Model 28 preference

[TEXVET]

I have a situation I would like some help with:

I have the opportunity to buy a Model 28-2. The problem is there are two really nice ones to choose between. One is a 4" and the other is a 6". Neither one comes with the box or paperwork, so we are talking about just the gun. It seems both are from about the same production time frame going by the serial number sequence.

I prefer the balance and feel of the 4" gun, but I figure the 6" gun is going to be a more accurate range gun.

I figure this next question will end up a FORD/CHEVY situation but here goes.....

Which model would be the more popular and easiest to resale later on down the road?

P.S.- I know someone is going to advise that I just buy both, and I have seriously considered doing just that. I prefer to just buy one of them, I just can't decide which one.

 

[steamloco76]

Range use and admiration enjoyment, buy the six inch. Carry use and admiration enjoyment buy the four inch.

I have both barrel lengths in a 28-2 and enjoy the looks and sight-span of the longer six inch barrel more than the four inch, but if carrying one in a holster, the four inch would get the nod.

As for later re-sale, the four inch will be easier to sell because of all the people with carry permits.

 

[BigBill]

Buy both you will regret it forever if you don't. Trust me I know. Anyway down the road you will end up with both anyway. Don't ask me how I know. I was torn between a 28 no dash and a 28-2 both with 6" barrels I purchased both.

I go by my first gut feeling. If I second guess making the purchase I turn and burn. When torn between two guns by both. These are my rules I live by.

Your getting the 4" & 6" m28' s one shot go for the gusto we only pass this way once. The m28
S are becoming more sought after too. The prices will go up in the near future.

 

[cndrdk]

TEXVET, I have a box for 6" 28-2, really good shape. If you get the 6" let me know and I'll get the box to you.

 

[P&R Fan]

Good advice above.
But since you asked for my free opinion I'll give it.
If you can only get one get the 4" one. They are more popular right now, bring higher prices and are very easy to sell if the price is right. Also easy to carry with the right holster.

I'm about to leave the house and was contemplating what to carry today. You just made my mind up for me. Gonna be my 4" M28-2 in my LOBO IWB holster.
Jim

 

[TEXVET]

This whole S&W culture is new to me.
I have been/still am a 1911 guy first and foremost. This wheel gun thing started for me back in August of 2013 when I took a Colt Official Police .38 spl. in trade. After a close inspection, I gained a whole new appreciation for the excellent craftsmanship these old gun exhibit.

Since August I have purchased 13 Smiths of varying models and barrel lengths. Most are no dash models and are P/R.

I am now leaning toward selling off some of my J and K frame models in order to concentrate on the N frame guns. My favorites are my
Model 29-0 (1960 5 screw-S prefix) 2.5", my 6" Model 29-2, and my 8.75" Model 29-2.

I do not carry on my person. I do carry an OD Green CZ-75 P01 (only 800 were ever made) in my console, just in case.
My wheel guns are for entertainment at the range. I did find out the hard way that an 8.75" Model 29 shooting full strength loads will cause the adjacent shooters to vacant the immediate area until you have finished. Just picking the thing up will cause a hurried retreat. I wonder how many first time Model 29 shooters got a busted forehead trying to shoot their 29s like Harry Callahan did in "Dirty Harry".

 

[Cal44]

Well, I have the opposite view than most.

I'd get the 6".

A big N Frame 6 shot 357mag -- even a 4" -- isn't a great concealed carry gun. Lots of other choices are better like a K or L frame or even a M60 J frame if you want to carry 357 magnum.

I like my 6" as a range gun.

I think N Frames look and shoot best in 6 or 6.5 inches.

The "best" barrel for K frames is 4"

The "best" barrel for J frames is 2" - 3".

And if I ever get an X frame, I'd probably get an 8 3/8".

Of course, there is a small possibility others may have different opinions on this.

 

[Iggy]

I agree with Cal44.

 

[TEXVET]

Here is one thing I failed to mention earlier.

The 4" gun would cost me $550 in a local FTF deal with no shipping or FFL fees and no ATF paperwork.
The 6" gun is in Idaho [I am in Big D, Texas]. The seller wants $650 shipped. My FFL dealer charges $38 for the use of his license.
4" gun $550.
6" gun $688.

Now which gun makes the most sense?

 

[arjay]

Buy the 4" and practice with it.

 

[Flint Ridge]

Argh... get the 4" for now but keep the radar up for a more reasonable 6". Though don't wait too long, they just keep going up in price.

You needed to get the 6" on the cheap - with all the fees, this is not that deal. Pushing 7 bills had best be primo, box, papers etc.

 

[TEXVET]

Nice guns and nice rattler.
Had many a run in with them during dove seasons here in Texas.
Walked up on a big one that had a small cotton tail in it's mouth. The rabbit was squealing like crazy, and the snake was rattling at me. Sent both of them to the other side with one well placed 12 gauge blast.

I appreciate the advice and information you have provided me in this thread.

I recently bought a Model 58 from the guy who has the 4" Model 28. The 58 was barely used and had the box and all of the accessories. He contacted me when he learned I was looking for a Model 28. He offered me one of his. He tells me the 28 is slightly better then the 58 he sold me previously. If that is the case, it must be damn near brand new.

