[Mark F]

I handled a Ruger SP101 .327 Federal Magnum yesterday. While it was "nice", I didn't get that un-controllable urge to buy it. It was a stainless steel frame with a 3 1/16" barrel. Personally, I believe it's grossly over-rated. The salesman was putting some sales pitch BS on me about how the .327 compares to a .357 Magnum.

There IS NO comparision, PERIOD.

The salesman would have gotten a better responce from me IF he would have expounded on the MERITS of the .327 itself, instead of comparing it to something it isn't.

He told me... it (the 327) has 85% the power, and 20% less recoil than a .357 Magnum. I told him... Gee, MY .357 Magnum has 100% the power of a .357 Magnum, and it has 20% less felt recoil with my Hogue Soft Grips. That shut down the "salesman". He just didn't know enough about the actual .327 Federal Magnum capabilities. There are times I really dislike salesmen... This was one of those times.

OK, I'm sure this is a very nice wheelgun. And Ruger certainly makes quality stuff. But for $489.00?... thanks, I'd rather spend that money on something else.

[robocop10mm]

I predict it will be a historical footnote like the 9mm Federal. Do you remember that one?

.327 Federal mag might just as easily be called the .32 H&R super mag. .32 H&R mag? Does anyone still have one? Small bore handguns are not very popular in America. This was a move that would have worked better in Europe where marginal calibers are the norm. Any caliber that does not start with a "4" is not considered viable in the US. I guess criminals in the US are tougher that European thugs (and ruffians, and hooligans and nare-do-wells)

[hillbilly68]

I agree, think this one will fall off the scope in the near term I love the response you gave the salesman "has 100% of the power" too funny. Maybe when the price comes down to 120 bucks, Ill go get one (and a 7.65 FEG).
regards

[RL357Mag]

There is talk about a Lever action carbine in .327 Mag. That would be interesting. If that happens, the revolver would be a nice addition.

[Mark F]

Yes sir,

I went back today, and the salesman puts the Ruger .327 in front of me on the counter. I guess he was "thinking" I changed my mind... I told him I'm not in the market for a "pea shooter" today.

Anyway, I doubt this cartridge will make much of a splash with handgun devotee's. HOWEVER, it would make a GREAT lever action varmint shooter!

I did check out a BUSHMASTER 450 today... What a BEAST!

[supergus]

But you still get ballistics approaching .357 mag #'s in a smaller package. I know you can get a J-frame in .357 mag but that's not a real joy to shoot for any length of time, plus you get one more round. This may be a good middle of the road revolver for some. And you can shoot all the cheaper .32 calibers in it too, for practice or plinking.(.32 mag, .32 H&R, .32 LR). I'm just sayin'...

[supergus]

But you still get ballistics approaching .357 mag #'s in a smaller package. I know you can get a J-frame in .357 mag but that's not a real joy to shoot for any length of time, plus you get one more round. This may be a good middle of the road revolver for some. And you can shoot all the cheaper .32 calibers in it too, for practice or plinking.(.32 mag, .32 H&R, .32 LR). I'm just sayin'... BTW one local shop has it for $450 and another for $439. You can tell that gun shop you were at to go pound sand.

[Mark F]

Originally Posted by supergus

But you still get ballistics approaching .357 mag #'s in a smaller package. I know you can get a J-frame in .357 mag but that's not a real joy to shoot for any length of time, plus you get one more round. This may be a good middle of the road revolver for some. And you can shoot all the cheaper .32 calibers in it too, for practice or plinking.(.32 mag, .32 H&R, .32 LR). I'm just sayin'... BTW one local shop has it for $450 and another for $439. You can tell that gun shop you were at to go pound sand.

Yeah, it might be a fun plinker. 32's have been around for a long time.

[robocop10mm]

.327 lever gun? That sounds cool. A modern .32-20.

[Bob Wright]

I, for one, can't get overly enthusiastic about a hot .32 caliber. Around the turn of the Twentieth Century, it looked as if the .32-20 revolver would be THE police revolver, but was edged out by the .38 Special. Why? Bullet weight.

Despite published ballistic data about muzzle energy and velocity, its still the heavier bullet that has the momentum to get to the heart of the matter.

Bob Wright