Taurus 327
The Taurus 327 is a compact 6-shot double-action revolver chambered in .327 Federal Magnum—a cartridge that delivers more energy than .38 Special +P from a similar barrel length, fits six rounds in a frame that typically holds only five .38 Special rounds, and also accepts .32 H&R Magnum and .32 S&W Long for lower-cost practice. The .327 Federal Magnum’s combination of increased capacity, improved ballistics over .38 Special, and cartridge versatility makes the Taurus 327 one of the most practical compact carry revolvers available for buyers willing to seek out the less common ammunition.
Read our full Taurus 327 Buying Guide ↓
Why .327 Federal Magnum: The Capacity and Ballistics Case
The .327 Federal Magnum was developed specifically to provide a cartridge that fits six rounds in a J-frame or similar small-frame revolver where only five .38 Special rounds fit. The smaller diameter of the .327 allows the extra chamber. Beyond capacity, .327 Federal Magnum from a 2” barrel produces approximately 400–450 ft-lbs of muzzle energy with 100-grain defensive loads—more than most .38 Special +P loads from the same barrel length. For buyers who want every possible practical advantage from a compact revolver, the .327 Federal Magnum delivers more rounds and more power than .38 Special in the same package.
Cartridge Versatility: Three Calibers in One Revolver
The Taurus 327 accepts .327 Federal Magnum, .32 H&R Magnum, and .32 S&W Long from the same cylinder. This versatility is practically significant: .32 H&R Magnum and .32 S&W Long are milder, less expensive rounds appropriate for practice sessions where shooting hundreds of rounds of full-power .327 Magnum would be fatiguing and costly. The ability to train extensively with economical .32 loads and carry .327 Federal Magnum defensive loads is a meaningful operational advantage, similar to how .357 Magnum revolvers accept .38 Special for practice.
327 vs. .38 Special Revolvers: The Practical Comparison
The primary competition for the Taurus 327 is the Taurus 856 in .38 Special and the standard Taurus 85. The 856 holds 6 rounds of .38 Special on a slightly larger frame. The 85 holds 5 rounds. The 327 holds 6 rounds of .327 Federal Magnum, which outperforms .38 Special +P ballistically. The trade-off is ammunition availability — .38 Special is carried at nearly every gun store and big-box retailer, while .327 Federal Magnum requires a specialty gun shop or online order. For buyers in areas with good ammunition access who want the best compact revolver ballistics, the 327 is compelling. For buyers who want guaranteed ammunition availability anywhere, .38 Special is safer.
Taurus 327 Specifications
The Taurus 327 uses a 2” barrel on a compact steel frame, double/single-action trigger with exposed hammer, fixed sights, and rubber grip panels. At approximately 22–24 oz unloaded, it is in the same weight range as the steel-frame Taurus 85. The stainless and matte finish options provide corrosion resistance appropriate for carry in varying weather conditions.
Related Pages
Compare .38 Special alternatives on the Taurus 85 and Taurus 856 pages, browse all snub-nose revolvers, or see the full Taurus lineup.