S&W 327 8 Round - any hands on?

jonsey

jonsey

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Hi Guys, I am looking for a review of the S&W 327 8 round .357 revolver from someone who has hands on exposure. I am interested in the custom shop 5" version with the piccatinny rail for an optic sight / light (Model TRR8)

I would like to know what you think of it's general ergonomics as well as weight (with the new alloy frame) Vs recoil; as well as general useability for some lengthy range time ( 200 rounds).

I have been thinking of adding one of these to the selection of tools for some time but as of yet I have not had any personal time on this.

any comments welcome

Jonsey
 
thanks so much for the review. Certainly the weight factor vs recoil was in my mind.
I have read many comments and threads here and I see that many people rave about various items .... my most personal favorite was coined as "gunilicious".....!! but folks don't often offer a review of a gun. Thanks so much for not only offering a few fine photos of your weapon but giving an educated commentary on it's balance, looks and function is informative and welcome.
It comments and advice like yours that do help narrow a small range of options for me. I already think you have swayed me away from the alloy version to the all steel.

regards

Jonsey
 
If I could carry, I may well consider a 327, but since I can't I prefer the perfectly balanced 627. Even if I could carry the 627 is by no means heavy for open holster carry, and I'd still likely choose it, as it will let you put more lead on target, more accurately, faster, due to the extra mass of the steel. Plus, I just plain prefer the looks of the all stainless. Either gun though you can't go wrong.
 
I should also mention, I fired some HOT loads from this gun, above published, and it handled them like a champ and recoil was literally laughable. I'm not recoil sensitive but I went into that shoot getting ready for a real snap as I was launching heavy bullets very fast, and much to my surprise it recoiled with what seemed to be less force than my .45 1911 with 230gr ball, that is to say light.
 
Thanks for the comments Ardent. making specific notations of grain size and comparison to your 1911 does give more of a realistic idea to me of what the gun 'feels' like.
Presumably you have the rubber grips, how do you like them..... get sweaty easily, too small for hand , ergonomic form to hand, angle feel good to get to release?
As I have suggested it was the weight to power ratio that had me questioning the 327... I mean these's no point in having a new tool in the box if it's going to beat me up in only a few rounds. I am not sensitive to recoil but still, I want to be able to write at work the next day. I can go all day with a 40 cal or 45 cal with 185 / 200 grains and run out of cash long before I run out of energy/grip strength.

again thanks for the comaprissons to something that I can relate to it helps alot.

Jonsey
( Christmas is going to be expensive this year I think )
 
You'd be able to shoot the 327 well enough too, it won't reach the pain level of recoil by any means, but it will certainly punch and snap more than the 627. You'd note more climb on recoil and a sharper jump in the sights, but still totally reasonable as even the 327's not light at over 35oz (just over 4oz lighter than a 1911, while the 627 is just over 4oz heavier than a 1911 for comparison).

The 327 and hot loads will get your attention and punch more than any usual .45 auto but won't hurt, while the 627 is a cadillac and soaks up recoil. It's a tough call, but for me there's just no benefit to the 327 and the 627 does what I need it to, better. I still would like to get a 327 as well though...
 
I have in mind the 327.. after you add the rails + optic + laser the weight will go up to soak up the recoil.
I have to admit the modularity of the 327 is a major point for me.
 
jonsey said:
Thanks for the comments Ardent. making specific notations of grain size and comparison to your 1911 does give more of a realistic idea to me of what the gun 'feels' like.
Presumably you have the rubber grips, how do you like them..... get sweaty easily, too small for hand , ergonomic form to hand, angle feel good to get to release?
As I have suggested it was the weight to power ratio that had me questioning the 327... I mean these's no point in having a new tool in the box if it's going to beat me up in only a few rounds. I am not sensitive to recoil but still, I want to be able to write at work the next day. I can go all day with a 40 cal or 45 cal with 185 / 200 grains and run out of cash long before I run out of energy/grip strength.

again thanks for the comaprissons to something that I can relate to it helps alot.

Jonsey
( Christmas is going to be expensive this year I think )
Click to expand...

Sorry, forgot to address the grips, yes I'm using the Hogues. Quite comfortable, great grip, holds and points well, as well as handling recoil quite well. No sweatiness issues or complaints, though I'm considering trying the JM 625 grip just for kicks.
 
Mine shoots well. A box of full-house .357 loads sting a bit. It's a great pin gun due to accuracy and the smooth, crisp trigger - and the extra two rounds can certainly come in handy!

As someone else mentioned, loading the rails up tames it quite a bit. I've got an MRD right now, but a Holosight on top and laser on the bottom helped recovery speed.

Did I mention the great trigger?

And mine has the ball-bearing detent lockup, which is in theory superior to a lockup on the ejector rod. Certainly the gun is more accurate than I am with the right loads.
 
I"ve shot AcrashB's 327, and it's an absolute blast. I can't honestly say the recoil is bothersome, much less then say the 629 I have, and the trigger is awsome. It's a very accurate gun.....now if I could just win the lottery ;)
 
My vote's for the 627. Shoots amazing and maintains the classic looks all in an "N" frame with 8 bangs. Also love the front bead.
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so I have been busy aftr getting some quality thoughts and observations here at the site. I believe that I am now vering towards the 627 mainly because of the weight issue and the felt recoil.

Perhaps though you guys could offer a comment on what is really the differnce between the various options of 627. In this mean the accuracies and qualities rather than the obvious form or fron bead differences.

Has anyone got any comments on the 627 V Comp version. A price would probably be scary but interesting to know.

Thanks again guys

Jonsey
 
Differences between the 327 and 627:

327: Picatinny rails, Scandium frame.

627: Gold bead front site, Stainless Steel throughout.

Really the only difference of note's the alloy used in the 327's frame vs the stainless of the 627. All other differences are largely cosmetic (rails, gold bead, finish, etc). I have no experience with the V comp as it really doesn't interest me, but that's not to say it's not a neat gun, it's just not something I'd use personally so I'm not the best to advise on that.
 
actuatlly guys, I was more interested in the spcific differences in the options of the 627. Ie. the V Comp has the removeable muzzle compensation but other than that what makes it an up graded version; or are the grip angles all the same between the models; what are the distinct differences between the fluted and non fluted other thsn the obvious that would make such a differnec in price.

I guess what I am asking i that other than asthetics are there any magor differnces between all of the new 627 offerings in terms of quality of build, design or accuracy.
 
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