Are Model 28s finally getting respect?

[Jimmy Bones]

Was the first S&W I bought and it goes to the range every time I go.
Mod 28-2

 

[gerald mcdonald]

I dont think it's 28's only but I think that now maybe revolvers are starting to regain the respect they are due.

 

[haifabuddy]

Just got a 28-2 (4 inch) on the way to me in about one week. 99% NIB $595. My first N.

 

[Joe in SC]

I bought my first 28 back in 1974 and I never sensed any dis-respect for the model. Any Smith and Wesson 357 maggie was demanding a premium over retail in the part of the south I was stationed in (Middle GA area). I had a 5" 27 at the time and was firing alot of rounds through all my guns. Respect was earned at the firing range. At the range the 28 took a back seat to no other gun. Matter of a fact, shooters in my aquaintance wouldn't hesitate to purchase a 28 even if other 357 mag revolvers were on the shelf !

I was just trying to remember how many 28's I've owned over the years and it has been at least six or seven, all fired often and well cared for. Every single time I would sell a 28 I regretted it. I found a 28-2 a couple years ago at the gun show. It showed no signs of being fired outside the factory. Bought it for the great price of $250.00 from the owner and never looked back. I did have to hustle up a box for it. Darned box has Colt Python written on the side in some sort of black marker that won't rub off. Faded out pretty good, but still visable. I guess some day I should try and find a better box that ain't got that written on it. Some here might consider that dis-respect, keeping such a fine revolver in a desecreated box. What yall think ?

 

[Gary7]

I was just trying to remember how many 28's I've owned over the years and it has been at least six or seven, all fired often and well cared for. Every single time I would sell a 28 I regretted it. I found a 28-2 a couple years ago at the gun show. It showed no signs of being fired outside the factory. Bought it for the great price of $250.00 from the owner and never looked back. I did have to hustle up a box for it. Darned box has Colt Python written on the side in some sort of black marker that won't rub off. Faded out pretty good, but still visable. I guess some day I should try and find a better box that ain't got that written on it. Some here might consider that dis-respect, keeping such a fine revolver in a desecreated box. What yall think ?

Sam Colt is spinning in his grave.

 

[kscardsfan]

Sam Colt is spinning in his grave.

To be fair, Col. Colt's business also put out the SAA with the loading gate on the wrong side of the gun lol.

 

[Gordylew]

. I found a 28-2 a couple years ago at the gun show. It showed no signs of being fired outside the factory. Bought it for the great price of $250.00 from the owner and never looked back. I did have to hustle up a box for it. Darned box has Colt Python written on the side in some sort of black marker that won't rub off. Faded out pretty good, but still visable. I guess some day I should try and find a better box that ain't got that written on it. Some here might consider that dis-respect, keeping such a fine revolver in a desecreated box. What yall think ?[/QUOTE]

I think you stole some poor kids lunch money. $250 won't even get you a rusted busted one these days

 

[northslope]

To be fair, Col. Colt's business also put out the SAA with the loading gate on the wrong side of the gun lol.

Not for us lefties, he didn't!

As for the Highway Patrolman - I have a real soft spot for those guns; my first N-frame was a 4" 28-2 with holster wear that came in its original box - I think I happily paid $425 or so in 2006 or 7.

More recently I picked up this unfired 6" puppy -- with box, tools, and toothbrush! Box end label shows it shipped with Magnas, but she came with gorgeous targets.

--Neill

 

[kscardsfan]

Not for us lefties, he didn't!


]

I guess thats only fair since ya'll have been screwed by the rest of the sidearm world lol.

 

[Skeeziks]

A question....

Is the satin finish the only thing that differentiates the mod. 28 from the mod. 27?
If not, what other differences are there? Recessed chambers? Chamfered charge holes?

 

[Gary7]

Is the satin finish the only thing that differentiates the mod. 28 from the mod. 27?
If not, what other differences are there? Recessed chambers? Chamfered charge holes?

They are the same gun except for finish. The 28 has a satin finish on the flats and matte finish on the edges and topstrap and rib. The 27 has a high polish finish overall with a checked topstrap and rib.

 

[Skeeziks]

Hey, Gary7.... Thanks for the reply.

I forgot about the checked top strap. It's such a nice touch and, IMO, should be on all S&W's.

