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You may remember that I reviewed the Smith & Wesson 686.
In that review, I discovered that I don’t, in fact, hate revolvers.
Who knew?
Anyway, tragedy of tragedies: I had to give the 686 back to my friend. Pro tip: buy the gun from a person BEFORE you publish a glowing review of it. So there I was revolverless and in need of a revolver.
Taurus Time
Now, I’ll admit that there are a disproportionate number of Taurus gun reviews on this site but I assure you they’re not a sponsor. With this being a beginner focused site, Taurus and their low prices tend to be most people’s first gun. It also means that, since I have a wife that I’m putting through college, it’s easier for me to afford a Taurus in cases like this where I’m reviewing a gun I actually own as opposed to a borrowed, rented or T&E gun. So yeah, I got a Taurus 627. Truth be told, now that I’ve shot this gun, I’m glad I got this over the Smith & Wesson. A little warning: there’s going to be a lot of comparisons between this gun and the S&W. Feature wise, the Taurus has a lot more going for it. I like the grip of the Taurus better, for starters. My fingers never truly fit right on the S&W’s grip and, had I bought it from the friend, the first thing I would have done would be to put a different grip on it. Secondly, I like the longer barrel of the Taurus. The longer sight radius really makes for great accuracy. It also holds seven rounds as opposed to the S&W’s six. Like the S&W, the Taurus 627 also has adjustable rear sights which did require a bit of adjusting right out of the box. Finally, we come to the porting on the barrel.
In a normal barrel, the gasses that propel the bullet will escape from the end of the barrel once the bullet leaves. That sudden pop of pressure contributes greatly to the muzzle flip of the gun and increases that dreaded “felt recoil”.
By drilling a bunch of upward pointing holes on the end of the gun, most of the gasses escape in that upward direction before the bullet leaves the barrel. This pretty much removes the muzzle flip caused by those gasses and actually works to counteract the recoil caused by the natural physics of the gun firing in the first place. This was the first gun I’ve ever fired that had a ported barrel and let me tell you: it has spoiled me.
The difference was amazing!
While the weight of this gun had a bit to do with it, the combination of that and the ported barrel meant that .38 special rounds had, at least to me, less recoil than the .380 SIG P238 that Mrs. Noob was shooting in the next lane over.
The recoil was so light that, after the first shot, I actually unloaded the remaining 6 rounds to check for a squib because I could have sworn it was a bad cartridge.
Nope, the recoil was just that light.
Like a little kid, I excitedly called the wife over saying “SWEETY! YOU GOTTA TRY THIS YOU GOTTA TRY THIS YOU GOTTA TRY THIS!!!!” all the while bouncing up and down like a hyperactive terrier. With an air of skepticism (and slight annoyance by my excited nature), she gave it a try. After firing the first round, the look of shock on her face was priceless! She immediately looked at the gun and said a phrase I can’t repeat here due to the PG-13 nature of the site but it rhymed with “Foley Spit”. After that, I had trouble getting the gun back from her so that I could finish the testing.
Ease to Breakdown
Revolver. No breakdown. 5 out of 5
Maintenance
Under normal circumstances, this is an automatic 5 out of 5 but, those holes in the barrel become a bit of a double edged sword.
They do truly help recoil but they are a pain to clean.
They do need to be cleaned also because the carbon from all that cheap ammo collects in there pretty bad. As much as I love those things, it does add some extra difficulty in cleaning. Combine that with the fact that there aren’t many tools readily available to dig into those things (I had to use a dental scraper), the 627 gets a 4.5 out of 5 for maintenance.
Reliability
Revolver and reliable both start with R. 5 out of 5
Safety
No external safety. It has a heavier trigger pull which makes it harder to accidentally shoot.
It has an integrated lock that renders the gun unusable (just like all Taurus guns). It also has what is called a “transfer bar” meaning that the hammer doesn’t actually strike the firing pin directly. There’s a bar that is raised up between the hammer and pin only when the trigger is pulled which also helps against accidental shooting.
