Model 27-2 vs Model 28-2

[PlaytheAces]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what the actual differential in selling price was for these when they were new? Say, back in the 60s and 70s. Maybe 20 or 30 percent???

 

[TEXVET]

I recently bought a "nearly brand new" Model 28 from a retired FBI agent here in Texas. He sold it to me for $550 in a FTF deal.
At first I was unsure about the large N frame stocks that were on the gun, but after 100 rounds, I really enjoy shooting the 28.
I would love to have a nice Model 27, but the 28 fills the bill as far as a recreational shooter.
As stated previously, buy both and stop worrying!

 

[BigBill]

I think the s&w m28 is starting to have a cult following. I'm wondering as its been predicted lately here that the prices on the s&w m28 & m27 will approach the pythons prices. When will it happen?

The s&w m58 has a cult following.

 

[TAROMAN]

No favorites here

As with children, I love both of mine equally:

 

[Watchdog]

I think the s&w m28 is starting to have a cult following.

I'm not sure "cult following" is the right way to look at it. In my opinion, it's simply that more real shooters are realizing when they buy a Model 28, they're getting the same gun (except for finish, front sight, and checkered top strap barrel, of course) they'd have gotten if they'd bought a Model 27...and they're getting it for less money.

And speaking of the front sights, I personally prefer the Baughman front sight on the Model 28 over the Patridge front sight of the Model 27. It's a more streamlined look and doesn't drag on the holster during the draw.

I'm wondering as its been predicted lately here that the prices on the s&w m28 & m27 will approach the pythons prices. When will it happen?

Now...if you want to talk about a cult following, the Colt Python is the gun to talk about. Famous gun writers and shootists (including Jeff Cooper) have called it "the finest production revolver ever made" and "the best revolver in the world." To that, I say "Baloney". I think it's way overrated, and I've never understood the need for a vented rib on a 6-inch barrel handgun, much less one with only a 4-inch barrel. But the Python, for whatever reasons, has achieved mythical status among handguns. An outstanding revolver? Most definitely. The greatest revolver ever made? No, not by a long shot. It doesn't have the history to back up its reputation.

All that said, I don't think S&W's Models 27 and 28 will equal Python prices, but I definitely can vouch for prices on Model 28s being on the rise...at least around here. I've seen good examples of 28s going for $700-$750 in local gun shops and at gun shows in this area.

The last Python I saw sold locally was a 6-inch blued one, basically unfired and with the original box. It went for $3000. Seriously, $3000. Plus tax. It was a gorgeous revolver, vent rib and all, but $3000? No, no way I'd pay that for one. I'd buy a vintage 2nd generation .45 Colt Peacemaker, or maybe a really rough 1st generation before I'd pay $3K for a Python.

You understand, all this is just my opinion. I'm sure others will disagree.

 

[Watchdog]

...not wiping over a matte dull Highway patrolman that will never have any eye appeal IMO .

The finish on my 28s is anything but "matte dull", even after 41 and 50 years. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It has a nice soft lustre that glows under the lights after being cleaned.

"Never have any eye appeal"? I have to smile at that somewhat elitist point of view. If you look at a 27 and a 28 from the side, except for the front sight, the lines are identical. It's. The. Same. Revolver. Just different finishes and other cosmetic touches. If you don't believe me, ask Smith and Wesson.

And cosmetics won't help you put your shots in the 9-ring or the 10-ring. Cosmetics won't reduce the size of your group.

Accept the Model 28 for what it is...a serious heavy duty revolver that will consistently shoot as well or better than a whole lot of other .357s. I'm sure there are lots of law enforcement officers who will attest to that fact.

 

[Old Seabee]

28

Sorry you didn't like my perception of the finish . I myself don't want a revolver with Highway patrolman stamped on the barrel IMO . I am pushing 70 & have been working / haunting gun shows for a long time & feel the reason no one answered the 50-60 Question on prices IMO they were LEO service revolvers & back then hard to sell . Yes it's the same frame as a 27 S&W's flagship revolver . Sorry but I don't see the attraction . Don't want to offend anyone OldSeabee Thanks

 

[Jack Flash]

... I am looking for a shooter. I did not give specifics on a 28 because there are several I'm looking at and I just don't see many 27's around.

Thanks for all the responses. I'll look for the best condition low price 27/28 I can find.

I'm a little confused, MrGoob. You talk about condition being important, and even talk about possibly buying the M27 and having it refinished.

But then you say you want a shooter.

If you want a gun to carry around in a holster and take to the range and not worry about little bumps and dings, you could find a good, mechanically-excellent M28 in 85% condition for a lot less than any similar condition M27. If you are going to put wear on the finish yourself, why not just get one that is already worn?

However, it sounds like you want one that has some beauty to it. In that regard, the M28, in its wildest dreams, can't touch the M27. So I would save up and buy a really nice M27. You could even find one with a 5" barrel. You could still take it to the range on nice days!

