Differences between Model 27's and Model 28's

[jdickson397]

I am aware of the significant cosmetic differences in finish and checkering but are there any mechanical differerences in the two guns? Someone told me that the cylinder was thicker on the Highway Patrolman(M28) and as a result the M28 was heavier. Thanks.

 

[Tired Gunsmith]

The internal parts are all the same.
Externally the finish is of course different.
Cylinders are the same material and weight difference from the polished blue of the 27 and the matte of the 28 should not ever make a difference in weight or strength.

 

[donniedee]

i think the only differences are that the 27 has the hand cut checkering along the top and a better polished finish thats it, i belive that that 28 was left kind of plain for the large police departments such as the state police to purchace these cheaper.. i think there just as strong as a 27.

i was issued a nickle 27 3.5 in 86 and loved carrying it it was like a hog leg thing could really bark on the range with full house silvertips in it on a night fire range... always put me on the end as everyone else was carrying 38 plus ps i had the flame thrower

 

[senecaap]

Mechanically the same, cosmetically different. Both are wonderful.

 

[roaddog28]

Other than finish there in no difference. A person will have more barrel length options with the 27 versus the 28. Thats it.
Regards,
Howard

 

[Maximumbob54]

I don't even think you could make the N frame cylinder any thicker or it wouldn't fit the frame window. There isn't much more room to work with unless you opened the window up. Then you would give up strength in the frame. All you can to is cut more holes or bigger holes in that cylinder. Sure do wish I had bought one of those eight hole 27's a few years ago...

 

[colt_saa]

Differences between the two. That is easy.

One is a beautifully finished, polished and blued top of the line premier firearm with checkering and many barrel length and sight options available. The other one is the model 28.

Perhaps that sounds a bit prejudiced, it is. I LOVE model 27s. They are the same mechanically and functionally as a model 28 but they just look GOOD.

Maximumbob54,
Here are all 6 variations of the 8 shot model 27 that have ever been produced (2000-2007). All 6 revolvers have the same number. All 6 are unfired since leaving the factory. I have others that get fired.

They are still out there and can be purchased new from dealers. You just have to look hard. Of the 8 shot model 27s I shoot the 3 1/2" the most.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Colt SAA,

Top left and bottom center, nothing but envy….

As for,

“One is a beautifully finished, polished and blued top of the line premier firearm with checkering and many barrel length and sight options available. The other one is the model 28.”

Well maybe I will just keep my non-sissy’fied Highway Patrolman and not buy one of those fancy pants high dollar buffed up jobs…

Just yank'en the chain...

 

[colt_saa]

Colt SAA,

Top left and bottom center, nothing but envy….

As for,

“One is a beautifully finished, polished and blued top of the line premier firearm with checkering and many barrel length and sight options available. The other one is the model 28.”

Well maybe I will just keep my non-sissy’fied Highway Patrolman and not buy one of those fancy pants high dollar buffed up jobs…

Just yank'en the chain...

Maximumbob54,
I should have included that I do own both a 4" and 6" model 28 as part of my collection. However, I do not shoot them (always have a 27/327/627 with me) and I did not pay some of the silly high prices that folks are asking for clean model 28s.

Here are the bookends from my study. One is a model 27, unfired since leaving the factory, manufactured in 1975. The other is also unfired but manufactured in 2007. I know not the original grips but they look good this way.

 

[Maximumbob54]

OK, now you are just rubbing them in my face!!!!

Joking… I love them. I’m always going to make noise over wishing they would make a run that are P/R with both 6 and 8 shot cylinders in both blue and nickel, but I know they are never going to listen to me. I’m going to keep posting my favorite pic of my 28 until I get yelled at. I just bought the finger groove version of the same Ahrends to see which I prefer. This is always the gun I turn to when I compare any other revolver to something else. I’m a fan of the GP100’s and I think they might last longer with no maintenance, but man I love my 28:

 

[jdickson397]

Thanks for all the input. Examples of both models I've seen are fantastic.

 

[stevieboy]

A few years ago I bought a 27 and fell in love with it. To my eyes, it was and is a beautiful piece of work and it shoots like a dream. Then, last year, I bought a 28, a 6" 28-2. I fell in love all over again. Yes, it's plain, but its plainness bespeaks efficiency. It, too, shoots like a dream. My bottom line is that I like both guns equally.

 

[Maximumbob54]

28's aren't the first bit plain.

They are just all business. They are all you need and nothing you don't need.

 

[williamlayton]

I would go nuts owning those and not shooting 'em.

Blessings

 

[mkk41]

My pre-28 5-screw Highway Patrolman may not be as SHINEY as my 27-2 , but it's not poorly finished or fitted by any standards.
The backstrap ain't checkered on the HP , but it's not on my highly polished 25 , 29 or 57s either.

 

[markeb]

I had been looking for a 27 for several months when I found this one, a 27-2 with all the papers, including the original sales receipt. A week later, I get a call from my friend that sold me the 27 and said he had a 28-2, S serial number just to tease me. Well you guessed it, I had to have it. I have not shot the 27, but the 28 is a wonderful shooting 357. To be honest, I love the two tone finish of the 28 as much as the polished 27.

 

[sub-moa]

The beauty of the 28 is in the practical manner in which it does all that is necessary of a .357 Magnum revolver...

The beauty of the 27 is in the classy manner in which it does all that is necessary of a .357 Magnum revolver (with the option of doing so with additional barrels lengths...especially the 5" )

 

[nawilson]

Wow, markeb, I need some friends like that!