Always thinking about the "next" gun. I have a Model 29 and gotten to like the N frames. So I am thinking about adding an blued N frame .357 with a 6" or longer barrel. Suggestions?

Thanks!

The obvious one: a Model 27. If you have the money and the luck to find a nice one, a pre-27.

A s&w m27-2 6" barrel in 357 mag would go nicely with your m29. But a m57 6" barrel in 41 mag would complete the trio.

If you like n frames like we all do we have to have the magnum trio.

I agree with T Star, but you may also be able to find a 6" Model 28 for a little less dough. They don't bring the money the 4" guns do.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

Even though 28's have gotten pricier, they are still a good value for N frames guns. Can't go wrong with a Model 28 in my opinion.

I am guessing a Model 28 6" would go for $800 around my area. How about an 8"?

I wouldn't get a barrel over 6.5 inches, and I think, having owned both, the six-inch looks and handles better. Easier to find holsters for six-inch barrels, too, although some makers cut them for 6.5 inchers.

The M-19 is lighter, if you hike a lot and won't need to fire many Magnum loads.

Personally, I prefer stainless, but gather that you want a blue gun to complement your M-29.

The M-27/28 will last longer if you shoot many .357 rounds. But the M-19 will hold cylinder timing better, as the hand doesn't have so much mass to shove around. The M-19 also has a longer cylinder, and will accept one bullet that's too long for the M-27. But unless you handload and want that bullet, no worries.

Nothing better to go with a model 29, than a nice model 27 8 3/8. Great fun to shoot, not so much for carry. Top of the line finish and durability.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

I gave up on finding nice 27 I can afford for now and found me a nice 4 inch 28-2. That satisfies itch for now. Still got my open for both of what you said a nice 27 with longish barrel or a 57 or 58 4 or 6 inch. They are not cheap in nice condition but I think if you watch long enough something will come your way.

These are words and numbers of wisdom.
Qc

I would be recommending the Model 27 as well.

The Model 27 is a favorite of mine in any barrel length.



Though I have to say that the 3 1/2" and 5" have become my favorite barrel lengths for the Model 27s in recent years

An 8-3/8" barrel Model 28 will be a very rare find and I would suggest it might be futile to go on a quest for one. If an 8-3/8" barrel N-frame is your quest then a Model 27 would probably be the easiest and least expensive N frame .357 in that barrel length.

If you are open to more modern models and more open to 4-6" barrels you will have a lot more options such as the 327 (5" barrel) and 627 (4", 5", and 6" barrel offerings).

Other considerations might be if you want to mount an optic such as a red dot. About 1993 and thereafter the top strap was and has been drilled and tapped for mounting optics.

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Scoundrel & Ne'er-Do-Well

A very nice group of guns there!

As a reminder.... if you haven't already ...... check out the L frame 686/586 guns..... a perfect blend of the K frame grip w/ a shoot. 357 all day frame and barrel.

IMHO a 4" 686 is the best all around duty/utility .357 going...... 6inch make great range/hunting guns and IIRC there are longer barrels available.

Well OP a 6'' 28 sounds like the way to go. Basically you get a none fancy 27 at a much cheaper price!

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14 S&W Revs none with locks!

For a 357 Magnum, 6" is the max I'd personally attend to. Because the rest of the frame isn't as thick as say a 44 or 460, it gets front heavy. I have no problem with my 460 XVR 8 3/8" because it's beefy all around. So is my 629 44 Magnum 7.5"

I had a Colt Python 8" and it just never felt right to me.

A 5-6" 357 is the sweet spot in my book. That's why I love my Ruger 6" GP100 and the S&W PC 5" 627.

Just something to consider before you make your decision.




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