Need some good advice

[Rebel Soul]

Hi guys. I’m new to forum and I’m hoping to get advice on the purchase of a S&W 28-2.
Some background…I bought a S&W .40 Sigma for home defense years ago. I probably put about 500 rounds through it. It fired every time I pulled the trigger and I felt safe with it in the drawer next to my bed. That said, I recently had to get rid of it.
I’m currently gunless – yikes I know! I really want to get another handgun and my girlfriend is 100% behind the idea. We both really want a gun in the house. One of our primary concerns is budget.
I know I can get a brand new SD9 for $350. We could defend our home, shoot it til it falls apart and then buy another one or a better one or whatever. I showed them to her and we were both excited about the price and the fact that 9mm is just flat out fun to shoot and a good one to introduce her to shooting with. Then she said “What about revolvers. They’re sexy.” That did it.
I’ve always wanted a SA cowboy shooter just for fun so it wasn’t hard to convince me to look into revolvers as home defense weapons. The more I researched the pros and cons the more I like the idea of a DA revolver in the drawer by the bed. It didn’t take long to zero in the .357. Rugged, dependable, powerful – and shooting .38sp would be a great intro to shooting for my girlfriend. Not quite 9mm fun – but close!
So again – budget. A brand new Taurus 66 for $440…I’m so tempted. But I know the consensus and we did speak with several local shop owners - So its got to be Ruger, Smith or Colt. I don’t like the way the Ruger looks. I know it’s a fine gun, but I also know myself and the Ruger just isn’t the gun that’s going to make me happy. So Smith or Colt…pros cons blah blah they both make good weapons and I would be lucky to have either. So…
Smith and Wesson – obviously haha. Based on price and availability – seems like we’ll have better luck with Smith. Great reputation and boards are full of devoted fans. So what Smith? There are so many to choose from but we settled on the 28-2. A great durable shooter but since lots were made they seem to be going for about $400-$600. The one we want won’t be $400(so unlikely) and we don’t want our only home defense weapon to be a beater. Seems like $500 should get us a nice, tight, clean, gently used 28-2…does this sound right? How hard are these to come by?
We live in the SE U. S. (God Bless America!) and visited 4 local shops. We held several K&L frames and both thought the same thing…we thought they’d be beefier. In other words, we aren’t scared of the N frame. We’ve read shooting .38sp through this gun is a breeze. Is this true? We both need to be able to handle it. It may be the only gun we ever have so it needs to work every time whether we shoot it once or 10,000 times at the range.. Are we right in ending up on the 28-2?
We are new to this so is it appropriate to approach a local dealer and flat out say here’s $500 we want a clean, tight, gently used, good looking 28-2? One you’d stake your life on? Are these guns still readily available?
I know it’s a long post but I wanted the situation to be clear. We are both very excited and hopefully this will lead to CCP classes for us (the perfect excuse to buy different/more guns right?!). Any advice, guidance, assurance is appreciated!

 

[USBP SW]

I wouldn't be particularly concerned about the initial price since the model 28-2 will hold its value better than most anything. You can store it in a drawer, loaded, for twenty years and pick it up, pull the trigger and it will function every time. It's an excellent choice.

You won't be disappointed,
Steve

 

[arjay]

A 357 in an L or N frame is pretty mild.Smith made a lot of them,but they are long out of production.Search the local stores and let them know what you're looking for,someone will have one for sale.If that doesn't work,there's always gunbroker or gun auction.com.

 

[Rebel Soul]

Thanks for the responses guys - I appreciate the feedback.

So I feel really good about the choice of a 28-2 - am I right with my pricing expectations?

I don't have much experience buying guns and the ones I have bought have been right off the shelf. I like the idea of building a relationship with a dealer and I'd feel even better being able to give the gun the eyeball test rather than purchase online - at least at first. Is it ok as far as etiquette is concerned to just ask a dealer to find me one? If so, clearly I should be up front about expectations and budget...but is it pretty easy for guys in the biz to get their hands on a nice 28-2?

