My first handgun was a 1968 28-2, for the back breaking price of 101.00 new. I sold it a few years later, and have not had one in 50 years. Pretty much stuck to K frames. Well, I just purchased a lightly used 28-2 ( 1975) from a fellow forum member, and I must say, that there is a special distinct feel when you grip an N frame, and listen to it lock up. Just glad I got another one. I do have a 23 YO N frame 29-5, but have not shot it since a couple days after I got it. But boy do I like the feel of my 28

Tell me about it!

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

Over built comes to mind when describing .357 N frames.

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Made it, Ma! Top of the world!

Durable is my thought.

Holding a piece of history feels pretty good.

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Eccentric old coot

Solid. Like a 3/4 ton Powerstroke compared to a Ranger

I have 4 N frames. No J's, and 2 L's. Enough K's. They all have their place & use. My 1st. S&W revolver purchase was a 28 no dash. I still have it. Do really like the N's. Wishin for a 25-7. Bob

I like an N frame with 6 or 6.5” barrel, and the K frame with a 4” barrel. Just my preferences because of the way they feel. Willyboy

Since I grew up first shooting a 6-1/2" .38/44 Outdoorsman
& then a 3-1/2" .357 Magnum, an N-frame just feels natural in my hands

When I first joined the forum, all I heard about was the N frames.
I always thought "what's the big deal" then I got the 27.
There is something about that big chunk of steel that just soaks up the recoil.
But, since I am a snubbie collector, I found the Jovino's which I carry in the winter time, and a lot of fun to shoot
Here are a couple of 28-2's that I posted in another thread and one of the N frame snubbie family.

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Not a big N-frame fan but have 3 ..........

4" 28 and a 4" (90%) 27 shooter grade.... both with Spegel Extended Boot grips..... w/ the Spegel grips they are good to go .....but just can't figure out a reason to carry one when a K or L frame will do!!!!!

and a Registered Magnum safe Queen.

yeah i agree ,they do feel like a mack truck in your hand . I have two, both 25-2;one in .45LC and one in .45 acp;both 6 inchers. I enjoy shooting them.They both have Hogue rubber for shooting but i would like to find some original wood for them,any available out there??

There are several people right now looking for N frame grips. I posted in anticipation of getting mine to find a set of target factory grips. I got a beautiful 1987 set of checkered rosewood targets that I have yet to install, but they will really dress my 28 up. I put a set of smooth rosewood on my 17-3 that I bought new in the 70's. They look pretty. The factory did produce some nice grips. I presume you were referring to target grips, and not service magnas

N frames and J frames are just work for me! I don't see myself owning anything in between nor an X frame. There is nothing wrong with anyone who likes the others. But I tend to go with what I know and use what works.... and works well. YMMV!

I recently got my first J frame, a 1984 lightly used M60. Got to find some grips. I like it, but love the N frame

Interesting you (OP) should mention this. I feel the same way.

Stability, fit, accuracy.

Got plenty of the others and a 3" 13 carry's well, but then a 3" 629 in a cross draw does too.

I carried a 4” Model 28 when I worked for LaConner WA PD in the early ‘80s. We drove Brown Dodge Diplomats and used K band radars. I have over a dozen N frames now and finally picked up a excellent Hwy Patrolman last week. Like holding an old heavy friend. My old partner is now a Detective and carries a Glock 19; time does march on.

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I've got a couple of N's myself. The only way I carry them is in a range bag, so the weight isn't a factor for me.

Model 57, 4". It came to me wearing the Hogues, and this picture shows the overall condition. It's about as perfect, except for the grips, as any gun I've ever owned.



I've added a set of Altamount grips.



Model 27-2, 4".

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John 3:16 .

All I have in that size are a 325 and a 625. If the grip covers the backstrap, I can't get good finger placement on the trigger, so I guess they must be slightly too big a frame for me. They're currently both wearing Monogrips with the backstrap exposed.

"N" frames a personal favorite. Just the weight factor. Not the gun! My wallet... After being 'lightened' time & again over the years!
Nowadays, my 'smattering' of N frames sized Smiths from Triplelock 44 Spl target to 45 ACP Model of 1989. No 'dising' the other frame sizes and with representations of them too. Just that the "N" crowd, speaking to me personally and also generally anyone in the area of firing - with authority.
Let's ever talk "N" frames!
My take

N Frames Rock !
Taking the model 58 (my avatar) to the range is fun.....letting the young fellows there who have only known plastic wonder nines shoot it is even more fun.
It's not hard to convert a few to revolvers and the N Frame is still King.
One young fellow was just amazed at the custom Rosewood grips...plastics just don't have that look...he loved it .
Gary

I just picked up this 28-2 from 1968. This 6” goes nicely with my 4”. Gotta love em.

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Pass it on.
Mark

There's N frames, then there's everything else.

I agree that a N frame has a distinctive feel. I have 29-3 (N frame), 686 (L frame), Model 18 (K frame), and a Model 60 (J frame). While I love all of these guns, when I pick up the Model 29, I just get a smile on my face.

After trying 3 or so different manufacturers of grips I've found my perfect combo... Its stock S&W "Magna's" coupled with a Tyler-T. They work great for my big mitts and the wifey's dainty little hands... all the while not giving up concealability and certainly not bunching up the cover garment. It's one of the few exceptions in life where you can eat your cake and have it too! YMMV...