Originally Posted By: bunnspecial
S&W Model 16(or related) chambered in 327 Federal Magnum.
The last "new" gun made in this chambering was a Ruger Single 7 a couple of years ago. They made it in 3 barrel lengths, and I think set an initial run of 2000 in each barrel length. After calling several stores in town as soon as I heard about it, I managed to get one from the first batch in 5 3/8"(I should have just bought all three-the store had them in stock). That was the only store to get these.
I was told that demand was such that they made an additional 1000 in each barrel length. From what I've seen, the used market price has held steady on them, although I would not part with mine.
S&W made a model 16 in 32 H&R Mag. Apparently it received the same heat treatment as the 19, which means that the cylinder is MORE than strong enough to handle 327 Mag pressures. The K-frame cylinder is also-relatively speaking-quite long since it's a legacy design from the 32-20(one of the two original chamberings of the K frame) and the 327, although longer than a 357 Magnum, is shorter than a 32-20. I've known of many Model 16s in 32 H&R that have been rechambered for 327(all that needs to be done is cut back the throat in the cylinder to allow the longer cartridge) but I'd like to have an officially sanctioned one.
Unfortunately, I think 327 is a cartridge that may well has seen its peak in popularity(if you could ever have called it popular). The Single 7 in 2014 or 2015(I forget when exactly) caught some attention, but it still mostly fell back under the radar afterwards.
Gret post, I'll take one with a 6" barrel and a Patridge front sight.