Taos, NM Gun Dealer for Firearms & Self Defense
I had written before about some grip experiments with my Taurus M327 and ending up back with the rubber grip for its greater size and increase of my control of the gun. However, I then found some grips at the Hogue site at http://getgrip.com. They were long enough on both the S&W 632 and the Taurus M327 to allow a nice firm grip and control, yet they also added some class to the guns. It’s a lot better than black rubber. Cost around $75 each though.
OK, I’ve reviewed my Taurus M327 here, even though it’s getting harder to find them since Taurus stopped production. Then I got the S&W 632 in 327 Federal Magnum with the 3 inch barrel. I like the gun a lot. It’ looks great, as you can see in the photo with the Hogue wood grips. However, some notes:
While I’m getting higher velocities with the longer barrel, and it’s more accurate, nothing after more than 500 rounds has come loose on the Taurus. It’s a well-built gun for about half the price. I still like the S&W, and will carry it in the woods and certain circumstances when I can use an OWB holster for the longer barrel. However, the Taurus fits in my back jeans pocket, so it will be carried more often. I am ordering Hogue grips so I can get a third finger on it though.
I shot my Taurus 327 Federal Magnum revolver for the first time since I put these really nice wood grips from Altamont on it. After less than 50 rounds, I had a nice bloody spot in the web next to my shooting hand thumb. The wood grips leave the gun metal spine visible, not in itself a problem, and it looks good. However, they also leave the top metal area open on the back, and it was catching my hand due to the thinner grips and recoil. I couldn’t hold the gun as tightly with these thinner grips.
The rubber grips, which are now back on the gun, make it a little thicker for pocket carry, but they also cover the entire back of the gun grip all the way to the top behind the concealed hammer. I can grip it better, control it better, and I’m more accurate. I also won’t need any more band-aids.
Taurus 327 Federal Magnum Revolver
I decided to buy a 327 Federal Magnum revolver as much out of curiosity as for any other reason. I read about the 327 Federal Magnum round, and the ballistics were pretty amazing. Despite the criticism of many that it really wasn’t a caliber that was needed, and that it wouldn’t last, I really wanted to try it.
I haven’t fired anything through it except 327 Federal Magnum rounds, though I know I can fire 32 S&W, 32 S&W Long, and 32 H&R Magnum all from the same gun and cylinder. However, there’s very little difference in the cost of ammunition, and I want the power of the 327 Federal Magnum round, as I’m carrying this gun as my primary concealed carry firearm now.
I’m not going to provide a bunch of data here, as I don’t really have the tools to measure performance. However, I will tell you that it’s accurate, more so for me than my 9mm semi-autos and my 40 S&W guns. It has more recoil than a 9mm or a 38 Special, even in +P. However, it has much less recoil and muzzle blast than a 357 Magnum, and rivals some of the lighter 357 loads in knockdown power. FBI penetration tests show better penetration by at least 25% than 38 +P. The expansion factor is good as well, running from 0.40 to 0.60 depending on the material penetrated.
I love shooting it, don’t quite love buying ammo as much, but can find plenty of practice stuff at just under $0.50/round. As far as self defense ammo, it’s about the same as any other quality 38 or 357 self defense rounds. I couldn’t afford the S&W 327 Pro with the 2.125″ barrel, as it’s more than $700, and was glad I found this concealed hammer Taurus, as it is no longer in production. Both Taurus and Charter Arms have ceased production of 327 Federal Magnum guns. You can still find the Taurus around the Web, though most of them have a normal exposed hammer. However, you’ll not be disappointed with the performance of this round or this firearm.