The S&W R8 is a modern take on the aging revolver platform, utilizing the S&W's N Frame which is normally reserved for higher caliber rounds such as the.44 Magnum rounds, the R8 takes 8 rounds of .357 Magnum or .38 Special, hence the name R8. The R8 is also featured in the hit video game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

The Tanaka S&W Performance Center M327 M&P R8 model gun is a faithful replica of the real steel R8. This R8 is made with high-quality heavy weighted polymers and finished in such a way that is almost unrecognizable from a full metal version. This particular version of the R8 is the 5-inch version with top and bottom Picatinny rails allowing users to attach optics, weapon lights, lasers, and other accessories to this revolver. Since this is the 5-inch version, this is probably the variant used in CS: GO. This revolver also comes with a moon clip, allowing for quick reloads.

Tanaka revolvers have been famously known to be incredibly smooth, having some of the best triggers, hammers, and cylinders you will find on any airsoft revolver. All of this is translated nicely to this pistol. Adding to the realism, this non-firing model gun is shell-loaded, making it an ideal decorative piece or movie prop. Even though the gun is plastic, it is a Heavy Weigh model which has a realistic weight to it.