SSR is a 6 shot revolver built on the L-frame while the 627Pro is an 8 shot revolver built on the larger, stronger, N-frame. This is something to consider if you are competing. Some sports insist on the 6 round capacity.

The 627 is set up from the factory to use full moon clips and comes with two or three of them. The 686SSR is not. This difference alone would cost you $100 if you added it to the 686SSR.

Both revolvers are fitted with match grade barrels, forged triggers and hammers, trigger stops and refined spring setups.

However I love the 8-shot 27/327/627 family of firearms and that is the way I would go.

 

[cobra44]

colt_saa - Which model is the one pictured at the bottom on the picture?

 

[stevieboy]

The N-frame 627 is quite a bit bigger than the 686SSR. The grip frame is larger, the gap between the grip frame and the trigger is bigger, and most of the other dimensions on the gun are larger. I own a 686 (the traditional version) and a Model 27, the direct predecessor of the 627. Picking up the two of them, one after the other, you immediately notice the difference in size.

They also feel a little different when you shoot them. The 627 or the 27 feels like a massive piece of steel. The SSR is somewhat lighter and it points a little more easily. But, on the other hand, the 627/27 absorbs recoil somewhat better IMO.

Both, however, are capable of handling the heaviest factory produced magnum rounds and each of them is a superb handgun in its own right.

Which one to buy? That's a question of taste. I like 'em both, which is why I have one of each, and I'd be hard put to choose between the two of them. I can also say with certainty that each time I bring one of them to the range I leave telling myself that the gun that I brought on that day is truly my favorite.

 

[colt_saa]

colt_saa - Which model is the one pictured at the bottom on the picture?

That is a 2 5/8" model 627. It is S&W product code 170133.

They should be available through your local S&W dealer sometime in late spring or early summer. They will have different grips than are on mine and of course will have the standard lock.

 

[leas327]

From this angle it looks bloody

i thought the bloodwork guns were fluted 8 shot, dovetail front sight guns
that some people sent back to get an unfluted cylinder fitted. Is this one of those because I am not a pro on the product codes.

 

[colt_saa]

i thought the bloodwork guns were fluted 8 shot, dovetail front sight guns
that some people sent back to get an unfluted cylinder fitted. Is this one of those because I am not a pro on the product codes.

No the firearms shipped from the factory with unfluted cylinders. Clint had the first fluted cylinder one that I had seen.

There is no need to be a pro on product codes and you do not have to take my word on it, just look it up on S&Ws website for yourself.

 

[cobra44]

colt_saa
Thanks for that information. I want one.

 

[MTKTM]

Only problem with the 627 is that it isn't legal for IDPA competition, and can only be shot in the "Open" class in IPSC where a guy would be shooting alongside 23-shot 38 Super red-dot sighted raceguns. But for a general shooter it's a great gun. I mention this only because I knew a guy who was getting into IDPA and wanted to try a revolver so went out and bought a Performance Center 627, only to discover a few weeks later that he could not use it. S&W specifically made the 686SSR for IDPA competition which limits a revolver to 6 shots and a 4" barrel.

 

[Steve_NEPhila]

IDPA and the SSR

To further clarify, the 686 SSR is compliant with the IDPA Stock Service Revolver class, hence the SSR designation.

If you are not an IDPA shooter and not interested in such a sport then the difference comes down to personal preference. Do you want a six shot L frame or an 8 shot N frame?

As for me, I have both and then some. I have the 686 SSR and a 327 R8 and love them both dearly. You cannot go wrong with a good Smith revolver.

To better decide, you must know what you want the revolver to do... then buy accordingly.