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Post by sierra11b on Jan 15, 2018 18:06:50 GMT -5
Shot my buddy's and loved it. LGS has one for a pretty penny.
I currently lack a .357 in my collection and have been giving the 686SSR and 627PC some serious consideration, and then the more expensive big brother had to come along yesterday. Price difference between the SSR and V-comp is $650 with the 627PC coming in the middle around $1250.
It's likely nothing the 627PC doesn't already cover, but I like the looks of the V-comp especially.
My concern is the compensator coming loose and getting smacked by a round (loose setting loctite?), and the wearability of the black finish you simply cannot find much information about on the forums.
What are your thoughts?
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Post by rangersedge on Jan 15, 2018 19:00:09 GMT -5
I have a 629 pc vcomp 5". Never had problems with it and it is probably my all time favorate handgun.
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Post by potatojudge on Jan 15, 2018 19:06:25 GMT -5
357 N frames just don't do it for me. Make it worth the weight as a 41 or 44.
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Post by sierra11b on Jan 15, 2018 19:40:56 GMT -5
357 N frames just don't do it for me. Make it worth the weight as a 41 or 44. I can see that. If there were 7 shot .41 Nframe in a Similar flavor it’d be a done deal, but the fact is that’s not a reality and I could use a .357 in the mix for .38/.357 range fun. I do think the L frame is probably the best frame for .357 which is why the 686 SSR appeals to me, plus I save money. BUT I lose 2 rounds, the capability of moon clips, and do enjoy the N frame. And for some reason the 7 shot 686 just don’t appeal to me. |
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Post by magman on Jan 15, 2018 19:50:33 GMT -5
Then buy it!!!
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Post by potatojudge on Jan 15, 2018 20:53:22 GMT -5
You can have an L frame cut for moon clips. You lose 1 round potentially. www.rugerforum.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=263811That's all I've got. All my arguments for an L over N frame in 357. If the N frame is what you're after, nothing else will scratch that itch most likely, and they are very nice guns. |
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Post by JSutter on Jan 15, 2018 23:04:59 GMT -5
The PC 8X357 is a fantastic S&W. The 5” N frame 357Magnum is desired by some very experienced folks. Unfortunately I don’t have one.  Fortunately, a handier version, blued, is my avatar.  Buy it! |
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Post by bradshaw on Jan 16, 2018 13:04:29 GMT -5
I currently lack a .357 in my collection and have been giving the 686SSR and 627PC some serious consideration, and then the more expensive big brother had to come along yesterday. Price difference between the SSR and V-comp is $650 with the 627PC coming in the middle around $1250.
It's likely nothing the 627PC doesn't already cover, but I like the looks of the V-comp especially.
My concern is the compensator coming loose and getting smacked by a round (loose setting loctite?), and the wearability of the black finish you simply cannot find much information about on the forums.
----sierra11b
*****
Six shot and seancass may throw in on the N-frame with competitive DA experience. As well, other members of Singleactions have time on the Long Stroke. Once the drool is wiped, perhaps a mission-based selection will be made. The L-frame Model 686 SSR, and the N-framed 627 PC and 627 C-Comp each appear geared to fast double action shooting. It is not uncommon for such pistols to be set up with a light mainspring and light rebound spring to maximize speed on repeat shots. A revolver for the trail should have a stronger rebound spring and mainspring to insure ignition under adversity. The trail gun may require full tent loads now and then, nullifying the attraction of extra holes in the cylinder. Sounds like the trail aspect is not on your menu.
For reasons never explained, S&W makes all N-frame .357s with a short cylinder. The old M-27 had shorter cylinder then the K-frame Model 19, yet the M-27 withstands much heavier loads without blowing a gas ring or springing a chamber. The L-frame .357 (with longer cylinder) was Smith & Wesson’s reaction to the Ruger Security-Six----which flat killed the K-frame on durability firing .357s. An L-frame in good hands makes for a beautiful .357 Mag, enough so to bring it into the small to medium deer category----with appropriate bullets.
I would like to believe Smith figured out the compensator caper, so you won’t have to return the revolver with muzzle blown off. The compensator may have two missions of its own: 1) attract customers; 2) tame muzzle whip.
A trail double action must have single action. Unless: You never set foot in the North Country; you are always dead certain double action with gloves; cold has no influence on double action accuracy. The modus operandi of these revolvers is SPEED----fast repeat shots. Fast repeat shots means double action trigger work. Any reduction of inertia speeds the firing cycle. A short cylinder, a cylinder with more holes, a titanium cylinder, skeletonized hammer & trigger hasten firing. Big power increases recoil----and recovery time between shots. On the trail, one fine shot with power carries more authority than a fusillade of weak ammunition weakly aimed.
