This is topic S&W Model 327 in forum Firearms forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.
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Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on November 13, 2015, 09:39 AM:
Well, first of all, I do not need one, it just intrigues me, a lot.
I have not been on a quest, just casually asking around at various gunshops, and getting, (I might add) conflicting information.
Everybody so far has been telling me that model isn't approved in The People's Republik. Everybody except the place I checked last night. He said availability was eight and he could have it by Tuesday, with half down?
The price was (I think) about $1205 and tax exc. came to about $1325? I don't remember exact?
So, help me out here. Talk me out of it! That's a serious chunk of dough for a pocket size revolver, no matter how "cutting edge" it may be? It's time to put up or shut up.
I want to hear from anybody with an opinion, including the Okie boys, Tom and Mike plus Victor. Anybody, but, those guys for sure.
I was caught off guard by the barrel length question, I said 2 inch but there is a 5" model available that I didn't know existed. Seems to me, for my purpose the 2" would do nicely, but offer me reasons for choosing the 5 " version.
Okay, thanks, folks.
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on November 13, 2015, 10:43 AM:
I'm pretty sure that is the model Mikey has been contemplating, probably with a 2" barrel. I think the 5" makes more sense due to the huge cylinder. It's too big to conceal so why not go for performance?
One thing, those light weights are tough to shoot with most real loads. But as long as you're interested, go for it.
Posted by Az-Hunter (Member # 17) on November 13, 2015, 12:29 PM:
Not my place to "talk you out" of a handgun purchase your contemplating. There is something about it you must be attracted to, or you wouldn't have the urge?
If you ask my casual opinion about it, I can do that. Number one, it is far from what I would call a "pocket revolver", it's a large frame, eight shot revolver with a stubby little barrel, and to my eye, not attractive at all.
It is also a new generation S&W, has no firing pin fixed on the nose of the hammer, they utilize an internal firing pin, which requires more moving parts. This, to my mind begins to null the benefits and simplicity of what I like about revolvers. Ive not found the new generation of S&W revolvers to have DA trigger pulls as smooth and nice as the older generation, important to me, but maybe a non issue to others.
As mentioned, the light weight will have it's draw backs; that revolver, even having the large frame, will be a handful of gun with heavy 357 loads, all of which is maybe of no consequence to you if recoil is no biggie?
What grabbed you about the 327, I thought you picked up a little S&W auto to pack around for a pocket pistol, did you fall out of love with it?
Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on November 13, 2015, 01:53 PM:
I've bought a couple of 642's with no lock and no external hammer in 38+p that are more what I call pocket pistols.
Also seen a few 640-1's that are SS 357 magnums with no lock or hammer. Seems a few police trade ins can be found if that interests you but they are heavy.
If you want a light pocket pistol in 357, check out the 340pd but it is a handful to shoot.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on November 13, 2015, 04:12 PM:
Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it. Remember, once a few years ago I said I was thinking of a Beretta 92. You kinda stopped me cold with a one word reply: WHY?
Anyway, I have not seen anything more that an illustration, and it's hard to tell how big it is?
Truthfully, the part that I find interesting is the eight shot cylinder. Other than that, it doesn't look "all that" attractive, has kind of a ray gun look to it. Oh, another thing is being the first kid on the block, and I suspect it would attract attention at the range?
Good hunting. El Bee
edit: as far as the hammer/firing pin arrangement, Ruger figured that out a long time ago, of which I have a couple and I don't wish I had the S&W hammer instead.
I'm already several degrees cooled off based on the above comments.
[ November 13, 2015, 04:17 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on November 13, 2015, 08:33 PM:
What's the critter good for ????
You can't carry concealed in `that place` where you live and it doesn't sound like something you would use for hunting.
That leaves home defense.
To me, home defense means a shotgun and /or a BIG handgun.
$0.02 Worth;
Save your money & spend it on ammo.
Posted by Prune Picker (Member # 4107) on November 13, 2015, 10:56 PM:
Ever since S&W discontinued the K frame revolvers I have been looking for a suitable replacement for everyday carry or at least every time I choose to carry a handgun. I decided a 20oz 8 shot 38spl/357 M327 would work, I'd rather it had a 3" bl. without the stupid lock but I could live with it as offered. The suggested list price is insane! But it is a Performance Center custom revolver, allegedly hand made or at least assembled buy a gunsmith vs mass produced by a common laborer. I haven't handled or even seen one yet but looked at the 5" barreled M&P R-8 same gun different barrel length & model number ( i didn't buy it ). Regardless, everyone's reason not to buy one is solid advise, it isn't a classic S&W, but it is a 8 shot 357 magnum that weighs 20 oz. & will fit into my back pocket. Maybe, hopefully, smith will dump the worthless lock but the frame mounted firing pin is here to stay according to customer
service ( less time & skill required to fit the hammer ).
