Hello,
I need some help making a decision regarding a trade I was thinking about doing, so wanted to get some opinions from someone who knows a lot more about S&W revolvers than I do. I recently got a chance to make a trade for a revolver I have. My revolver is a S&W model 28-2 Highway Patrolman with a 4" barrel and factory target grips in serial number range N111667. It's in very nice condition, I would put it at around 90% or just a bit higher.
The revolver I was thinking about trading it for is a S&W model 13-3, 4" barrel and like mine, factory target grips (they have the S&W medallion, but pretty sure they were added, but not sure if it was a factory option or not. I thought the model 13 came from factory with the wood magna type grips).
The model 13 is also in very good condition, like mine it is 90% + shape.
I really like my model 28, but it is really big and uncomfortable with my hands. That's not enough to make me not love the revolver. On the other hand, I have wanted to get a model 13 for some time now. I have a pre model 10 with a 2" barrel that is from around 1949 (C109xxx serial range) and a 4" model 10 and I absolutely love them, so the next natural choice for a new revolver, in my thought process, would be a model 13.
My problem is I can't decide which one I like more, and I am not knowledgeable enough about S&W revolvers to know which one is worth more, or which one is more rare (I use that term loosely, I know they made oodles of them) maybe the word I should have used is more desirable. When it comes right down to it, I want them both, but my finances right now won't allow that (along with my wife...), Plus the model 13 is not for sale, the owner only wants to trade. If anyone has any opinions that might help me make my mind up, I would greatly appreciate any input that anyone would be willing to provide. I have been doing a lot of reading about S&W revolvers since I've gotten a new found love for them and an appreciation for the quality and workmanship that was put into the older ones. That type of firearm is certainly a thing of the past, which is a shame, but would most likely be unaffordable in this day and age. Still, I appreciate the craftsmanship and now want not only the model 13-3 I'm asking for opinions on, but find I need to have a model 15, and 19 as well. I guess it's some form of disease, or at least obsession. Anyway, sorry for the ramble, any opinions on a model 28-2 vs a model 13-3, since they are two totally different beasts, would be greatly appreciated. I've attached a photo of my Highway Patrolman (along side my pre model 10) and a picture of the model 13-3 if this helps in any way.

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Sounds like you know which one you want.

You're not alone in that, I find the 28 to lack the charm of the 27 and just be too bulky for what it is, whereas a .357 K frame is always a hoot and tends to be a fair bit more practical if you've ever got a reason to be carrying it around.

JMO, but I'd hang on to the Model 28. The 28's are starting to appreciate like the other N-frame guns rather than the red-headed stepchild it once was. Not unusual to see them at $800 and higher. Different grips for shooting purposes will remedy your discomfort with the size of the gun.

The 13, while desirable is no match for an N-frame gun. A 3" Model 13 may come close, but the 4" guns are rather mundane (no offense intended to Model 13 owners). My bias has always been N-frames and my collection reflects that.

Good luck with whatever choice you make - you only have to make you happy.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

You covered a lot of ground in your post. With that said my choice would be the 28, as it has adjustable sights. With the versatility of the .357 that is important.

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

The M28 is worth more. If I were doing that trade, I would want $200 or $300 cash with the M13. The 4" version is not worth as much as a 3" one, in my opinion. They are both nice guns, and both worth having. The M28 is better for target shooting, the M13 is better for a carry gun. Only you can ultimately decide which one will be better for you.

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protocalldesign.com

If your trade offer is "straight across" you will be losing a few hundred dollars in value. If you must have the 13, I would require at least $200 extra to make the trade fair.

If the 13 had the 3" barrel, I would consider it an even swap.

Do what you must, but in my opinion the Model 28 is much more valuable than the Model 13.

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FBINA, 204th Session

I’m a huge fan of adjustable sights, particularly for handguns that won’t be carried in your pocket.

For any type of shooting that’s beyond ‘across the table’ distances, adjustable sights provide a hugely superior sight picture compared to fixed sights (those that are milled out of the frame). That makes them much faster to acquire and that makes for quicker, sighted shots.

Since I’m not a fan of point shooting and always want to see my sights (flash sight picture) in timed events where speed is a factor, I’d go with the M28.

If I wanted a K frame 357, I’d look to the M19 or it’s stainless counterpart, not a M13.

Model 28 is bulletproof.

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SWCA #3713

I "liked" this post, but it needs it's own reposting. This assessment of the trade is 100% spot on, down to the "were it a 3" barrel" wishful thinking . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Thank you all for your input. It has helped me tremendously. I had a gut feeling that I should keep my Highway Patrolman, even though it doesn't fit my hands so well, because when it comes right down it, I really do like the revolver. It brings back memories of when I was a teenager and younger man in my 20's, seeing the NYSP officers carrying that big revolver on their hip, and that big grip sticking out of the holster. Even earlier when I was a younger teenager, 13-14, thinking how I wanted one of those one day. I think I'll stay with my gut feeling, keep my Highway Patrolman and save the money to buy a model 19 first, then work on the rest of my wish list.
Again, I can't thank you all enough for your opinions, it really helped me make my mind up and assure myself I wasn't making a big mistake by not trading.

