best 8 shot 357 Mag

**dodge37** · 10-02-15, 15:13

I am new to revolvers, but thinking it would be fun option for the range. I know there is a Taurus 608 and Smith and Wesson 627s & 327s. Would most likely be shooting 38s or mild 357s though it. Will have some hot stuff around for home defense. Just want to hear people opinion everybody is talking about S&W and ruger, but know one says anything about Taurus. May be that is a sign in and of itself. Thank you all for your time.

Josh

**bigghoss** · 10-02-15, 17:17

Avoid Taurus. They have a much higher rate of defective guns than S&W or Ruger and of the several first-hand accounts I've heard they took multiple trips back to the factory before the issue actually got fixed, if it did at all. I had a Taurus 605 (5-shot .357 snubby) after hearing what a pain Taurus' CS was I researched and fixed the gun myself. After the second time it broke I fixed it again and sold it as soon as I could and bought a Ruger SP101 that same day and never looked back.

No one ever regrets spending the extra money and buying the better quality firearm. If you really want a good 8-shot .357, spring for a S&W. It may hurt more in the wallet but you will be glad you went that route.

**ColtSeavers** · 10-02-15, 18:59

I always get a kick out of that S&W R8 8 shot 'tactical' revolver with the rail waaaaay out at the end of the barrel. Never seen one in person though, so no idea if the rail is actually usable or not, but it sure does't look like it is all that accommodating.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

**Bruce in WV** · 10-03-15, 04:12

Grant Cunningham is one of the revolver guru's. He has a great blog about revolver gunsmithing, shooting, etc. He won't touch a Taurus, and talks about issues with them. You might check his info before you buy.

**Pappabear** · 10-04-15, 13:38

Originally Posted by ColtSeavers

I always get a kick out of that S&W R8 8 shot 'tactical' revolver with the rail waaaaay out at the end of the barrel. Never seen one in person though, so no idea if the rail is actually usable or not, but it sure does't look like it is all that accommodating.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

I bought this gun and really like it. I felt like I wanted the Intergrated rail. But it extends too far forward. I would rather have the attachable, and be able to put light closer. I also don't like a light to extend past my barrels.

Still happy with gun, but I would get other model.

PB

**ColtSeavers** · 10-07-15, 21:04

Originally Posted by Pappabear

I bought this gun and really like it. I felt like I wanted the Intergrated rail. But it extends too far forward. I would rather have the attachable, and be able to put light closer. I also don't like a light to extend past my barrels.

Still happy with gun, but I would get other model.

PB

That's a shame, seems like it was a decent enough idea but with that rail wayout there... Glad you like your revolver otherwise though.

**johnnywitt** · 12-24-15, 16:44

Originally Posted by ColtSeavers

I always get a kick out of that S&W R8 8 shot 'tactical' revolver with the rail waaaaay out at the end of the barrel. Never seen one in person though, so no idea if the rail is actually usable or not, but it sure does't look like it is all that accommodating.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/w...layErrorView_Y

The TRR8 has a Scandium Frame and the Light Rail is removable. The R8 has a polygonal Rifling and the rail isn't removable. The TRR8 was designed as an entry gun for a Point Man carrying a shield. The light was turned on and left on, so it doesn't matter that it is out there & not interfering with the shield. The reason was that the Point Man had to hold the gun with one hand and a semi auto would malfunction because of firing one handed and because of interference with a shield. The revolver could just poke the barrel around the shield with the light on the end and blast Bad guys with 8 full house .357 Mag Rds.

**ArmsUnlimited** · 12-25-15, 13:35

S&W 627 Performance Center, I had one for a while and it was a great shooter

**ColtSeavers** · 12-26-15, 12:05

Originally Posted by johnnywitt

The TRR8 has a Scandium Frame and the Light Rail is removable. The R8 has a polygonal Rifling and the rail isn't removable. The TRR8 was designed as an entry gun for a Point Man carrying a shield. The light was turned on and left on, so it doesn't matter that it is out there & not interfering with the shield. The reason was that the Point Man had to hold the gun with one hand and a semi auto would malfunction because of firing one handed and because of interference with a shield. The revolver could just poke the barrel around the shield with the light on the end and blast Bad guys with 8 full house .357 Mag Rds.

I thank you for the info, I actually already knew that though. My issue is that those of us that wish to be able to practice more light dicipline are unfortunately still left hanging out there. If you are comfortable with simply turning the light on and rockin' and rollin', this (the R8 and TRR8 rail) is a great option.