Which 8-shot for Steel Challenge

[FF112173]

I'm ready to purchase another revolver and I am looking at 8-shot models for Open Steel Challenge competition. I currently shoot a 986 but would like that extra round. I'd like to hear some opinions about what you shoot and why. Thanks

 

[Ignatz]

I think an out of the box steel gun would be a 327 TRR8 with a C More scope.
I shoot open sights and currently a C to low B shooter in USPSA and ICORE.
I've used a 627-5 PC 5" barrel, and now using a 686-4 PC gun with a slim PC 6" barrel. I like the smaller frame and lighter gun over the all steel 627. My wife shoots a 686 Pro 5" barrel.
My wife and I shoot a 105 Bayou bullet at around 900 fps, and could probably reduce that lower to 800 fps. The S&W .357 guns are accurate at reduced loads. I'd be curious to hear what your loads are for your 986, and how accurate they are at 25 yards.

 

[AzShooter]

I've shot ICORE since the first match in Ca. It's a great organization and the matches are a lot of fun. After the Higashi's that started up ICORE I was one of the first to join.

I started shooting a Model 10 with a heavy barrel and an Aimpoint. Using Safariland Comp IIIs reloads were fast.

I've shot a number of 627s and like the advantage of an 8 shot with .38 Short Colts. Basically it's a rimmed 9 mm and you can use 9mm load data.

Now I shoot a Model 929. It's perfect for ICORE and Steel Challenge.

In ICORE there is a minimum power factor of 120. That's weight of bullet times speed divided by 1000. I'm currently testing loads that shoot between 125 and 135 power factor.

I recently put a Fast Fire III on my gun. It's small and light and feels like I'm still shooting Iron Sights but it's more accurate.

 

[potentpoefie]

I would also lean towards the Model 929. 8 shot 9mmP. In that large frame recoil of the 9mm is absorbed completely. It is a short round so less jiggling of rounds in the moon clips versus having longer rounds like 38spl/357mag.

It already comes ported as well and you want an Open division gun. If you don't like the standard comp then at least your barrel is already threaded for whatever 3rd party comp you want to add.

 

[TLE]

The 929 would be a good choice and one of the cheapest. I prefer steel frame guns as I have seen the scandium guns wear way too fast. I have a 627 with a 6.5" barrel and a Ti cylinder and I also have a 929 and shoot both guns for steel challenge. The 627 weighs 5oz less than the 929 but I shoot both guns with the same times in steel challenge. It's not hard to get used to driving either weight of gun between targets, it's whatever you get used to. Some will tell you the lighter gun will be faster for steel challenge but I have not found that to be true on the timer, only in some peoples head. The length of the cartridge in steel challenge is not relevant for reloads because if you are reloading an 8 shooter on the clock in Steel Challenge you have bigger issues.

 

[wantmoresmiths]

I own both a 627-5 and a 929. I use the 627 for steel, since it wears a red dot the shorter sight radius is of little consequence. I use the 929 for Icore & USPSA, to take advantage of the longer sight radius with the open sights. Since you are shooting open, and using a red dot of some sort, the longer sight radius of the 929 offers no real advantage, while the 627 will clear a standard holster a tad quicker. If you are using a race style competition holster (think double alpha racemaster) then the shorter barrel offers no real advantage.Since you are not reloading "on the clock" the 38 special cartridge is fine, no advantage going to the short colt version. One consideration would be the cost of the ammunition. If you reload, then the cost for either the 9mm or 38 special would be the same, but if you don't reload, then the 9mm would probably offer the advantage of cheaper, and possibly more readily available ammunition. I personally don't much care for the looks of the 327 TRR8, but the top revolver shooter in our local steel league uses one, so I wouldn't rule that model out either. Again, if you are using a race holster all 3 (327, 627 and 929) will fit the bill. If you prefer a conventional type holster, the 327/627 shorter barrel might be a tad faster in the draw.

 

[regalsc]

The 929 would be a good choice and one of the cheapest. I prefer steel frame guns as I have seen the scandium guns wear way too fast. I have a 627 with a 6.5" barrel and a Ti cylinder and I also have a 929 and shoot both guns for steel challenge. The 627 weighs 5oz less than the 929 but I shoot both guns with the same times in steel challenge. It's not hard to get used to driving either weight of gun between targets, it's whatever you get used to. Some will tell you the lighter gun will be faster for steel challenge but I have not found that to be true on the timer, only in some peoples head. The length of the cartridge in steel challenge is not relevant for reloads because if you are reloading an 8 shooter on the clock in Steel Challenge you have bigger issues.

I have a couple scandium frame 45acp revolvers & would like to know what to look for as far wear is concerned.

 

[TLE]

I have a couple scandium frame 45acp revolvers & would like to know what to look for as far wear is concerned.

The center pin that protrudes from the back of the cylinder will sometimes cut a ditch into the recoil shield. This can be minimized by making sure that the end of the pin is as smooth and polished as you can get it. Some people cut some coils off the center pin spring to stop some of the wear but caution is advised in doing so if you are using heavy loads that would cause the pin to disengage while firing. Another high wear point is the window in the frame where the hand comes through, as that window enlarges, a thicker oversized hand will be needed to keep the gun in time. I asked Randy Lee at Apex about running a scandium frame a long time ago and he advised me against it for any hard use and told me I would have the gun out of time in 6 months and wore out in a year. Randy Lee knows more about revolvers than most so I value his opinion. I know some have had a lot of rounds through theirs and have had good luck but I have seen the opposite as well. I have tried running the lite weight guns on the timer and didn't get any benefit so I'm sticking with the steel frames.

 

[Starion VR4]

Maybe a bit off topic but where does everyone get their Ti cylinders for 627 from? I require 2 for my race guns in Australia. My wife's 929 has one & she is constantly giving me grief about how slow my 627 is compared to her 929.

Cheers