I wanted the 6" Model 28 also, but it just seemed to be too expensive. A fellow on this site once told me "don't think of it as paying too much, think of it as buying it too soon". I just don't want to be the odd man without a chair when the music stops.

 

[A10]

I shot Metallic Silhouette with a 4" 28 and a 4" 57. Both were fine out to 200 meters. I used to (when I had better eyesight) bust clay pidgeons at 100 or so yards with the 4" 28. So....buy whichever feels best in your hand and points more naturally for you.

 

[KEN L]

Unless you plan on doing a lot of long range shooting or hunting, I would recommend the 4". And I would still recommend the 4" even if the asking amounts were reversed. The 4" is just a better all around carry/shooting gun. If you specifically have hunting in mind, then start looking for something in an 8 3/8" in .357 or larger. I personally like the 4" model 28. To me it just looks and feels better. Now, what were you saying about Fords & Chevys........?

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
I have carried both barrel lengths for a service revolver. I prefer the six inch. I found the six inch more accurate at ranges beyond 25 yards.
(p.s. if you need to get someones attention, the six inch has more "swing" to it)

 

[steamloco76]

My six inch model 28-2 likes to think it is a 27-2.

 

[Sebago Son]

When I first started collecting S&W in the very early 70's, you couldn;t find a 6" anything, let alone an 8 3/8". 40 years later 4" guns are all the rage. Go figure...

For short term investment / resale get the 4" gun. Hands down.

 

[TEXVET]

I meet with the seller Saturday morning.
The photos and advice are making me like a kid on Christmas Eve. I can't wait for Saturday to get here now.

 

[Bent-Twig]

I meet with the seller Saturday morning.
The photos and advice are making me like a kid on Christmas Eve. I can't wait for Saturday to get here now.

Thats awesome!

You already have a good transaction under your belt with this guy on the model 58 you bought. It should make you all that much more confident that you are buying the right gun this time. Sounds like a great guy to deal with.

Congrats!

Twig.

 

[dotdsd334]

Based on price alone I vote 4". I like both barrel lengths but $550 is a good price on a 4" (assuming its in good condition). I always choose FTF if possible. I tend to breakout in hives at the sight of "paperwork"

Enjoy your m28.... They are addicting. I have 4. 4" S, 6" S, 4"N, 6"N. Can never have too many



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gnappi]

I have the opportunity to buy a Model 28-2. The problem is there are two really nice ones to choose between. One is a 4" and the other is a 6".

I personally am not much more accurate with a 6" over a 4" bbl, and 4" looks correct to me some how. At range distances of what 75'? I don't think shaving a couple of thousandths off a group is so important.

Now a snubby is a bit less forgiving so for me the big jump would be 4 to 8"+ then the distance possibilities get better.

Then again, Waaayyy back in the 70's a friend and I used to go to a shellrock pit and shoot beer cans at 100 yards with a pair of 4" .38 revolvers and put lots of holes in them too. Ah, 20-20 vision

 

[Peak53]

You know the rules. We will need a pitcher after the deed is done!

 

[alwslate]

I have two 4" 28s and one 6" 28. I love the 6" gun and will never sell
it but for looks and balance and general handiness I prefer the 4" guns.

 

[azmick]

A little late to the party but,,, never seen a Highway Patrolman I didn't like. Prefer the 4" but that never stopped me from buying one in a 6"
Nothing but HPs in the picture, every one different

 

[Bart45]

Buy both if possible, but the 4" just seems right for the HP. I have the 4", and have not noticed any accuracy difference between my other 6" S&W's.

 

[Muley Gil]

[I think N Frames look and shoot best in 6 or 6.5 inches.

The "best" barrel for K frames is 4"]

Nah, the best barrel length for both frames is the 5".

 

[glenncal1]

4" N Frames balance wonderfully in your hand. Given the price and proximity I would go for the 4" gun at this time. Shooting it with .38s is almost like shooting a .22



Crappy pick 1959 28 no dash

 

[BigBill]

Let's not forget Elmers 260yd shot with a 4" barreled 44mag and hickok45 on you tube matched that shot. I like the look of the 6" & 6 1/2" barrels but I like the 8 3/8" barrels too.

 

[TEXVET]

I am not sure I can remain on the website much longer.
I come here looking for advice on a subject and you guy get me all pumped up about these old guns. I kinda feel like my Lab when I get her training decoy out. She gets so excited she shakes, until I start throwing the decoy.

Talking with you guys since August has resulted in the purchase of 14 models of S&W revolvers of varying types and barrel lengths.
I have them stored in zipper cases and stacked like cord wood in my gun cabinet. It takes me five minutes to locate the one I want, when I get ready to go to the range.

As stated before, the thrill of the hunt is addicting. The comes the process of trade up in quality if possible.

I will try to post up some pictures once the gun comes home with me.

 

[gnappi]

I am not sure I can remain on the website much longer.
I come here looking for advice on a subject and you guy get me all pumped up about these old guns.

Yeah, you're over trained. My suggestion is for you to sell some then refine your search on REALLY old stuff like turn of the last century... 1900 to pre war