Model 28-2 versus 27-2 as a range gun?

[MHodg78321]

Good morning, So I'm just getting started with collecting S&W revolvers and want to get a .357 in a 4" to shoot at the range from time to time. It seems like the 28-2's you can find for cheaper but many are rough looking.
Would you all recommend investing in a 28-2 and hope to find a nice one for under maybe $600? or spend the extra money and find a nice 27-2 for maybe $1,000?

Not really looking to make money on this gun just want something nice looking and fun to shoot. What would be the most you might spend on a 28-2? Also trying to find a fair price range to look in.

Thanks for your all's input.

 

[Nightowl]

If you are just limiting yourself to one or the other, I would look for a nice 27-2! That's because I really like the 27s, as that was the first .357 I bought way back when! The 28 is the same basic gun, but I don't think they were built with the same attention as the 27s were. Obviously, there are great guns of each model as well as some dogs! So, since you are looking at a choice between two different models that have not been made since the early 80s, I would get one that is in good shape and has good timing and action. Check out the info here on what to look for in buying a used gun and go forth and seek one!

 

[saemetric]

Both are nice. 28-2 will have a ramp front sight while a 6" 27-2 probably will have a Patridge. 27 is shinier while 28 is more badass looking. Personal choice, but I prefer the 28.

 

[muddocktor]

It all depends on the deals you run across I guess. At the range, you won't notice any difference shooting between a 28 or a 27 of the same barrel length except with the 6" model 27 will probably have a patridge front sight and the 6" 28 will have a Baughman ramp front sight. Both will have the same feel shooting as they are basically the same gun except for finish.

As to finding a nice shooter 28 for under $600; well in today's buying environment you will be lucky in the extreme to run across a deal like that, but I guess it is still possible. For a 27-2 in good shape for a shooter, figure at the minimum $900-1000 minimum. If you open your shopping to later revision, say a -3 to -5 engineering revision, you can probably knock $100-200 off of that number and still get a good quality revolver. I have a 27-5 gun and it's a sweet shooter, with forged internals and decent build quality. I also have several 27-2 guns and I prefer their looks to the -5 gun, but the -5 shoots just as well.

 

[series guy]

When the right deal comes along you won't care which one it is. They both will get the job done. If you are lucky enough to find an inexpensive Model 28 don't let the lack of shine put you off.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! If you want a 4" N frame .357 a model 27 is relatively uncommon in that length, and will cost upward of $1000-1200. For a range/shooting gun a model 28 will serve you well, with a really nice example in the $650 range. Functionally they are the same gun and should work exactly the same. Good luck in your decision.

 

[KalamazooKid]

As others have mentioned, the 28s are basically the same gun and can be found for quite a bit less. With that being said, the popularity of the M28 seems to be rising rapidly so get out there and find one!

And BTW, I have specimens of both and find myself shooting the 28s much more than the 27s. They're just the workhorse of the crew.

 

[oysterer]

28

The 28 is the same basic gun, but I don't think they were built with the same attention as the 27s were.

I keep reading this and it suggests that the 28s were put together less well than 27s. I have 4 or 5 28s between dash 2 and 3 in 4'' and 6''. All of them are very sweet guns and excellent shooters with great actions and very well fitted parts. They are not inferior or put together any different from the 27 only that they lack the machine checkering on the top strap (which I really do not like at all) and the polish of the 27. I prefer the 28s all days long as I like to utilitarian look.

 

[Sevastopol]

I think a range gun would be better with an adjustable rear sight.

 

[RILEY31]

I have both and much prefer my 27-2 it has a wide target trigger and is a much smoother action than my 28-2 or my pre 28 HP and to me they just look better

 

[colt_saa]

Welcome to the Forum

Unless you are looking for an ugly revolver (or get real lucky), I think the days of the sub $600 N-frames are well behind us.

The Model 27 was the first NEW revolver I ever purchased (way back in the 70s) and I still shoot it today. I have owned two Model 28s simply to have them in the collection. I have never fired either of them and in fact sold off the 4" because of the ridiculous prices they have been bringing

It is not about making money, or which one will be worth more 20-30-40 years down the road when I decide to sell it, I like things that look good, so I would not give consideration to a Model 28 and simply buy a Model 27.

You NEVER hear anyone justifying WHY they bought or shoot a Model 27 over a Model 28, but lots of folks feel the need to explain why they are shooting Model 28s

 

[BigBill]

I'm browsing online and the m-27 is starting to bring in big money. It's over $1,000 and between $1,500 to $1,700. The longer we wait for a deal I feel the higher they may go. These will only go up in price I never seen the prices go down. I'm not a collector, I don't look to invest, but I feel I want the best condition that I can afford. Down the road you won't be sorry.

Message sent.

 

[oddshooter]

I think the cross hatch checkering on the top to the 27 is absolutely stunning !

You can't make a bad decision here. I really enjoy the sparkle of the 27, but my 28 is what got me into bigger frame guns.

My hands are small for shooting DA and I thought J frames would be the ticket. I bought a bunch. After getting the 28 in a 3 gun auction, it turned out the N frame was much easier to shoot DA for me. It just didn't move around in my hand as much during the squeeze. I learned a lot and so that m28 still holds a spot in the rotation.

Both are outstanding.

My personal preferences may not be yours, but I really enjoy the long barrel 8 3/8" barrels on the 27 for shooting out past 100 yards +. I've never seen one on a 28.

 

[jay73]

I don't think it makes much difference which you buy first. You will most likely buy the other soon after. They are both great revolvers.

 

[dr. mordo]

Which is more common, the 5" M27 or the 4" M27?

 

[Narragansett]

I don't think it makes much difference which you buy first. You will most likely buy the other soon after. There both great great revolvers.

Great answer. Just like an alcoholic. 1 drink is too many and 10 is not enough. Or Lay's potato chips, " Bet ya can't eat just one".

 

[Doug M.]

Probably the 5", at least until the 27-3 variant. If I were going to buy an M27, which is not a priority, I would probably want the 5".

 

[BigBill]

The 6" barrels are more common. I like the 6" barrels much better. Buy all four barrel lengths the 4", 5", 6", 8 3/8". Just go slow.

I like to make a list of wants. Then when I find one that's on my list it's simple just buy it.

 

[Narragansett]

I am after a 6" 28-2 right now. It was my first revolver. 101.00 brand new. I would not turn down a 27. 28's are great shooters, just not as classy looking as a 27. But, knowing me, I would take the 27, and want the 28 later.. It is a sickness. Neither will disappoint you at the range

 

[RKmesa]

The big functional difference between the 28 and the 27 is variety.

You can find the 27s in six cataloged barrel lengths: 3.5", 4", 5", 6", 6.5" and 8.375" in nickel and blue. The model 28 is really only found in barrel lengths of 4" and 6" (there are a very very few 8.375" Model 28s that I have seen photos of - never one in person) and they are almost exclusively finished with a blue (there are a few that have been nickeled, but most of those are done after they left the factory).

Both are great guns. You cannot go wrong with either.