ArkieVol
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in line
Davidson's sold out their first shipment in two days but I'm on the list for the next batch.
Davidson's sold out their first shipment in two days but I'm on the list for the next batch.
Ruger LCR in 327 Fed Mag just announced
- Thread starter Zaydok Allen
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I think its encouraging that the 4.2" barreled Ruger SP101 is still available from regular retailers, I'm guessing that they procured those guns from distributors and not from speculators just flipping guns.
I wonder if the quick sellout is due to actual shooters buying them or if it is speculators snapping them up because they think they can sell them later for a great markup if the chambering gets scarce again.
I wonder if the quick sellout is due to actual shooters buying them or if it is speculators snapping them up because they think they can sell them later for a great markup if the chambering gets scarce again.
Am I the only one who thinks the SP101 with the 4.25 inch (a great barrel for this caliber) is one of the most ideal revolvers made today. Not excessivley big, not too small either.
A well balanced revolver that is designed to be practicle and very useful, unfortunately it's design does not lend to the extremist unfounded expectations of fad buyers.
No product no matter how good, bad, or over the top will ever satisfy their fantasies. I like the fact that Ruger makes products that are designed with function in mind followed by form.
I have always contended that this caliber offers great flexibility for shooters and can accomodate weaks loads, full power fully effective low recoil self defense loads to full house cannon blaster loads if one desires. I am glad they are being made.
A well balanced revolver that is designed to be practicle and very useful, unfortunately it's design does not lend to the extremist unfounded expectations of fad buyers.
No product no matter how good, bad, or over the top will ever satisfy their fantasies. I like the fact that Ruger makes products that are designed with function in mind followed by form.
I have always contended that this caliber offers great flexibility for shooters and can accomodate weaks loads, full power fully effective low recoil self defense loads to full house cannon blaster loads if one desires. I am glad they are being made.
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gun_with_a_view
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Don't believe that is going to happen again. The caliber looks like it could stick on the market this time around. Depending on load and barrel length, it can fill in for the 38 Special snub to the 357 MAG. To some extent, it may replace both of those rounds for the average person who carries for self defense. Once Ruger comes out with a 327 MAG carbine/rifle, the caliber is here to stay.
weblance
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grter said:
I really wanted the 4" 327, well... because its a 327, and an SP101. After I really thought about it, I couldn't come up with anything the 4" 327 was ideal for. To me, a Double Action revolver is for defense. The 4" barrel makes it difficult to conceal. If I hunt with a revolver, I will always take a Single Action shot. For a hunter, the 4" barrel is ok, but Ruger has 2 other 327s with longer barrels. I have a 2" Taurus in 327, so I bought a Single Seven 7.5" I suppose the 4" could have covered both roles, Defense and Hunter, but its not perfect for either. Granted, I have 2 guns where one COULD have done double duty, but I just couldn't bring myself to buy the SP101-327.
I will buy the LCR-327. It will make the perfect pocket rocket. My Taurus has a hammer spur, and as I've said before, I don't need a shirt hook on a defensive revolver. I could chop the spur, but even though its a Taurus, I believe it has collector value, and I'm not going to alter it. The LCR-327 is perfect for defense, as far as I'm concerned.
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Zaydok Allen
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Well, this thread is about the LCR not the SP101........ But since you made the statement you did, I'm going to share my perspective.
I have heard this comment about the 4.2" SP several times now and that seems to be the sentiment, that those who like the platform in that configuration REALLY like it in that configuration.
I'm a little above average in size with largish hands. The SP101 with a 3" barrel in 357 was the very first handgun I ever bought. It was just big enough that I could shoot it well and the barrel was just short enough that it concealed easily in the waist band. Because of my carry method and the fact that I conceal when in public around people, a barrel over 3" gets hard for me to conceal well, as it seems to shift around when I'm getting in and out of my vehicle.
So for me, as s concealment gun, the 4.2" SP101 is totally wrong. I don't want the adjustable sight, I don't want the longer barrel, and I need a larger grip than provided to shoot it well.
So then what about open carry or trail work, right? Well, I carry a larger gun in those scenarios so a 4.2" barrel is appropriate. However, if I'm open carrying I see no reason at all I would carry a small framed revolver. In those circumstances I jump straight to my S&W 686+. In a good holster, which I have, it carries comfortably and I don't find the weight bothersome at all. I've carried it for 15 mile hikes and forgotten it was on my hip. If I wanted a trail gun in 327 mag, I'd want an 8 shot, L frame sized gun, or a 9 shot N frame, if at all possible.
So for me, the 4.2" SP101 fits squarely in the "good for absolutely nothing" class. It's got poor dimensions and features for concealment, and diminutive size and weight characteristics that I find undesirable for an open carry gun.
I do own a 4.2" in 22lr, and that makes sense to me. Recoil is negligible and it's a fun little shooter. I am looking at full sized guns though to replace it as larger guns fit my hand much better, and putting a larger grip on it defeats the point of a smaller gun.
