Since the /327 failed...
- Thread starter ZVP
- Start date
Super Sneaky Steve
New member
I wouldn't declare it dead yet.
I think it may still become popular if packaged right (6 shot LCR, 10 shot N-frame)
I think it may still become popular if packaged right (6 shot LCR, 10 shot N-frame)
FrankenMauser
New member
I can't decide if this is a legitimate post, or just some trolling...
What I can tell you, is that Impact Guns in Kearns, Utah received a shipment of .327s in December. It took them less than 2 weeks to sell 18 revolvers chambered for a so-called "failed" cartridge. In that same time period, they only sold twenty two .38/.357 revolvers.
The biggest reason? Because there was .327 Federal ammo on the shelves, but nothing for .357 Mag, .38 Special, 9x19mm, .380 Auto, .40 S&W, .45 Auto, or any other popular cartridge.
This latest run on ammunition and firearms has opened people's eyes a bit, and some shooters are opting to adopt less popular cartridges, in order to expand their options during ammunition 'shortages'. There are also new buyers that are choosing .327 Federal as their only gun, because (until a few months ago) they could get the ammunition and revolver at the same time.
.327 Federal is a niche cartridge. It will never dominate the market.
But, it isn't dead. ATK (Speer/Federal/American Eagle) is still producing ammunition, and introducing new loads. Buffalo Bore and several other specialty manufacturers are also still producing .327 Federal ammo - with several new loads introduced over the last 6-8 months.
Ruger, the largest producer of .327 revolvers, has temporarily discontinued production of the Blackhawk and SP101; but with that discontinuation, they also stated that they still have plenty of orders to fill. They just want to catch up on the really popular items, before going back to the more specialized items. Under normal circumstances, the .327 Federal models would still be in production.
What I can tell you, is that Impact Guns in Kearns, Utah received a shipment of .327s in December. It took them less than 2 weeks to sell 18 revolvers chambered for a so-called "failed" cartridge. In that same time period, they only sold twenty two .38/.357 revolvers.
The biggest reason? Because there was .327 Federal ammo on the shelves, but nothing for .357 Mag, .38 Special, 9x19mm, .380 Auto, .40 S&W, .45 Auto, or any other popular cartridge.
This latest run on ammunition and firearms has opened people's eyes a bit, and some shooters are opting to adopt less popular cartridges, in order to expand their options during ammunition 'shortages'. There are also new buyers that are choosing .327 Federal as their only gun, because (until a few months ago) they could get the ammunition and revolver at the same time.
.327 Federal is a niche cartridge. It will never dominate the market.
But, it isn't dead. ATK (Speer/Federal/American Eagle) is still producing ammunition, and introducing new loads. Buffalo Bore and several other specialty manufacturers are also still producing .327 Federal ammo - with several new loads introduced over the last 6-8 months.
Ruger, the largest producer of .327 revolvers, has temporarily discontinued production of the Blackhawk and SP101; but with that discontinuation, they also stated that they still have plenty of orders to fill. They just want to catch up on the really popular items, before going back to the more specialized items. Under normal circumstances, the .327 Federal models would still be in production.
I guess it depends on what your definition of "failed" is. Personally, I don't consider a cartridge to have "failed" until guns, ammunition, or both are no longer made. A good example of a "failed" cartridge in my mind is .41 Action Express since no major manufacturer currently makes guns or ammo in that caliber.
That being said, even if the .327 Federal were to "fail" the guns would still be useful as they can still fire .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, and .32 H&R Magnum ammo none of which seems to be going away any time soon.
That being said, even if the .327 Federal were to "fail" the guns would still be useful as they can still fire .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, and .32 H&R Magnum ammo none of which seems to be going away any time soon.
FrankenMauser
New member
As for your actual question....
You can still shoot .32 S&W (some models), .32 ACP (some models), .32 S&W Long, and .32 H&R - even if .327 Federal does become obsolete.
If those aren't good enough for you, you can have a .32-20 cylinder installed or (possibly) ream the .327 cylinder for .32-20.
If that isn't your idea of a good time, just have it rebarreled. Along with that new barrel, you'll need a new cylinder.
If it'll fit, you can chamber it.
Want to convert the 8-shot .327 Blackhawk to .45 Colt? Go for it. It'll work just fine with a 5-shot cylinder mated to that new barrel, and some minor tweaks to the hand.
