I wish I had the self-control, but knowing me, the 28-2 will find some same-caliber friends in due time.
I've admired the look of the 586 for some time now, and there are the K-frame and J-frame 357s, and then we have Colt and Ruger...
My First 357 Magnum Revolver: 28-2
- Thread starter Tilheyra
- Start date
I wish I had the self-control, but knowing me, the 28-2 will find some same-caliber friends in due time.
I've admired the look of the 586 for some time now, and there are the K-frame and J-frame 357s, and then we have Colt and Ruger...
I've only ever heard of it being a problem in K frames, which definitely were not originally designed for .357 Magnums. Others may know more than me, or have personal experience shooting these lighter Magnum bullets in N frames. They say it can lead to cracked forcing cones in K-frames. I wouldn't chance it in my K frame .357s. With N frames...I still use heavier weight bullets. But, honestly, for range use I normally just plink/target shoot with .38 Specials in .357 revolvers....when I do have the time to go to a range.
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Hair Trigger
US Veteran
These are known culprits for cracking forcing cones on the K frame guns, as well as increasing the flame cutting under the top strap. The bullets are shorter than 140 and 158 grain, enough that they aren't fully engaged in the forcing cone when the back of the bullet passes the cylinder/cone gap. Powder hasn't fully burned, so there is increased flash-through and heat, which is hard on the forcing cone. It's a long discussed and argued subject of the K-frame magnums. Keeping to the heavier weight .357 bullets doesn't guarantee prevention, but radically decreases the likelihood of issues. If you reload, there is also the option of powder choices and decreasing the load strength.
Ya snagged a sweet one!
That's a nice lookin M28 you got and a real good price too. As far as some history, check the factory Letter of Authenticity I received on my Model 28-2 4" HP.
Mine is a October 13, 1975 shipment to a Maryland Police Supply outfit.
My pics show the "brush blue" or "satin" as some call it which was no frills subdued finish for duty weapons. The pic of an original advertisement was borrowed from another post on the forum, but shows that the service magna grips were on the 4", and it seems the 6" got Targets (either football cutout, or speed loader relieved). If you've got no rust or pitting under the rubbers, you may want to search the Classifieds on this forum, or be on the lookout for original N frame Targets to return your Model 28 to near original.
I'm like you.....these are real honest to goodness shooters that deliver right to point of aim as long as you do your reasonable part. The other pic titled Trigger Control helps keep your focus.
That's a nice lookin M28 you got and a real good price too. As far as some history, check the factory Letter of Authenticity I received on my Model 28-2 4" HP.
Mine is a October 13, 1975 shipment to a Maryland Police Supply outfit.
My pics show the "brush blue" or "satin" as some call it which was no frills subdued finish for duty weapons. The pic of an original advertisement was borrowed from another post on the forum, but shows that the service magna grips were on the 4", and it seems the 6" got Targets (either football cutout, or speed loader relieved). If you've got no rust or pitting under the rubbers, you may want to search the Classifieds on this forum, or be on the lookout for original N frame Targets to return your Model 28 to near original.
I'm like you.....these are real honest to goodness shooters that deliver right to point of aim as long as you do your reasonable part. The other pic titled Trigger Control helps keep your focus.
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That's a nice lookin M28 you got and a real good price too. As far as some history, check the factory Letter of Authenticity I received on my Model 28-2 4" HP.
Mine is a October 13, 1975 shipment to a Maryland Police Supply outfit.
My pics show the "brush blue" or "satin" as some call it which was no frills subdued finish for duty weapons. The pic of an original advertisement was borrowed from another post on the forum, but shows that the service magna grips were on the 4", and it seems the 6" got Targets (either football cutout, or speed loader relieved). If you've got no rust or pitting under the rubbers, you may want to search the Classifieds on this forum, or be on the lookout for original N frame Targets to return your Model 28 to near original.
I'm like you.....these are real honest to goodness shooters that deliver right to point of aim as long as you do your reasonable part. The other pic titled Trigger Control helps keep your focus.
I have to use that target! The very clear positive and negative reinforcement is what I need.
Reviewing the letter you attached, as the serial number on my revolver is lower than your's numerically, I wonder if I should assume the manufacture date of my 28-2 is toward the earlier end of the 1974 to 1977 range. I know that guns were not shipped in numeric order by serial number, but it may be an indication.
Bumpus13
Member
It's because of the "flat spot" at the 6 o' clock position on the forcing cone to accommodate the crane closing on the K frames creating a potential weak spot that has been known to occasionally develop a crack with enough of those lighter weight rounds fired.
Your N frame Model 28 has no worries in that department. Fire away with confidence.
Also, the bad news is that your lever gun is REALLY gonna get mad about its new stablemate's appetite for your .357 pile.
The .357 Magnum is my favorite caliber, except my mitts prefer the K and L frames to the N frame.
Enjoy your new revolver!
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My Altamont grips/stocks arrived today! The 28-2 finally looks classier than it has for some time now!
It will be a few more days before I can get out and shoot it to get a feel for the new grips/stocks, but I am so far very happy with the way it looks!
It will be a few more days before I can get out and shoot it to get a feel for the new grips/stocks, but I am so far very happy with the way it looks!
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I put those same stocks on a 4" Model 27-3...they are nice.
They appear a bit darker in person than I expected, but I do think it still looks excellent! They complement the bluing quite well.
I bought them on ebay. Intriguingly, while the ad said Super Walnut, the bag they were sent in notes them as Santos Rosewood. Any idea which of the two mine would be?