So the SP101 only makes sense to me in a 2" or 3" barrel length (and I intend to keep my 3"). I think the appeal of the 4.2" barrel is based very heavily on your physical stature, endurance, strength, and intended use. For larger folks it doesn't necessarily fill any role well. If you are average size or small in stature, it may be perfect for you.
I'll stick with my L Frames.
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Zaydok Allen
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I agree. The 327 is perfect for concealment in a tinny gun, or for open carry and hunting in a full size gun. A 2"or 3" SP101 would be a good gun, but the longer barrel does nothing for me.
jerkface11
Member
And a 6 inch Redhawk with a 9 shot cylinder.
R.W.Dale
Member
I am just about to post a bunch of velocity figures for a 4.2" sp101.
Here's a teaser the 100g Speer gold dot, NORTH of 1500fps!
Here's a teaser the 100g Speer gold dot, NORTH of 1500fps!
JustsayMo
Member
I am glad to see this offering though unless I can sell or trade my LCR for this LCR I probably won't be getting it. The extra round in an easy to carry revolver is very appealing. The 327 is a good fit for the LCR series and while I was able to resist the 38 3" LCRx I don't think I will be able to if they offer it in 327. Dandy backpacking/trail gun, a niche currently filled by the 3" SP101 which is good, but a bit heavy for the role.
Ruger keeps finding ways into my wallet. I was just rediscovering my 32 H&R Single Six last week - GREAT gun, but neglected since the arrival of the 327 Single Seven. The 3" SP101 is fantastic enough that I own them in both 357 and 327. The 4.2" SP has tempted me too. Luckily I haven't come across one yet or I'm sure I'd buy it.
A 77/327... I'm whipping out the credit card the instant I hear about it.
Ruger keeps finding ways into my wallet. I was just rediscovering my 32 H&R Single Six last week - GREAT gun, but neglected since the arrival of the 327 Single Seven. The 3" SP101 is fantastic enough that I own them in both 357 and 327. The 4.2" SP has tempted me too. Luckily I haven't come across one yet or I'm sure I'd buy it.
A 77/327... I'm whipping out the credit card the instant I hear about it.
TruthTellers
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Because, they're stoopid.
Kidding, but seriously, I use to think I understood Ruger and then at a recent job I had a lot of co-workers use to work at Ruger and had nothing but bad things to say about them. Everything from low pay to low quality in their manufacturing standards.
There are probably some machinists on this forum that know how to machine metal, that's because they're smart guys with experience and won't work for $10.50/hour. That's the pay at Ruger and you know who they're hiring to make their guns? 19 year olds from McDonald's. As much as I want to like Ruger, I find it harder and harder to do with each passing day.
So, why did it take them so long? Because they had to train the assembly line how to make it. That on top of the usual design, testing, modifications, etc. This .327 is basically the .357 LCR, it's the same weight. I assume Ruger tried to make the .327 work on the .38+P frame, but couldn't do it. Also, I believe that after Newtown, Ruger was more focused on production than design. In 2013 they literally could not make enough guns.
TruthTellers
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So, having said all that above, I'm a big fan of the .327. I think it is the one cartridge that can keep the concept of the concealed self defense revolver alive in the age of single stack automatics.
All data has shown that the .327 from a 2" barrel is more powerful than a .38+P and more manageable than .357. The whole point of the .327 was to be used for concealed carry, but there were no snubbies available. Ruger was very involved in the creation of this round, so why they flat out failed to wait until 2015 to do this makes me wonder.
Anyway, I think the .32 caliber has the ability to be a better survival cartridge than the .22 LR or .22 Mag. The .327 can shoot low power .32 S&W, mid power .32 H&R, and full power .327 Magnum.
While .327 is not a bear gun by any means, it's a lot better of a choice than .22's. Will this LCR finally bring the .327 out of relative obscurity as a niche round? I think it can so long as Ruger can deliver on quality and I hope the .327 does take off. If it doesn't, then here's what the future will look like for .327:
Here Lies
.327 Federal Magnum
2007-2016
All data has shown that the .327 from a 2" barrel is more powerful than a .38+P and more manageable than .357. The whole point of the .327 was to be used for concealed carry, but there were no snubbies available. Ruger was very involved in the creation of this round, so why they flat out failed to wait until 2015 to do this makes me wonder.
Anyway, I think the .32 caliber has the ability to be a better survival cartridge than the .22 LR or .22 Mag. The .327 can shoot low power .32 S&W, mid power .32 H&R, and full power .327 Magnum.
While .327 is not a bear gun by any means, it's a lot better of a choice than .22's. Will this LCR finally bring the .327 out of relative obscurity as a niche round? I think it can so long as Ruger can deliver on quality and I hope the .327 does take off. If it doesn't, then here's what the future will look like for .327:
Here Lies
.327 Federal Magnum
2007-2016
gun_with_a_view
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I dunno about that. I ran the numbers once on the 130 grain hardcast 327 round from Buffalo Bore. The calculated psi exerted over the entire meplat upon was phenomenal, really bone-breaking.
