S&W Performance Center Thunder Ranch

[NTexas_V-Star]

Anyone have any experience with them? I found the V-Comp .357 8-shot revolver for $850 +tax, and one of the .45ACP's (6 shot) for $825 +tax.

I'm intrigued by both of them. I'm digging the .357 due to the weight, how it feels in my hand, the 5" barrel, and having 8 shots. I'm also leaning toward the .45ACP because I've never seen a revolver in that caliber before, and because I already shoot a lot of .45, so it wouldn't be a big deal to feed it.

I'd like the .357.....it's got good weight and the end of the barrel is ported, so it should be controllable. AND, if I feel the need, I could run .38 Special through it. Also, for such a large frame, all the controls (ie. the hammer, the cylinder release) are right there. No wiggling my hand around to operate it.

Anyways, I posted this so I could see if anyone has any experience with them, and to get some first hand impressions.

I think it may be time to add another wheel gun to the stable, I got rid of my Taurus M85s to a friend of mine who wanted something his wife could shoot comfortably.

[bnc]

There is one obvious answer to this question: both.

I don't think you can go wrong either way, but one may be better depending on how you plan to use it.

From what I can tell only the .45 is actually the Thunder Ranch gun, while the .357 is a 627/327 Performance Center model, not that that should make any difference (merely product branding).

From my perspective...

Advantages of the .45:
Legal in IDPA (5" barrel of the .357 is too long)
you already shoot .45, so purchasing is easier and reloading is cheaper
I'd prefer .45 for HD since it very potent without the intense recoil/sound/flash of a .357 (V-comp could be seriously loud)
reloading with moon clips can be done very quickly

Advantages of the .357:
2 more rounds
.357 may be easier to reload than .45 (I don't know enough to say though)
longer barrel should be more accurate
.357 can be better pressed into hunting and longer range target shooting (if you are into that)



Keep in mind I have not handled either of these guns, but I sure wouldn't mind either of them!

[RECIT]

I know I am lusting after the performance center MD-627 V-8 myself. That is one amazing wheel gun. The weight, the style/finish, the sights, the comp...every thing about that gun makes me want it. And a side note...anything less than $900 on that one is a deal in my eyes.

[NTexas_V-Star]

I know I am lusting after the performance center MD-627 V-8 myself. That is one amazing wheel gun. The weight, the style/finish, the sights, the comp...every thing about that gun makes me want it. And a side note...anything less than $900 on that one is a deal in my eyes.

I am in agreement with you!!

It comes out to 947.19 after tax. I'm leaning.....

[srothstein]

I have been wanting one of the 45's for a long time. I have had two of the model 25's that they are based on and always regretted not keeping them. Both of mine were blue, 6" barrel, target models and they were very accurate, probably the most accurate handgun I have ever owned.

I hope the Thunder Ranch model is as accurate, recognizing the shorter barrel will cost me just a little.

[MechAg94]

I picked up the S&W 625 JM a while back. It is quite a gun. I am still not very consistent with pistol accuracy, but occasionally, I can shoot some pretty good shots with it.
Other than that, this was my first gun with moon clips. Those are easy and fast to use.


I saw one of these 627 pro-series SS pistols at a gun show a few weeks ago. I might have been drooling. I believe these are supposed to be set up for moon clips also. At least the S&W web site shows that.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/ ... rrorView_Y" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Vecco]

Where did you find the S&W Thunder Ranch 45,, I have been looking for one for some time.