Model 28 vs. 29

[petepeterson]

Need your opinions and expertise...

I have a 6" 28-2 that dates to around '67 in excellent condition. I don't have much need for a .357 that large, so my question is:

What would be the comparable model and dash of the 29? What can I expect as far as values go? I know the 28 has crept up in price a little, but I'm assuming a 29 of similar age and condition would be substantially more.

Lord knows I need to stock another type of ammo, anyway!

 

[Cal44]

Well, a similar pinned and recessed 44 mag would be the 29-2.

And yes, it would cost more.

 

[Old_Cop]

I'd say that a 29 of similar age and condition to your model 28 would cost about twice the price, or somewhere nearby. If you just want a .44 mag, then a fair 629 would be one or two hundred more.

 

[petepeterson]

Are the -2s the last P&R models? Forgive me, but I'm a 29 virgin...

 

[MichiganScott]

The -2 is P&R. Unless you handload, the Model 28 is a superior range gun. Although I've done it, shooting 100+ full strength .44 Mag cartridges in one setting is no fun.

 

[BigMuddy]

Yes the -2's are the last P&R models in 44 mag. If I was wanting to move a 28 in exchange for a 29 I would look for a -3. No they're not P&R but they are still quality guns and are IMO "sleepers" when looking at price. Your 6" M28 is a great gun, but won't bring quite as much $$ as a 4".

Dan

 

[Pocketrocket]

Hard to compare them. I have both. The 29 was the top of the line Smith for 30 years. 28 is more of a workhorse, but easier to shoot. My 28 is a recent purchase and a great shooter. Better than a K frame due to size and weight(with full power loads), and easier on the hands than a 44. My 29-2 while being cosmeticly perfect needs an overhaul due to thousands of hot rounds over the last 30 years.
And yes a nice 29 will be pricey, but worth it!

 

[jrm53]

I have 29's and 57's and a 27 and passed on a model 28 and have always regretted it, a 28 is a great revolver and I never should have passed. Jeff

 

[oysterer]

44 spc

The -2 is P&R. Unless you handload, the Model 28 is a superior range gun. Although I've done it, shooting 100+ full strength .44 Mag cartridges in one setting is no fun.

Agree, this is more a handloaders gun. Shooting full house mag loads through it all the time is not good for the gun and is going to stretch the frame eventually. Buying 44 spc ammo gets old fast, super expensive and no one has any. 29-2 have large throats so shooting FMJ modern factory ammo is going to disappoint accuracy wise. I have one 29 and many 28s and love them all the same. But I passed up on many 29s but keep accumulating more 28's all the time. Get a 29 but keep the 28 (or let me have it).

 

[petepeterson]

I should clarify-

I'm not looking to shoot it a lot. More of a novelty.

I shoot a little bit of .357, but that's mostly out of a 3" 60 and a 4" 19. And a lot out of a 16" Rossi! The 28 seems like overkill to me, and if I'm going to have something that size, it should fire a round that justifies the bulk.

So it doesn't sound like I'll luck into a straight up trade unless I'm willing to go for lesser condition.

 

[Tom_R]

I would say that a 6" 28-2 land $150 or so cash would be in the ballpark area of a 29-3 (or later) or a 629-1 (or later).