Affinity for the model 27/28
- Thread starter armorer951
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Trooper224
Member
If I have to explain it, you wouldn't understand it.
Addicted to 27's and 28's
I have two Model 28-2's, both 4".
Model 28-2, 4", Shipped 1975-77. Status: NIB
Model 28-2, 4", Shipped 1978, Status: Badly Abused Finish-wise, Perfect otherwise.
Model 27-2, 8 3/8", Shipped 1972-74, Status: NIB
Sadly, these are the only 27's/28's I currently own, but I'm always on the lookout for more!
I have two Model 28-2's, both 4".
Model 28-2, 4", Shipped 1975-77. Status: NIB
Model 28-2, 4", Shipped 1978, Status: Badly Abused Finish-wise, Perfect otherwise.
Model 27-2, 8 3/8", Shipped 1972-74, Status: NIB
Sadly, these are the only 27's/28's I currently own, but I'm always on the lookout for more!
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They are "classics", in the world of Smith & Wesson revolvers of my generation. The dictionary defines classic as; "judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind." I'm a Baby Boomer, but the models 27 & 28 (amongst many others) fit the definition of "classic", where I am only "vintage".
I've owned and shot the hooey out of S&W revolvers over the years, mostly of the K frame configuration, and they are awesome. However, once I began shooting the N frame .357 magnum, I suddenly realized I had been missing out, A LOT!.
Buy one, shoot it for a day, and come back and see if you can't answer your own question. I think you will maybe consider it to be a "silly question". They are what they are. True Classics.
I've owned and shot the hooey out of S&W revolvers over the years, mostly of the K frame configuration, and they are awesome. However, once I began shooting the N frame .357 magnum, I suddenly realized I had been missing out, A LOT!.
Buy one, shoot it for a day, and come back and see if you can't answer your own question. I think you will maybe consider it to be a "silly question". They are what they are. True Classics.
I own mostly K frames..some kit guns....bought my first N model 28, couple years ago....now it goes out every time I do! go figure?
There are several features that make the Mod. 27-2 my favorite
S&W handgun... I'm no expert but I'll tell ya what I like....
I love the additional features found on this model that were
indicative of fit finish and detail of S&W's of that era. Bright
blueing, pinned barrels and recessed cylinders were regular
features of magnum handguns.
Older Mod. 27's, in particular, possess all these features plus a
few others that have an attractiveness other production N
frames didn't possess. Three that come to mind are unique
barrel lengths of 3 1/2" and 5" offered as normal production
lengths for this model only.... The third is the beautiful
checkered top strap and barrel, exclusive only to the Mod. 27
on all barrel lengths.
The Mod. 27 were most commonly seen with a presentation
case and a target trigger and hammer. They didn't possess
the Red Ramp front sight or white outline rear sight blade the
other N frame calibers had. They could also be purchased
in regular boxes without target stocks, triggers, hammers for a
substantially lower price. I actually bought a brand new 5" at
the time for $146.
I believe S&W made a huge error in not making the 29's and 57's also
a regular production item in the 3 1/2 and 5" barrel lengths. ....
S&W handgun... I'm no expert but I'll tell ya what I like....
I love the additional features found on this model that were
indicative of fit finish and detail of S&W's of that era. Bright
blueing, pinned barrels and recessed cylinders were regular
features of magnum handguns.
Older Mod. 27's, in particular, possess all these features plus a
few others that have an attractiveness other production N
frames didn't possess. Three that come to mind are unique
barrel lengths of 3 1/2" and 5" offered as normal production
lengths for this model only.... The third is the beautiful
checkered top strap and barrel, exclusive only to the Mod. 27
on all barrel lengths.
The Mod. 27 were most commonly seen with a presentation
case and a target trigger and hammer. They didn't possess
the Red Ramp front sight or white outline rear sight blade the
other N frame calibers had. They could also be purchased
in regular boxes without target stocks, triggers, hammers for a
substantially lower price. I actually bought a brand new 5" at
the time for $146.
I believe S&W made a huge error in not making the 29's and 57's also
a regular production item in the 3 1/2 and 5" barrel lengths. ....
People like "old junk". It brings back sentimental memories of their youth, at least that's how it is with me. I also enjoy shooting my own reloads, because it makes me feel like a wizard. My wand of choice is a 6" model 28-2, that was given to me by my dear old dad. I can almost always hit what I'm shooting at with it, and the sheer size of it, impresses the lucky neophytes that happen to share the range with me.