By those powers combined, the 627 is probably the most inherently safe revolver I’ve ever tested. 4 out of 5
Poor Technique
Just like every revolver, you really have to watch your hand placement or your thumb will suffer. Not much else to say on that at this point. 3 out of 5
Starter kit
You get a cardboard box, a couple of spare keys, a manual and a warranty card. This is always Taurus’s weak point. In order to keep the costs down, sacrifices have to be made somewhere. It’s either drop the quality of the gun or cut the toys in the box. Still, the category is what it is. 1 out of 5. A plastic case would have bumped it up to at least a 2.
Accessories/Upgrades
Like any revolver, there isn’t much room for upgrading.
The nice thing is, there’s lots of options available for those things that can be upgraded. There’s no shortage of grip options and I’ve found some interesting trigger upgrades. Taurus also sells a scope mount that can be clamped on to the gun which has the potential to add some interesting toys. All in all, I’m not disappointed at the selection available.
5 out of 5
Final Word
If you’re looking for a revolver to kick off your collection, you really can’t go wrong here. It’s super accurate to shoot. The recoil won’t scare off noobs and makes it easy to shoot this all day long. The price is right. It even looks cool, which is a bonus. The Taurus 627 gets a solid 4 out of 5. Although I will say this: I’m probably not going to do too many more revolver reviews. They’re fun guns and all but, with the exception of one or two nuances on occasion (i.e. trigger and such), they’re just not unique enough in their function to make for an interesting review. Now, that is actually a plus in the revolver column, if you think about it. If every revolver behaves almost exactly the same, it makes it far easier to just pick up a revolver and go. Great for shooters, bad for reviewers. There’s only so many times I can type “It’s a revolver. You don’t have to worry about _____”.
Comments:
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Will the 627 shoot 9mm with stellar/moon clips? I have looked all over, and to my surprise, there isn't any answer to be found (yet)
I say who needs a plastic box.cardboard box works for me.keep the cost down with good quality.cant afford colt or s&w I'm a retired man.
50 years from now the cardboard will be worth as much as the gun
I can hear it now, the wifes first word......."Mine"
Love the Taurus Tracker. Have had mine for about 5 years with no major problems to speak of.
However, Having said that, for those out there that reload there is a problem you will encounter as i have.
Ya just cant soop em up much. The rounds swell in the cylinder and good luck gettin em out in a hurry......not gonna happen. Even taking the fired rounds that are now form fitted to the cylinder, run thru the loading bench again and they still will not work properly. So, that tells me the cylinders, at least on the 7 shot i have are not bored to proper dimensions.....or, the cylinder walls are way to thing. I suspect the later to be the problem.
About myself......i am retired smith, FFL and commercial re-loader.
Accuracy, sight adjustment and trigger pull are just OK.....a bit to clean after a good bunch of shooting. Best way i found to clean the dude.....stainless models, use the green scrubbing pads made for doing dishes. They also work well for light scratches, they just blend right in. Gone.
I also have the Taurus DM69454 stubby in .357 for personal carry.
From 25 yards off hand, D.A. can cover all rounds fired with-in a soda can bottom. The trigger is smooth right from the git go.
The only problem i have found with both of these weapons, and its a major problem all must be warned about before buying any Taurus firearm.......they just isn't enough ammo in the can to play with em !
I have the same problem with my 4 inch Tracker.....heavy loads in it and your screwed.
Retired FFl and commercial reloader myself. The primary problem, 13-1400fps rounds and you need a hammer and screwdriver to pound the empty casings out of the cylinders. So, if your in a bad situation, are running "Bear loads", best have another weapon ready to go as this one is down.