I prefer the Model 13. The K frame balances in my hand better than the N frame which helps with my marksmanship; such as it is. I also enjoy the fixed sight revolvers. To me they acquire the target faster.
I have had 586 and 686 L frame 4 inchers and still have a short barrel 686. I find them uncomfortable in comparison to my 13. As for value that's up to you. They're all a bundle of satisfactions. How cost is valued with condition, collection interest, blued, stainless or nickel finish and perhaps a story behind them adds to the equation.
Good luck with your decision.

PERSONALLY SPEAKING.

I have always found the Model 28's feel bloated and unwieldy in my hand.

Going strictly from a using point of view.... I'd go with the Model 13.

Some of your concerns with the awkward feeling of the HP may be the grips. You may find Magna grips with a Tyler T-grip fit you better than targets. If you like the 28, keep it. You are likely to find a 4" 13 for sale before you do another 28.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

I vote keep the 28. I had a 4" model 65 for a time, the stainless version of the 13, and it did nothing for me. I have a 28-2 now and it is a wonderful revolver. There's an attention to detail found in the N frames that's just not seen in the other frame sizes, IMO.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

My vote is for the 28, change the grips to something that fits your hand better. If you want a K frame, I’d go with a 19 or 66 with the smaller Magna grips. Or possibly a 586/686 with 3” barrel. A model 13 is way down on my list of wants.

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Pine_Worker
Ex-LEO, NRA Life

I own a 28-2 and a 66-1. I used to own a Model 13 that kind of says it all.
BTW, my 28-2 wears magna stocks and a grip adapter. It is a better shooter than the large target grips. My 28-2 had those on it when I bought it. Pachmyr used to make a small grip for the square butt N frame. They worked well also. You will not be happy with the current production Pachmyrs for a 28.

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SWCA 3417 HF 642 NRA-TC

I would not do the trade. That said I like the N frames and the 28-2 a lot.

OP, you do realize that you are looking to trade off a plain Jane M27? From that perspective, IMO, no M13 is worth what a M 28 is worth.

You mentioned several times the gun does not fit your hand. Try some new grips?

I own 7 M28's and I would not consider parting with one for a M13

Just my .02

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

No way would I swap a 4" M28 for a M13 of whatever barrel length. Keep the M28 and do whatever you have to do (dig under the sofa cushions, etc.) to scrape up the cash for the M13 and then have both to go along with your Snubbie pre-10.

IMO... I would keep your 28 to the 13... try some new grips. I have never shot or owned a 28, I have a bunch of k/l frames and they are great, but the 28 exceeds the value and durability of the 13. But again its what YOU want.

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This is the way....

Let's hope that someday soon your finances will allow a fine Model 13 to come your way.

Meantime the advice above to get some magna grips is spot on. That's all I comfortably use on an N frame - they really make a difference.

Best of luck!

I own both, a 13-2 and 1954 Highway Patrolman (I have the numbered diamond magnas.) Both are great guns, but have very different personalities. If I had to choose one over the other, it would be the HP, hands down, even though the 13 is a really nice revolver.

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Never trade or sell. Never ever. I have the shiney m27 and the dull m28. I don’t need no stinking shiny blued guns. Lol

I like big frame magnum revolvers I can not lie. S&W N frames and ruger RedHawks I keep them seperate so no interbreeding will happen. Someone put them in the same safe that’s how we got the snake guns(colt). Lol

I decided to keep my model 28 and actually just ordered a set of magna grips from ebay this morning. I found a nice set of S&W factory originals for $25 that looked to be in excellent shape so I figured I couldn't go wrong with that. Thanks again for all the great advice, it truly helped me make my decision.
Best regards,
Erik

I think you will be happy with that decision.

I'd never trade my 28-2 4" for anything.

And I have both sets of grips. I'll switch them every now and then. It's sporting the service grips right now.

Best, QD67

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BTDT, Got The T-Shirt

Lots of good comments and advice. I too love the HP/M28, but it is a big heavy gun.

That leads to one point I notice has not been mentioned:
If the revolver is to be used for home protection, the decision should take our significant other into account. An HP/M28 would hardly be manageable for someone with small hands. That would make the K-Frame a much better choice.

No less a towering figure than Bill Jordan found K-Frames to work just fine in his extra large hands so it wouldn't be too small for the largest user in the house.

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You're shy a few manners.