S&W Model 627 High Capacity .357 Magnum

This is the Performance Center version of the S&W 8-shot, short-barreled .357 magnum, featuring a ball-detent cylinder lockup, for better accuracy and reliability, chamfered cartridge chambers, for aid in speed-loading, and excellent sights.

S&W Model 627 170133, $1,079

Normally, I like a longer barrel on my .357 magnum, at least a 4 incher, which adds 200-300 fps, compared to the snubnose .357, but that's just me, because these shorty .357's are very popular, especially in the N frame S&W.

Specs:

• Double Action/Single Action
• 7.6" length
• 5.5" height
• 1.7" max. width
• 37.6 oz. empty weight
• 40.8 oz. loaded weight
• 2.6" barrel
• 8 round capacity
• N-frame stainless
• Stainless cylinder, non-fluted
• Grips: checkered walnut
• 5.3" grip circumference
• Serrated ramp front sight
• Adjustable white outline rear sight
• 4.1 lb trigger pull weight-single action
• 11.5 lb trigger pull double action
• Trigger span single action, 2.8"
• Trigger span double action, 3.3"

Notables:

•  Performance Center quality-tight fit, clean metalwork, smooth woodwork
• Slab-sided barrel, for weight reduction
• Crowned muzzle
• Ejector shroud cutout drops some weight
• Unfluted cylinder adds extra weight
• Easily swappable dovetailed front sight.
• Fully adjustable rear sight
• Small grips make for concealability
• "Even shooters with small hands could easily fire the 627..."
• Full-length guide rod ejects all 8 rounds
• Extra weight makes for pleasant shooting
• "A bit heavy for concealed carry, comparable in weight to a loaded 1911..."
• Proper holster and belt required for secure carry options

Caracal 9mm Pistol

"The Caracal F is a modern semi-automatic pistol in 9mmx19. It supports an 18 round magazine and boast unique features such as a short ~8mm trigger pull, extremely low profile slide and bore axis, the combined effect of which is greatly reduced "felt" recoil'. The weapon is available with Caracal propriety 2-dot or 3-dot sights or the Caracal Quick Acquisition Sight System."-Caracal Website

Price: To Be Announced

Specs:

Slide Length ................................................ 178mm
Barrel Length .............................................. 104mm
Height ......................................................... 135mm
Width ............................................................ 28mm
Weight ............................................................ 750g (about 26.5 ounces)
Caliber .................................................... 9mm X 19
Magazine Capacity ........................................... 18*
Grip Frame ................................................ Polymer

Trigger System .................................... Double Action
Trigger Travel (Constant) ............................... ~ 8mm
Trigger Weight (Constant).............................. ~ 2.2kg (about 4lbs, 8 oz.)
Internal Safety................... Trigger, Drop & Firing Pin
Manual Safety (Optional)....................................... 1
Loaded Indicator.................................................... 2
Magazine Catch................................ Ambidextrous

Gun Review Highlights

Positives:

• Designed by the same engineer who designed the Steyr Model M Pistol
• Revolver-Like Trigger with a "Long Reset"
• Low-Bore Axis Means Less Muzzle Flip and Quick Shot to Shot Recovery
• Metal Magazines mean a thinner grip for greater control
• Non-Reflective, Gray Slide Finish
• Supported Chamber Means Okay for +P Ammo
• Ambidextrous Magazine Release is not easily pressed by accident

 Negatives:

• Small, wimpy sights sometimes disappear from view during shooting
• Integral Rear Sight will be difficult to change out for an improvement
• Trigger Reset distance is a bit long

 At the Range:

• Completely reliable with regular and +P ammo
• Seems to shoot most accurately with the Winchester 124 grain NATO load
• Sights are "dot over dot" (white dot front and rear)
• Zeroed at 15 yards and a bit high at 25 yards