Review: Smith & Wesson 627 Pro Series 8-Shot 357 Mag
The Smith & Wesson 627 Pro Series is an all stainless steel full-size revolver that is chambered in 357 magnum. It’s not your average revolver though, this gun holds 8-shots, which is very impressive. Is the 627 Pro Series the ultimate revolver? Let’s take a look.
6 shots? 7 shots? how about 8
Most wheel guns have 6 round cylinders and that has been the standard for quite some time. Smith & Wesson definitely changed the game when they introduced the 627 Pro Series.
The 627 Pro Series is built on Smith’s N-frame. This frame is usually for revolvers chambered in 44 magnum. Using this size frame allows the 627 to hold 8 rounds of 357 magnum.
There aren’t currently any speed loaders that will work for this revolver that I am aware of, however, they do make Moon Clips. Smith includes two of the moon clips in the box with the 627.
The 627 Pro Series Trigger
The trigger pull is unbelievable on this gun compared to other revolvers. The heavy double-action squeeze is what people have come to accept when shooting them. The 627 has made a huge improvement when it comes to revolver triggers
the double action is still heavy compared to semi-autos however it is very smooth and consistent. It is easy to shoot and still maintain accuracy when firing double action.
The single-action is where the 627 Pro Series really stands out. The weight of the single-action pull has been reduced and it feels like a custom aftermarket trigger. It is light and it is hard to miss when firing single action.
The hammer has also been enlarged and this makes it very easy to cock the hammer back, even while wearing gloves.
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627 Pro Series design
The overall design of the 627 Pro Series is great in my opinion. The barrel is 4-inches which is a good length and not too long so it can still be carried. The end of the barrel is beveled underneath giving it a cool look.
The finish is matte stainless steel and at first, I wish it was brushed stainless steel but it has grown on me. The trigger and hammer are case-harden and they have a unique look.
The rubber grips on the 627 Pro Series are extremely comfortable and soften the recoil when shooting. The finger groves fit my hand good and the black grips with the matte stainless make this revolver very attractive.
The front sight has a hi-viz orange insert making it easy to see. The rear sight is adjustable and was dead on for me out of the box. I was hitting the bullseye all day at 10 yards.
Smith & Wesson revolver safety features
Being a revolver and not having an external thumb safety like semi-autos often do, Smith & Wesson still included a safety feature. They have built-in internal locks on all of their modern revolvers.
Personally, I have never used these, and I do not have a need for them but I can see how some people might like this. There is a small keyhole about the cylinder release and this is where you can lock the revolver.
This lock stops the trigger from being pulled and the cylinder from being opened. This might come in handy for someone without a gun safe and has small kids around.
Functionality and philosophy of use
So what is the main reason I purchased the Smith & Wesson 627 Pro Series? To be honest I just wanted a revolver and since a had a bunch of firearms but not a revolver, I thought it was time to add one to my collection. The 627 Pro Series caught my attention and I decided to get it.
This revolver is too large for concealed carry in my opinion but would make a great handgun for open carry for those that go that route. It would also make a great home defense gun. A revolver is simple and effective as a point and shoot gun. Someone with little or no training can pick it up and fire it (but I recommend getting training for anyone who might use it).
Another good use for this revolver is hunting, yes that’s right. Some people would never think of a revolver for hunting but it actually becoming more popular lately. In my state, it is actually illegal to hunt deer with a rifle. (bows, slug guns, or muzzleloaders only). We are allowed to use revolvers though.
Not many holster options
I did struggle a little to find a holster that fit the 627 Pro Series well. Like I mentioned early that because of the 8 round cylinder capacity this revolver was built on the larger N-frame. This is where I ran into the problem.
I knew I wanted a nice leather holster for this revolver but it took me a while to find one on the shelf of my local gun stores. I ended up using Galco’s website that had a pretty good holster finder on it.
Only one holster would work for the 627 Pro Series and luckily one store had it in stock. The only downside it was about $120 and I could have probably had a custom one made for that price.
I am happy with the Leather Holster that I got for the revolver though. It’s very well made and has a strap that holds the gun securely in the holster.
Specifications
Final Thoughts
The Smith & Wesson 627 Pro Series is an excellent revolver. It is comfortable to shoot and reliable. It is also a very accurate handgun (especially when firing single action). The only downside I see with this revolver is the price.
I know it’s kinda cliche but you get what you pay for and I think the Smith & Wesson 627 Pro Series is worth every penny. Let me know what you think of the 627 Pro Series and if you think it is worth the price in the comments down below.
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Jerry R. Parris July 15, 2017 Over the years I have owned most of the 357 Mag Revolvers you listed and since I reload I have put a lot of lead through them. All the Revolvers you listed are excellent but you left out one of the best 357 Mag. ever made, the Ruger Security Six. and (Speed Six in Stainless). The Security Six has the best reviews of all 357 Mag. Revolvers. I have reduced my 357 Mag Revolver holdings to the Ruger Security Six, Ruger SP101 and Ruger GP 100. Allmost every round through them have been full house 357 Mag. and have never had a problem with any of them. If you can find a Security Six in good condition, Buy it. They are getting harder and harder to find as most people who have one will not part with it.
Smith & Wesson is an excellent revolver. It is comfortable to shoot and reliable. Simply Awesome
I purchased the the 627 5” performance center model around the time you wrote this and had been wanting it for years before, just didn’t have the cash for it at the time. If you have the money for it I recommend it, it is my favorite gun that I own and I usually find myself holding it and dry firing it for about an hour or two a day just because I love the way it feels in my hands. Mine came with two grips, the rubber one you mentioned and a dark wooden one as well I switch between them a lot but favor the way the wooden one feels in my hand more, and because of the weight of this gun even high powered loads feel like nothing in it. Absolutely love it.
I own 4 other S&W and Ruger 357 revolvers I bought the 627 4” about 6 months ago and absolutely love it. It’s very well built and very accurate my favorite 357 in my collection
I have the 627-5 Performance Center 5″ with satin finish. Well balanced gun that’s very comfortable in the hand. Thanks for the review. I dug in the case on found the two moon clips….didn’t know they were there. Cool!!
I just purchased the S&W M627 .357 2.5″ barrel length. This will be a carry gun for me and I was wondering what Galco holster you wound up using for your 4″ model? I had been watching the stock listed on my local gun shop for several weeks, and when they were back in stock, I made the purchase. Thank you for your article.
Do you have to use moon clips or is it just handy?
No you don’t have to use the moon clips and yes it is just handy to have them for faster reloads.
Compared to a Colt Python?
Not even very close.🙂
I bought this gun in 2017. Still my favorite to shoot. Highly recommend but if you also want the 8 shot 357 capacity; S&W also makes the TRR8 which comes with a pic rail top and bottom for light, lazor, etc. I considered it but wanted a basic revolver and went with the 627.
Sold my 627 with a 5 inch barrel and at the time it couls not be beat. When Colt came out with the Python again i purchased the 4.25 and 6 inch. No comparison, for me the Colt has a better trigger and overall the better revolver. Sold my 686 plus also.