My very first S&W Magnum - quite a few years ago...

[PALADIN85020]

(click for larger view)

The year was 1967. At that time, I was working my first job in industry as a recruiter, had a family of a wife and 3 daughters (later 4), and was watching every penny.

My only revolvers then were a Colt Model 1917 and a S&W Model of 1950, also in .45 ACP. It was a nice target gun, and someone had given it one of those "cockeyed" hammers for easier cocking in competition.

As it turns out, most of the guys I worked with were also "gun nuts," and we often went out on the desert near Phoenix to do informal shooting - usually just plinking and an occasional jackrabbit or two.

...but when it came to long-range shots, I discovered I was under-gunned. My .45 Model of 1950 had a trajectory more or less like a thrown dutch oven. My associates were equipped with S&W Model 28s - the "affordable" .357 Magnums. And they were connecting at ranges of over 100 yards!

I had .45 ACP handguns because I had lots of .45 ACP ammo (from my service days), it was then pretty cheap, and at the time I did not need to reload. It seemed that getting a S&W Model 28 would be both expensive and harder to stoke with ammo.

Still, being outshot at long range gnawed on me.

So - I took the plunge. I went down to Bohm's gun store in Phoenix, and checked out what they had to offer. There in the case was a brand new Model 28 with a six-inch barrel - perfect for shooting at longer range!

Well, I had to trade in that Model of 1950 to get it - and I did so. I got a supply of .357 ammo - and a Lee Loader to help with the ammo expense I was sure to incur.

With a bit of practice, I was now in the major leagues of fun guns!

I equipped the gun with a trigger shoe to give a perceived lighter single action pull, and later found a set of "customized" smooth rosewood cokes to replace the magna versions it came with.

My dad at that time was looking for a house gun. I recommended a 4-inch version of the Model 28, and selected one for him in 1968. Dad passed in 1987; I inherited that gun from him, and today it's one gun I'll never part with.

I've hung onto my 6-incher - Dad and I often went out on the desert to wring out our guns together, and both guns bring back fond memories. Thought you might like to see my first venture into the magnum world. Today I have others, but this one - is special.

John

 

[Muley Gil]

Two of my college shooting buddies had 6" M28s. Both revolvers were very accurate and between the three of us we worked up some very good 100 yard loads. Over the years I have owned three 6" M28s , but was never able to hang onto any of them.

I owned a NIB 8 3/8" nickel M27. It was also accurate, but too long for me. I was able to find a nickel 5" barrel and had it swapped onto the long Smif. It also went bye-bye during a lean spell. My current N frame .38/.357 is a pre model 23 fitted with a M27 cylinder and 5" barrel. The donor frame came from a very dear friend and fellow forum member, tennexplorer. I'm going to keep this one.

 

[75Vette]

That's a great story and I'm sure some great memories. I've been to Arizona several times and while I envy your wide choices for "free" shooting ranges I'll keep the greenery and season changes here in Georgia. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Babysitr]

Love the story, and agree the M28 is a great shooting revolver, have a 4" , but a 6" would be nice to go with it

 

[luvsmiths]

(click for larger view)

The year was 1967. At that time, I was working my first job in industry as a recruiter, had a family of a wife and 3 daughters (later 4), and was watching every penny.

My only revolvers then were a Colt Model 1917 and a S&W Model of 1950, also in .45 ACP. It was a nice target gun, and someone had given it one of those "cockeyed" hammers for easier cocking in competition.

As it turns out, most of the guys I worked with were also "gun nuts," and we often went out on the desert near Phoenix to do informal shooting - usually just plinking and an occasional jackrabbit or two.

...but when it came to long-range shots, I discovered I was under-gunned. My .45 Model of 1950 had a trajectory more or less like a thrown dutch oven. My associates were equipped with S&W Model 28s - the "affordable" .357 Magnums. And they were connecting at ranges of over 100 yards!

I had .45 ACP handguns because I had lots of .45 ACP ammo (from my service days), it was then pretty cheap, and at the time I did not need to reload. It seemed that getting a S&W Model 28 would be both expensive and harder to stoke with ammo.

Still, being outshot at long range gnawed on me.

So - I took the plunge. I went down to Bohm's gun store in Phoenix, and checked out what they had to offer. There in the case was a brand new Model 28 with a six-inch barrel - perfect for shooting at longer range!

Well, I had to trade in that Model of 1950 to get it - and I did so. I got a supply of .357 ammo - and a Lee Loader to help with the ammo expense I was sure to incur.

With a bit of practice, I was now in the major leagues of fun guns!

I equipped the gun with a trigger shoe to give a perceived lighter single action pull, and later found a set of "customized" smooth rosewood cokes to replace the magna versions it came with.

My dad at that time was looking for a house gun. I recommended a 4-inch version of the Model 28, and selected one for him in 1968. Dad passed in 1987; I inherited that gun from him, and today it's one gun I'll never part with.

I've hung onto my 6-incher - Dad and I often went out on the desert to wring out our guns together, and both guns bring back fond memories. Thought you might like to see my first venture into the magnum world. Today I have others, but this one - is special.

John

The gun is beautiful, but sometimes the stories are even better.

This is one of those times.