Most premium firearms manufacturers have a “Custom Shop” or “Performance Center” in which their standard model guns are assembled with a higher degree of craftsmanship and accessorized with features that make them more desirable for specific facets of shooting sports or more discriminating buyers. The Smith and Wesson Performance Center has a long and storied reputation for turning out some mighty fine pieces; highly prized by their owners.
The model 27 of today is a .357 Magnum revolver which evolved from its beginnings as the S&W “Registered Magnum” introduced in 1935. Even though it was brought to market during the great depression and was extremely expensive, sales flourished and production was backlogged most of the time. The model was popular with law enforcement agencies during its early years because of its durability and use of the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge. General George Patton carried a 27 along with his Colt Peacemaker and referred the S&W his “killing gun.”
Fitted with a stainless steel frame in 1986, the 27 became known as the 627. In 1996 the performance center began production of the 8-cylinder version, with variants available such as a compensator fitted to reduce muzzle flip, and various barrel lengths. We evaluated the 627 V-Comp variant (shown above) which is fitted with Hogue rubber finger-groove grips, adjustable target sights, and muzzle compensator. Its frame and barrel shroud is finished in a dull black color, with compensator, cylinder, trigger, and hammer sporting a natural satin stainless finish.
As with most other PC (S&W Performance Center) guns, the fit and finish of the 627 V-Comp is more than merely excellent – exquisite is an adjective that comes to mind – and this is not just in the exterior aesthetics but in the precise fitting on mating surfaces of interior parts and spring choices. Trigger operation in revolvers during double action mode moves not only the hammer but effectuates the revolving of the cylinder. To make all these parts move smoothly requires more than just “production line” attention to detail and the PC pulls it off with superior aplomb. The assembly technician who crafted the one we tested absolutely, positively knew what he/she was doing.
A light trigger weight is desirable for target shooters. It allows an experienced target shooter to concentrate on factors other than trigger management when attempting very tight groups and allows for use of the desirable concept that hammer fall should be a surprise. Very light rifle triggers are measured in ounces and a 4 lb. handgun trigger weight would be considered very light by combat or defense type handgun standards. We use the term “wish off” (a mere wish of the shooter will cause the trigger to trip the sear) to describe an extremely light trigger pull weight – one in the 2 – 3 lb. range. Weights in this range are considered too light by some very accomplished shooters, and 3 – 4 lbs. is probably the most common preferred weight among expert target marksmen.
A reputable manufacturer would not even put a “target” model gun on the market, much less a performance center or custom shop variant, if its trigger was not smooth and crisp, so the piece we tested was certainly no surprise. We had absolutely no criticism of the trigger feel in this regard.
The 627 V-Comp we tested had a 4 lb. trigger pull weight in single action mode. While this is above “wish off” status, it most certainly is in the “very light” class and could be easily lightened further by a competent gunsmith if the owner wanted it so. With the other excellent ergonomic features of this gun, a lighter trigger seems not be be necessary for an experienced shooter to achieve excellent results.
The .357 Magnum caliber can be a handful with a light gun; and downright brutal with a very light gun. Also, muzzle flip is accentuated with this powerful round, compared to 38 Special, 9 mm, and even most .45 ACP handguns. The compensator fitted to the V-Comp directs some of the muzzle blast upward, directly offsetting the muzzle flip tendency and reducing the perceived recoil somewhat. Recoil perception is further reduced by the Hogue rubber grip. Together, the blast management features of the V-Comp tame the beast to a manageable state and allow extended range sessions without hand/wrist/arm fatigue. If loaded with some “low-recoil” .357 ammo, or .38 Special, the gun becomes a real pussycat – not much above .22lr in felt recoil.
We gave the V-Comp a work out as if it were a dedicated target gun. It could, however, be a very suitable self-defense weapon under the right circumstances. Its weight is less than many .357 Magnum revolvers and certainly no more than almost all but the sub-compact “pocket rockets” on the market today. Accentuating its utility as a carry piece is its 8-shot capacity, which exceeds almost all other center fire revolvers (regardless of caliber). While its size is not, perhaps, well suited for concealed every day carry, the V-Comp would be an excellent choice as a sidearm for most outdoor recreational activities.
It almost goes without saying (but we will anyway) that the V-Comp is a very accurate handgun. We tried a variety of factory and hand load ammo to test this aspect. While some ammo did better than others in this evaluation, everything we put through it produced acceptably small groups and some were simply outstandingly small. This gun is really very easy to shoot well. This is one of those rare cases where a moderately skilled shooter can improve his scores by simply laying out some cash for a better tool.
Our overall impression of this example of S&W PC goodness is, simply, WOW! Perhaps it’s not the best revolver ever but it’s (of the ones we’ve come across) easily the best “out of the box” handgun we’ve ever experienced. Additionally, the gun is a very good, if not great, value. If a consumer paid to add the features included with the V-Comp, and the fine-tuning of the operational parts, he/she would spend many more dollars than what is required to get the package from the get-go.
Any wheel gun aficionado would be very proud to own the V-Comp. It is a real joy to shoot.
Respectfully,
The Bunker Bunch
