I have been looking to add some additional guns to my small but growing collection and have come to the point where I am trying to decide between a model 27 and a model 28, pre-lock. They both appear to be very similar in construction and looks, but I am wondering if one model is more desireable over the other in reference to collectability. I know I will have some responses to get both, and that is the eventual plan, but any opinions on which I should go for first? Right now, I am leaning toward the M28 because it is the "Highway Patrol" model.

The M-28 long discontinued, the M-27 the first .357, has more "cachet" and mystique. Very tough call. I have both.

Very different and yet the same. Go for the 27 and don't look back.

...27 goes in the safe...28 goes under the seat in the pickup...

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A Country Boy Can Survive

The Model 27 is my favorite 357.The model 28 will do everything the 27 will do,Just will not look as good doing it.

I can't argue with what the others have said, but I own two M-28s, one 4" and one 6". The M-27 is prettier and has a higher level of fit and finish, but IMO the M-28 has a more business-like appearance. That, and the fact that they can be purchased for less money, appeals to me.

You can't go wrong with either one. I took the 4" M-28 to the range yesterday - love the way it shoots!

Once you see a M27 out for sale, you will immediately discern the difference. . .the price! All the nice ones will be over $1000, probably significantly over. Barrel length selections are numerous. On the other hand, you will easily find the M28 in the $700-$850 range all the time. The M28 only comes with a 4 inch or 6 inch barrel and will always be found in blue. . .kind of a satin blue. The polish of the finish on a M28 will vary. Find one with a higher polish if you can. The two guns (M27 and M28) are virtually identical except for the refined detailing and finishing of the M27. I have 3 M28's and only 1 M27. I sort of prefer the M28. Smith made a lot of different models that are just like the M27, so the appearance is rather common. Only unique thing about them is the checkered sighting rib. The M28 is sort of unique. If you get lucky, you might find a higher-polish M28 for $550 like this one. It came with a pair of 1955 Diamond Target Grips. I got really lucky. They have been replaced with the correct magna grips. The gun is 99% and high polish for a M28.

Attached Images

M28-2 1978 Pic 1.jpg (143.4 KB, 159 views)

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Dr. B

The question is, what qualifies as desirable to you? Both are very desirable models for very different reasons.

In a past life an old man told me that guns were like women. "He felt better when he had a good looking one." I'm sure he would pick a M27 over a M28. Larry

I like pretty.

God bless,
Birdgun

You'll run into more 28 HP's on your quest. And just maybe a 5 screw Highway Patrolman too.

Attached Images

20161230_225941~3.jpg (53.3 KB, 78 views)

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Join the NRA today

Model 27 is Cadillac Escalade, Model 28 is GMC Denali.
S&W made prettier guns than the Model 28, but none better.

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Eccentric old coot

Like the others have said, both are the same weapon basically except for fit and finish. What is your budget? And what do you prefer, finely finished or a more utilitarian look? I personally collect model 27's because I like their looks over a 28, but I would not turn my nose up at a nice 28 at a great price if I ran across such.

...it also depends on what barrel length you want. If you want a 3.5", 5", 6.5" or 8.375" barrel you have to get a 27. If you want a 4" or a 6" barrel you have your choice (although there are not many of the 4" Model 27's out there).

Model 28-2 (in the 4" and 6" varieties):





Model 27-2 (in the 3.5", 6" and 8.375" varieties):

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Richard
Engraved S&W fan

As DocB mentioned. There are some mighty "Pretty" M28's out there. My first Smith was my M28-2 6" in 1974. it is an accurate and rugged shooter. Back then I just couldn't come up with the extra cash for "High Polish" and a checkered top strap. Other than that the 2 are identical.
I have seen some pictures of M28's that truly looked like satin or almost a very fine sandblast blued finish. The one I have is beautiful. Difficult to tell the difference between it and my M29-2 which is beyond Pretty. You should be able to find some pretty M28's out there.
If it is going straight into the safe, a M27 will probably appreciate more over time.
All of my guns were bought to be shot. Best part is, the S&W's are still worth much more than I paid for them and I shoot them regularly.
Larry

Buy the first good one you find. Better to buy and repent then to not buy and whine!

I appreciate all of the great responses, and after taking everything into consideration, it appears that I will end up with several different barrel lengths of each model. I think I will begin with the M28-2, 4". I have found one that appears to be in excellent condition at a decent price, from a reputable seller.

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Money talks, mine says goodbye

The 28-2 and older is less expensive to collect. However I believe that the 27-2 and older will always be more "collectible" to everyone except police revolver collectors.

Good move. I agree with the guy who said buy the first really good one you see, whether M27 or M28.

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You're shy a few manners.

I would have bought the one in best condition and with the original, serial numbered box first. Second, the older of the two in variances.