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on November 14, 2015, 10:23 AM:
Okay, didn't know about the "stupid" lock. That is points against.
Suggested list price insane! More points against.
Frame mounted firing pin? At best, neutral.
Seems like the couple things that attracted my attention in the first place, Scandia light weight frame, and EIGHT shots are the only points in favor, at this point.
It's looking less interesting than before, when I thought they were banned in The Land Of The Fruits And The Nuts. Now, where the rubber meets the road and I have to pony up $650 just to see that they look like, (an amount that would buy a spanking new Sig., I'm coming down with a severe case of common sense.
Maybe the price will adjust, if they can't sell them?
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on November 14, 2015, 11:17 AM:
I just walked out of the big Tulsa gun show and if you think retail prices are insane, you should see what they want for used collectible junk. That place is insane!
Posted by 4949shooter (Member # 3530) on November 14, 2015, 12:16 PM:
My 629 has the lock.
I have never touched it, and have completely forgotten about it until it gets mentioned on internet forums.
My 629 has had a fair amount of full power 44 magnum ammo through it. Never a problem.
Posted by Prune Picker (Member # 4107) on November 14, 2015, 01:14 PM:
Out west in California the gun laws would be laughable IF the rat bastard law makers weren't serious about an outright ban of all firearms. I remember the moment I became aware that S&W (and other manufacturers) were "offering" an optional internal lock, it was more of a dry heaves sick feeling vs an ooops wet fart incident but none the less I was left with a less than fresh feeling that the enemy was making progress. Moving forward, I have no use for a lock of any kind on any and all firearms period, & I can enforce my personal embargo on all guns equipped with a lock , not because I'm royalty but where I live allows me to. The way I see it LB, Mark & others are forced to play cards with a stacked deck, toss in the newest great total lead ban & ya'll are basically Fukked because of your desire to own a firearm & gawd forbid ... Like to hunt. Excuse me, dry heaves again . Options are limited but a nice handgun that is legal to possess requires a bit of give and take. I recently saw ( online ) a pile of police trade in S&W M-10's ( 38 spl 6 shot blued 3" & 4" bl ) for ~ 375$ , problem is " no sales to Calif ". Makes me want to scream, holler & throw a foaming from the mouth fit OR play their shitty game & have a kilifornie legal gun !!!! Which will still piss em off
Posted by Prune Picker (Member # 4107) on November 14, 2015, 01:34 PM:
49, the lock is what it is, a concession. we all know it & like it or not it allows you to legally possess it or them & use it for whatever reason you desire. I'm glad it's not a deal breaker for you.
Posted by 4949shooter (Member # 3530) on November 14, 2015, 02:56 PM:
PP, yeah, I just ordered a 629 from my FFL without ever having given the lock a second thought. I guess I could have tried to find one used without the lock, but I was looking for a new gun and not a used one.
I wish it didn't have the lock. That was Smith and Wesson's concession and not mine. However, it doesn't bother me in the least and like I said I don't even think about it until these conversations come up.
My 629 is still a kick azz piece if hardware though, lock and all.
But I get your point and agree the lock is an unnecessary concession.
Posted by 4949shooter (Member # 3530) on November 15, 2015, 06:51 AM:
[URL=http://s259.photobucket.com/user/4949shooter/media/Gun%20Pics/Gunpics010.jpg.html] 
[/UR L]
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on November 15, 2015, 07:04 AM:
You know, I always thought a revolver, 100+ years old technology, was sort of a clean design. Why would some ignorant, limp dicked Liberal decide a Model #629 needed a damned safety?
So, my question is, is the safety passive? Can you ignore it and choose not to engage, or is it automatic and you must take the time to release it? Is next step a "smart 629"? Oh boy the anti's have a spontaneous ejackulation just thinking about it!
My little Seecamp is the Kalifornia compliant model with a safety. I actually like it, to tell the truth. I like it for carrying it in a pocket. I don't like it if I would need to employ it quickly.
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on November 15, 2015, 10:19 AM:
The lock is really not a safety just a keyed lock to render it useless. Several years ago S&W was bought out by a company who tried to sell the lock technology, no one was buying so they bought S&W.
The lock can be ignored but there have been several reports of it self engaging due to recoil. One of the most credible was a gun writer who defended the lock and S&W, bought a 329, a scandium 44 mag and while raving about his new ultimate back country bear protection, it locked on him.
Very few reports of it engaging on steel guns but it can be swapped out for a "plug" or the little tit inside can be filed off so it doesn't work at all.
My little 44 on the right a 629 mountain gun, the 640-1 357 next to it, then the 642 38 +p, the black one is a 43c in 22lr that I carry when I run.
