When you’re trekking through the Mogollon Rim or navigating the scrub brush of the Sonoran Desert, your choice of sidearm matters. The Taurus 627 Tracker in .357 Magnum has become a staple of my kit. Here is why.
Why .357 Magnum for Bushcraft?
In Arizona, we aren’t just worried about two-legged threats. We have mountain lions, black bears in the high country, and the occasional grumpy javelina. The .357 Magnum offers: * Versatility: Load .38 Special for small game or full-house .357 for defense. * Reliability: Revolvers don’t care about the fine Arizona “moon dust” getting into the action like some semi-autos do.
The Tracker Design
The “Tracker” series is specifically designed for hikers and pack-carry.
Ported Barrel
The factory porting on the 4-inch barrel significantly reduces muzzle flip. This is crucial for rapid follow-up shots if you ever find yourself staring down a mountain lion at close range.
Check out the porting in action during our first test fire:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Kj6Lz6Nlso8
7-Shot Capacity
Unlike most medium-frame revolvers that hold six rounds, the 627 Tracker squeezes in a 7th round. In a survival situation, that extra shot is a massive insurance policy.
Rubber Grips
The vertical ribs on the grip soak up recoil exceptionally well, even when your hands are sweaty or dusty from a long day on the trail.
Field Performance
I’ve carried this piece through three seasons of Arizona weather. Even after being exposed to monsoon humidity and dry desert heat, the matte stainless finish has held up remarkably well against corrosion.
Pros
- Weight: At roughly 35 oz, it won’t pull your belt down during an 8-mile hike.
- Accuracy: The adjustable sights allow you to dial in different grain weights easily.
- Durability: It’s a tank. It has survived drops on basalt rock without skipping a beat.
Cons
- Porting Noise: The porting makes it incredibly loud. If you fire this without ear pro in a canyon, your ears will ring for a week.
- Aftermarket Holsters: It can be tricky to find high-quality kydex holsters compared to Smith & Wesson models.
Final Verdict
For the price point, the Taurus 627 Tracker is hard to beat as a dedicated bushcraft revolver. It’s rugged, offers 7 rounds of .357 power, and handles the Arizona elements like a pro.
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