I recently had the opportunity to test out the Smith and Wesson 327 and let me tell you, it’s a piece of work. It’s a solid revolver, but like anything, it has some issues you might run into.
I noticed a few Smith and Wesson 327 Problems. We’ve got everything from a loose barrel to cylinder locking issues. Oh, and don’t get me started on the high recoil—definitely a shocker if you’re not prepared. Light primer strikes? Yeah, I got those too. And a surprising one was the cylinder touching the strap.
So why am I telling you all this? The aim here is simple. I want to give you an in-depth look at these problems and, more importantly, offer solutions to sort them out.
Stick with me, and we’ll navigate through this together, ensuring your Smith and Wesson 327 performs at its best.
Overview of Smith and Wesson 327 Problems & their Solutions
| Problem | Solution |
| Loose Barrel | Tighten or replace the barrel; consider sending it for professional inspection. |
| Cylinder Locking Issue | Replace the hand or seek professional assistance for proper adjustment. |
| High Recoil | Maintain a firm grip and seek guidance for limp wristing issues if needed. |
| Cylinder Erosion | Never use bullets lighter than 120 grains and clean the cylinder with care. |
| Light Primer Strikes | Replace the firing pin with one 0.002 inches longer for improved ignition reliability. |
| Cylinder Touching the Strap | Follow the assembly manual precisely, or return it to Smith and Wesson if needed. |
Top 6 Problems & Solutions Of Smith and Wesson 327
1. Loose Barrel Problem
So, let’s dive right into the first issue: a loose barrel. Trust me, it’s as bad as it sounds. A loose barrel messes up your accuracy big time. It could even lead to some major malfunctions like failure to feed.
Now, why does this happen? Well, there are two main reasons—either you’ve fired enough rounds to loosen the thing up, or it came faulty straight from the factory. I first noticed this problem while trying to dial in my aim while at the range.
My shots weren’t hitting where they should have, and it wasn’t just me having an off day.
Solution
Here’s the deal: If you find yourself in this situation, don’t just keep firing away. You’re asking for trouble. The fix isn’t too complicated, but it must be done correctly.
I’d strongly recommend returning your revolver to Smith and Wesson for a proper inspection and barrel replacement.
That’s what I did, and now the gun performs like it’s brand new. No more misfires, no more off-target shots. But really, don’t try to fix it yourself unless you’re an expert; it’s not worth the risk.
2. Cylinder Locking Issue
Alright, moving on to another headache: the cylinder is not locking properly. I bet you’ve experienced that subtle “click” noise while pulling the trigger, right? That’s not your imagination; it’s a sign something’s off.
The cylinder should lock in place, no questions asked. When it doesn’t, you’ll know. You can even nudge it with your hand, and it’ll make another click, locking itself in position. It’s annoying, to say the least.
From my experience, this usually happens when the hand of the revolver starts showing signs of wear, either from lots of shooting or just from years of use.
Solution
So, what’s the plan to fix this? You’ve got two routes to go down. First, you could roll up your sleeves and replace the hand yourself.
I did it, and I can confirm it’s a fairly easy process if you know what you’re doing. Some quality videos can guide you through. However, if you’re not into DIY gunsmithing, just pack it up and send it back to Smith and Wesson.
They’ll handle it, no fuss. Trust me, it’s better to get it sorted by professionals if you’re not 100% confident.
3. High Recoil
Let’s talk about another issue that kind of smacks you in the face: high recoil. You’ll feel it if you’re shooting 357 Magnums or 38 special rounds with this compact beast.
Trust me, the first time I fired this revolver, the recoil had me wide-eyed. It’s particularly tough if you have a limp wrist; the recoil feels like it just doubles in power.
High recoil isn’t just a matter of comfort; it can seriously affect your aim and overall shooting experience.
Solution
Okay, so what to do about it? Grip is the name of the game here. The firmer your grip, the more control you have over that recoil.
