I have an opportunity to buy a M28-2 in very nice condition. Just wondering if I should snatch it up or hold out for a M27. I should mention I have a M29-2 as well. TC

This is an individual decision that depends on what you plan on doing with it. They are basically the same save the "no frills" finish (matte vs. deep blue and checkered vs plain top strap) and restricted barrel lengths (28 only comes in a 4 or 6 inch) on the 28. I like both. I collect 27's (I have four) but I shoot my only 28.

The model 27 and 28 will work exactly the same, so the question is one of form or function. If the price is right and you don't mind it is not super-shiny, I'd vote for buying the model 28.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I have a Model 27, but if someone offered me a nice 28 and I didn't have my 27, I would not wait around and pass it up. To me the only Model 27 I would buy right now would be a 5-inch. Other than that I would snag a Model 28 if I wanted a .357 in 6-inch length.

__________________
Vaya con Dios

If you want the best looking revolver made by S&W then the Model 27 is your answer and to me the 5 inch is the best choice based on Balance and the 3.5 inch for just all out sexy looks.
The Model 28 is a great utilitarian revolver with matt blue and non-checkered top strap with the same mechanics as the Model 27 without the good looks.
Model 28-2 4 inch

Model 27-2 5 inch

Model 27-2 3.5 inch barrel

I would buy the M28 and shoot it until I found a M27 then I would start shooting the M27 and keep the M28 just cause I wanted to. Larry

The Model 28s are for shooting.



The Model 27s are for drooling over.

John

__________________
- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I couldn't decide either , so I bought both!

A 6in 5-screw HP and a 5in 27-2. Don't get no better!



But I am on the hunt for a 3 1/2in 27 and 4in HP!

I don't know if this has been said already but buy that sucker and use it until you find a 27 or by then keep it and buy the 28 a friend

I have a 4" M27-2 that is in about 99% condition. As a result, I've only carried it a couple times.
I have two 4" M28-2s. I'm carrying one now in an IWB holster. The Highway Patrolman is the working man's revolver. The M27 is a good shooter, but I don't want to mess up that beautiful finish, so it gets babied.
My advice, buy 'em both, you'll thank me.
Jim

27's are the sissy version of a Highway Patrolman M28.











OK, full disclosure... I just don't have a 27 yet...

Ha Ha You will and then you will never look back at this post.

Like posted, you can't go wrong with a M28...



But the M27 is the cat's meow!

__________________
Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

Aloha,

IF you can afford it, get Both.

I did and don't regret it.

You'll be Happier.

Me like the shiny blue one ( 27 )

For sex appeal, the 27 (either the 5", the 3 1/2", or both) but for function the 28. Of course, you could always try to find a factory high polished 28!

Attached Images

pictures from work phone 074.jpg (79.9 KB, 26 views)

__________________
Even older, even crankier....

Don't pass up a good deal on a 28. When you're looking through the sights, you won't know the difference. I own both and shoot both. It's a good situation when you can't make a mistake. Good luck.

You can not make a mistake owning either but the truth is the Model 27 is a lot better looking and the difference is would you rather date Rosanne Bar or Sharon Stone.

I don't think Rosanne is as serviceable as Sharon is.......

__________________
Even older, even crankier....

roseanne would be a taurus ... were talking the difference between betty and veronica both very serviceable one just needs a lot more care ..

__________________
the rules? there are no rules

Well, "more desirable" points to the 27 family. But if what you are talking about is "more knockabout shootable," you probably want a 28.

I have a couple of 27s and a 28 -- well, actually a couple of pre-27s and a pre-28 -- so I'm on both sides of this question.

I predict that whichever one you choose, you may find yourself keeping an eye out for one of the other type as time goes by.

__________________
David Wilson

I just got a 27 and it's making me nervous. Too pretty. I am glad I have some other shooters.

I wonder at the common notion that the 27s and 28s are identical but for the finish. The 27 I just got has the smoothest action I have ever turned, it feels like all the parts are floating on velvet. I bet it got a real high quality tune job at the factory. I don't know if 27s are all like that but the 28s I have picked up and worked in pawn shops did not feel near so smooth.

Maybe someone with pre 27s and pre 28s (David) can speak to the action smoothness of both.

I own 28s and 27s but when I carry a .357 it is a M27. It only cost a little more to go first class. Larry

A Model 28 started this addiction. That was a long time ago, and last year, I finally added not 1 but 2 model 27's to the safe. It really doesnt make a difference what you start with, just start !! and ENJOY

I have 2 28's and 6 27's (one in each barrel length) so I am no the best one to ask, but IMHO really clean 28's are getting harder find and price is going up. Depending on the deal, you may kick yourself down the road if you pass on the 28. Get it and start saving for the 27 companion.

__________________
Jim
Many K and N Frames

The 27 was the S&W flagship, the most premier gun that they produced for many years.

The finish and the action received extra special attention by the finest craftsmen in the shop. The 28 was the "everyman" version. Cops and security guards could afford them.

