The revolver could also be the preferred platform for handgun hunters, however the .327 Federal Magnum is just not historically their best choice. Bigger cartridges corresponding to .44 Magnum, .41 Magnum, and .357 Magnum are extra frequent for chasing deer, hogs, and different sport. Nonetheless, the Ruger Single 7, which is obtainable in .327 Federal, is an efficient searching instrument. The cartridge was initially designed for private safety however when paired on this elegant seven-shot single motion, it’s a superb alternative for whitetails and different critters.
Ruger Single 7 Specs
- Cartridge: .327 Federal
- Capability: 7
- Barrel: 7.5 inches (examined); 1:16 twist
- Body, barrel, cylinder materials: Stainless-steel
- Grips: Wooden
- Weight: 38 ounces (unloaded)
- Set off: 2 kilos, 12 ounces (measured)
- Sights: Adjustable rear notch, blade entrance
- Worth: Lipsey’s unique
Key Options
- Can even fireplace .32 H&R Magnum and .32 S&W Lengthy
- Seven-shot capability
- Clear strains
327 Federal Magnum Advantages
If one thing isn’t enjoyable to shoot, it doesn’t maintain a variety of enchantment for me. I’ve hung out with varied large-framed revolvers chambered in some larger hunting-centric calibers and have come away uninspired. My EDC was once a .357 Magnum, so I’m accustomed to that, too. So once I sat down and evaluated what I needed in a searching revolver, I stored coming again to the .327 Federal. The cartridge works in revolvers with frames smaller than the .357 Magnum, and people firearms are in a position to accommodate a seventh cartridge with out including bulk.
When it comes to inner ballistics, the pressures and velocity of the .327 Federal are just like the .357 Magnum. Revolvers in .327 Federal can even run the .32 S&W Lengthy and the .32 H&R for plinking follow. With a number of bullet choices in weights from 85 to 115 grains, the .327 Federal is surprisingly versatile.
Let’s take into account the love triangle that exists between the 327 Federal, the .32 H&R Magnum and the .32 S&W Lengthy. All three fireplace .32 caliber (.312-inch) bullets and all three have barely totally different options and benefits, which offer the shooter an attention-grabbing harem of ballistic choices. Right here’s a breakdown:
- All three cartridges have the identical physique and rim diameter
- The .327 Federal has an extended total case size than the opposite two and is loaded to greater pressures, with velocities of round 1,500 fps.
- The .32 H&R Magnum is mainly a stretched-out model of the .32 S&W Lengthy with a case size elevated to 1.55 inches producing velocities round 1,000 fps.
- The .32 S&W Lengthy is the shortest of the trio, with velocities of round 700 fps
- All three calibers could also be utilized in .327 Federal chambered weapons.
As regards to bullets, here’s a record of what’s accessible cumulatively for this platform delineated by software: vary, private protection, and searching.
Cartridge | Make | Weight | Bullet Kind | Function |
327 Federal | Underwood | 95 grain | Lehigh Excessive Protection/increasing HP | Private protection |
327 Federal | Federal/Am Eagle | 100 grain | Jacketed Tender Level (JSP) | Vary |
327 Federal | Federal/Am Eagle | 85 grain | Jacketed Tender Level (JSP) | Vary |
327 Federal | Federal Premium | 127 grain | Hammer Down JSP (lever weapons solely) | Looking |
327 Federal | Hornday | 80 grain | Hornady FTX/polymer tip | Private protection |
327 Federal | Buffalo Bore | 100 grain | Jacketed Hole Level | Private protection |
327 Federal | Speer | 100 grain | Bonded Jacketed Hole Level | Private protection |
327 Federal | Federal | 100 grain | Swift A-Body | Looking |
327 Federal | Federal | 104 grain | Federal HST | Private Protection |
327 Federal | Buffalo Bore | 130 grain | Flat Nostril | Private protection |
32 H&R Magnum | Buffalo Bore | 130 grain | Flat Nostril | Private protection |
32 H&R Magnum | Buffalo Bore | 100 grain | Jacketed HP | Private protection |
32 H&R Magnum | Hornady | 80 grain | Hornady FTX | Private protection |
32 H&R Magnum | Federal | 95 grain | Champion Semi-Wadcutter | Vary |
32 H&R Magnum | Federal | 85 grain | Private Protection Jacketed Tip | Private protection |
32 H&R Magnum | Black Hills | 85 grain | Jacketed HP | Private protection |
32 S&W Lengthy | Remington | 98 grain | Spherical Nostril | Vary |
32 S&W Lengthy | Fiocchi | 100 grain | Wadcutter | Vary |
32 S&W Lengthy | Fiocchi | 97 grain | FMJ | Vary |
32 S&W Lengthy | Lapua | 86 grain | Wadcutter | Vary |
Ruger Single 7 Options
The Ruger Single 7 is out there with barrels of various lengths: 3.75 inches, 4.62 inches, 5.5 inches, and seven.5 inches. For searching, the 7.5 inch mannequin is finest.