 

[DCWilson]

28s and Pre-28s get a lot of respect from me, and in particular this one: possibly first year production (shipped in the 13th month) and in really good shape with its original red box.

The gun was pretty accurate the one time I shot it, but I find myself preferring either slightly longer or slightly shorter barrels. A 6" tube turns out to be a kind of 'tweener length that I don't really care for. The slightly longer 6.5" will do it for me, as will five or even four. I have a 6" pre-27 that is going to become a 5" gun once I have the chance to put on an overstock Numrich barrel I just picked up.

I think the market for 28s is complicated enough and has enough variety that you can't just say, "70% of corresponding Model 27 value" and have it run true across the board. Maybe for used and utilitarian model-marked service revolvers there could be a statistic like that (though I think it might be closer to 75-80%), but high-quality specimens with original accessories -- considering a box an accessory -- will obey the rules for any specific collectible without regard to what similar models are bringing.

That said, I can't remember what I paid for mine. I think it was around $800.

 

[GF]

Here's the last (as in newest to me) Mod 28 I bought. A 28-2 from about 1980, I put the football targets on her after the sale.

At four-and-a-quarter I thought it priced right.

GF

 

[pdcampy]

The first duty weapon I purchased was a 28-2 N134XXX 4 inch and I carried it until I got a Model 19 which was lighter. This was around 1970 and then in 1975 I acquired a 28-2 N205XXX 6 inch new in the box. Later I foolishly sold both of them and didn't own one for years until the past couple of years ago I picked up at a gun show a 28-2 S323XXX in 6 inch which is in pretty good shape and a good shooter. A few months ago I picked up a 28-2 N49XXX 4 inch in even better shape and will make a good shooter. The 28 is a good shooting gun and I've grown to appreciate them even more than when I used them for duty. I'm keeping the two I have now.

 

[stantheman86]

The 28's are getting buyer "respect" because the "average Joe" who has a handgun or two and is looking for a S&W .357 is finally realizing what S&W fans and revolver enthusiasts have known for the past decade or so........that $4-500 will buy you a nice condition, tight Model 28 that is much more gun than $7-800 will buy you NIB these days.

That's why I'm moving quick to add some M 28's to my S&W collection, to go along with my dozen or so K-frames......the average gun buying public is starting to wake out of their foreign made plastic, alloy, MIM and poly infused coma of gun buying frenzy, and realize that the best guns ever made, were made out of steel and were made right here in the US of A.......in a few years older S&W's, particularly the N and L frames, will start climbing steadily in price and collector's will be more reluctant to let them go. I just went on a buying spree of Ruger Six revolvers recently, for the same reason. Buyers are starting to seek them out because a tank-tough medium frame .357 is a desirable commodity these days, and the guns that are $300 all day right now will be $600 in 2 years. If there is no equivalent alternative made today, people WILL start gobbling up the older stuff.

 

[A10]

For any who have not yet checked out the Ultimate Highway Patrolman thread, it is well worth your time. It was my first stop on this forum and the reason I joined, and I go back often to see whats new.

 

[CapnHawk]

Prior to starting the PD academy in 1975, I purchased a 4" 28-2 at Montgomery Wards for $165.00. When the academy began, we were told that we couldn't use any revolver that would chamber the .357. My dad gave me his 6" Outdoorsman, which he carried during his 25 years on the PD. The 28 went unfired and sat in the safe for over 20 years. I was at the academy range, qualifying reserve officers, and had my hands full with one of the PD chaplains. He was using a department-issued Beretta and couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. I brought in the 28 for him to try out. It was the difference between night and day. He qualified with no problem. It didn't really matter since chaplains are usually unarmed, but i did certify him him to carry a revolver.

 

[SLT223]

I wish they wouldn't get the respect they deserve. The 28 had been the most undervalued used gun on the market for sometime now, and I was really liking that. Just eight months ago they could be found on gunbroker LNIB with a "Buy Now" tag of $440 and free shipping.

 

[dnonac]

If handguns are a disease, the 28-2 may be the cure. Basic solid revolver that just looks like it wants to go with you. And, dang they shoot good!

Picked this one up at a Houston gun show earlier this year. Wasn't looking for one, it was looking for me I think.
The stocks (don't have a clue who made them) were on the gun cracked and in poor condition but I worked them over a bit. Rosewood I think.