Raider Rudy
Member
Okay! Since I'm still new here I'm going to ask a dumb question! What is the more desirable N frame revolver, the model 28 or the model 29?
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28 or 29
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ostlund
Member
Oh boy, I get to be the first one to take the arrows! Since the 28 is the "lessor" than the 27 I'd have to go with the 29. It would change though at some dash no....sometime after -4.
not so easy to say upon reflection, a short 28 would be awful cool. I think you need to establish some details of each.
not so easy to say upon reflection, a short 28 would be awful cool. I think you need to establish some details of each.
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wadcutter1
Member
Which caliber do you prefer: 357 or 44 magnum? The model 28 is 357. The 29 is 44.
If you prefer 357 than I suppose the 28, or better yet 27 (higher polished version), is the choice.
If you prefer 44 mag, then the model 29 is the better choice.
Personally I love my model 28, largely because it was so cheap compared to either a 27 or 29.
If you prefer 357 than I suppose the 28, or better yet 27 (higher polished version), is the choice.
If you prefer 44 mag, then the model 29 is the better choice.
Personally I love my model 28, largely because it was so cheap compared to either a 27 or 29.
I think that you have posed a rather subjective question. After following some of the Model 28s/Highway Patrolman's on Gunbroker, I would have to say that the Model 28 is demanding more in resale value than the 29.
From my perspective, I would think that a Model 28 would end up being fired more with 38s and 357s than a Model 29. Please keep in mind, that is me!
From my perspective, I would think that a Model 28 would end up being fired more with 38s and 357s than a Model 29. Please keep in mind, that is me!
Well if you sat a 4" 28 beside a 4" 29 or 2 6"gun side by side and said pick, I think most everyone would grab the 29. The big bore bang plus the 29s have a way nicer finish. 28s are great guns,and well liked. 29s are loved. Would you take a Camaro or a Vette?
BigBill
Absent Comrade
Well any s&w true owner has to own at least a set of N Frames. Hands down the workhorse m28 first.
I said no way I'd go that route but then I shot my new m58. What a nice handling revolver it is.
.M27-357-6" barrel or 4" barrel or both
.M28-357-6" barrel or 4" barrel or both
.M57-41--6" barrel or 4" barrel or both
M58-41-4" barrel
.M29-44--6 1/2" barrel or 4" barrel or both.
Don't forget the 8 3/8" barrels too.
Sit and make a want list. Go slow and enjoy the journey.
No Gm products for me, since 1988.
I said no way I'd go that route but then I shot my new m58. What a nice handling revolver it is.
.M27-357-6" barrel or 4" barrel or both
.M28-357-6" barrel or 4" barrel or both
.M57-41--6" barrel or 4" barrel or both
M58-41-4" barrel
.M29-44--6 1/2" barrel or 4" barrel or both.
Don't forget the 8 3/8" barrels too.
Sit and make a want list. Go slow and enjoy the journey.
No Gm products for me, since 1988.
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OP
Raider Rudy
Member
Maybe I should have posed the question like this! Which one is more sought after or maybe more in demand overall?
BigBill
Absent Comrade
M28 I think is more sought after.
Any s&w N Frame used is rare as hens teeth in my area. Never seen a used one in many decades in 357 / 41 / 44spec.
For decades, probably 40 years no 357 revolvers were seen here used. In s&w, colt and ruger. The guys who had them were hanging on to them. Now there surfacing online because the older collectors/shooters are parting with them. But the prices are higher. The younger guys are going for plastic.
Any s&w N Frame used is rare as hens teeth in my area. Never seen a used one in many decades in 357 / 41 / 44spec.
For decades, probably 40 years no 357 revolvers were seen here used. In s&w, colt and ruger. The guys who had them were hanging on to them. Now there surfacing online because the older collectors/shooters are parting with them. But the prices are higher. The younger guys are going for plastic.
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OP
Raider Rudy
Member
Okay! This is the kind of conversation I was looking for when I posed this question. Which one you thought was more sought after, but not nescessarily the one you would prefer to have! I had a 29 years ago, now I have a 28 which seems to be causing more of a stir.
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BigBill
Absent Comrade
Why a stir?
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When mentioning dash#'s, I'd draw the line at -2, since I'd want the pinned bbl.
I would say the hierarchy would be as follows, based on finish and current market pricing.
27
29
28
I would say the hierarchy would be as follows, based on finish and current market pricing.
27
29
28
BigBill
Absent Comrade
Why draw the line at dash-2?
The higher number dash wise the more upgrades.