 

[blackdeuce]

I recently sold one of my 28-2's to my 17 year old son. He was looking at "brand x" in really large calibers. Anyway, he shot about 100 rounds through it this weekend and loves it. Half were 38s. Half were 357 magnum. We put Hogue grips on it for him.

I don't know where your local dealer would find one unless he had contacts. I would start looking on Gunbroker, or place a WTB post (want to buy) on this forum. $500 might be on the low end for a nice one.

 

[steamloco76]

The 28-2 has a lot going for your only handgun. Accurate, durable and has a great single and double action trigger. Tons of different aftermarket grips too, so you can make the gun fit you. Your price is about right for a nice shooter-grade gun. Shooter grade means just enough finish wear that it is obvious the gun has seen some carry and use while still looking good.
Often the shooter grade S&W will have aftermarket rubber grips in place of the original wood. I have a four inch 28-2 that is around 90% that I picked-up for $399 plus tax four years ago. Same gun would bring $500 in today's market.

Consider a four or six inch L frame too. The 586 (blue steel) and 686 (stainless) are incredibly durable guns made for a steady diet of hot law enforcement type .357 Magnum ammo.
They are smooth, accurate and easy to shoot well. Prices are all over the place, but you might luck-out and find one for around $500.

Happy hunting!

 

[arjay]

You could get a very nice one for $500 a few years ago so it's up from there.If you put the word out that you're looking,one may find you.As far as Gunbroker,really study the photos and ask questions.Only buy from a seller with a good history.You'll find one fast that way,but add in shipping and ffl fees.Dont mess with Armslist if you're new at this,too many scammers there.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Hello and welcome aboard.

I just brought home my first 28-2 with a 6"bbl last week. I have a 4" m19-3, and have had a 6" 686. (just to give you a little of my background with 357's)... I fired my old 28-2 for the first time over the weekend. I found it to be the smoothest shooting 357 I have fired to date. I did not run any 38's through it and have no intention of doing so. The N-frame sends stout 357 mags downrange with less punch to the paw than my my 6" 686 did. It's an absolute dream to shoot! It feels like firing 38's out of a 686. I would highly recommend a 28-2.

As to price, I paid $479 plus tax for mine which translated to just over $500 out the door at my LGS who I have a very good relationship with. I have a thread going in this forum about it. EVERYONE who replied when I asked if the price was as good as I thought said I did VERY well. I looked at completed auctions on GB and at the time, most were selling for $600 and up with a few going in the low to mid $500 range.

IMHO, don't let the price point scare you off if you can afford to spend a couple hundred more on an old 28 than say a brand new Taurus. When you buy an old classic P&R Smith, you will not lose any of your investment over time. There will always be a collectors market. Just be careful not to over pay. Some BIN prices on places like GB are shall we say, a bit optimistic...

As to asking a dealer to find one... In the day and age of the internet and almost anything being at our fingertips, you should have no trouble locating a 28 on your own. I know you said you would like to handle a perspective buy. But look at online sources. Look closely at sellers feedback, inspection period policy and return policy. The more pics the better. Lots of people buy and sell firearms through the internet every day without incident. But there are a few bad apples, so just be careful and pay attention to the things previously mentioned.

The model 28 is a terrific heavy duty revolver. The N-frame will take anything from mild to wild for many thousands of rounds and do it with a smile. It is much more heavily built than K and L frames. After all, the N-frame is really the main platform for 41 and 44 magnums. Little 357's are no problem for it.

I love mine!!

 

[Doug M.]

Note that the P&R models might command more money due to the preference of some for those. A 28-3 might run you less (don't rely on my impression, as I have not watched the market). FWIW, I also think you would be happy with one of the L frames (with adjustable sights - they are easier to see and of course more flexible with regard to ammo); I am inclined to stainless, but that's more personal than objective other than your climate there. I suspect, even though you have expressed some ... caution or discomfort with K frames, you would get a lot more satisfaction from a shooter 66 or 19 than you think from your examination at a shop would lead you to think.