The Model 27 is the first firearm I ever purchased new. That revolver is in the upper right of this image and I still own it 4 decades later.
I do not now, nor have I ever had a desire to own a model 28. While essentially the same firearm in terms of mechanics, the 27s have a better finish, checkered top straps and a MUCH wider variety of options. They are just prettier

I do own 1 model 28 at the moment that was bought to have as a representative. However I have many dozen 27/327/627 revolvers that have been acquired over the years.
The reason that you will see more 28s out there is because folks are not willing to part with their model 27/327/627s

Business on the left, business casual on the right...Model 27 and fairly high polish Model 28 Highway Patrolman.

bobcat....please look at what happened to colt saa. This will happen to you too!!! Beware!! The slippery slope. I'm still near the top. I only have one 27 and two 28s. Soon you will "need" more. Personally I like both. The 27 is more nicely polished, and as above noted, has the finely checkered topstrap. The 27 is the modern incarnation of the original ".357 Magnum", which is what it was originally called, since there were no others. Patton had one...with the 3 1/2" barrel. Here is mine:



On the other hand, the M28 is a great gun. Here is one of mine with the 4" barrel:



Get both!!! You will never regret it!!

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

You can't go wrong with either. Really a personal preference thing as far as I can tell.

Yeah, the 27 is prettier if you like shiny, fluffy, pretty guns. 28 is all business.

I chose the 28 mainly because there's a Highway Patrolman in the family.

Regarding Models 27 and 28, I really don't have a preference. They are functionally the same. If starting from nothing with a handful of money, I would probably spend it on the Model 28. The Model 27 offers nothing of additional value to me. Don't really prefer the looks of one over the other. I'll take Mary Ann over Ginger.

Well, don't forget that D. B. Wesson killed several grizzly bears with one of those "shiny, fluffy, pretty" guns!!!

bobcat, they are the same exact guns (if you compare same barrel lengths), just finished differently. You are doing just fine with your decision.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

I would go for the 27 first, I was lucky to find one in nickel and a 5 inch at that, 28 are around everywhere, but if you can get both do it. As we are all infected with the smith sickness here, and we see you have just gotten exposed to it.

good luck

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Flipper

One is a Cadilac,the other is a Pontiac.

He had more than one, but his first was particularly famous.

27, no 28, no 27, both, no just 27, oh what the heck I give up.

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Thank you
Penmon AKA Jim

I agree Penmon. I have found the M28-2, 4" and since then have been doing that exact same thing. I found a 27-2, 6" in a presentation case, little to no wear evident on the gun or case that just keeps calling my name. The auction is almost over, and they are asking $1250 for it. Being new to this, I am trying to determine if this is a good deal or not.

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Money talks, mine says goodbye

Either way you win
I have a couple of both. i will say i shoot the 28's more for no reason other than if they get banged up at the range i don't care as much, they are deadly accurate, and very comfortalbe in the hand, (as are the 27's) IMHO the 28 is a working mans gun, take it out and run it hard, clean it up, and repeat ASAP

To me the 8 3/8" M27 is the perfect wheel gun IMHO.

Two Of the best Revolvers ever made.

I had a beautiful nickel model 27-2. It was too pretty, after having it as a safe queen I traded it and some cash for a custom 1911 that I shoot all of the time.

I also have a model 28-2. My first Smith and Wesson Revolver. It gets shot a lot. Every time I go to the range, it is in the bag. Great trigger, super accurate.

It depends on what you are looking for.

You want beauty, go for this:


You want handsome ruggedness, go for this:

Don't forget the world famous S&W nickel finish in the m27-2.

What Iggy said

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Even older, even crankier....

I have had a model 28 and that is what I'd buy for a heavy use shooter but I'd love to get a model 27 someday. Only advice I can give is if you get either one In good shape never sell it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

M27? Yea, but it does not go out in bad weather...

images upload

M28-2? A working revolver I really like.

screen shot

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

The thing I've noticed about the 28 is that they have been climbing in price over just the last few years. I recall it being pretty common to see them for sale for under $600, nowadays it seems to be a rarity.

Being that you like both, I would get a 28 while the gettin' is good before they go too crazy.

When I got into revolvers, I was looking for a 27. Couldn't find anything nice at a reasonable price. (call me cheap if you want) SO.... I settled for a 6" Model 28 no dash from 1960. It is a very nice gun. Do I regret not waiting? NO! At a reasonable price, would still like a 27. (BECAUSE) Bob

Buy a 27 for future value and let in reside in the safe. Buy a 28 for all other uses plus it will grow in value but at a slower and lower rate of growth.

I mostly agree with the posts on this thread, but please don't think that the model 27 is some delicate desert flower that will wilt at the slightest touch!! It is the same gun as the 28, just finished to a higher degree. You can shoot it every day for the rest of your life if you take reasonable care of it. It is just as sturdy as the model 28!!!

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

I'll take the pretty blonde every time.

I'm not sure if anyone mentioned it but they are Identical revolvers mechanically in every way. The Model 28-2 is exactly the same as the model 27-2 except for the high luster blue and checkered top strap. I sold all of my 27-2's off and I kept this one 28-2 with s serial number and it has a 4 inch barrel.

Bought it new and unfired at an estate auction. The estate of a S&W dealer! It is still unfired, along with the same condition M19-4.
That's an Outdoorsman above it.







Lousy pics...

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Thugs that comply don’t die!