That's a nice lookin M28 you got and a real good price too. As far as some history, check the factory Letter of Authenticity I received on my Model 28-2 4" HP.
Mine is a October 13, 1975 shipment to a Maryland Police Supply outfit.
My pics show the "brush blue" or "satin" as some call it which was no frills subdued finish for duty weapons. The pic of an original advertisement was borrowed from another post on the forum, but shows that the service magna grips were on the 4", and it seems the 6" got Targets (either football cutout, or speed loader relieved). If you've got no rust or pitting under the rubbers, you may want to search the Classifieds on this forum, or be on the lookout for original N frame Targets to return your Model 28 to near original.
I'm like you.....these are real honest to goodness shooters that deliver right to point of aim as long as you do your reasonable part. The other pic titled Trigger Control helps keep your focus.
If you read the smaller print, Magnas were standard and target grips were an option at additional cost. Over the years, I bought three new 6" M28s and all came with Magnas.
BigBill
Absent Comrade
I played around with reloads in my '75/6" 357 python. I tried and tested most of the bullet weights with 296/2400 powders. My most accurate load was the 140 gr JHP using 2400 powder. I still have some from the 70's I need to try them in the 6" s&w.
My first revolver was a 68 model 28-2 $101.00 OTD. Traded that on a 1971 Browning HP. Still got that. Then in latter years I got on the 28 kick, prior to covid pricing and the great firearms drought that is going on now. I sold one, gave one away, and this is what I have left. The ones with magnas are original to the gun. They are all S prefix guns except for 1. I don't own a 27, which I am trying to fix now
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I was able to go to the range today to see how the 28-2 feels with the wood stocks on it. I was able to control it just as well with the wood stocks as the Hogue grip, so I felt it was a success. Honestly, I couldn't feel much of a difference in controllability, but I could feel a slightly greater amount of recoil, which did not come as a surprise.
Overall, I am very happy with my 28-2 and the new wood stocks! Thank you all for the nice comments and showing me your own 28s!
Overall, I am very happy with my 28-2 and the new wood stocks! Thank you all for the nice comments and showing me your own 28s!
Sounds like a good day at the range.
Mine came with these Pachmyar grips. I used my 28-2 mostly
for hunting rabbits and mostly when they were moving and
using one hand.
I like the Target stocks I have on it now but I can't remember if
I ever shot it while it was wearing them
Teddydog
Member
Very nice!
Rob
Rob
M28
Sure is a beauty! I share your enthusiasm, having just picked up my first 28-2, too. This is an "S" serial number with a 6" barrel. Pics don't do it justice-looks like it just arrived from the factory. Can't wait for a sunny day to take it to the range. Enjoy that revolver!
Sure is a beauty! I share your enthusiasm, having just picked up my first 28-2, too. This is an "S" serial number with a 6" barrel. Pics don't do it justice-looks like it just arrived from the factory. Can't wait for a sunny day to take it to the range. Enjoy that revolver!
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I am relatively new to the forum. For years I have always felt the Highway Patrolman was sort of overlooked in favor of the M27 in the N frame arena. I am a huge fan of the N frame. I have quite a few. The one that has the most sentimental value is a Pre 28 Highway Patrolman with a 6 inch barrel # S1320##. It currently sports stag grips that have been on it since I first laid my eyes on it when I was a kid in the 60's. I have the original numbered magnas for it. It belonged to my father's partner who moved from NY to VA. I was honored to be gifted this revolver knowing "it would be in good hands". It is one I will never part with.
The prices of everything is going insane. Some are asking prices in the stratosphere for firearms that are certainly not remotely in any condition the asking price would dictate.
I am glad to be a part of the Forum. There is much to learn here and certainly a whole lot of knowledgeable people to ask for advice. Best of luck with your Highway Patrolman!!
The prices of everything is going insane. Some are asking prices in the stratosphere for firearms that are certainly not remotely in any condition the asking price would dictate.
I am glad to be a part of the Forum. There is much to learn here and certainly a whole lot of knowledgeable people to ask for advice. Best of luck with your Highway Patrolman!!
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SammyJoe
Member
Scored My First 357 As Well!
Congrats on the Beautiful Piece!
I was also able to score my first smith 357 magnum just a week ago.
New to me Smith Model 66 no dash 4" barrel with a Round Butt. Thought the Round Butt seemed odd for a 4" gun but that seemed to draw me in even more. It is currently sporting a set of Hogue Hardwood Conversion grips, wish it had the original magna round butts!
Saw her at a local gun show and had to pull the trigger. My first pinned and recessed smith and I couldn't be happier with it. $650 OTD
Congrats on the Beautiful Piece!
I was also able to score my first smith 357 magnum just a week ago.
New to me Smith Model 66 no dash 4" barrel with a Round Butt. Thought the Round Butt seemed odd for a 4" gun but that seemed to draw me in even more. It is currently sporting a set of Hogue Hardwood Conversion grips, wish it had the original magna round butts!
Saw her at a local gun show and had to pull the trigger. My first pinned and recessed smith and I couldn't be happier with it. $650 OTD
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george_lehr
Member
Tilheyra,
Your grips are Santos Rosewood. The Altamont super walnut, super rosewood, superwhatever grips are laminated wood grips.
Go to the Altamont site and look at the various pictures. You'll see that the super wood stocks show show the wood laminates where the grips are contoured; sorta looks like wood grain, but isn't. It's more like a topographical map. Look at the grips that are walnut or Santos redwood and you'll see what looks like actual wood grain.
Your stocks/grips look great on that 28.
George
George
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