What is the attraction of the Model 28?

jaykellogg

jaykellogg

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The Model 28 is a plain version of the Model 27. It was offered in 6" and 4" and had a matte finish. I recall when Model 29's were non-obtainium that gun writers were recommending getting a model 28 and having it bored out to .44 caliber. In the '70s i was looking for a handgun to hunt with. I ruled out single actions and that pretty much (to me) left S&W. I was in Smith Brothers Gun store in Rochester, PA and found a Model 27 8 3/8" in the presentation case. I was literally the first person to lay eyes on it or touch it after it left S&W. The original tape was on the cardboard outer cover.

Now, I see model 28s selling for as much as Model 27s and Model 29s (maybe more).

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JAYKELLOGG::
Because the model 28, like the 27, is an N frame that tames the recoil of the .357 Mag. I currently have a 28 & 66 and even with tamed down reloads, but still .357 Mag. level, the 28 is far greater pleasure to shoot than the 66.
I also had a 27 exactly as yours but sold it for $650.00 in March 2012. Regrets, you betcha. But that is just one of many gun sale regrets over the past 50+ years....
PS: paid $395.00 for the 27, $300.00 for the 28, and the 66 was free + $50.00 profit on sale of 2 other guns from same seller.
 
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The last (and only) Model 28 I saw for sale was $800 if I remember. There is one on GB (no bids) at $899 and one at $398 with a bit over two days left to go.
 
It's a working mans gun that can be dressed up. It's built like a tank and it will never let you down. Wear only makes them more attractive and it was my first handgun.

I have had this one for 31 years. I got it when I was 17 for graduation from my dad. It was his first "good gun" after my mom and him got married.



 
Don't know why 28 prices are up, there's a gazillion of them. I recall paying about $250 each for the '73 and '78 versions I have. They aren't all matte finishes as my '78 has a bit of sheen to it, kind of a satin finish.

I was reminded of how soft shooting they are when I fired my recently acquired Model 10 the other day. The recoil difference even with target load SWC .38's was noticeable between the two.
 
indiuckian said:
Wear only makes them more attractive...
Click to expand...

I think this has something to do with it. A Highway Patrolman wears its wear like a badge whereas we tend to cringe seeing the Cadillacs of the line (27s and 29s) looking anything less than 100%. As much as I'd love to have a Model 27 in like-new condition, the 28s with some wear are a lot more accessible and without worries.

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My first centerfire pistol was an old used 4" model 28 that had been nickel plated by an amateur. That being said it was a tackdriver , and was very pleasant to shoot even with heavy loads, I was young & dumb and traded it off,and I regret it to this day. I have never owned a 27, but I want another 28, probably more for nostalgia more than anything.I think this time I want a 6" though.
 
As I see it the 28 is a budget version of the 27. Where the 27 wears target hammer and trigger and a rather high polish finish, the 28 is a working mans gun or a cop gun. All my model 27 (above) did not have that I wanted was a white outline sight blade. Apparently these were only used on the 29. I bought that piece from S&W and installed it.
 
One possible reason the prices of the Model 28s are going up is, like so many of the better S&Ws...they don't make them any more!

Dave
 
I'd like to have a 4" Model 28 to accompany my 4" Model 27. I bought the 27 NIB in 1986 ($285.00) and still have it...holster wear and all. It was my first LE gun and I would still carry it today. I'm sure I'd feel the same if a 28 was my first. Both are great.
 
rebel0994 said:
[...] nostalgia more than anything. [...] /QUOTE]

I'd wager the average age of forum members is a little over the legal drinking age.;) Many of us have fond memories of the 28 we selected due to our budget. Of course it doesn't hurt that the budget revolver of our youth is a damn fine shooter.
Click to expand...
 
My dad used to buy them in the early 70's and refinish them and slick up the actions. Also install target grips on them. I still have a few sets of the original magna grips around here! As I recall he had people waiting to get them after he was done!
 
I am really lucky. I got two model 28s, one in 6" and my favorite in 4". Both are accurate way beyond my abilities. I wish I would have had one when I used to shoot PPC. I don't think I would have had to do a thing to it because the trigger and action is smooth beyond description and the accuracy is up to a Model 10 I had built into a PPC gun. The Model 28 is a sleeper in the Smith and Wesson Family.
 
I agree that the 28 (aka "Highway Patrolman) is intended for the abuse of daily use by LEO's. The predecessor of the 27 was created when hand fitting and craftsmanship was the order of the day. Today's buyer has become used to the current standards of production guns such as Glock, M&P's and the current finish provided on most revolvers. The 27 is for anyone who appreciates the fine fit and finish of a fine old revolver. Make mine a Model 27.:)
 
The model 28

When I bought my first model 28, gas was .19 a gallon and minimum wage was $1.40 an hour.......the model 28 was THE affordable N frame 357 magnum......the 27's was considerably more expensive and considered the "flagship" while the model 28 was intended to be a "working gun".......the 6" model 28 I bought was my second Smith & Wesson centerfire revolver and it still goes afield with me when I need it. During the 40 plus years that I have owned and used this 28 , it has served me well. A true American classic.
 
The attraction for me was when I started a serious collection and I wondered why I didn't buy one when l started in the 70' s

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