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[remus996]

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[deadcoyote]

N frame is a good bit bigger. Not to jam you up but .357 really loses a lot of its punch out of a short barrel. Is this for carry or just for the heck of it? Good luck, I'm at least glad someone is still buying wheel guns besides me.

[Pauliedad]

The wow factor with .357 out of a snubby is pretty high. I have a 686 2.5 inch and I had never bothered with .357 before. It's a great shooter with .38. Just for curiosities sake the other day I put 6 rounds of .357 through it. Full sunlight and the fireball was impressive. Good times

[Revoman]

Yes, the 627 is an N frame revolver while the 686 is an L frame revolver. The N frame is a heavier frame and is the same frame as the much heavier 44 magnum. The L frame is no slouch though in that it was built as a go between the K frame and N frame and can easily hold it's own comparatively to the N frame in 357.

If it's for CCW, you would probably wanna go with the L frame as it is smaller/lighter, but not really too much smaller/lighter as it also has the underlug barrel, which adds weight to the gun. They come in either 6 or 7 rounds too.

You cannot go wrong with either gun, it's a matter of what you want, the purpose and how it feels to you in hand. (Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder....)

A 2.5" barrel can shoot every bit as well as a 4" depending on the shooters capability by the way.

[Fox75]

I wouldn't let the 1 extra round influence your decision. Speedloaders are more available in 6 and 7 rounds compared to 8. Also, if your intention is to use moonclips, I find that it's much easier to quickly load a 6 or 7 round moonclip compared to the 8 as they just seem to hold a little tighter. That being said, I own both and If one had to go it would be the 686.

[rogervzv]

I have both the 686+ and the 627PC. Both are terrific guns.

IMO both are pretty hefty for CCW but what do I know.

Both are perfect for HD or range use. I find the triggers to be very similar. Typical snappy S&W triggers, awesome on SA, by the way.

[pitbull30]

The wow factor with .357 out of a snubby is pretty high. I have a 686 2.5 inch and I had never bothered with .357 before. It's a great shooter with .38. Just for curiosities sake the other day I put 6 rounds of .357 through it. Full sunlight and the fireball was impressive. Good times

I agree. I have the 686+ 4inch. I always shoot 38 out of it. Great gun.

[Fox75]

I have both the 686+ and the 627PC. Both are terrific guns.

IMO both are pretty hefty for CCW but what do I know.

Both are perfect for HD or range use. I find the triggers to be very similar. Typical snappy S&W triggers, awesome on SA, by the way.

Hey rogervzv, How are those 5 Star 8 rounders? Do they fit pretty tight?

[rogervzv]

Hey rogervzv, How are those 5 Star 8 rounders? Do they fit pretty tight?

Yeah, they are fine.

[adonis]

If you're really going to CCW it then look at the 327, it's a lot lighter weight. For HD use why not get the 4-5" barrel?

Just being real, not many people can CCW a 627. It's a pretty substantial gun, but it's also one of my favorite guns to shoot. I've had a 4" 627 for years, it's as reliable as a hammer and spits out big magnum rounds like nothing.

[keep_ur_powder_dry]

686 ss is a great format...but, too large for everyday ccw ...great jeep gun

gb

[9mmepiphany]

Thank you for the replies. The 686 fit so well in my hand. Photos of the 627 seem to show it has a shorter grip. Is this correct?

No it isn't.

The 627 has a longer grip frame. It is also further from the top of the backstrap to the face of the trigger

[350skylark]

Does the barrel say ".357 - 8 TIMES" or do my eyes deceive me?

I have both the 686+ and the 627PC. Both are terrific guns.

IMO both are pretty hefty for CCW but what do I know.

Both are perfect for HD or range use. I find the triggers to be very similar. Typical snappy S&W triggers, awesome on SA, by the way.

[adonis]

Does the barrel say ".357 - 8 TIMES" or do my eyes deceive me?

Yes, it sure does. But only on the PC version. The standard 627 just says S&W .357 Magnum

[rambutan316]

Honestly, I would look for one without the lock. An early model 686 would be my first choice.