[ November 15, 2015, 10:22 AM: Message edited by: TOM64 ]
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on November 15, 2015, 10:38 AM:
There's another thing I didn't know? The 327 is chambered in 44Mag? I have been considering a 357.
Oh well, I don't think I'm getting it, regardless.
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on November 15, 2015, 12:37 PM:
No a 329 is what I wrote about, it's a scandium 44 mag.
Posted by Greenside (Member # 10) on November 15, 2015, 02:13 PM:
just caught on. I thought you were considering 327 mag.
[ November 15, 2015, 02:26 PM: Message edited by: Greenside ]
Posted by 4949shooter (Member # 3530) on November 15, 2015, 05:43 PM:
I am not surprised the lock engaged inadvertently on a scandium 44 magnum handgun (329) and full power magnum ammo. Which gun writer Tom?
No issues with the 629.
Leonard, S&W supplies a wrench with the gun to activate / deactivate the lock. Not that you would need it. I think I still have the wrench that came with mine.
Posted by Az-Hunter (Member # 17) on November 15, 2015, 07:05 PM:
Nice mt. gun Tom...brought back memories. I bought one when they first came out. Had a ball and detent crane lock installed, soft bead blasted the whole revolver, had the action tuned by a guy that really knew how to do it, and bobbed the hammer. That was the most accurate, easy to pack and shoot .44 I ever had....there's that ugly word "had", sucks to be a gun whore sometimes?
If guy shops around on forums, you can still pick up real nice S&Ws, without locks, frame mounted firing pins, bad finishes and horrible actions; all for about half the price of that thing Leonard was looking at.
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on November 16, 2015, 01:57 AM:
El Bee;
Since you're a man of wealth, distinction and position,............ Why not just get a Colt Python if you want a wheel gun ???
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on November 16, 2015, 03:56 AM:
A man of wealth? That's a foul joke, Sir!
There are many to choose from; a Python is hardly affordable.
On my budget, it's not surprising that I have Ruger's, instead. 357 and 44.
So, it's a "thing" now? I am suitably shamed.
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by Az-Hunter (Member # 17) on November 16, 2015, 10:18 AM:
Ive never understood the Python allure? When it comes to trigger pull and action, the Python won't make a pimple on a nice S&Ws ass? Much slower and cumbersome to reload with the ass backwards cylinder release latch, even the cylinder turns the wrong way....don't know what Colt was thinking?
Although I wish I had a half dozen tucked away, I could make a tidy fortune.
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on November 16, 2015, 11:54 AM:
Vic, that's exactly what I think of Colts, in general. Including the backward stuff. Including how overpriced they have always been. I have never pined over Colts, except the 45's, I am quite fond of my Combat Commander.
Anyway, I agree completely. You are smarter than you look!
(just kidding)
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by 4949shooter (Member # 3530) on November 16, 2015, 02:24 PM:
Edit
[ November 16, 2015, 02:39 PM: Message edited by: 4949shooter ]
Posted by Kokopelli (Member # 633) on November 16, 2015, 02:37 PM:
?????
The Python that I got for my wife (.357) has the smoothest trigger and action of anything I've ever seen.
Just a sweetheart to shoot.
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on November 16, 2015, 03:53 PM:
Nick, I can't remember who it was but I think I read it on the S&W forum. I never had a problem with the one I had either but I just couldn't fall in love with mine and it went down the road so I could search for the mountain gun I bought.
Vic, I totally understand the "had" thing. I found a pristine example of a MK2 Ruger target gun at Tulsa that I "had" and sold off years ago to buy something else. It's a shame to have been born good looking and broke. If only I were like Leonard... Anyway, the price he wanted was more than I could bare so the search continues. I've sold and traded a lot of guns in my life and only regret getting rid of a few. I guess that ain't too bad.
Gun whore... I told my daddy once that I was gonna try and own them all one day, just not all at one time.
Posted by Prune Picker (Member # 4107) on November 16, 2015, 05:25 PM:
No arguments from me, accurate statements from knowledgeable folks, but buying a new or used S&W revolver in one of the ban states is illegal unless it fits the criteria ( equipped with the internal lock & ownership transfer completed thru a FFL located in the state ). What concerns me is what happens if you are caught in possession of a NON California compliant firearm that is traced back ( by serial number ) to another person thru a seemingly legal, person to person sale? Will they arrest you or "only" confiscate the now illegal gun unless you can prove that you made the purchase before the laws changed and wasn't aware of the new laws? Anyways for the above cited reasons the internal lock isn't as bad as everyone ( myself included ) lets on .
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on November 16, 2015, 06:35 PM:
I think it would be pretty hard to trace stuff, unless it was within certain specified dates when a law was passed.