Having said that, the overall feel, sighting, balance and recoil is great. the looks of the weapon is great. Clean up is a problem at times unless you use the "green scrubbies" for doing dishes. Cleans them up with ease. One other problem i have encountered.......speed loaders. the only one i have had consistent, no problems with.......the aluminum billet style. Sorry not naming the product, they are the best on the market for this weapon. Pricy, However, well worth the cost to eliminate loading problems. This weapon is fully capable of 2: groups off hand at 100 yards......if........you can handle a handgun at 100 yards. Practice. Trigger pull is right on the money and very smooth. I personally would like to see a heavier SA spring with a lighter DA spring but,....everyone has something to complain about.
Overall.......can not go wrong with this firearm as long as you understand that it does not operate well with heavy loads if you reload. Jim
38, 38+P, 357 standard factory assortment, and finally Buffalo Bore, TRYING to get one of the seven cylinders to stick. Nope. Slide in and out with gravity. Ports don't "plug", and definitely aren't hard to clean. Toothbrush and Hoppes takes it off in seconds, same with front of cylinder and gap area, if worried about 38s making mess before contacting forcing cone.
I reload also never had that problem with my Taurus revolvers.
I have had the Taurus Tracker since they first came out. Loved the fit for my hand.
love the finish, 7 rounds doesn't hurt either. A commercial reloader here and a experimenter. The Tracker, in my mind is a huge let down. I will qualify that now. out of the box, the weapon is extremely accurate....if the shooter has the ability that is. 100 yrds free hand, 2" max is the norm in my experience. The problem with this weapon is major....any loads, regardless of powder type or projectile type beyond a base paper puncher load, the weapon cannot be emptied of spent brass without the bodacious use of a hammer, and something to fit in the cylinder and beat the empty round out of the cylinder with. And then to make it more interesting, if you wail on it hard, guess what? now you get to replace the tiny springs in the weapon at the cylinder lock point. I have tried to open up the cylinder a tad t allow for expansion of the rounds fired. does no good. When i purchased this weapon, i was in love with it. years later and still owning it, i now look at it like a really bad decision i made in a bar after way to many drinks and a really fat late hour associate. For my personal ideals about this weapon? it's a really nice piece of junk in the 7 round weapon configuration.
Just ordered the Taurus 627 can’t wait until my FFL calls.
Very nice review! Just bought one at our local pawn, used VGC for $275!!! Soon as the freakin rain stops pouring I'm out to the range!!
I freakin love my 4 inch 7 shot 627 TAURUS TRACKER. Ive shot thr 686 and its absoultely up there w it. Only thing i noticed is mine is the 4 1nch. Yours must be a 6, ir 8 as mine has the porting but not the ribs on top of the barrel. I love carrying this gun in the woods and feel oh so safe w it on my nightstand but for concealed carry it can be difficult. It can be done but the rear site digs into my stomach when Mexican Carrying in the front in the seated positiin.Taurus really outdid there selves on this. Im am not a newbie. Ive been shooting handguns all my life. So much so that im not brand bias like most beginners or intermediately newer middle gun owners.. If that makes sense. I shoot what works. I sold my Glock 19,s and bought a Canik TP9SA recently. Its also a fanominal buy. Not to mention its around 400. Sometimes less. As far as Taurus semis???? I cant claim to know awhole lot except they have made some mistakes in that area of semi autos but seem to be improving w the pt111 and the 709 Slim i bought those as gift for a couple.family members that are oddballs and dont shoot much like the rest of us. I am confident they will stand up to moderate to slightly high use but i like to push my weapon. Thats why i love revolvers and especially a hi cap revolver, 7, or 8 shot. Capacity is the only real downfall of a revolver. Thats why i chose this, u get an extra round and speed loaders help alot. No matter though, 7 should be more than enough if u train. Im willing to bet a semi will jam and get me killed b4 i fire all 7 shots and still got threats coming and get smoked reloading w my speedloader. Not to mentiin 357magnum is COMBAT CALIBER KING of the one hitter quitters. Its true, look it up. Sorry 4 the ramble but my adderal just peaked i took b4 my studies. PS Try Hornady critical duty for 2 leg predators, Buffalo Bore 4 all 4 leg. My friend and i killed a LARGE black bear w one round in its tracks. The 357 magnum has claimed every dangerous game animal in North America. But honestly nose to nose w a Grizzly i would want at least a 44 magnum or Smith 500 idealy if ur fool enough to use a handgun
I have owned the 6.5" titanium model chambered for 357 for around 14 years. I intend to always keep it. I have carried it a lot more than I have fired it. I find the recoil to be direct and satisfying. I just ordered a Hogue grip for it. I never cared for the "ribber" or whatever they call that spongy grip.
