Affinity for the model 27/28

[armorer951]

I don't want to open a....well you know, but could those here on the forum please describe in a few short sentences, their unquenchable love for the model 27's and/or, 28's?

Don't get me wrong, I love revolvers.....I'm just not uncontrollably drawn to this admittedly "large" sized, "heavy" N frame in .357 caliber.

Perhaps it's because I've never actually owned one, but I'm always amazed by the level of adoration and praise everyone heaps on these particular model handguns. Many even collect them? What is this phenomenon? Can you explain??

 

[rbmac52]

With your signature credentials, I am truly surprised you don't already know the answer to your question...

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

Today's N-frames are the descendants of the Registered Magnum, the FIRST .357s. I like the heft, the feel, and they have a proven track record for ruggedness and durability.

 

[muddocktor]

They just "feel right" to me. I like their heft and resistance to damage from shooting hot ammo too. Plus the 27's especially, their fine detail and workmanship. And being the direct descendants of the original 357 Mag doesn't hurt either. And as an added bonus, they feel just darn near the same as my N frame 44 Mags too.

 

[Golddollar]

I have both of them. I think there is no mistaking the quality that was put into them. In today's consideration, they are probably a little over-engineered for the caliber, but then it would appear that they would last forever. The recessed cylinders, which maybe are considered an unnecessary manufacturing step now, would give an appearance of more support for the cartridges. Maybe there is some extrapolation as to what it would cost now to manufacture an equivalent revolver.

 

[k22fan]

Model 28s

1.) When I was young a 28 provided all the benefits of a S&W without having to shift limited funds from higher priorities than a .357. Now 28s bring back fond memories.
2.) 28s are almost heavy enough to have the ideal weight for a target pistol without being muzzle heavy and informal target shooting is what my guns are most often used for.

(Three sentences fill your request for "a few" and one is not even short so I have to leave it to other members to post additional "adoration.")

 

[Bullet Bob]

"Perhaps it's because I've never actually owned one"

There you go.

 

[Willyboy]

Model 27 or 28

I first bought a 27-2 6" barrel and it seems to balance perfectly with my
large hands. I then bought a model 28-2 4" and it just doesn't feel as nice
as the 27. But both are very well made and a pleasure to shoot, especially
with 357 target loads. Willyboy

 

[Boudiepitbull]

I just bought a 27 on GB that I haven't even held in my hand yet. While I can't tell you about that particular gun, I can tell you about the process that led me to buy it. My introduction and love for S&W revolvers began with acquiring a modern 617, quickly followed by a modern 686, then a little 640, and finally a 629. Having a representative sample of S&Ws in 3 different calibers my collecting interest began looking back along the line of each. While the 27 is a N Frame, I still view it as the predecessor to all the other S&W .357s that followed. Similarly, the heritage of my 617 lies with the 17. So, my interest in a 27 relates more to my collecting bug than a desire to always have only the newest/lightest/slickest version of a thing out there.

 

[mh51]

I carried a 28 for 16 years, had to use it a few times for "social work", and shot a trainload of ammo through it. Its hard not respect the 27's and 28's for what they are.....a well-designed workhorse.

 

[steelslaver]

While I believe N frames shine in the bigger bores the 357 models are worthy of respect. They will take a lickin and keep on tickin. Lots of heavy load don't bother them much. A N frame 357 would swallow a ops load that would be the end of a K frame. Way less felt recoil. For a long time the N frame weree the only choice, then the only choice besides the "light duty" K frame. The L frame do0es make sense, but it is a relative new comer.

Then there is the worki horse look of thee 28.

But, then no other S&W has the features of the classic model 27 and its predecessors. The checker on the top strap etc.

I am not much of a 357 guy. I have some sure. Plus, most of my guns are shooters. Only one is truly pristine, a 5" 27-2 with tools and presentation box. It sits in my safe simply because of its beauty.

 

[Capt. F.]

I have three 27's, two 3 1/2" and one 5" and also have three 28's, two 4" and one 6".
As I get older I find myself shooting the 357's in these six more than other guns/calibers.
But if I were limited to only one, it would be the 6" 28.
Because you don't own/shoot one you don't understand.
Try 'em and you'll understand why those of us who own them, own 'em!

 

[CajunBass]

I blame it all on Skeeter Skelton.

 

[gfors]

From an aesthetic standpoint, to my way of thinking (and holding), you can't beat a 19/66, wearing target stocks.

Touch off a cylinder of .357's, holding the gun with one hand (maybe even your weak hand), and 27/28's start to become a lot more beautiful.
Am I a 27/28 fan boy? Not quite, but I do appreciate them for the finely crafted tools they are.

 

[Patrick L]

I believe it was Louis Armstrong who said, when asked to explain jazz,

"If you have to ask, you'll never know."

I am not trying to be snide or snarky, please don't take it that way. Some things simply defy logical explanation. But they are undeniably real. The 27/28 affliction is one of them. I know because I suffer from it too.

 

[RKmesa]

...Perhaps it's because I've never actually owned one...

Enough said...

I was in the same camp...until I "actually owned one." I now cannot get enough of them. My advice is that you never buy one! They are like crack, highly addictive and terribly impractical... but WOW they are beautiful in their craftsmanship and they make anything from a light loaded .38 Special to the hottest .357 Magnum loads pleasant to shoot.

Now I start most of my S&W addiction recovery meetings with "Hello, my name is Richard and I am an N-Frame .357 Magnum addict..." Usually in my addiction recovery meetings (mostly held on this forum), I get a lot of understanding head shakes...

[Edited - I posted the above prior to reading all of the other responses (always a bit dangerous), but now that I have read all of the posts, I see a theme that is consistent with my thoughts when I first read the original post].

 

[gfors]

This post needs pictures, for reference...
a couple of 4" 28-2's:
An early 70's, wearing targets and a late 70's, wearing Magnas and a Tyler T.
Nice to look at, and perfectly built for shooting .357 magnum.
I guess I'm a fan boy, after all.

 

[runscott]

They just "feel right" to me. I like their heft and resistance to damage from shooting hot ammo too. Plus the 27's especially, their fine detail and workmanship. And being the direct descendants of the original 357 Mag doesn't hurt either. And as an added bonus, they feel just darn near the same as my N frame 44 Mags too.

This nails it, plus they are each uniquely gorgeous revolvers.

But it really is all personal preference and I could see how lighter guns or a smaller caliber would be a better fit for some.

 

[rubiranch]

Because they are the ultimate .357 Magnum.

edit: 1959 6 1/2" M27.

 

[robvious]

I like my K frames & L frames too... and never needed or wanted a N frame... then I got one because it was a deal I could not pass. - 1959 Mod 28 4 inch in loved but taken care of condition... that was a great day that started a bad habit... and yes... owning/shooting one will pretty much cover what you need to know about the 27/28... words and photos will not explain what you are seeking... good luck