Hypothetical situation - 28-2 or 66-1

[OldW]

Hey Gang! I had this thought the other day. If you had two 357 revolvers and could only keep one, which would you keep? The choices are the aforementioned 4" 28-2 or a 2.5" 66-1. The one you kept would be for range use and woods carry.

What....would....you.....do?

 

[P&R Fan]

If concealed carry were not a part of it, I'd keep the 28-2. (I actually have my 4" 28-2 on my hip as I type this. I've never carried it and wanted to see how it feels to wear it).
My 2 1/2" M66 is my favorite K-Frame carry revolver, so I'd have a hard time parting with it. But if concealment is not an issue, I'd pick the N-Frame.
I'm just glad I don't have to make that choice.
Jim

 

[mtgrs737]

Bill Jordan favored the K frame because of the lower mass cylinder was easier to turn with the double action trigger pull making it a faster shooting revolver. I have shaken Bill's hand and they were HUGE, so size is not an issue. I love the N frame at the range and for plinking, but if I am going to carry it on my hip the 2 1/2" 66 is Sweet!

 

[Revolver-time]

Range and woods carry use it is the 28 hands down.

 

[gkitch]

N-frame

A good Model 28 will do anything you want a handgun to do and will easily handle any 357 load. A good belt and scabbard and you will not notice the weight.
Had your question revolved around a carry gun, the Model 66 would have been a clear preference.

 

[johnsonl]

28-2, no question. It was built to shoot the heavy stuff.

 

[steamloco76]

Only one .357?- I must choose the 28-2 for durability and sheer shooting pleasure. The N frame Smith's are tack drivers. Just glad I don't have to get it down to only one!

 

[squidsix]

I'm torn. I do not favor stainless revolvers, so I have to say 28-2. HOWEVER, if it was a 19 you were asking about, I would not be able to comment, as the 28 and 19 are tied in my opinion for awesomeness.

 

[Old Corp]

I'd have to go with the M28. In fact, I just acquired one to be my more 'frequent shooter' and take some of the wear & tear off my old M66, which was one of my old service revolvers.
I'd be real upset if something happened to my 66. I lived with it for almost ten years and it saved my bacon.

 

[JCS&W]

Since concealment is not the question, I go with what others have said. The M28-2 is built like a tank, will shoot all .357 loads with ease, and I feel a 4" barrel is more accurate, just my opinion.

 

[john4970]

Good old Smiths are getting harder and harder to find. Both the 28 and the 66 are excellent revolvers so, I would keep them both and procure a 586 L-frame for those days when I just couldn't make up my mind. Best wishes!

 

[Biginge]

28-2 for durability. It will be there long after a 66 is needing a gunjones. IMHO.

Regards,

Bill

 

[18DAI]

I'd have to go with the 66-1. The K-frames just handle quicker and better, for me. I'm biased having carried 66's for serious, for so long. Regards 18DAI.

 

[BaldEagle1313]

The one you kept would be for range use and woods carry.

Since those are your two criteria, for me the 28-2 wins hands down. Like JCS&W says, it's built like a tank, and will handle any super-hot .357 load you may need for any four-legged surprises in the woods.

 

[Varangi]

28-2 absolutely. The longer barrel makes a better handle when it's needed as a hammer. And they bounce down the street better due to their extra weight when they fall out of a holster.


Mike E

 

[Ashlander]

OldW didn't give us much a choice given the purpose was tilted way in favor of the 28 -- range use and woods carry. Now if the purpose involved solely personal protection -- might be a horse of a different color. Since I am not a hunter and I have plenty of range guns -- I own a 2 1/2" Model 66 -- in case of messy eventualities.

 

[goldenbb]

Split the difference--get a 586 or a 686.

 

[TDC]

Just goes to show ya 28-2s and 66-1s should only be permitted to be sold in pairs.....one of each or you can't have either.

Another example of why you should never own just one.....or 10 .....or 50....or....!!

 

[OldW]

Just goes to show ya 28-2s and 66-1s should only be permitted to be sold in pairs.....one of each or you can't have either.

Another example of why you should never own just one.....or 10 .....or 50....or....!!

My quandary exactly! I was just thinking to myself if I ever needed to get rid of one, which would I keep. The reason that I didn't include concealed carry into the mix was that I have other guns I prefer for that. I love my 1911s! Guess I'm a little old school at heart, but I suppose everyone here is too, or we wouldn't still be talking about our trusty wheelguns!

 

[OldW]

What if we did throw personal protection into the mix? Now which one would be the "one gun to rule them all?"