All of the S&W's I own are stainless J, K, or L frames (I also have a couple of stainless 3rd generation semi autos). I'm thinking about looking for an N Frame as a shooter, how about some suggestions?

Honestly, just the best deal or value that you can find on an N frame is what I recommend if I had no preferences on caliber.

The performance center guns (like the 327 M&P R8) can be had for great prices used and they are fantastic shooters. I know they are new era guns with high tech features, yet they are reasonably priced and awesome performers.

A 27 or 28.

+1 on Camster's suggestion and I would add that if you want a shooter I would get a 6 or 4inch 28-2 for a great old school revolver. It's called the Highway Patrolman and that's because they were carried by a lot of LEO's back in the day.

It you want to spent $150 to $200 more the model 27-2 in 6 or 5 inch is probably one of the most beautiful revolvers made by S&W and is basically the same gun as the 28-2 except it has a high luster blue and checkered steel top strap. The 4 inch 27-2 is pretty rare 9made for less the 4 years) and has a high premium on it and the 3.5 inch is a hot seller also with a premium.

over the 6 and 5 inch.

28-2 with 4 inch barrel and S&W target grips

Nicklel 27-2 with with 4 inch barrel and view of the top strap

A Model 28 is a good place to start.

My money is on a 28-2 Super shooter !!
S&W all the way.

I'd suggest a model 27, 28 or 29. Seems to be the 3 most popular in my opinion.

Another vote for a Model 28. It will do everything you ever want to do with a revolver.

27 or 29. Might as well start with the best of the best!

I would go with a mod 27 or 28 but how about a mod 24-3 in .44spl. Its a classic also.

Charlie

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SWCA # 2294

Well, the advice you have so far pretty much covers the available options. Remember that the N frame was originally for the biggest traditional calibers -- .44 Special or .45 ACP. When the higher power mid-caliber loadings came along (.38/44 and eventually, .357 Magnum), those found a home in the larger frame as well. The .44 Magnum was an easy upgrade within the N-frame's tolerances.

So it really boils down to how long a barrel you want and what kind of flexibility of loadings in the caliber you prefer. Seems to me either a .357 Magnum or a .44 Magnum will do that for you, because you can shoot lighter .38 Special or .44 Special loads in them respectively.

If you like the .357, it's either a model 27 or 28 (same gun with different degree of finish, as noted above). If you want a .44, you should go for the 29.

Whatever you choose, it's going to feel different from the other S&W revolvers you have. Even with a shorter barrel, that's a lot of steel to be holding out there at the end of your arm. But once you get used to it, the extra stability afforded by the extra weight makes shooting even heavy loads easier than you might have thought. And the light loads are extremely comfortable to fire.

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David Wilson

si--------

i have to go with a m28-2.
the 29 is great and i'm looking for another one myself, but...yeah there's a but.
you can easily get two model 28's for the price of most 29's.
the 27s are cool, cause they go right back to original 357 magnum...but they are just a gussied up 28(it's actually the other way around).
i have to say a 6" m28 is an impressive sight and a joy to use.
basicly it boils down to this. start with a m28, then the m29 and finally the m27....now repeat getting different barrel lengths....if you get the 4"s first you won't be able to live with the 6"s....not going to type it, but it works the other way as well.

You need a Model 57, .41 magnum, like this no dash:

Here's why:
1) Ammo is so expensive you will HAVE to load your own.
2) The gun is so expensive, you'll take good care of it.

Just kidding!

Get a model 28-2, like this one:

You can shoot 38s or .357 mags, and it will last forever. Plus, Model 28-2s are not uncommon, and can be had for less than $450. Best gun for the money there is.

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NRA Lifetime Member

There is no bad choice . It comes down to whether you want to stay with one of the calibers you have , or branch out . Even that choice does not matter because eventually you will want to do both .

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Idaho , Elmer and Milt

Thanks for all the input so far. I sort of had the model 28 in mind since I like the versatility of the .357 as far as shooting full power loads or .38 specials. Plus, since I'm looking for a shooter I figure I can find a better deal on a model 28. Funny thing, I remember when I first got into S&W in the late 70's the model 28 was considered to be the ugly step-sister to the model 27. Now nice examples bring a pretty good price in their own right.

My first 3 were a pre 29, a 29-2 and a 629-4. Sadly I did not keep the first two. My last 2 N's were a 6" 27-3 nickel and a 25-5 in 4". If you want stainless there is the 624 which is a 44 Special and is very high on my next to buy list. The 25-5 is one full ton of fun to shoot. It puts a 250 grain "mortar" size slug down range with very, very little recoil. I like it more each time I shoot it. I'm thinking a 624 would be similar.

Another vote for a M27 or M28. If you don't want to spend too much M28's can be had for very good prices.

Awesome picture Art. That is probably the best pic showing the 27 top strap that I have seen in a long time!

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Miss My Buddy crsides!!

Hi if the money is tight go with the Model 28 if theres no problem go with the Model 27 in .357 mag or get the mighty Model 29 in .44 Mag there all great S&W N frames even the Model 57 & 58 in .41 Mag are too you decide...

.

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Always Stay Strong!

Heartily.......a Model 57.

Be diffrerent.

Carry a .41 Magnum.

Model 28....you want to tote and shoot your N Frame....the 28 is the best "using" revolver.

I would like to suggest that you spend time here, and on the gun auction sites, and study the prices of the various types of N-Frames available.

Then if you find a .357, .41, .44, or .45 at a great price buy it.

You just might find a Triple Lock at a lower price than a Pre-M27. I'd buy the Triple-Lock.

Or a M29 [as in "no dash"] that is only a little more than a M28-2. Buy the M29, even if you don't want a .44 magnum. Then sell it at a profit to buy what you want with cash left over.

For instance, most M27-2's in the 3 1/2 inch version are selling for over $850.00 on the internet, usually closer to $1,000.00. I saw a NIB M27-2 3 1/2 inch with all the accessories at the last gunshow that was marked at $750.00. A good price for any high quality .357 made by anyone.

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Have guns...will shoot'em.

PMRet,

Lots of good advice, it really depends on the caliber you want.

I started with a Model 28 back in 1989 and now have at least one of each caliber for the modern N frames.

You have great choices, but if I had to pick only one - - probably the 45 Colt caliber.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

If I could only have one, the thought of which makes me shudder, it would have to be a four inch 29. Most of the time, it would be shooting cast bullet 44 Special loads. Short enough to carry, horsepower if you need it. Close second would be my six inch 28. This is my go to gun for coons and such at the farm. I shoot it better than any handgun I own. Recoil with full house loads is minimal because of the size of the gun, and it is crazy accurate.