Don't be afraid to post a WTB in the correct forum here, and also watch the WTS forum. You have a more than decent chance of getting exactly what is described to you (I've bought a few from here, 1 FTF, the others via shipping to my FFL, and never had a bad transaction). Due to the forum size, you should also have access to a large number of potential sales, and a lot of smarts in assessing what you are getting.

 

[steamloco76]

Definitely post a want to buy here in the forum classified section.
I've bought and sold numerous guns, scopes, grips and other items on this forum. One of the most straight-up places to deal on the net.

 

[Gunhacker]

My first purchased handgun some 40+ years ago was a 28-2 with a 4" barrel... it went on to serve as my first duty weapon.

For years the M28 was largely ignored due to it's "plain Jane" appearance to it's sexier cousin, the M27. But those that had one knew their real value, and unfortunately others have now in recent times, also come to discover and appreciate the M28 for what it is, and it has amassed sort of a cult following.

Demand has been driving up the prices to where once $350-$400 was the average, $475 - $600 prices are being seen... and here in CA, even $700.

It's a great gun, but as other have mentioned... be sure to also seriously consider an L-Frame .357 Magnum. Don't let yourself be so enamored on getting a M28-2 should an L-Frame come up for sale at a good price before an M28 does.

Having once toted around an M-28 on my hip for a living, I feel the L-Frame was long overdue. In my opinion it is the "Goldilocks & the 3 Bears" version of the S&W .357's... not too big, not too small... not too heavy, not too light and it will also handle anything that you'd likely send down the tube of a M28.

My 4" 686 became my "go to" gun and all but sidelined the M28-2 because it was more versatile. The new L-Frame model 69 in .44Mag/Spl has just spun my head around and piqued my curiosity.

Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy my M28's (I have 3 now), which also reminds me... also don't just limit yourself to a -2 version.. nothing at all wrong with a 28-3.

And just for the record, my comments are based on my collective experience of owning and shooting all of these animals:






As for locating guns to buy... years ago I would have recommended GunBroker without reservation... I can't say that anymore, posts on gun forums, including here, about discrepancies on a gun's actual condition versus claimed and/or actual scam has made me too apprehensive.

This forum is one of the best places bar none, post a WTB and watch the WTS section for posts. I'm also a member of a forum dedicated to CA gun owners (as are other members here), so I haunt the classifieds there often. If you have a reliable one in your location... check there too.

Armslist... but ONLY posts for face-to-face transactions at a LGS... no "you send me your money and then I'll have my FFL ship you my gun" arrangements. I had been lusting for a 1066 10mm pistol for years and finally found one listed there recently, by a not so local GS about an hour's drive from me.

And make it a routine to drop by the local guns stores at a regular interval... even if you have a good relationship built up with one, they don't always have the time, memory or inclination, to call if what you want comes in.

Nothing more frustrating to learn about it after the fact, when you walk in and they say "we just had one of those last week, it a real nice one too, it sold a few days later". Been there... done that, too many times.

 

[Buford57]

If you want beefy, the 28-2 is your hands-down choice in a .357. I carried one for years, but unless you think you will be shooting boatloads of heavy .357 loads, it gives you no real advantage over an L-Frame.

I don't know your lady and don't want to stereotype, but an N-frame is a big hunk of iron, especially after a polymer gun, and gets kind of heavy by the end of a long shooting session. Be sure she gets a chance to handle it before you buy so you know it will fit both of you.

 

[Clovishound]

I would suggest that you not limit yourself to the model 28. Last year I purchased a well used model 10 at a really good price. It could be classed as a beater, but is mechanically sound. I would have no qualms whatsoever in trusting this weapon to perform as advertised in the event I needed to use it for defense of my family, or myself.