Want something different, with a .50 GI Blackhawk? See if it'll fit. You might be able to get away with it, and have a very unique piece.
You can still shoot .32 S&W (some models), .32 ACP (some models), .32 S&W Long, and .32 H&R - even if .327 Federal does become obsolete.
If those aren't good enough for you, you can have a .32-20 cylinder installed or (possibly) ream the .327 cylinder for .32-20.
If that isn't your idea of a good time, just have it rebarreled. Along with that new barrel, you'll need a new cylinder.
If it'll fit, you can chamber it.
Want to convert the 8-shot .327 Blackhawk to .45 Colt? Go for it. It'll work just fine with a 5-shot cylinder mated to that new barrel, and some minor tweaks to the hand.
Want something different, with a .50 GI Blackhawk? See if it'll fit. You might be able to get away with it, and have a very unique piece.
I think it will always be a niche cartrige just like the .44Spec or the .41Mag and will always have a following. So not a dead cartridge at all. Now, I don't want one as I reload, so the .357 (mild to wild, light bullet to heavy) fills the niche the .32 would (for me) . I do like the .44Spec, but there are some here that would say why not just use a .44 Mag 
. Each of us has our 'pet' cartridges.... The market will dictate what fails and what succeeds.
. Each of us has our 'pet' cartridges.... The market will dictate what fails and what succeeds.Kreyzhorse
New member
It's easy to say the .327 is dead but I really don't think that's the case. It's a niche cartridge and the guns chambered for it will fire assorted 32 rounds so there is some life left yet.
.327 ammo may be hard to find but I think it will still be produced and certainly reloaded.
Rather than rechamber a gun, I'd look to sell it and fund another gun with better available choices like a .38 or .357.
.327 ammo may be hard to find but I think it will still be produced and certainly reloaded.
Rather than rechamber a gun, I'd look to sell it and fund another gun with better available choices like a .38 or .357.
Madcap_Magician
New member
It occurs to me that Ruger discontinuing the .327 guns is less indicative about the future of the caliber and more indicative of how Ruger currently makes guns 24 hours a day and has people on overtime and is still behind on production. I hope to see them come back, it's a zippy little caliber with the option for the all-important sixth shot in a J-frame size gun.
Sturm, Ruger & Co. said Tuesday that it aims to keep up with demand for its guns by opening a new factory in the small North Carolina community already home to America's largest firearms maker.
Southport, Conn.-based Sturm, Ruger says it will open a new factory in Mayodan to meet firearm demand that has spiked since Congress and some states sought to toughen gun controls. The community is already headquarters to Freedom Group Inc., which owns Bushmaster, Remington and other firearms brands.
The plant is expected to employ more than 470 workers in Rockingham County, where the unemployment rate is 10.3 percent. Sturm, Ruger could receive more than $9 million in state tax breaks, plus local incentives.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505123_162-57598367/sturm-ruger-to-open-new-plant-in-north-carolina/
Hopefully they may bring out some more .327's. I bought one for my niece's husband, She loves it, and he may never see it again
Hey, I don't think the 327 is dead. If someone came out with a 9-10 shot revolver in it, I would consider making that a nightstand gun! A 6 shot j frame in it, I'd love to pick one up. I passed on an sp101 in 327 and somewhat regret it!
It's a zippy little round and I think it just needs some time to really flesh out a little more. I can really see it taking over the small j frame market in a hurry if ruger makes some sp101s and lcrs in it again.
It's a zippy little round and I think it just needs some time to really flesh out a little more. I can really see it taking over the small j frame market in a hurry if ruger makes some sp101s and lcrs in it again.
Dragline45
New member
If they designed a small 5 shot revolver around the .327 I would be all over it, it would be a good deal smaller than J frames. Also if they made 6 shot J frames in .327 I might want one too. Other than that I have no desire to own one.
Deaf Smith
New member
Yea, a 6 shot stainless Centennial with no child lock. Especially if an airweight model can be made.
Deaf
Deaf
carguychris
New member
I think it would be more likely to be a Sc/Ti AirLite or Sc/SS M&P. The .327 cartridge operates at pressures exceeding .357Mag, whereas the hottest cartridge ever used in an Al/SS Airweight J frame is the .32 Long+P, er, .32 H&R Magnum.
