Sidearms & Scatterguns Getting into wheel-guns: S&W 986 or 627 PC / V Comp?

[748rpilot]

I think I want to branch out from pistols and try some wheel-gunning. I have no prior experience with revolvers.

I first started looking at the S&W 986 because I want to stay with a full-size, I like the 5" barrel, and already shooting 9mm pistols, I have common ammo.

I then started looking at the 627 Performance Center 5" and 627 V Comp. 8 rounds, ability to shoot either 38 spl or 357 mag, there's a lot to like. I rented a V Comp and put 50 rounds of 148gr 38 spl training ammo through it. My impressions were that even though it's a large framed gun, the grip itself isn't overly large and it felt good in hand. I also liked how naturally a revolver points. Recoil was barely there. The biggest drawback was the weight and length of the DA pull, it seemed to take ages to break (but that may also be inexperience). Other than that, I enjoyed it.

As far as use-case, this would be a fun/range gun only, maybe I'll try some competitive shooting in the future.

With the 986, I can get the gun ($1000), cylinder honed and chamfered ($300) and an action job ($400) for the base price of a V Comp. The V Comp was pleasant to shoot, and honestly just looks cool as shit with the slab barrel, full lug and comp. But ammo is more expensive ($0.36 vs $0.25 CPC) and the entry fee is higher. Plus, I'm not sure how it would do transitioning targets with the extra weight out front. And after cylinder work and action job you're in 327 WR territory...

What other factors would you consider between a 986 or 627 PC, 627 V Comp? Any recommendations in either direction?

 

[Hoser]

I have all three of the above and a couple 929s.

The only problem with the above 9mm revolvers is that you have to use moon clips. And some flavors of brass like Remington have under spec extractor grooves which means brass can easily fall out of the moon clips. Thats bad. But that is the only knock I have on the Smith 9mm revos.

The 627s are the easy button. They can be shot with or without moon clips and they can shoot everything from 38 Short Colt (basically 9mm rimmed) all the way to 357 Mag. But 38/357 ammo is expensive.

I just bought a 5 gallon bucket of Winchester 9mm brass for my 929s and 986 and I just keep it separate from all my other 9mm brass and I have been happy.

 

[Hoser]

The Titanium cylinders do show grime pretty fast compared to steel cylinders. I dont even clean the outside anymore.

 

[John?]

@748rpilot

The 627 is the easy button for revolver games. I use one to shoot the occasional steel challenge match and monthly ICORE matches in Limited. 38 Short Colt is the popular ammunition: 160 grain lead bullets and tiny powder charges. I also shoot 38 Special in the revolver. I have a 4” and 5” 627. Good all purpose tools. I have shot the V Comps and do not care for the extra weight out front for the games I play. It might be good for Silhouette or PPC.

The 986 is an odd duck for revo games. It fits in limited division but lacks capacity of the 929; a disadvantage. All the Smith 9mm revolvers I have seen have .358 bore diameter, so handloads are mandatory if you want any accuracy at distance.

I shot a friends 929 quite a bit. It is a good platform if you handload. Mediocre with factory ammunition. That negates any cost advantage for ammunition.

Moon clips work well in both revolvers. Eli at TKCustom will fix you up if you decide to go that way. He also does creditable revolver smith work for competitive shooters. These days I do most of my own work; not everyone wants to take on those chores.

I’ve used most brands of moon clips on the market. TKCustom are the best quality available. Others not so much.

Hope this helps. Revolvers are loads of fun.

 

[jpp3g]

I think I want to branch out from pistols and try some wheel-gunning. I have no prior experience with revolvers.

I first started looking at the S&W 986 because I want to stay with a full-size, I like the 5" barrel, and already shooting 9mm pistols, I have common ammo.

I then started looking at the 627 Performance Center 5" and 627 V Comp. 8 rounds, ability to shoot either 38 spl or 357 mag, there's a lot to like. I rented a V Comp and put 50 rounds of 148gr 38 spl training ammo through it. My impressions were that even though it's a large framed gun, the grip itself isn't overly large and it felt good in hand. I also liked how naturally a revolver points. Recoil was barely there. The biggest drawback was the weight and length of the DA pull, it seemed to take ages to break (but that may also be inexperience). Other than that, I enjoyed it.

As far as use-case, this would be a fun/range gun only, maybe I'll try some competitive shooting in the future.

With the 986, I can get the gun ($1000), cylinder honed and chamfered ($300) and an action job ($400) for the base price of a V Comp. The V Comp was pleasant to shoot, and honestly just looks cool as shit with the slab barrel, full lug and comp. But ammo is more expensive ($0.36 vs $0.25 CPC) and the entry fee is higher. Plus, I'm not sure how it would do transitioning targets with the extra weight out front. And after cylinder work and action job you're in 327 WR territory...

