I bought a pair of 627's about a year ago - one in a 2 5/8" and the 5" perf center models...N frames, 8 shot, round butt frames. They were both solid and smooth right out of the box.
Appearance ...over the more traditional model 27's ..takes some getting used to ../ stock grips on them were not to my liking, so I change them to Hogue and S&W larger wood grips that suited me better.
They are both solid guns...and I like them. I have carried the 2 5/8" a little in an inside waist band, Kramer leather holster with a forward FBI tilt..
Inside 10 Yds I'm as accurate with the 2 5/8" as I am the 5" ...the 5" is a little easier to shoot at longer distances / but I'd recommend them both.