Here's the deal. With the way parts are machined in high-volume production nowdays all the skill is in the programming and the setup. These companies aren't using Bridgeports and lathes that require skill to operate, all that skill is in the Prototype Shop and the Gauge Room these days. On the production floor the operators basically babysit a machine that is fixtured and set up by someone who knows how to do those functions. There are a set of gauges by the machine and the operator only needs to know how to use those gauges to check the finish dimensions of each part that comes off the machine. If one of the parts fails the gauge the operator shuts down the machine and calls the setup person to figure out what went wrong.
I've been designing fairly complex products for over 30 years now, a company I worked for a while back (major manufacturer of power tools) was hiring temps to babysit the machines. It's counter intuituve but it works, and I've been pleased with the quality of all my recent Ruger purchases.
CraigC
Sixgun Nut
I always love it when wet-behind-the-ears twenty something year olds think they know better how to run a company than those who actually do. A company, I might add, that has turned a profit every year since its inception in 1949, has ZERO debt, runs on cash and is producing a record number of guns.
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Zaydok Allen
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Well you are missing some key points here. Ruger did produce SP101's in 327 mag back when the cartridge was fairly new. They apparently didn't sell real well because they were discontinued. The LCR did not exist back then, so the SP101 was the only option.
Then the 327 passed into obscurity and sat in the shadows for a few years as a failed cartridge. Glocks and Tupperware guns were drawing all the attention of new shooters, and older shooters who already had their carry revolver needs met perhaps cared little for the 327, when the 357 and 38 special took care of their needs. However, the fans managed to keep it alive.
Now, it seems that there are more and more new shooters, more people wanting to carry a gun, and people like myself who originally rejected the 327 as an uncommon cartridge that would be hard to find, who now have seen the light.
More and more women are choosing to carry as well, and with many women not having the hand strength to manipulate the slide of small nines and 380's, j frame sized revolvers are more popular than ever.
So after watching the market, observing face book posts, and recognizing the market for the LCR in 327, they are beginning to produce it.
They aren't stupid, or slow to react. They were waiting to see if there was an actual market for this gun, in a once failed cartridge. It's the logical way the development of this gun had to go.
The 327 also had the bad luck of launching during an ammo panic when the shelves were bare. Ammo manufacturers were running full out trying to keep existing cartridges on the shelf and didn't have extra capacity to make a new cartridge without a proven track record. So gun manufacturers made guns but there wasn't any ammo to go with them. By the time ammo manufacturers caught up and had 327 on the shelf the guns had been discontinued due to poor sales.
gun_with_a_view
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You just can't top a master machinist in full control of their machine tool. You can't afford it, either.
While it is true the lack of ammo affected early 327 MAG handgun sales, the primary reason Ruger discontinued the gun had more to do with insufficient floor space in its New Hampshire plant than anything else. Demand, according to Ruger, was adequate, and with the opening of a new plant in North Carolina, the 327 MAG is back, albeit maybe not with something to satisfy everybody at this time.
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Zaydok Allen
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Ah..... I wasn't aware there was that bad of a shortage going on at the time. I was fairly new to handguns at that point. I do remember when I was debating an SP101 in 327, vs the 357 that I had a hard time finding 327 anywhere in my area, despite that I live in a gun friendly place where you can typically find dang near any modern cartridge you need. I was able to find 357 and 38 special, and it had a very real impact on my choice.
That would certainly help kill the 327 back then.
Tanshanomi
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I somewhat disappointed that the .327 version is built on the heavier all-steel frame of the .357 version. I realize that the .327 is a pretty punchy cartridge and they have to do what it takes to make it safe, but I was really hoping it would use the steel-and-alloy combo frame. The .327 specs out at over 17 oz. That's over 25% more than my .38 Special. That's enough to make a difference. What I really like about my current LCR is that I can carry it in an ankle holster all day long much more comfortably than my all-steel guns.
TruthTellers
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Like I've said earlier, I think Ruger has been playing catch up with the market from the last two presidential elections. After 2008, the economy sucked and people were not going to buy into a new cartridge and a new gun as they were trying to stock up on supplies for guns they already had. It was the worst time to unveil a new cartridge.
As things started to settle down economically and politically, Sandy Hook shook things up even worse. Then people were buying everything they could, but at that time, there were no .327's on the market.
Now may be the best time the .327 has ever had to take off and I agree the female shooter market has the most potential to advertise the .327 LCR to for the reasons you stated. If Smith, Taurus, and Charter announce new .327's next year, that'll be the sign the .327 is no longer an obscure cartridge.
I'm just concerned that if it does become popular, there will likely be an ammo shortage for it as only Federal, Speer, and Buffalo Bore load .327 Magnum and we all know how slow the ammo producers are when it comes to ramping up production, let alone a whole new line of ammo they've never made before.
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