That barrel size provides higher velocities and an extended sight radius. It comes with snug wooden grips that present stable buy. The inherent security of the trendy transfer-bar single-action mechanism brings peace of thoughts when negotiating swamps and timber. The 38 ounce weight was manageable. The revolver is effectively balanced and by no means cumbersome.
The chrome steel ejector rod is positioned effectively alongside the underside of the barrel. Due to my smaller palms, and the space between the ejector rod and grip, I confronted a little bit of a studying curve whereas creating a snug course of for unloading the revolver.
The loading gate is ergonomically pleasant and opens and closes with satisfying positivity. To load, open the gate and manipulate the cylinder clockwise, permitting the machined detents to naturally index and expose the empty chamber. When full, shut the loading gate, purchase your goal and cock the hammer.
Ruger Single 7 on the Vary
Whereas getting accustomed to the Single 7 I began with Federal American Eagle 100-grain JSP (jacketed tender level) at 20 yards capturing offhand whereas standing. My first three-shot group was 4 inches excessive and two inches proper and had an expansion of three.25 inches. Stepping again to 30 yards, I repeated the method using the identical sight image. That group was three inches excessive and nonetheless two inches proper. The group measured 3.65 inches.
I adjusted the sights to carry my teams to the left and went again to twenty yards, capturing three extra occasions from a relaxation whereas seated. The ramp entrance sight and the rear sight with windage/elevation functionality made zeroing easy. My last group was on the highest fringe of the bull and measured just below 2.4 inches.
I put just a few extra cylinders of the 100-grain JSPs downrange, and the zero didn’t shift. The Ruger’s recoil was straightforward to handle and the muzzle rise was minimal. The lengthy barrel and comfortably proportioned grip stored the capturing expertise each pain-free and enjoyable.
For searching, I elected to make use of Federal’s 100-grain Swift A-Body load. The bullet building is taken into account ideally suited for deer-sized critters at applicable distances. Having zeroed at 20 yards with the Federal American Eagle 100-grain JSP ammunition, I anticipated a change in level of influence with the Swift A-Frames however they had been shut sufficient that I elected to depart the sights as they had been. (Taking pictures off a relaxation at 20 yards the A-Frames had been simply above the bullseye, whereas at 30 yards they landed barely decrease.)
I additionally acquired some vary time with personal-defense ammunition: Federal’s 104-grain HST jacketed hole level. The windage with this ammo remained the identical, although it impacted about 2 inches greater at 20 yards.
Looking with the .327 Federal Magnum
Whereas I’ve spent a variety of time with handguns of various varieties over time, I’ve by no means really hunted with one as my major technique of take. I carry a sidearm whereas within the woods, however at all times as a back-up. Listed below are just a few observations.
It feels primal — prefer it’s simply me and my quarry. There isn’t any rifle to handle as I navigate deadfalls. There’s no bow in hand to string by thick brush. There’s simply me, my pack, and the .327 Federal Ruger Single 7 strapped to my facet.
Due to this, I felt a stage of stealth and invisibility I’ve by no means skilled as a hunter. As I lower tracks and regarded for signal, I marveled on the quiet and self-contained nature of the hunt. The objective was a bow vary shot — inside 30 yards — however with a fantastically engineered 7-shot revolver.
Although I by no means related with a deer final season, I’ve continued to shoot it this summer time and plan to have one other go this upcoming 12 months.
Ruger Single 7 Execs and Cons
The Ruger Single 7 in .327 Federal is a traditional, modern and correct revolver that’s ideally suited in some ways for hunters who desire a close-range problem.
Execs
- Light-weight (simply carried in a holster)
- Snug to shoot with a wide range of ammunition
- Truthful choice of manufacturing facility supported ammunition
- Seven photographs
- Clear set off
- Traditional strains
- Properly made
Cons
- The longer barrel, whereas ideally suited for searching, may be cumbersome with the incorrect holster arrange
- The grips, whereas stunning, are slippery the place moisture is current, resulting in the necessity for meticulously-uniform grip practices to attain constant accuracy
Last Ideas on the Ruger Single 7
The Ruger Single 7 in .327 Federal is a perfect searching set-up in the event you’re in search of a traditional revolver in a enjoyable and efficient caliber. Like Ruger’s different single-action revolvers, it’s good trying, sturdy, and completely gratifying.