What other factors would you consider between a 986 or 627 PC, 627 V Comp? Any recommendations in either direction?

929 if you're loading, I absolutely love mine. It also works fine with Federal's 150gr action pistol ammo.

 

[steve123]

929 here too.

I found out .355 bullets don't shoot near as well as .356 bullets. We have a steel Ram at 136Y and the .355's wouldn't stay on the steel whereas the .356 will.
Yep it's best to keep 9mm brass for my gun separated from the brass for my semi's otherwise you run the risk a hang up when you throw a clip full in. I bought factory Winchester ammo, shot it in my 929, and kept the brass.

I experimented with various revo's for 35 years and decided on this one. It's my only revolver now.

 

[748rpilot]

For 9mm I mainly shoot S&B and now, PMC Bronze. Do you guys happen to know if that brass works well with moon clips? One thought would be to reload 9mm brass for use in the revolver and shoot factory through the pistols. Or just keep buying factory and filling the brass bucket...

I've heard, and it sounds like y'all are corroborating, that even in 9mm S&Ws, it's a 357 barrel. At what distance does that start being a problem? I'm mostly limited to 50 yards and shoot 90% of the time under 25 yards.

If I went with the 627 I suppose I could buy 1k or 2k of factory 38 special and reload it; my napkin math shows about $0.25 per round in components. Is that about right? And then of course the breakeven cost of the reloading press/dies/tools at $0.10 - $0.13 "savings" per round.

Shooting factory 9mm vs factory 38 would definitely be easier on the wallet.

I don't currently reload so if I went that route, I'd need equipment too. I've been toying with the idea of reloading for my .223..soo...maybe?

Also sounds like the V Comp is a bit heavy / slow for action / movement oriented games.

Thinking out loud I guess. Appreciate the responses!

 

[John?]

@748rpilot

Factory 38 special runs about $0.41 per round if bought in case lots. I like Federal because I have set my revolver up for a 7-ish pound double action pull. Federal primers are the easiest to light.

I haven’t done the math at current component prices because I have plenty of powder and primers. Learned the hard way during the obama era shortages. I load around 4 grains of fast shotgun powder (red dot, clays, etc), a bit more Winchester 231, a bit less with Alliant Bullseye or BE 86. 38 special is super easy to load accurate ammunition. Bayou Bullets coated cast bullets are about $0.10 each. That’s a long way to say that $0.25 per round should get you there with either 9mm or 38 Special. You can almost buy new 9mm ammunition for what it costs to hand load it.

Accuracy is highly subjective. The 929’s I have shot would not hold the X-ring at 25 or 50 yards. The down 0 and A zone targets are a lot bigger, so you be the judge. One of my revo buddies shoots a 929 and holds down 0 out to about 20 yards with 124 grain loads.

Handloading can be a fun hobby or a pain in the neck depending on how you look at it. For me it is part of the hobby and something enjoyable to do when the snow is deep and there is no shooting. I bought a Dillon 550B a couple decades ago and haven’t looked back. Way faster than my original single stage press. I wouldn’t load pistol ammunition any other way. These days there are a lot of options for progressive presses, so do your homework if you decide to dive in. Make sure it will accommodate your rifle calibers too.

9mm brass and moons. Most guys around here use WW or starline brass. The TI cylinders can be finicky, so try before you buy a bunch. The TK custom clips are very good. Eli will send you samples to try with your brass to see what works best for you. Not shilling for TKCustom, just sharing what I’ve learned the expensive way.

The 627 can also use moon clips for 38 Special, short colt, long colt, or 357 mag. That’s the way to load on the clock and save your brass. The cylinders are factory cut for either loose rounds or moons.

Hope this helps.

 

[748rpilot]

@John? That definitely helps, there's so much good information there. The 627 seems more and more like the easy button; it seems like another case of inexpensive but fussy vs more expensive and just works.

I think I'm leaning 627 more now due to less fuss. It'd add about $160/mo to my ammo budget, but it sounds like there's a lot less drawbacks.

If I'm going to send it out to TKCustoms for a basic action job, is there any benefit to starting with a 627 PC over a standard 627?

Appreciate all your input.

 

[John?]

@748rpilot

627 vs 627PC is largely personal preference on barrel profile, stocks, etc. The PC does have the ball detent lockup for the crane. It is a nice feature. Otherwise they’re the same internally.

I bought the cheapest 627 I could find, shot it for a while. When a 5” PC became was offered locally I jumped on it. I like the 5” barrel and finer optic iron sights. Personal preference. I rarely buy new guns because I’m a poor and like to tinker.

