I am a fan of the Model 36/60 and J Frames in general, so I would have said keep the Model 36 as they don't make it in that configuration any longer.
Not that I dislike the Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman, but I just prefer a 4 inch Heavy Magnum as opposed to the 6 inch, although I understand the 6 inch is more desirable for collectors. Since I am not a collector (I shoot them) the 6 inch just doesn't hold the same place in my heart as the 4 inch.
My preference for the 4-inch Model 28 is likely because I saw William Holden blast a bad guy in his role as Bumper Morgan in what I think was the first or one of the first-ever television "miniseries," the TV movie adaptation The Blue Knight by the great Joseph Wambaugh. Anyone remember him?
I tried right up until his death to get him to influence Lorimar, or whoever owned Lorimar by then, to re-release the real unedited version, in its original length, to DVD (anyone remember those? - streaming wasn't really a thing yet), but alas, due to TV rights, he was unable, but he certainly was enthusiastic! For those that came in late, an edited, shortened version shows on late night TV every so often and that unfortunate version I think was released on DVD or VCR at one point.
What a great TV adaptation of that book! I know William Holden did not fit the physical description of Bumper Morgan as described in the book, but I just never could get used to the actor George Kennedy in the role (he played Officer Morgan in the short-lived TV Series that came along after the original TV miniseries, starring Holden).
Remember that scene in the real version in the "Bixby Hotel" lobby where Bumper, played by Holden, was fighting three guys with his nightstick and trying to keep them from obtaining that big Magnum? And, after he had given them the beat down with that well-used old wooden baton, he unholstered that big 4-inch Model 28 from that Safety Speed swivel holster, held up that heavy Magnum, and asked, "just what did you think you were going to do with this?" or words to that effect?
Those were the days!