Smith & Wesson Model 627
The Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 627 is the ultimate expression of the N-frame .357 Magnum revolver — an 8-shot cylinder in a platform that most revolvers cap at six. Built by S&W’s Performance Center with hand-fitted components, a chrome-flashed action, and a moonclip-ready cylinder, the Model 627 serves both serious competitors and shooters who want the finest carry revolver Smith & Wesson has ever chambered in .357 Magnum.
Read our full S&W Model 627 Buying Guide ↓
Why 8 Shots? The Case for the Model 627 Over a Standard .357 Revolver
Most .357 Magnum revolvers — including S&W’s own Model 686 — hold six rounds. The Model 627 squeezes eight into the same N-frame package by using a precisely engineered larger cylinder with tighter tolerances. That’s two extra rounds of .357 Magnum without moving to a larger gun or switching calibers. In competition, two extra shots before a reload is a meaningful tactical advantage. For a carry revolver, eight rounds of .357 is a capability level that no other production wheelgun matches.
Performance Center Model 627 Specs
The PC Model 627 (SKU 170133) is chambered in .357 Magnum and also accepts .38 Special +P. It carries 8 rounds, weighs 37.8 oz, and ships with moonclips for fast reloads. The Performance Center action features a chrome-flashed custom teardrop hammer, chrome-flashed trigger with overtravel stop, dovetailed red ramp front sight, and adjustable white-outlined rear sight. The ball-detent cylinder lock-up delivers competition-grade timing and consistency. Wood grip panels, compact barrel, and N-frame dimensions make the carry-configuration 627 one of the most capable snub revolvers ever made.
Model 627 vs. Model 686: Which S&W .357 Should You Buy?
The Model 686 is S&W’s volume .357 Magnum revolver — six shots, stainless steel, excellent value. The Model 627 is the Performance Center premium: two extra rounds, hand-tuned action, moonclip compatibility, and PC-grade components that justify the price premium for competition shooters and serious enthusiasts. If you’re buying a .357 as an everyday range revolver, the 686 is hard to beat. If you want the finest .357 Magnum S&W builds — with the extra round capacity to match — the 627 is the answer.
Moonclips: The 627’s Speed Reload Advantage
Every Model 627 ships with moonclips included. A moonclip holds all eight rounds in a flat metal disc, loading and ejecting the entire cylinder charge at once — faster than a speedloader and far faster than individual round loading. For IDPA, ICORE, or any revolver competition, moonclip reloads on an 8-shot platform are genuinely competitive with semi-auto reload times. The 627 is the revolver serious competitors reach for specifically because of this combination of capacity and reload speed.
Model 627 Variants: Which Configuration Is Right for You?
S&W offers the Model 627 in three Performance Center configurations: the carry-oriented 2.625” barrel model (37.8 oz, wood grips — the compact N-frame carry option), the 5” barrel competition model (40+ oz, optimized for IDPA/ICORE), and the V-Comp with an integral compensator for reduced muzzle rise in full-power .357 loads. The short-barrel 627 is uniquely positioned as an 8-shot carry revolver — something no other production gun offers. The longer-barrel variants are optimized for the range and competition circuit.
Related Pages
Explore all Smith & Wesson firearms, browse .357 Magnum revolvers, or see .357 Magnum ammunition.