Sidearms & Scatterguns S&W upgrade or buy new?

[BigAndy]

I want something like the S&W 627 Hunter (http://www.calzaretta.com/scans/627hh.jpg), or an unfluted, slab-side barreled, 8-shot 627PC. I somehow became obsessed with the unfluted cylinder and heft of these pistols. Also, I currently have a 6-shot 686 that I really like. My questions to you guys are: 1) Is it financially worth it to buy an unfluted 6-shot cylinder (on sale at MidwayUSA for $140) and target barrel (a few hundred bucks), and then have them installed on my current 686; 2) Do you think that it would be cheaper to wait on a special run from one of the big dealers, or hope something pops up on GunBroker; and 3) Is it possible to have one of the 7-shot 686 cylinders installed on a 6-shot revolver (and, if possible, how hard/expensive is it to install and time)? Thanks in advance, and sorry for all of the newbie questions; I just saw the unfluted cylinders on Midway and figured I would ask before starting a new money pit.
-JA

 

[ArmaHeavy]

@BigAndy

First, you list two very different purposed revolvers. Are you hunting, or using it for either Competitions, or concealed carry? Different purposes mean different choices.

I've heard some that have said that unfluted cylinders were nothing more that aesthetic appeal, and others have claimed it helps with loading/unloading, and one fellow even mentioned that there was a performance enhancement to the bullet speed. I honestly haven't heard much to support those claims.

I say take it at face value for what it is, and go on what you do know, in that one cylinder holds an extra round. Simple enough, right?

The target barrel is a different story though. I think it would be worth it, but would require some reloading/handloading to make it really worth it, and really make it shine.

And finally, if your cylinder isn't set up for the revolver you're intending to use it on, then don't bother really. A lot of money will go into it. It will come down to a question of "What can I use to make this square fit into this circle?", Money. If the solution is really simple then it could be solved with some moonclips, but it doesn't sound like this would be the case.

To help you out more with this check the link below, and good luck to you...

Smith & Wesson Forum

 

[SquarePizza]

I would look into the 3-5-7 Talos, a 686+ that comes unfluted in 3, 5, or 7 inch barrels, that might trip your fancy. I run a 3 inch, its an anchor.

On the note of unfluted cylinders, they look very pretty, but I think that they are harder to load with speed loaders. I used to use the flutes to index my fingers along the cyl and the bullets in the loader, now I have no such index. *sigh* The price we pay to look classy.

 

[BigAndy]

Thanks for the advice.
-JA

 

[FN in MT]

S&W did a few runs of "Light Weight Hunter" models back in the 90's and 2000 ish. All sorts of variations.

Possibly get educated on those and one of those might appeal as well. I DO see them occasionally on both GB and on the S&W Forum sale site.

FN in MT

S&W Collectors Assn #2428