I started holding the gun much more tightly, and it made a noticeable difference. If you’re dealing with limp wristing, get some expert guidance to correct your grip; it’s an easy fix but super important.
Don’t underestimate the power of a solid grip; it’s like night and day in terms of managing that recoil. Consult professionals for more personalized advice if it’s still too much to handle.
4. Cylinder Erosion
Now, let’s talk about something crucial—erosion in the cylinders. You see, the Smith and Wesson 327 comes with a titanium cylinder.
But here’s the catch: the company strictly advises against using bullets weighing less than 120 grains or 7.775 grams.
If you go lighter than that, you’re asking for trouble. Erosion becomes the name of the game. Your cylinder, over time, will start to deteriorate. Not what you want for a firearm, right?
Solution
Here’s the deal—never, ever use bullets lighter than 120 grains. Stick to this rule, and erosion becomes a minor concern.
But what if you’ve already gone against the grain and used lighter bullets? Well, it’s time to clean up your act.
Get your cylinder cleaned, but be careful with what you use. Avoid ammonia-based products and metal rods. They can do more harm than good.
Stick to safe cleaning agents, and your cylinder will thank you with years of reliable service. Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way in firearm care.
5. Light Primer Strikes
Let’s tackle another snag you might hit with the Smith and Wesson 327: light primer strikes. Picture this—you pull the trigger, and instead of a bang, you get a whimper.
That’s what happens when the rear end of the bullet doesn’t get a good smack to ignite the fire. It’s a real buzzkill, trust me.
Why does this happen? Well, it’s all about the firing pin. After pushing around 1,000 or 2,000 rounds through this revolver, you might start seeing this issue cropping up.
Solution
Here’s the fix—swap out that firing pin. But here’s a little twist: get one that’s just 0.002 inches longer. It might seem like a tiny change, but it makes a world of difference.
This longer firing pin ensures a solid strike every time, significantly reducing the chances of those annoying light primer strikes. I did this upgrade myself, and let me tell you, it’s like giving your revolver a little boost.
No more misfires, no more frustrations. Just remember, if you’re not comfortable doing it, have a gunsmith handle the replacement. It’s a small investment for smoother shooting.
6. Cylinder Touching the Strap
Alright, last but not least, we’ve got a unique issue—the cylinder touching the strap. Now, picture this: you’re trying to close the cylinder, and it’s making contact with the strap above it.
That’s not supposed to happen, folks. It usually comes down to a problem with how the cylinder was put together.
And guess what? If you’ve taken it apart and didn’t reassemble it just right, you might be facing this headache.
Solution
So, what’s the solution? First things first, when you’re putting this gun back together after taking it apart, do yourself a favor and follow the manual to the letter.
It’s there for a reason, and it’ll save you from these kinds of issues. But here’s the deal—if you’ve done everything by the book and the problem still persists, just send it back to Smith and Wesson.
They’re the experts, and if it needs a new cylinder or some fine-tuning, they’ll get it sorted for you. It’s all about making sure your revolver is in tip-top shape, and that’s their job.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, the Smith and Wesson 327 is undoubtedly a solid revolver, but it’s not without its quirks.
Through extensive field testing, we’ve identified common issues such as loose barrel, cylinder locking problems, high recoil, cylinder erosion, light primer strikes, and cylinder touching the strap.
However, fear not; there are practical solutions to address these concerns and keep your Smith and Wesson 327 in top shape.
FAQ’s
What is the capacity of the S&W 327?
The S&W Model 327 has an eight-round capacity, providing a 33 percent increase in firepower over six-holed revolver cylinders.
How much does a Smith and Wesson 327 weigh?
The Model 327 weighs approximately 22.6 ounces, thanks to the use of scandium and titanium in its construction.
Is .327 a good caliber?
Yes, the .327 caliber is a versatile choice suitable for both concealed carry and backup purposes, offering a balance between power and manageability.