 

[azmick]

$625 is too much for a 6" Model 28-2 that isn't NIB. If it were a very nice S prefix 4", maybe.
I see two different personalities here, the "It has to look good" side and the "It has to shoot well, Period" side. Having both with a 27 is nice but, if the budget is tight and you want an N frame .357, the Highway Patrolman is the way to go.
I do wish everyone could get a Model 27, I'd be happy with a few more 28s (and 'pre' models) at a lower price.
As to the 'cult following',,, hog wash, it's called "Value Shopping", same as buying the loaded GMC for less than the Cadillac version and getting the same truck.

 

[Watchdog]

Don't want to offend anyone OldSeabee Thanks

No offense taken...not by me at any rate. Differences of opinion make for interesting discussions.

I'm surprised, myself, that no one answered the price question. I bought a Model 28-2 for my dad for Father's Day in 1973...paid $110 plus tax at a hardware store. Dad's gone now, but I still have the gun and the box it came in.

You aren't that far ahead of me in years. Hey, maybe no one answered the price question cause they weren't old enough to buy guns in the sixties and seventies? Who knows.

Enjoy your evening.

 

[fyimo]

I started Collecting S&W revolvers about 8 years ago and I was in Love with the Model 27-2 and I owned every barrel length except 6.5 which are hard to fine in the 27-2 and easier in the pre 27-2 because more were made. I bought a 28-2 with 6 inch barrel as my range 357 and it was at least $250 cheaper then the 27-2 with 6 inch barrel. I owned both the nickel and blued version of the 27-2 in the 5 inch, 6 inch and 8 3/8 inch.

The past two years the 28-2 has grown in status and the prices have increased especially on the 4 inch with an S serial number but even with the N serial numbered 4 inch. The prices have gone up and now they have closed the cap in some cases to $100 -$150 of the cost of the 27-2.

The actual flagship of S&W revolvers is the Registered Magnum and that is probably the closest you can compare to the Colt Python.

 

[Watchdog]

$625 is too much for a 6" Model 28-2 that isn't NIB. If it were a very nice S prefix 4", maybe.

Allow me to introduce you to a "very nice" S prefix 4-inch Model 28-2...manufactured in 1964.

 

[azmick]

I think the s&w m28 is starting to have a cult following. I'm wondering as its been predicted lately here that the prices on the s&w m28 & m27 will approach the pythons prices. When will it happen?


The s&w m58 has a cult following.

Not to over state the obvious,, it already has.

 

[SLT223]

As stated the M-27 has a better finish, hand fitting, and top strap checkering. What no one has mentioned yet, is the "snob appeal" that owning the flagship Smith and Wesson revolver.

These are two different revolvers made and marketed to two different markets.

If I wanted a N frame to shoot a lot and tote around I would opt of the M-28, if it was selling for a fair price.

If I wanted one of the finest revolvers ever produced, I would purchase the M-27.

What's hand fitted on a 27 that's not hand fitted on a 28? If not hand fitted on a 28, how was it assembled? Aside from polishing I had no idea the 27's had hand finished parts. Can someone
please elaborate? I have several of both, and the actions seem identical. The only difference I've noticed is finish, and top strap stippling.

 

[SLT223]

Not to over state the obvious,, it already has.

No it hasn't. That's not your every day 28.....

 

[george_lehr]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what the actual differential in selling price was for these when they were new? Say, back in the 60s and 70s. Maybe 20 or 30 percent???

My 1969 "Shooter's Bible" lists the following prices:
Model 27 - $143.00, either bright blue or nickel
Model 28 - $98.00, blue only; $105.00 with target stocks
Colt Python - $160.00, blue; $184.00 nickel

BTW, Models 14 and 16 were each listed for $98.00, blue only.

 

[STCM(SW)]

For some reason when going out in the field, my M28-2 if I want a .357.


Not my 5" M27 or 6" Python......

 

[azmick]

No it hasn't. That's not your every day 28.....

Yes, it is my every day 28. It went to the range this afternoon. My nephew likes the 2 1/2" 19-2 better

 

[SLT223]

Yes, it is my every day 28. It went to the range this afternoon. My nephew likes the 2 1/2" 19-2 better

You can shoot it all you want, that doesn't make it a run of the mill 28. Try to find another -1....Marking a 28-1 value as 28 value, and suggesting that 28 value then compares to Python value is simply a fallacy of argument.

 

[Art Doc]

I must confess that arguing that the 27 isn't better just because it has a nicer finish and is prettier leaves me puzzled. I thought appearance mattered to most people. Maybe I am wrong? If so, why all the "beautiful... very pretty... gorgeous..." comments in forum postings?

True, the 28 will do anything the 27 will do. The 27 will just look better doing it. If aesthetics mean nothing to you then fine, the 28 is equal to the 27. If "pretty" has meaning to you then the 27 is superior.