S&W Performance Center 327

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gbran

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I think I've talked myself into one of these. It will make a small dent in my bonus.
I like the 21+oz weight and 8 rounds. It's a bit thick, but when you overlay it on a 1911, it's not as big. I figure if I can ccw a 1911, I ought to be able to ccw this.

Does anyone here have one? Can you give me some feedback?

SampW-327_zpseb9u18ep.gif
 
From another forum:

I handled one at my LGS a few months ago. It seemed to me like something without a clear purpose.

Problem No. 1: a .357 really needs more than that short barrel to achieve a decent velocity (BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .357 Mag Results). Otherwise, it does not gain much velocity over a .38 Special +P, and it comes with more recoil, noise, and flash.

Problem No. 2: it's too bulky to conceal easily. The grip and the cylinder make it a lot larger in person than it looks online. Although it's light, there are a lot more concealable firearms out there.

Problem No. 3: it's not really going to be as effective on the range as something with a longer sighting radius. If you like eight-shot revolvers, the 627 has a five-inch-barrel option.

Add to that the fact that the fit and finish of the firearm were...less than impressive, and I would be spending my $1,000 somewhere else.

I'm not trying to be a jerk, either. I was initially interested in one of the N-frame snubs, but I think you'd be better off with a different, non-magnum caliber.
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Mdl327

Friend of mine has one , if' you shoot it, you'll probably change the grips! He did! It is a handful. I too, thought the short barrel would negate velocity (ballistics ) he shot a mud puddle, then used a 1911; and shot the same spot. The short 2" 357 ,was more impressive geyser wise . I think Patton may have been correct. Until that day I thought .45 357 mag were equal . Maybe he tricked me huh? I'll stick to roa's. if I need a gun to go there ;I know ,I don't need to go there.
 
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I have a 4" 327PD and a 5" 327 TRR8. The 327 series are nice carry guns but I do not recommend them for novice shooters. Their light weight amplifies the recoil and will lead to flinching in new shooters. Magnum loads can be punishing if you have large hands the trigger guard can rap your knuckle plus they can be jarring. They are very accurate and have good smooth triggers. If you can conceal it there are not many things that will stay upright with eights rounds of .357 magnum in them,
 
Sorry to be a Debbie Downer, but the quote in post #2 mirrors my thoughts of this gun exactly.

But if you really want one man, go for it! It doesn't matter what we think.
 
I kind of really like that gun. I wouldn't worry about the short barrel, but that is a gun you must do some practicing with to make sure you can be accurate without flinching especially when shooting full on magnums. It really is a unique firearm and would make a fine carry piece provided you are okay with the cylinder width. Heck, even if it turns out you didn't like it I would think you could sell it and not lose a ton.

Those performance center revolvers really get onto my want list when I see one. My LBS has a 627 PC with the 5" barrel that is such a sweet revolver. The trigger on it, in either double action or single action, is just awesome and the grip is perfect. They also have a 629 with a 7.5" barrel that I drool over every time I'm in there. The finish, fit, and actions of those guns really are better than the regular offerings, and I say that as someone who just bought a regular 686+ and own Rugers, so I really don't have a bias.

I must confess though, I have a PC 627 V-Comp on its way to me now that I just bought yesterday.... :)
 
Another option in this category, in Stainless versus the 327 Scandium frame.

627%20snub%20nosed%20small.jpg
 
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Don't kid yourself.

Any S&W N-Frame is too big to CCW.

Compairing cylinder diameter to a 1911?

3/4" wider then a 1911 slide.
And at least 1/2" wider then a 1911 through the grips!!

If you want one, get it.
But don't justify it by thinking you can comfortable CCW it with any degree of success.

rc
 
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Seven rounds instead of eight, and this L frame Smith does conceal well. True, it doesn't look as mean as the 327 Performance Center N frame. But if Woody Harrelson got by with one in True Detective, well, 'nuff said.

Actually, Woody carried this 8-shot Model 627 revo with a 2.65-inch barrel:
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Smith_&_Wesson_Model_627

My bad.

So many guns.

Only one mouse click at a time.
 
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^^^just bought that 686+ from Talo. Nice gun, but it is probably heavier than the scandium frame 327 and the trigger isn't as nicely worked over as a performance center trigger would be....although, it's a couple hundred bucks cheaper too.


Honestly, I like every revolver that is pictured on this thread. LOL.
 
I agree with most that a longer barrel would be great, but that's not what I want. I've got plenty of longer barrel roscoes. But let me also say that I don't hear many complaints about barrel length with 5 shot J-Frame .357 snubbies, many of which are a tad less than 2 inches.
 
S&W Performance Center 327

I own one and practice with it in DA mode exclusively loaded with 158-173 gr. LSWCs and 3.5 gr. of Bullseye in 38 special cases. I do well with it at 7 yards. I see it more as a bedside pistol or inside a car/truck pistol. I would not want brass flying around inside my bedroom or vehicle. YMMV, grasshopper.
 
I want to add that my moderate/heavy load is a 173 gr. LSWC and 5.5-6.0 gr. of Titegroup in .357 cases. Jeff Quinn of Gunblast uses it so I gave it a try after double checking it against my reloading manuals.
 
SampW-327_zpseb9u18ep.jpg


That is indeed one bad-to-the-bone looking gun. It would be even more badder with a three-inch barrel, no doubt. However, the intimidation factor of the two-inch model probably more than makes up for the inherent 221 fps velocity drop that reduces the ME from 448 to 305*.


* Ballistics-by-the-inch, 125 grain 357 MAG CorBon DPX.
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html
 
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One other point about the barrel length: have you ever shot a snubby with a .357 at night? It's blinding. There's a massive fireball because so much of the powder fails to burn before the bullet exits the barrel.

attachment.php


There's a rare .45 ACP variant of that model that would be much more suitable for that short of a barrel, if you're dead set on it.

RC's right, though. The cylinder is enormous. If you've handled one in person, you'd realize that immediately.

Don't kid yourself.

Any S&W N-Frame is too big to CCW.
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I've owned .357 snubbies and had a 7 round titanium and had no problems carrying it, but it was brutal and the bullets would jump crimps, which is why I got rid of it.

I am concerned the weight of the 327 is too light. I'm also looking at the Model 627, which is also 8 rounds, 37oz and a little longer 2.625" barrel.

I still wish I could fondle one.
 
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