Now I have 3 trackers, that's how well I think of them. My first was a 22 mag nine shot that will drive tacks as long as it's fed, wow I was impressed. The finish quality was not to my liking the black coating has smudges on the barrel but I learned to live with it, so I will not recommend it in the black finish. The overall operation and functionality is great. After the 22 mag I purchased a 357 and a 44 mag but this time I got them both in stainless steel and I was not to disappointed with the finish however it could have been better. Considering quality I think it's a lot of bang for the buck, go and get one or in my case three.
I also have the stainless. And your correct. Its better than black but still no prom queen. That is one of the sacrifices Taurus makes to kerp price down. And honestly i would rather them skim on finish than any other area. Not to mention its so common and easy to dip your guns nowdays. The thing i hate onthe finish is the rear site tarnishes and u have to kerp a little film of gun oil on it as much as possible. But aside from that my only problem is i love it do much i dont wanna use anything else as a nightstand gun. Even my Canik TP9 SA w a 19 shot 9mm capacity. The Canik has basically dethroned Glock but is still relatively new on the market. But as trustworthy as it is and knowing u got 19 rounds on tap.... Theres something in me that still would rather gave 7 357magnums. U oftrn hear of perps shrugging off several 9mm or semis thought reliable jamming if gripped improper during stress. The Revolver is as close to 100% reliable as it gets. And the 357magnum has a solid reputation as a Grave Digger that only takes on kiss to do the job
I love my tracker, its the most accurate handgun you will ever shoot. My only concern is long term longevity by putting thousands of rounds through the compact frame. The porting helps with recoil and stress on the gun, but my concern is still there with that aspect. However, doesn't mean I won't keep it for home defense, small game hunting or just some fun target practice. Accuracy is best I've seen.
Moto u can save wear and tear by shooting/practicing w mainly 38,s. And the occasional cylinder full of magnums just so u dont forget there is a difference. When loaded on the nightstand or out snd about i advise keeping thosehard hitting, hollow point, 125 grain pills loaded in it. W a speedloader for good measure. Check out Paul Harrell on You Tube. Hes my Yoda
Have one and I love it. My Glock 19 is no longer w us because of how awesome my Tracker is. 357 magnum is the combat caliber King. That coupled w the facts that I have purchased a couple speed loaders for it. Plus the fact it holds 7 instead of 5 or 6 make me where I feel totally prepared to take on a break in, car jacking. Or any other self defense scenario. Some people look down their nose at Taurus. All I can say is..... Your loss
Thanks for letting our readers know about your experience, Mr. Wolf!
Mr Wolf back a year later and still loving my Tracker. Ive sold and traded many... well a couple AR15,s, a riot shotgun, Remington 700 in 30/06 but my Tracker remains by my side. I have been offered almost double what i paid. Full retail new and over half that price again and i did not part w it. I cant lie though if a deal is to be had where i can be owner of a 4 to 8 inch Colt Python... Its gone lol. Python was my cop fathers first duty weapon in the late 70,s or early 80,s and should hsve been my birth right but wss traded for $100 and a garden tiller. Man that hurts me just to type it
Taurus had some issues in the past but is now making some of the best guns you can get.i absolutely love my tracker 4 inch .357.it is an awesome revolver.the matte finish is not to keep the cost down but to reduce glare.taurus has given a lot of thought to make their guns shooter friendly.i have a couple 9 mms and a colt king cobra. The tracker is my favorite.keep it with me 24/7.
Heh, heh. You're hooked now. Welcome to the round side of the force.