I been told my new s&w m29-10 is the best quality that s&w made with all the upgrades. It's the strongest m29 offered to date. It's suppose to handle any new over the counter ammo.
All of my brand new s&w n frame purchases are in the world famous s&w nickel finish with the loc. For just $699 I couldn't pass them up.
There still s&w n frame revolvers made in the USA. I say let's support them and keep them in the USA.
The higher number dash wise the more upgrades.
I been told my new s&w m29-10 is the best quality that s&w made with all the upgrades. It's the strongest m29 offered to date. It's suppose to handle any new over the counter ammo.
All of my brand new s&w n frame purchases are in the world famous s&w nickel finish with the loc. For just $699 I couldn't pass them up.
There still s&w n frame revolvers made in the USA. I say let's support them and keep them in the USA.
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Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing depends on what your definition of "upgrade" is.
THEWELSHM
Member
Both.............
Thewelshm
Thewelshm
OP
Raider Rudy
Member
Okay, maybe some seemed to get a little excited when I posted that I found a 4" Highway Patrolman" at a gun store. They pointed me to the Ultimate Highway Patrolman thread.
BigBill
Absent Comrade
Highway Patrolman 4" I'd jump on it.
I have a mix of new and older s&w revolvers I ejoy them all. Life is short enjoy.
I have a mix of new and older s&w revolvers I ejoy them all. Life is short enjoy.
OP
Raider Rudy
Member
Totally subjective of course, but FWIW, I'd be in the "buy a 29" camp.
But then I never did quite "get" why anyone would pack the weight of an N-frame for just 6 rounds of 357. An 8 shot 327 or 627, OK, I get that. But I can get 6 rounds of 357 in a K or L frame and have a much easier gun to carry.
And yeah, I know, the big heavy N-frame soaks up the 357 recoil. But the recoil of a 357 round in a K frame doesn't bother me one bit, so the extra weight provides no advantage for me. Maybe someday when I have even more arthritis in my hands and wrists then the N-frame
357 will make more sense - even if it holds only 6.
But again, that's all subjective, and just my opinion at this time.
But then I never did quite "get" why anyone would pack the weight of an N-frame for just 6 rounds of 357. An 8 shot 327 or 627, OK, I get that. But I can get 6 rounds of 357 in a K or L frame and have a much easier gun to carry.
And yeah, I know, the big heavy N-frame soaks up the 357 recoil. But the recoil of a 357 round in a K frame doesn't bother me one bit, so the extra weight provides no advantage for me. Maybe someday when I have even more arthritis in my hands and wrists then the N-frame
357 will make more sense - even if it holds only 6.
But again, that's all subjective, and just my opinion at this time.
Well is both had the same barrel length and same condition I would choose a 29 1st. Much higher upside on resale value, a round that is fun to shoot and is a workhorse when hunting. The 28 with it's working mans finish IMO has really been upstaged as a pure firearm by the L frame. A much better fit for the .357 mag than the large N frame. So the resale value of a 28 is not there especially for the long haul. (BTW not so for the 27)
daddy bear
Member
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I got over the 29 thing in the seventies. 4" .44 magnums are LOUD, six or longer are difficult to carry. When I could keep all five in the black at 25 yard timed fire (five in 20 sec, one hand), I considered the beast mastered.
I have a pre war 27 3 1/2" that I look at and an S frame 28 4 inch that I shoot.
I disagree that one needs each of the large frame guns. I have no room in my life for .41s. Now then, a 4" Model 24 in .44 special would be a different issue altogether. They are lighter than the 29 and are sweet. College tuition for Daughter got mine, and it was money well spent. H
My 2c and it cost you nothing.
I have a pre war 27 3 1/2" that I look at and an S frame 28 4 inch that I shoot.
I disagree that one needs each of the large frame guns. I have no room in my life for .41s. Now then, a 4" Model 24 in .44 special would be a different issue altogether. They are lighter than the 29 and are sweet. College tuition for Daughter got mine, and it was money well spent. H
My 2c and it cost you nothing.
Inusuit
Member
I have both, a 28-2 and a 29-3. I never liked heavy recoil (yeah, my man card is in jeopardy). I like the 28 because its weight soaks up recoil. It is a boat anchor to carry, even with the 4" barrel. So it comes down to your personal preference. I'm 71 with some joint/tendon issues so that's my excuse.
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
Depends...do you want a 357 or a 44? If you want a 357 then the 28 would be a better choice than would the 29. If you want a 44, then the 28 probably isn't what you want.
If you have no preference as to caliber, then I would say go with the 29 as it's 1 better than the 28. Unless you see a CTG model for sale, in which case you may want to buy that one.
