Opinions On The .327 Mag For Self-Defense

[Robert W]

Muzzle velocity seems pretty good. Also, can load 6 of these instead of 5 in a similarly framed small revolver.

So, good choice for a self-defense round?

 

[M1911]

I don't see the point, frankly.

For me, small revolvers are made for pocket carry. And pocket carry means light -- aluminum or unobtanium. Magnum rounds out of lightweight revolvers is no fun.

So if I'm carrying a pocket size revolver, it is a 642 loaded with .38 Spcl. If I want to carry magnum rounds in a revolver, then I'm carrying something the size of a K-frame in a belt holster. And I can get .38 Spcl and .357 Mag rounds at any gun shop all day long.

 

[whacko]

I would say no just because of availability of ammo. I shoot my EDC gun often......I would not like to hunt around for ammo to feed my EDC for range practice.

 

[Bob P]

.

 

[38ExtraSpecial]

seems it would be better on paper that the 38 special in the energy department.
benefit of the 38 is heavier bullets available meaning better penetration. with similar weight bullets it looks like the 327 would win.
if it's just for self defense i say go for it. a range gun could get costly unless you reload for it. even the lesser 32 &SW and 32S&W long are pretty spendy for a range trip.
i'm a fan of the 32 family so i'm biased

 

[92G]

IMO there are many excellent handgun chambering that i wish were more mainstream and thus less pricey:

.327 federal
7.62x25
.357 sig
.45gap

i am a velocity whore, so if 7.62x25 became a mainstream chambering its pretty much all i would want to shoot.

 

[38ExtraSpecial]

agreed. i think there is room to expand the offerings for handguns especially revolvers.
i'm happy to see S&W starting up with the 9mm again, i just hope they get the 10mm going soon.

 

[Wadcutter]

Great round that is clearly better both in terms of ballistics and capacity compared to the 38 special. I really don't know why it was a commercial flop. The bad news is that both ruger and S&W stopped making guns for it. If you see a j frame in 327 mag for sale for less than $500 buy it, or PM me.