Need some info on mod 28's

[1sailor]

I know that there is probably a ton of info here on model 28's and I apologize for not taking the time to try to look all of this up but my time available at the computer is limited right now. I had been looking for a model 66 to use as a target gun in some local competition. However I have become kind of enamoured of the model 28's and 27's. The model 28's are more in my price range by what I can see on GB and they look nice. Any particular questions I should be asking about these guns? Anything I should be suspicious of? What is an honest price to pay for a 6" revolver in a minimum of say 90% cosmetics and in excellent working condition. Anything of interest I should keep my eyes open for. I would like to make a purchase within the next week to ten days. The sooner the better really.

 

[Jack Flash]

Factory Nickeled M28s are very rare. So if you see an M28 that is not blued, odds are it's been refinished. But then, a lot of blued ones have been refinished too. If you are looking for a good shooter, none of that matters much, and it may help you negotiate a good deal.

Due to its greater size and weight, the M28 would probably be a better target gun than an M66. Of course, the M66 has the advantage of being stainless. Many people think the M19/M66 is the ideal all-around revolver, so you would never have a problem selling one. Then again, the market for M28s, especially with 4" barrels, seems to be really taking off now.

If I was buying one, I sure would like to examine it hands-on first. If buying one on-line, I sure would want a 3 day inspection period with a no-questions-asked return guarantee. A lot of these were used by various LE departments which means they rode around in holsters and were maintained by a qualified armorer. So while they have a worn finish, they are mechanically excellent.

 

[vytoland]

this link may help.....

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...lman-thread-including-n-frame-ser-ranges.html

 

[1sailor]

Well I was hoping for a litle more feedback than this but I guess by now everyone's grown tired of answering those same questons over and over.

 

[gunny4053]

Any particular questions I should be asking about these guns? Anything I should be suspicious of?

As stated before, if you find a brushed nickel model 28, it's probably a refinished gun, so when the seller wants an inordinate sum of cash for it, beware.


What is an honest price to pay for a 6" revolver in a minimum of say 90% cosmetics and in excellent working condition.



This is my "S" serial numbered 4" 28-2. I paid $450 for it, but prices have been climbing over the past few years. 4" models have been the most sought after, but many here have, and love their 6" models. The 6" 28s make great target guns, and like all Smiths, the more they're shot, the smoother the triggers get. Also as mentioned before, don't pass up a deal just because the finish isn't perfect. Unless the surface is really pitted, the finish can be touched up. As long as the lock-up is tight, and it passes the normal revolver function test, if the price is right buy it.

4" models have been going in the $500 to $800 range (depending on condition and location) for a while. They can still be found in the $400 range with some patience and a lot of looking, though a few have gone for over $1000 on some of the auction sights. A reasonable price, IMHO, for a 90% 6" 28-2 would be in the $450 to $600 range.


Anything of interest I should keep my eyes open for.

Being able to inspect the gun first is preferable. "S" serial numbers are older, "N" serial numbers are newer. No dash or - 1 guns are the Holy grail, and -3 guns were the end of the era. If you can look it over, look at the stocks (grips), check to see if they are correct for the gun (diamond magnas, magnas, targets), see if there is a serial number on the inside and if it matches the serial number of the gun. Check the screws to see if they're buggered up. Chewed up screws indicates someone has been tinkering inside, and if they will use the wrong screwdriver on the outside, imagine what they may have done on the inside, or how they went about removing the side plate.

I would like to make a purchase within the next week to ten days.

Again, patience is a virtue. "Right Now" is great, but remember, it means you're at the mercy of the seller, whereas taking your time will yield a better deal.

The sooner the better really.

Hope this helps, at least a little. Good Luck in your quest and good shooting.

 

[TAROMAN]

I may be able to help, speaking from experience here.
Have both a 6" 66-1 and a 6" 28-2.
Have shot both in club fun matches that include various targets from 10 to 50 yards.
The longer sight radius of the 6" guns is a benefit at longer ranges.
If shooting DA, the lighter 66 cylinder is an advantage.
I shoot SA almost always and prefer the 28-2.
At a recent "Good, Bad and Ugly" match, the final stage included shooting poker chips at 50 yards. Was able to hit 10 of 12 of them with the 28-2.
I use a 148 HBWC load in 357 cases that I worked up.