David Bradshaw
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Post by sierra11b on Jan 16, 2018 18:36:50 GMT -5
Mr. Bradshaw, Thanks for your post. I always appreciate your well thought-out approach. I've thought of what I would use this gun primarily for and 1) range use, and 2) possible home protection seem to be the two main criterion. I do have a Glock 22 for home protection as well... I'm not particularly a Glock fanboi but it's reliable and there when I need it, but thought about another in a .38 application, which is why the 8 shot appealed to me some plus moon clips. But in hindsight perhaps home protection is weak reasoning to justify a purchase considering your point on igniting under adversity. I have a couple of Blackhawks I'd consider for field carry before most anything else but the idea of this gun being used as a deep woods camp/plinking gun had crossed my mind. Being here in CA I'm thankful that I don't have to deal with a Grizzly, Moose (etc), but Black Bears and Cougars are still a possible threat, and somthing I have faced in adolescence (don't have as much woods time anymore), albeit, the Bear was very timid, but still in my sights until she left with her cubs. Maybe a model 66 would be a better choice? But I have to wonder where that puts all modern Smiths in terms of potential light-strikes with the CA compliant firing pins for the drop test? There's a video on youtube for the 627PC where the reviewer has about 5% misfires -- and without any real regard to handling a misfire but that's another thread -- so I do wonder... Could an extended firing pin be added to the 686SSR, 627s without sacrificing action performance but increasing reliability? Can S&W do such a thing so the warranty isn't void? Also, where does that put the Model 327 TRR8, which is also CA compliant, but designed to be the #1 man's best friend went entering that fatal funnel? It all seems a bit confusing shopping for a modern Smith, but my options become more limited each passing year with the CA roster, so feel a bit forced every passing year. I've got some thinking to do it seems. Maybe I'll wait for that L frame .41 from Smith after SHOT?   |
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Post by savit260 on Jan 16, 2018 20:53:05 GMT -5
Shot my buddy's and loved it. LGS has one for a pretty penny. I currently lack a .357 in my collection and have been giving the 686SSR and 627PC some serious consideration, and then the more expensive big brother had to come along yesterday. Price difference between the SSR and V-comp is $650 with the 627PC coming in the middle around $1250. It's likely nothing the 627PC doesn't already cover, but I like the looks of the V-comp especially. My concern is the compensator coming loose and getting smacked by a round (loose setting loctite?), and the wearability of the black finish you simply cannot find much information about on the forums. What are your thoughts? I've had a 627 v-comp for about 3 years now and absolutely love it. The Finish seems plenty durable as I've carried it a bunch and a simply rugged holster. It's no lightweight but I find it to be pretty well-balanced with a 5 inch barrel. I don't usually have the compensator on it as the gun is heavy enough to not really need it in my opinion. It comes with a second non compensated end cap that I keep on it for shooting lead bullets as lead doesn't play well with the compensator. A real pain to clean the lead out of the slots. The only thing I changed out was the grips as my fingers don't get along well with the finger grooves. Very happy with mine! |
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gregs
.30 Stingray
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Post by gregs on Jan 18, 2018 4:23:48 GMT -5
I have a 627 PC 5". It'll need the PC trigger job finished. The Nil style wood grips are narrow and in the process of either securing some after markets or making my own. If you are sold on the 5" barrel you have no other course. If a 4" will satisfy you, go with the 627 4", a Wolff spring pack with a type 2 mainspring and do a trigger job yourself.
For moon clips, tk customs has two thicknesses and a moon clip loader. I went with a BMT designed loader/unloader and not completely happy with it. I have trouble after getting 6-7 loaded in the clip.
A 358429 will need to go into 38 Special brass or trimmed 357 Mag brass. A 686 will take the 358429 seated in standard 357 brass.
ADD: Not to be a Debby Downer, If your heart is set on the V Comp, by all means. I was sold on the 5" PC until I got it and found the hand binding on the star in double action mode. For the 2+ bills over a standard 627 x 8 I was alittle perturbed for a CS product. I perused the V comp but couldn't get over the premium the dealers wanted for them. I'm happy now with my 5", it'll take whatever abuse I load up. I was also looking at a 3" 686 x 6 for concealed carry but am going to go old school with a 13 or 65 chopped to 3" with a lamped dovetail front and shaved Novac on the rear.
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Post by savit260 on Jan 19, 2018 17:49:11 GMT -5
This thread needs a pic.  |
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Post by savit260 on Jan 19, 2018 18:07:07 GMT -5
Regarding light strikes. My 627 V Comp wears it's factory springs, and over the course of at least a couple thousand rounds so far, has never had a light strike. While not a competition shooter of any kind, as a practical matter, I DO find the moon clips real nice as far as easy loading and unloading. Even more convenient than carrying an autoloader as you don't have to clear/load the chamber when loading or unloading. Pop the moonclip in and put it in it's holster, and at the end of the day take the moon clip out, and your carry rounds stay all together. Very efficient and easy. When shooting at the range, I don't bother with the moonclips. Just load 'em loose like any other revolver.
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Post by mobjack on Jan 20, 2018 9:13:40 GMT -5
I've got some thinking to do it seems. Maybe I'll wait for that L frame .41 from Smith after SHOT? With you being located in a less-than Free State, I would advise you to purchase, whatever you can, whenever you can. If I understand some of your laws, you are REALLY restricted to what you can purchase. Some years ago, when my son was stationed there, he sold a couple of his guns that are not on your roster for a good price. I don't think that is an option, with your newest laws. That being said, it looks like a number of manufacturers are writing off sales to your state, and that reduces the number of new guns available. Mobjack Blessed to be in a Free State. Free at least for now. |
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Post by sierra11b on Jan 20, 2018 11:04:47 GMT -5
Trust me I know.
S&W has renewed all the wheel guns I'm interested in this thread at least until the end of the year. I'll be getting one, possibly two before 2019.
You can still PPT most anything off roster (nice no dash 4" 57 just listed in my area) but the moon and stars have to be in perfect alignment and it takes a lot of determination and perseverance. As a result I spend a lot more time swinging by local gun shops to check their used and consignment inventory. Gems do occasionally pop up for a mini fortune.
You can't ship an off roster gun within the state and you cannot accept one from out of state. Which means you have to deal locally or have your own private jet for face to face PPTs within the state. Some big money whale collectors do just that.
It's really resulted in our own little commie gun economy bubble. Sure, a CA seller could sell and ship to an FFL in a gun friendly state, but are far better off trying to sell within the state for a premium first. And on the flip side it doesn't really benefit buyers looking into buy from California unless it's an unusual piece they must have. SAs are currently exempt. For now. That's why I've been in DA mode for awhile.
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