[hillestadj]

Hey everyone,

Im looking to pick up a revolver in 357 Mag/38 spcl. Really been looking hard so far at the S&W 627 PC and the 686 SSR. I'd really appriciate hearing any experiences you guys have had with either or just thoughts in general.

Thanks in advance,

JH

 

[m141a]

I used to own 2 model 28's with 4 and 6 inch barrels. Both fine guns.
My father was issued a 4" 686 as his duty weapon back in the 80's.....he fell in love with the gun.
both are very reliable.

You might want to look at the GP100 also. It's about the size of the 686, only sturdier.

 

[Skull13]

I have a 6" 586 that I've had for over 25 years my favorite double action revolver hard to beat a S&W. I just don't like the prices today.I paid $230 for my 586 in 1983.Had to have it tuned up a couple of times but I did shoot it in competition for nine years. **** I'm starting to sound like my father.The older I get the smarter he was.

 

[Clem]

I have a 627PC, 627Pro and a 686SSR. While the 686SSR is a great gun, I haven’t warmed to it like I have the two 627s. I tend to prefer the 5” 627PC over the 4” 627Pro, but I like both. Perhaps I just like N frames.

 

[mattsbox99]

I have a 28-2, which is an N frame. The 686 is a L frame and 627 is an N frame. There is quite a noticeable size difference. All of them are high quality guns.

I own several Rugers too, including 2 GP100s, and again they are very good guns.

The SSR you mention is built for ICORE competition, and the 627 is used in various other competition arenas.

I like both brands, and you won't get better customer service from anybody. Both brands have taken care of any issue I've ever had.

 

[wildhobbybobby]

Either of the .357's you refer to in your original post would be a great choice and an excellent shooter. The 686 will be slightly smaller. Get the one that feels best.

 

[hillestadj]

Thanks for the info so far guys.

I havent actually been able to get my hands on a 627 as it seems no one around here has them in. I have been able to fondle the 686 ssr and I liked it but it seemed a little small (not bad at all though) in my hand....guess I am a bit ham fisted. I really cant see spending this type of money on a gun without seeing it first which it looks like I may have to do with the 627 PC.

In your opinions is the extra price different between the 627 and 686 worth it?

Also, would I notice any kind of appriciable accuracy gain or loss between the 4" barrel on the 686 and the 5" 627?
Thanks,
JH

 

[mattsbox99]

There shouldn't be any accuracy advantage, but the 5" will be easier to shoot with the longer sight radius.

While the 627 is an N frame, there are multiple grip options available. There are large bulky "target" grips, narrow "service" grips, and of course there are multitudes of custom grips.

The real difference between the two is the SSR is a 6 shot and the 627 is an 8 shot. The 627 is cut for moon clips while the SSR isn't (ICORE Stock Service Revolver doesn't allow moon clips in that division).

If you are a competitive shooter, check out Brian Enos forums for a ton of info. There is a section purely devoted to revolver competition. www.brianenos.com

 

[hillestadj]

mattsbox99,

Im not a competitive shooter but also wouldnt rule out giving it a go in the future. At any rate, you've been very helpful so far and I'm going to check out that link right now.

Thanks
JH

 

[fcfirearms]

If you will be shooting it a lot with full house magnums, any L-frame or N-frame Smith is good if you are partial to S&W. If not partial a good alternative is a Ruger GP100, built like a tank for less money. For carry and defense in .357 I prefer a K-frame S&W or Ruger Speed Six (discontinued) using only 38SPL for practice.

For strictly target work you can't beat the K-frame M15 Combat Masterpiece. In most of the bullseye matches I've engaged in the guy that usually will clean everybody's clock will be shooting an old M15.

 

[VictorLouis]

Are you partial to the bells and whistles of those models, or the lure of a 'new' gun? If that's not a big deal, why not consider one of the thousands of lightly used Smiths' that are out there for much less money? Just a thought. Then, you can use the savings toward figuring out which grips work for you, loaders, leather, and of course...ammo!

If you want one or the other, I'd lean toward the SSR. The L-frame's grip is K-frame in size. There's hundreds of grips to choose from, so you shouldn't have any trouble fine-tuning it to even your ham fist, LOL. Plus, if you CCW this thing, it's smaller, lighter, and less bulky.

 

[kirk edwards]

I would go instead with a Ruger GP100 in a .357 caliber. It can take very hot loads, it is one piece of metal, and it will last forever. The way things are going, you may find yourself 20 years from now or sooner only being able to get handmade bullets. With a GP100 you will need to worry less about variances in powder loads (within reason, of course). Do yourself a favor and think ahead, especially if you plan to pass that gun down through your family or to friends as a legacy. Plinking is fine if you don't already have a man's gun, but if you can only afford to buy one, buy for the future. Rugers shoot straight enough and they will outlast your time on earth and then some.

 

[hillestadj]

Well I ventured out of town today to some other gun shops. Still couldnt actually fondle a 627. BUT, one dealer quoted me $759 on a 627 Pro Series which is the best out of anywhere I could find and is on par with what the 686 SSR goes for in the local shop. The best anyone seems to be able to do on the 627 PC is right around $1100.

SO here becomes the question for those of you more in the know: Is there any reason I wouldnt come out money ahead to just buy the 627 Pro and after shooting it if necessary have some trigger work done, few springs swapped, new grips if need be, etc?

 

[mattsbox99]

The performance center will have have a better resale value if you care about that, but I don't think its worth the extra $400+. You will most likely be pretty happy with either the 627 Pro or 686 SSR. 686s have terrible resale value though.

If I could get a 627 Pro for only $750, I'd jump all over it.

 

[digisol]

686, the first choice of most 357 8-3/8" bbl revolver buyers, the 38 would be the model 14 full lug 6" bbl, I have both, nice guns, good looking and accurate.

the 586 version would be a fair choice if a good deal was found but the stainless 686 is much better.

 

[Clem]

My 627Pro was extremely accurate right out of the box. The trigger was very good, too, but I did a little smoothing anyway and replaced the rebound spring with a slightly lighter one. Now there isn't any difference between my 627Pro and 627PC, except the 1" in barrel length.

 

[hillestadj]

Thats good to hear Clem. I figured the biggest difference between the two 627s is the 1" of barrel and a little bit of trigger work. Really cant see spending almost half again as much for the PC.

Unless I talk myself out of it or any of you can talk me out of it I will be putting the order in on Friday after work for the 627 Pro Series.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[osprey572ci]

I have a 28-2, which is an N frame. The 686 is a L frame and 627 is an N frame. There is quite a noticeable size difference. All of them are high quality guns.

I own several Rugers too, including 2 GP100s, and again they are very good guns.

The SSR you mention is built for ICORE competition, and the 627 is used in various other competition arenas.

I like both brands, and you won't get better customer service from anybody. Both brands have taken care of any issue I've ever had.

I thought the 686 was a K frame? I am most likely mistaken.

 

[m141a]

the 581/681, 586/686 were L frames....just a touch bigger than a K.

 

[mattsbox99]

Don't forget the 386 and 620 are also L frames!