I also have no qualms about using .38 spl in a decent SD load for SD, especially from a 4 in barrel.

The model 10 has quickly become my favorite range weapon. It is nearly as accurate as my Mark I target .22. The trigger is smooth as silk.

 

[model70hunter]

Lots of good information.

Today one might find a shooter grade MOD 27 close to the same price as a 28.

I shot my Dad's 6" 586 no dash quite a bit. It is nice and has the smaller K frame grip.

If I personally was gun less, I would quicker than immediately get something until the N frame 357 surfaces. Perhaps a shotgun that you can keep after the 28/27 surfaces.

Gun less, now that is scary, I don't care who you are.

 

[Fishinfool]

I would seriously consider a 4 inch L frame if it is a gun you both will be shooting. The grip size on the N frame can be difficult to properly master for those with small (read female) hands. The L frame has the same grip size as the K frame guns. As far as durability, I'd wager the an L frame would last just as long and an N frame. I carried a L frame 586 for years as a duty weapon, and shot the snot out of it with unlimited free ammo, and it is still tight and accurate to this day after many thousands of rounds.

Larry

 

[azmick]

The 28-2 is a great revolver and with proper care and diet, will last many, many years. If you want a 'shooter', also look at the 28-3s. They are not pinned (barrel) or recessed (cylinder) but every N frame -3 I have had contact with (shooting) was as (or more) accurate as the 'pre' models, no dash, -1, -2 counter parts. While they are not as 'collectable' as the P&R models, if it's a shooter you want, do not over look them.

 

[Rebel Soul]

Guys - thanks so much for all the responses. I have a much better grasp of what the S&W revolver market is really like now.

Basically, I'm going to save up a little more - clearly $500 is borderline - and then buy the first L or N frame that meets my expectations that I can get my hands on. I researched the other models you guys mentioned and you really cant find a bad comment on any of them. I'll shoot the heck out of it and hopefully my GF will love it too and then we can grow our collection from there.

My friend is trying to talk me into a Taurus - he has good intentions - but I'm afraid I'm an S&W snob and I don't even have one yet! Ok - I'd take a nice Colt too

Theres a gun show near Columbia in March. Worst case scenario I wait that long and hopefully a guy will have a table full.

Regardless, once my funds are in order I'll hit up the WTB forums here too - surely one of you guys has some sympathy for a wannabe six gunner! I just need to find a buyer for my Martin guitar and I can buy 2 guns!

Thanks again guys - unlike most other forums, this one seems to be full of knowledgeable HELPFUL people.

Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything. - Wyatt Earp

 

[Gunfancier]

Reb, I have a 28-2 that I've had for 40+ years. It's a hunk of Iron. It has saved my bacon several times. I shoot full 357 loads and 38 spl target loads and I can't describe how shooting this accurate gun feels. I think your Lady can learn to shoot the 28. Maybe later you can get her a gun. Check out Ruger SR9. Glock has several good choices. Hope this helps. DW

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

Be sure to check out Altamont for more comfy grips.. And the plus is, you can get them with S&W medallions!!

Altamont Company - Smith & Wesson

 

[gunny4053]

The 28-2 is an excellent choice, and one you'll never regret getting. $500 is not a bad starting point, allowing you to go up a little or, if you're lucky, down a little. Some advise, just my opinion, the last thing I would do is tell a dealer "here's $500, here's what I want, get me one". There are some good guys out there, but I'd be afraid someone would find one and sell me a bill of goods. Let your dealers know what you want, then discuss money when they've provided you with some samples to inspect. If they offer you one at $500 that passes your inspection, offer $450 and see if they'll budge. You have nothing to loose, and if they don't want to dicker, pay the $500 or move on. The deals are out there, you just have to look.

I found my "S" serial numbered 28-2 for $400, another in lesser condition showed up and sold for $600 2 weeks later.



Good Luck and good shooting.