This one caught my eye at Collectors:
I know, I know: the constant gripe about Smith’s Performance Center (or “Profit Center”, as it’s sometimes called) is that they take a gun and turn it into what the gun should have been at the outset, for about a grand’s difference.
I don’t think that’s fair, because while a standard Smith 627 is not exactly a slouch in the Gun Beauty Division:
…there is no doubt that like any standard-issue gun, it can always be improved by a little judicious tinkering. Which is what the Performance Center does. And yes, like any bespoke changes, you gotta pay for the improvements.
In Colt terms, this is like the difference between the excellent Colt Trooper:
..and the magnificent Python.
I would be perfectly happy with a Trooper or S&W 627 (although 8 rounds in the 627, hubba hubba). Both are excellent revolvers, no question about it.
And the Python and 627 PC? Wonderful. And you pay extra for the doubleplus part. There’s no problem with that.
I am not a huge fan of Smith revolvers, but the 627 is one of their better models.
I just wish they didn’t have that damn lock on their frame. That sucks.
At any rate. Smith makes 3 models currently.
– 5 inch performance center
– 4 inch pro series
– 2 inch performance series
The 2 inch model has a non fluted cylinder
I like the 4 inch the best myself but YMMV.
All are 8 shots as this 357 is built on the N frame, the same frame used for Smiths 44 Mag revolvers.
The 2 inch looks cool and doesn’t have as much recoil as one would think, as the frame is large so that soaks up much of the recoil.
There revolvers shoot nice and do look nice.
I used these and many others extensively during my time in the gun biz.
Not gonna lie, that performance center 627 made me hard the first time I saw one. And the Python? Ye gods. Excuse me while I go fondle my GP100. I hope you’re proud of your little porn site, bro.
I have a GP100 as well. Stainless 4 inch My fav full size revolver. No lock on it. Eats any ammo. Minimal recoil even with 357 powerhouse rounds.
I would at some point when I get more cash like to get a 10MM GP100 or even an SP101 4 in in 357. The Python 4 inch also strikes my fancy.
With all the high taxes and BidINFLATION, it is becoming a dream to afford anything as a working man lately.
Anyone have the winning lottery numbers? I know the government will take half the winnings (sigh) but I’d still have enough hopefully to get some more tools.
.357 Mag – 8 Times
Whoever thunk up that marketing gem is a gem. Know how I know? Now I want one.
Better than most semi autos. I’d rather have 8, and maybe even 6 in many cases of 357 Mag over 9, 40 or 45.
357 is a serious round.
And the gun is all steel so if the threat is still attacking before you can reload the gun doubles as an impact weapon.
I prefer 38special and larger caliber revolvers to be six shots instead of seven or eight.
JQ
Kim,
The 627-5 is a fine revolver. The 5” barrel version is very popular among competitive revolver shooters. It’s dirt cheap compared to a similarly kitted out Korth which costs several times the price of the S&W (depending on options).
The major drawback to the N frame revolvers is cylinder notch peening. In a competition revolver where one fires a couple hundred rounds during a match, peening can get so bad that the revolver will not lock up on a chamber. Ask me how I know. The good news is that it’s easy to fix if caught early. If not, then a replacement cylinder is called for. Sadly those fellows at S&W no longer sell the Ti cylinders to the public. It’s a factory installed part only. Pain in the ass.
All that said, the 627 is a great revolver.
I know this post is about Shit and Worsen, I mean, Smith and Wesson.
I’ve not seen too many issues with the 627’s I’ve run. They are usually nice and hold up fairly well, as long as it is not a lemon from the line, which seems to happen with S&W’s products more than it should.
But if you want an alternative to the problematic issues you mentioned, there is an 8 shot Ruger RedHawk in 357, both in a 2 inch barrel and a 4 or 5 inch barrel. No lock on the Ruger either.
With smith you have to find a pre 1998 to 1999 one to get no lock