Put another way, the 28 was USDA Choice sirloin. The 27 was Kobe.

Nothing wrong with sirloin but it is not waygu.

I have a 28 and a 29, both 4" tubes. I've carried and shot the 28 plenty and it is what got me into N-frame Smiths and onto this forum.

I did have the opportunity to buy a 27 and looked it over plenty. Thing is, I'd have had to sell the 28. I knew that gun, how it shot, and I just wasn't prepared to take that chance on the 27.

Would I want a 27? You bet!!! I want one. Maybe one day I will get one. When I do, I'll still have my trusty 28. I think the 27 really great looks and I would shot it too.

If I was in your shoes I'd take the 28 and keep my eyes peeled for the 27 I really want.

I stopped at my LGS last night on the way home. They had an unfired, NIB 28-2 s/n N54XXX, cleaning rod only but in the original box. It was absolutely perfect! The price tag...........................$899! Now, it's a nice gun, but lets be honest folks, there are some darn nice 27's out there for that!

__________________
Even older, even crankier....

Buy the 28. A bird in the hand in better than two in the bush, or something like that! Seriously, if you buy one you're gonna want the other. Besides, you're gonna have some more money later on, aren't you?

Both those revolvers are highly desirable and the great part of owning any good Smith is in the shooting. From that aspect, once the trigger is smoothed out you can't tell any difference on the target. Buy it, they ain't making any more and this one is right in front of you.

Just don't pay too much.

Boy thanks for all the replies! Unfortunately somebody beat me to it. The next time I won't hesitate. I also have a 686 I like but the 27 & 28 really appeal to me. TC

Watch the ads here Turk.....nice 27s and 28s get posted there on a regular basis. The right one (or two) will turn up for you!

__________________
Even older, even crankier....

Wouldn't disagree.

PURIST---Do not read this reply, it can lead to stomach disorders and extreme anxiety.
First lets discuss your thoughts and what YOU want. If you want a shooter and a project then the 28 is the choice.
If you are into collecting and keepin the weapon as is and think the idea of original is your cup up tea, then the 27 is for you.
I am not a tradionalist. I don't think beauty is the same for everyone---we all married different women----some several, looking for the perfect.
I like to make things my own---I don't really care what others think along the lines of beautiful.
Guns are tools and like all tools, they are what they are too you.
I like projects and I like making guns MINE---this makes me happy.
Blessings

__________________
TEXAS, by GOD

I would never forsake any of my babies!!!

As a kid, I admired my fathers' model 28 with 6" barrel. I always believed it to be my birthright and would someday posess it for myself. Unfortunately, he foolishly traded it in on a 30-30 instead of having the timing fixed on it(was spitting lead out the sides).
A few yrs ago, I decided I was going to obtain an N-frame 357magnum and this dilemna was mine now. After alot of reading up on the choices, I went with the 27 with 5" barrel.

Mine is not in perfect condition as the bluing has some imperfections, so I shoot mine.

A few yrs ago, I decided I was going to obtain an N-frame 357magnum and this dilemna was mine now. After alot of reading up on the choices, I went with the 27 with 5" barrel.

Mine is not in perfect condition as the bluing has some imperfections, so I shoot mine.[/QUOTE]

I shoot all my 27's, and the 28's, 29's, 57, 25 all the Kframes (even the K-32) and even my I frame 22/32 one in a while. Guns are for shootin'

__________________
Jim
Many K and N Frames

My statement that I shoot it is referring to the trend in this thread that model 27's are too pretty to shoot and that one should get a 28 if you plan to. Mine is not mint condition, and if it was and I paid top-dollar for it(not that I have any guns like that) I understand those who don't shoot them and want to keep them in unfired condition. If you payed beau coup bucks for an unfired classic revolver and wish to take it out to the range..good for you.

Whatever trips your trigger.

Model 28-2 4"


Model 27-2 5"


Model 28-2 5"

If you can afford it, get both. I did and it was well worth it.

De Oppresso Liber

Buy the Model 28, then a Model 27 they are both strong, serviceable revolvers. The Model 28 is a "workhorse" while the Model 27 is a "pretty revolver."

Its your choice.

Scott

Get what you can get. Don't wait for never came.

I really appreciate the contour of the barrel vs a straight pipe, and am now interested in shorter barrels as well. Not so common are they?

Both of them 4 screws, Tony? Y'all oughta bring 'em with ya next time we get together. That black powder show is up at Monroe again this year in March, we oughta hit that one.....

__________________
Even older, even crankier....

Yes, They're both four screws. I was fortunate to find them at two different LGS. The black powder show sounds like a good one. I'll bring em along. Let's make a plan.

De Oppresso Liber

If both were in front of you and you could only buy one, I would go for the 27.

Both are equally durable but 27s are just classy.

Since only a 28 stands before you, buy it.



If a 27 comes along and you want it, you could always sell the 28 if you had to. Personally I try to sell as little as possible.

I like that Nickel one at the bottom!
Nice grips too...

__________________
Only difference Fool/Mule-ears