Surprise, surprise - The .327 returns!!!

[Hokkmike]

This (see below) from guns.com. I was at Grice's today and saw a full page magazine ad from Ruger announcing the imminent reintroduction of the .327. As a .327 owner I am gratified to know that there will be continued reason for suppliers to manufacture the ammo. LOVE the caliber.

Sturm, Ruger & Co. is bringing back a model of revolver that was deeply missed by a small but dedicated group of shooters, the SP101 .327 Federal Magnum. But that’s not all as the new double-action SP101 .327 Mag has been improved and updated with features that fit the hard-hitting micro-mag.

A relatively new magnum cartridge, .327 Magnum, has a cult-like following and for good reasons. The high-pressure round can speed smaller bullets in excess of 1,500 feet-per-second, going toe-to-toe with .357 Magnum in the energy department with significantly less recoil. Even with the lighter projectiles .327 Magnum can be loaded well in excess of 700 foot-pounds of energy, making it a true magnum round.

And the new Ruger SP101 is going to make a lot of .327 Magnum fans happy. Unlike the old model the new SP101 has a longer 4.2-inch barrel, based on the .357 Magnum kit gun. Likewise the new SP101 .327 Magnum has an adjustable rear sight and a bright green fiber-optic front sight.

With the added inch of barrel the new SP101 .327 Magnum will perform in-line with full-size .327 Magnum revolvers and not trade off high muzzle velocities in exchange for a compact package. The SP101 frame is much smaller and lighter than the full-size Ruger GP100.

The smaller-diameter cartridge means that the SP101 is big enough for six shots, one more than in .357 Magnum in a package that weighs considerably less than a GP100, too. With the longer barrel the SP101 .327 Mag still only weighs 29 ounces, making it a very flexible handgun.

In this configuration the SP101 .327 Mag can easily be considered a kit gun, a concept Ruger’s been bringing back in spades. Kit guns are light revolvers to toss in your day bag, hydration pack, or if you’re a traditionalist, your tackle box.

At less than 30 ounces it could be carried concealed pretty easily and with six rounds gives you one more shot than the average snubbie, although with its target sights and spurred hammer it may snag on the draw without an adequate holster. Since the new .327 is following in the footsteps of the established 4-inch SP101, which is also offered in .22 Long Rifle, it shouldn’t be too hard to find accessories for this updated model.

Like many of Ruger’s steel-framed revolvers the SP101 .327 Magmun has a brushed stainless finish and soft rubber grips with hardwood inserts. Apart from the barrel it’s a regular SP101 and aftermarket grips and spare parts are plentiful.

With the return of the SP101 in .327 Magnum, Ruger is showing a renewed interest in this powerful yet niche cartridge. Ruger recently launched the Single Seven, a seven-shot single-action .327 Magnum revolver. The Single-Seven offers more barrel length options while the SP101 is a bit more flexible, especially if needed for self-defense.

The MSRP is the same as the other 4-inch SP101 revolvers and is expected to have a street price at around $600 and possibly less.

[pennlineman]

I have to admit I find that cartridge interesting. I'm just afraid it's going to end up more or less obsolete. Although such things have not stopped me before, I recently bought a 300 WSM and am considering a .270 WSM. We'll see......

[jthrelf]

Ruger really has a great product lineup. Basically any type of firearm you could ever want.

[PA1936MN]

The article says it best IMO. It's a "NICHE' caliber. The only mark difference is "potentially" & I said potentially because I've never fired a .327 mag before. But "potentially" less recoil.

[claudel]

Smaller & lighter is also another potential difference from the .357 revolvers.

I'd love to see something like a S&W 649 in .327 fed mag...

[MARINE DIVISION TWO]

I can recall the 40s&w round would not make it as there was the 45acp,well I was proven wrong.It would be interesting to learn more about the 327 as far as applications go and makes it easier for me since I own a 327 in my 68 NOVA ! JMO/MDT

[Brick]

Sounds good to me! It's a caliber I'd like to try and given the condition of my hands for the past year, it might be a winner. Arthritis is getting me so bad I've given up my .45 Colt guns and only shoot light target loads in .45 ACP.

The SP101 is a decent revolver and another benefit of the .327 Magnum is the gun can handle ammo all the way down the .32 family to .32 S&W Long and maybe even .32 S&W.

Sounds like fun!

[BadMonk]

Thanks for posting that info. I really like the sound of the .327 especially from Ruger. So much so that I should start saving now.

[cruzans]

Taurus was practically giving away 327 magnum revolvers a couple years ago - I couldn't resist and picked one up. Very manageable and seems like a decent round. I've never carried it but have in around the house at times for home protection.

[firebird.77]

My most carried weapon is my j-frame. Carried the most, shot the least. I recently switched to carrying .38+P rather than .357 as the .357 was just totally unmanageable in such a light gun (340).


If I could carry the exact gun with 6 rounds of .327 I would definitely consider it. Cost and availability of ammo is not a huge factor as I don't shoot it much