BigBill
Absent Comrade
Well I been a ruger Redhawk owner ever since they were offered. I like big frame magnum revolvers there easier to control. Not only in 357, but in 41 mag and 44 mag too. I enjoy the RedHawks and the n frames too. I ccw carried the 7.5" & 5.5" barreled RedHawks in 44 mag for decades. Shoulder holstered. It's like our wallet we don't know it's there after a while. My first N frame that I shot was the m58 in 41 mag. What a sweet shooter it is. Even after just six rounds I was hooked on N frames. The m27 & m28 is no different a N frame is a N frame. I prefer the 6" & the 6.5" barrels. I did notice in the RedHawks that the 7.5" barrel handles the stout 44 mag loads better over the 5.5" barrel. The added weight up front is the difference. My point is if you don't have a big frame magnum revolver I'd say get one.
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BigBill
Absent Comrade
I have 5 n frames in 357. Having other calibers in the same frame makes switching revolvers much easier.
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To me, the N frame is the ultimate S&W platform. It feels perfect in my hand (especially the square butt) and is is not compromised to make it lighter/smaller. Every other S&W revolver feels slightly off to me.
I have a handful of them including a M27, but I would like to eventually own an N frame in every caliber they made them in, and I'd like multiple barrel lengths for the more common models.
I have a handful of them including a M27, but I would like to eventually own an N frame in every caliber they made them in, and I'd like multiple barrel lengths for the more common models.
crsides
US Veteran, SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
What's not to like.
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I've owned 3 28s (2 4", 1 6") and one pre-27 (3.5").
The first 4" 28 was my duty gun in uniform and my raid/stakeout gun afterward. I dallied with K frames and even Colts, but always returned to the N-Frame.
One feature that pleased me was that the big, underbored cylinder's mass just seemed to facilitate fast double action shooting. If I wasn't faster, it sure felt like it. Now, of course S&W fits 8 rounds into the 27's children.
As several have stated, shooting .357s in an N-frame is like shooting .38s in a K. This is the platform the round was designed around. It still works 80 years later.
The first 4" 28 was my duty gun in uniform and my raid/stakeout gun afterward. I dallied with K frames and even Colts, but always returned to the N-Frame.
One feature that pleased me was that the big, underbored cylinder's mass just seemed to facilitate fast double action shooting. If I wasn't faster, it sure felt like it. Now, of course S&W fits 8 rounds into the 27's children.
As several have stated, shooting .357s in an N-frame is like shooting .38s in a K. This is the platform the round was designed around. It still works 80 years later.
27 Man
Member
Shooting a model 27 in double action mode is an exilerating experience. Once you start that big cylinder turning, the momentum of that steel mass takes over and the gun just completes the task. Hard to explain if you haven't shot one. I love them. It is the ultimate revolver.
I have a 1956 3 1/2" .357 Magnum. A 1959 6 1/2" 27 and a 1978 6" 28-2.
And a 2000 8-shot 27-7.
Nuff said.
Beautiful. Those Targets are dark enough to be rosewood.
Nuff said.
Old Corp
Member
Only have a a M27 5" and a M28 4". Both great guns. About any .38 load feels very mild in them and .357's are their bread and butter.
I do like pondering the fact that in it's day the M28 was S&W's 'econo-gun', a working example of no-frills hardware.
And now - they nor anyone else could produce anything similar if they really tried - and if they did, it'd be >$1k.
I do like pondering the fact that in it's day the M28 was S&W's 'econo-gun', a working example of no-frills hardware.
And now - they nor anyone else could produce anything similar if they really tried - and if they did, it'd be >$1k.
BigBill
Absent Comrade
My colt python when I had it and the s&w revolvers are the only revolvers that felt good in my hands right out of the box. My ruger's needed larger grips.
I think every s&w N frame revolver should own one in every caliber. The m27/357, m28/357, m29/44, m57/41, m58/41, m24/44, m25/45 to start off with.
Meeteetse
Member
It is hard to explain but there is something about an N frame with almost any barrel length that just seems right. I shoot a lot more .357 than any other caliber and I love my 28. I have been on a quest for a 3 1/2" 27 for sometime with no success.
I know there are lighter guns and the K frames are much easier to conceal, and there are guns that hold more ammo, but there is something about the peace of mind that a shorter barreled N frame gives you in the woods, in the car or on your hip. Will always have one even though as I get older, smaller guns have their appeal for EDC.
I know there are lighter guns and the K frames are much easier to conceal, and there are guns that hold more ammo, but there is something about the peace of mind that a shorter barreled N frame gives you in the woods, in the car or on your hip. Will always have one even though as I get older, smaller guns have their appeal for EDC.
Who doesn't like model 28's?
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