I do my own action work. It isn’t difficult but does require some specialized tools. Lots of folks can do a creditable job, not just TKCustom. TK makes great moon clips, and IIRC they offer entire revolvers with a tune up package. You may find a local guy who can do a tune up for you. Shop around. Time spent in reconnaissance is seldom wasted.

$160 a month for a shooting season will buy a lot of reloading equipment and some components. Breakeven might be 2 seasons for you. Something to consider. Handloading gives you a lot of options to find what works best for your sport.

 

[redneckbmxer24]

I’m lusting over a 629 competitor ever since I put hands on one a few weeks ago. That would make a sweet range toy. They do a 686 version as well. I’d check one out if you’ve got a shop that stocks them nearby.

Wheel guns are just fun to shoot. I picked up a 686-5+ 4” dirt cheap at a pawn shop at the beginning of the year and have been shooting the shit out of it and it’s sent me down a wheel gun rabbit hole. It’s one of my favorite guns to take to the range and it’s really nothing special.

Don’t forget to get a new Marlin 1894 to pair with it.

 

[azbiker]

I’m lusting over a 629 competitor ever since I put hands on one a few weeks ago. That would make a sweet range toy. They do a 686 version as well. I’d check one out if you’ve got a shop that stocks them nearby.

Wheel guns are just fun to shoot. I picked up a 686-5+ 4” dirt cheap at a pawn shop at the beginning of the year and have been shooting the shit out of it and it’s sent me down a wheel gun rabbit hole. It’s one of my favorite guns to take to the range and it’s really nothing special.

Don’t forget to get a new Marlin 1894 to pair with it.

I've had my 629 Competitor for 12 years. I can attest to it being a sweet shooting .44 mag.

 

[Qpski]

I have been firing two 627s, one 4" and one 5", with Starline brass and TKCustom moonclips for a number of years. I'm using four grams of 231/HP38 in a 160-gram roundnose Bayou bullet. For a long time, this combo has been excellent. I believe the same configuration will satisfy you. Investing in a BMT moon clip tool is highly recommended. It's the greatest one available. It facilitates quick and simple mooning and demooning.

 

[Modoc]

I have been firing two 627s, one 4" and one 5", with Starline brass and TKCustom moonclips for a number of years. I'm using four grams of 231/HP38 in a 160-gram roundnose Bayou bullet. For a long time, this combo has been excellent. I believe the same configuration will satisfy you. Investing in a BMT moon clip tool is highly recommended. It's the greatest one available. It facilitates quick and simple mooning and demooning.

Are you loading grams or grains?

 

[Qpski]

Are you loading grams or grains?

grains

 

[Modoc]

grains

Okay, you scared me for a second. You might want to change your data that you shared. I’m assuming 38 Spl or 9mm? I’m not familiar with the 627, have a 19 and a 629.

 

[wvfarrier]

The 9mm is faster to reload with moon clips, by a large margin. That being said, I still prefer my 627s

 

[BG94591]

I really like the idea of a 9mm revolver in theory, mostly because that’s what most of my hand guns are 9mm and I have an ton of ammo for them. I have the 627 with a 3" barrel really easy to shoot, low recoil compared to my 4" 686, 8 rounds of 357 on tap is hard to beat. Just not a wheel gun guy so it’s on the chopping block.

 

[azbiker]

My wife and I have a couple of revolvers chambered in 9mm. She absolutely loves her Sky Hawk. My Super Sport also shoots .357 mag as it came with a tuned cylinder for each caliber. Neither of these require moon clips with Korth's ejection system.

 

[wvfarrier]

Full build by TK Customs. Used a S&W 627 frame

 

[paulL01]

I know this ain't what your askin about but, consider one day getting an older Smith from the '70's - namely a model 27-2 or 19-3
Here's a couple 27-2 's one 5" the other a 6"
These old guns have a definite "magic" to them - especially the ""3T" versions as shown, with their Target Trigger, Target Hammer & Target Stocks (grips)
I've never had a revolver feel as good in hand as these do. Especially the model 19 Combat Magnum - as it's a little smaller than the 27 - but, never a nicer revolver tha. the model 27. She's a real Cadillac

 

[John?]

@paulL01

That’s a lovely pair of revolvers you have.

The K frames are about perfect for carrying. They shoot well too. I had a Model 19 way back in the 80s that was stolen when I was stationed at Bragg. Ron Power did the action work on it back when his shop was in his garage. He is now long retired.

There are a lot of older Smiths out there at good prices. I bought a couple when our sheriff switched to autos. They were mechanically perfect; significant cosmetic wear from holster and wx.