 

[k22fan]

[...] shooting poker chips at 50 yards. Was able to hit 10 of 12 of them with the 28-2.
[...]

 

[pownal55]

I can't even see a poker chip at 50 yds!

 

[1sailor]

Thanks guys. A lot of helpfull info here.

 

[TAROMAN]

I can't even see a poker chip at 50 yds!

Luck trumps skill!

 

[weatherby]

Was able to hit 10 of 12 of them with the 28-2.
I use a 148 HBWC load in 357 cases that I worked up.


Better luck next time Jeff

The price range for a nice shooter should be between 450-600.
condition age and what kind of a deal you can get will influence that.

I don't know what kind of grips/stocks you plan on shooting with but maybe take that into account too as your looking

 

[scooter trash]

Model 28 Thoughts

I bought a 6" Model 28-2 used in 1982. I kept it for a few years and regrettably sold it. I've had several wheel guns since and have enjoyed them all but the old 28 was like that that girl you never forget. I recently replaced it with a 4" 28-2. I feel like I got the girl back, complete with a cosmetic enhancement. Get it,shoot it,never let it go!

 

[alwslate]

Well I was hoping for a litle more feedback than this but I guess by now everyone's grown tired of answering those same questons over and over.

"The sooner the better" First of all don't get in a big hurry.
A decent gun simply may not be available at any given time
and if you buy whatever you can find you will regret it later
when a nice one shows up. Better to inspect it in hand but
often this is impossible. Good clear pics on line can give a
good indication if you study them closely. Look for a gun
with original finish, only a light turn line on the cyl and
little to no peening of the cyl notches. Avoid guns that have
been "tuned", "gone through" or modified in any way to
smooth or "slick up" the action. Avoid guns that have had
original triggers or hammers replaced or modified. You want
an original gun with only light use that has not been bubba-
tized in any way to make it "better". It's your money so
don't be afraid to ask questions or request more pics from
a seller. Did I mention, don't get in a big hurry? There's lots
of 6" 28s out there looking for that forever home.

 

[1sailor]

Instead of saying "the sooner the better" I should have said The sooner I get one the better I will be with it when the matches start up again.

 

[alwslate]

Instead of saying "the sooner the better" I should have said The sooner I get one the better I will be with it when the matches start up again.

Could be very soon if you're ready to buy. There are several
nice 6" md 28-2s on Gun Broker right now. You just have to
be the high bidder!

 

[fyimo]

I agree with the thought that the Model 28 would be a better range gun because it weighs more and has less recoil. The Model 28 is identical to the Model 27 mechanically and it just comes with a mat blue and no checkering on the steel top strap. Model 28-2 prices have gone up a lot in the past 2 years but one in 90% condition with 6 inch barrel should beable to be bought for around $500 if you search hard.

 

[1sailor]

I think the 28's have gone up a lot more than some realize. I've been keeping my eyes open and if you're looking for a really nice pistol the price gap between the 27's and 28's has really closed. What I'm seeing is typicaly about a $100 difference between a nice 28 and a nice 27. The asking price on a nice model 28 with 6" barrel is going to be between $600 and $700. At least on GB anyway. A nice mod 27 is going for between $650 and $800. There are exceptions but for the most part there is not a wide gap between the two.

 

[k22fan]

Reconsider your need for "really nice" condition. The drawing in modern matches wears bluing that combined with rapid DA will drop a 100% 28 down to 90% in a season or two. You're buying a shooter so don't waste your money on a collector.

Paying the Gunbroker premium for collector grade is pointless buying a 28 for matches.
Gunbroker is not your friend. The local Cabela's has an 85% condition 6" 28 for $470. The highest I've seen them price a really nice 28 is $550. It's common to see 28s pass through Cabela's in the $450 to $550 range.

I'm fond of my 28s but the most competitive .357 in local matches is a 6" FL 686 cut for moon clips. Their trigger reach is shorter giving better leverage DA. While their lighter cylinder also reduces DA pull a smidgen lighter cylinder weight reduces cylinder stop notch battering. The biggest advantage of a 686 over a 28 is that it's faster and easier to clean stainless because you can use bronze wool. No one has showed up locally with a 28 cut for moon clips but it could be done. Once again cutting a "really nice" 28 for moon clips would kill its collector status.