Eight rounds of .357 Mag in a 2.62-inch stainless revolver is what the Performance Center Model 627 offers. Smith & Wesson builds it on the stainless N-frame, cuts the cylinder for full moonclips, and fits a chrome-flashed teardrop hammer and a chrome-flashed trigger with stop. The ball-detent lock-up comes from the Performance Center action work. Sights are a dovetailed red ramp front and an adjustable rear with a white outline, and wood grips finish it off. Overall length is 8.75 inches, weight 36.8 ounces.

The short barrel and eight-round cylinder make this a home-defense revolver with range manners. Moonclips reload the whole cylinder in one motion, and the adjustable rear sight lets you zero it for one defensive load and leave it there. At nearly 37 ounces it is on the heavy side for a pocket, but belt carry under a jacket works, and the weight keeps full-power .357 manageable on the firing line.

Key features

• 8-shot .357 Mag on a stainless N-frame
• 2.62-inch barrel, 36.8 ounces
• Cylinder cut for full moonclips
• Red ramp front, adjustable white-outline rear sight
• Performance Center action with ball-detent lock-up

Handguns ship to the FFL dealer you select at checkout; the dealer handles Form 4473 and the background check, plus any permit or wait your state requires.