If you have no preference as to caliber, then I would say go with the 29 as it's 1 better than the 28. Unless you see a CTG model for sale, in which case you may want to buy that one.
BigBill
Absent Comrade
If it's a m28 or m29 choice I'd buy both. I always get both in the end anyway.
History repeats itself.
M58 or M57 I bought both.
M28 or M28-2 I bought both.
M27-2 blue or M27-2 nickel I bought both.
Go by your first gutt feeling. When torn between two guns buy both.
History repeats itself.
M58 or M57 I bought both.
M28 or M28-2 I bought both.
M27-2 blue or M27-2 nickel I bought both.
Go by your first gutt feeling. When torn between two guns buy both.
bananaman
Member
Myself, I feel that a 28 is a better choice. (never owned a 29) I have a 6" no dash from 1960. I load 5 calibers. I can load stout magnums for it, or puppy 148 gr. wadcutters. My 28 was a 27 wanna be. I don't regret it at all. Bob
Tom_R
Member
Well the Model 29 is THE Quintessential, Iconic Smith and Wesson Revolver.
There are several Iconic Smith & Wesson Revolvers, but the 29 is at the Top of the heap due to John Miluis and Clint Eastwood.
The Model 10, the 19, the 27 and the 66 are right there as well, in terms of being Icons.
Then you have 'Cult' guns that the Collectors go nuts for like the 28, the 57 and the 58.
If your intent is to figure out which one to get first, with the intention of shooting and enjoying, I would steer you towards a used 28-2 first.
Why?
Well even though the 29 is more desirable, the 28 is chambered in 357 Magnum. Ammo in .357 and .38spcl is a little cheaper and a little easier to come by.
Also, the .357 is, in my opinion, the most versatile chambering of any gun out there. Unless you are in Alaska or Africa and need protection from Big Nasty Predators, the .357 will get you where you need to be.
Start out with a 28, shoot 38 specials, and then try out .357 Magnums.
If you like .357s, then you can step up to 44 Magnums.
IF you do go the route of a 29, you can shoot 44 Special through it, and you can shoot those all day long.
Here is my 29 with my 28. The 28 is the 4", the 29 is the 6":
There are several Iconic Smith & Wesson Revolvers, but the 29 is at the Top of the heap due to John Miluis and Clint Eastwood.
The Model 10, the 19, the 27 and the 66 are right there as well, in terms of being Icons.
Then you have 'Cult' guns that the Collectors go nuts for like the 28, the 57 and the 58.
If your intent is to figure out which one to get first, with the intention of shooting and enjoying, I would steer you towards a used 28-2 first.
Why?
Well even though the 29 is more desirable, the 28 is chambered in 357 Magnum. Ammo in .357 and .38spcl is a little cheaper and a little easier to come by.
Also, the .357 is, in my opinion, the most versatile chambering of any gun out there. Unless you are in Alaska or Africa and need protection from Big Nasty Predators, the .357 will get you where you need to be.
Start out with a 28, shoot 38 specials, and then try out .357 Magnums.
If you like .357s, then you can step up to 44 Magnums.
IF you do go the route of a 29, you can shoot 44 Special through it, and you can shoot those all day long.
Here is my 29 with my 28. The 28 is the 4", the 29 is the 6":
BigBill
Absent Comrade
My first revolver was a 357 Python. But I ccw the ruger SBH and RH in 44mag ,most of my life. I like the 44's but in partial to the 357mag too. I do trust my life with the 357, 41, & 44mag. I'm fairly new to s&w revolvers for four years now.
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This is a very valid argument and made me realize I failed to mention one part of my bias towards the M29.
I reload my own ammo. If you reload your own, the cost difference between 38 special, 357 magnum, 44 special, and 44 magnum is so small as to be irrelevant. Like less than a nickel a round difference between the lowest (38 special) and highest (44 magnum) cost rounds.
This is also very good advice and brings out one more of my personal biases. I am not very recoil sensitive so shooting magnums isn't an issue for me. But it certainly is for some people - there have been numerous threads about it. You need to figure out which side of this question you come down on. If recoil bothers you, then the 44 magnum isn't going to be much fun for you. If you don't mind it then that isn't a factor in making your decision.
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BigBill
Absent Comrade
I reload my 38 special brass with lead cast. My 357 magnum brass gets jhp bullets magnum charges. I do the same with 44 special with leadcast bullets and 44 magnum with jhp bullets.
We get a higher velocity using the shorter special brass with the leadcast bullets.
We get a higher velocity using the shorter special brass with the leadcast bullets.