For instance, I have quite a few guns that were purchased at gun shows from people I didn't know from Adam and were probably from a different state? I also have a few that I bought in the 70's. if someone bought one from me, how would anyone know it didn't happen in the eighties?
If these (theoretical) purchases transpired since major laws have been passed, of course, (here, CA) we have to conduct it through a dealer for a $25 fee and it has to go through a background check....I guess?
That way, Hillary can sleep easy knowing laws were complied with.
I'm starting to worry about succession issues. Not sure exactly what I need to do to make sure my heirs get what I leave them?
Really, they already have us by the nuts, for trading, or selling. It's not easy.
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by Prune Picker (Member # 4107) on November 16, 2015, 08:13 PM:
I was contacted by a California police dept on a "misplaced" handgun appx 10 yrs ago. The questions they asked led me to believe that their records were up to date, I requested the serial number, their reply was the serial number & the gun shop name where I had purchased the misplaced gun from. The deputy was friendly & profssional even asking if found/recovered where they could forward (FFL) it to me since they knew I now lived in a free state. Point being their records went at least back to the early 70's. & yeah I got he gun back , they were decent , make me wonder what would happen today?
Posted by 4949shooter (Member # 3530) on November 17, 2015, 02:01 AM:
quote:
If guy shops around on forums, you can still pick up real nice S&Ws, without locks, frame mounted firing pins, bad finishes and horrible actions; all for about half the price of that thing Leonard was looking at.
The lock I could do without. It is what it is. Though as mentioned, it does not effect function on the all steel 629.
The trigger on the 629-6 smoothed out after about 100 squeezes.
Bad finish? This is matter of opinion but everybody has one.
Frame mounted firing pin....I think we are all gun savvy enough on this forum to know the reason for this.
There is a lot of hate on this thread for the newer Smith revolvers.
Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on November 17, 2015, 05:04 AM:
Yep.
As I said, I bought one Smith with a lock, can't seem to keep one in my hand once I turn it over and see the lock. Thankfully Smith is making a few models without it now, mostly the ones meant for self defense or LE, kinda makes one wonder.
Posted by 4949shooter (Member # 3530) on November 17, 2015, 01:02 PM:
I guess they are realizing the lock is an unwanted feature.
Hopefully in the future this holds true for all their revolvers.
Posted by Prune Picker (Member # 4107) on November 17, 2015, 01:10 PM:
49, maybe you can answer a question regarding recent purchase/legal possession of say a 20+ yr old non compliant ( no internal lock ) S&W M29 revolver. Would it be legal? meaning is there a current law in your state of residence that would allow you as a private citizen (excluding your employment) to buy and possess the 1980ish gun mentioned above? I am vaguely aware of New Yawk (city/state?) ban on any firearm capable or loaded with more than 7(?) rounds . California has a 10 round max law with a few grandfather claused exceptions, pertaining to year of manufacture/year of purchase by current owner with proof from Caif doj records. I honestly have no idea without consulting a lawyer who is versed in firearms law.
Posted by 4949shooter (Member # 3530) on December 18, 2015, 07:10 PM:
Sorry PP I just saw this. You are asking if the older version without internal lock would be legal in NJ?
Absolutely.
Interesting law in NY. The Federal district court in Buffalo struck down the 7 round mag capacity limit. However....in speaking with police officers from NY, they tell me only in that particular district does this apply. So when I go to NY City, like I did last year to see my wife finish the Marathon, I carried a 6 round Springfield XDs in .45 ACP.
Very complicated gun laws in the northeast...
Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on December 19, 2015, 07:40 AM:
Yes, and the arrogance of the people who write laws without understanding anything about guns, except they need to be highly regulated. And, Kalifornia ain't too far behind northeast states when it comes to repressive gun laws.
Good hunting. El Bee
Posted by TOM64 (Member # 561) on December 19, 2015, 06:47 PM:
I picked up a 5" Classic 629 last week (no lock)
Nick I'm surprised cops have to abide by the magazine law, that's screwed up. Congrats to your wife, my daughter wants me to run a full marathon with her this spring while she's still young enough...to do it. (What a about me?) anyway I'm 2 weeks into training and I have serious respect for anyone who finishes a marathon.
Posted by 4949shooter (Member # 3530) on December 20, 2015, 04:49 AM:
Nice 629 Tom.
Thanks...my wife has done two NY Marathons. She finished her second at 4:09. she wanted to do under 4 hours but there was a strong wind that day, and she said she didn't eat enough in the morning. She has had knee and back surgery, so it looks like she will be relegated to half marathons now.
Yes, it's a bummer about the magazine capacity limits in NY. I keep it legal and hope for the best.
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