New appreciation for the Model 28

[keithherrington]

I recently bought a very nice 4" Model 28-2 at a very good price specifically to build a custom target revolver. Long story short I was so impressed by the gun's fit, finish and precision that I decided to keep it as is and only repair what was needed, a damaged rear sight blade. The gun has no end shake, locks up as solid without a hint of rotational movement, has a superb single action pull and a very smooth double action pull. Since I was not going to modify it at all I then bought a 6" Model 27-2 with service trigger and hammer, exactly the configuration I need for target shooting. The gun is in new condition and with the normal Model 27 fit and finish. However, when I compare them side by side the 28 feels every bit as good as the 27.

I have to admit that over the years the 28 has never really attracted much of my attention. I just never had a use for such a plain vanilla gun. But now that I'm older I've developed an appreciation for the gun that I never had before. It really does carry on the tradition of the 38/44 HD and provides me with a powerful and reliable package that I can depend on day in and day out.

 

[bananaman]

When I started looking for a N frame .357, was looking at 27's. This went on for a while. One day I spotted a 28 on G.B. It was a 6" no dash with a S, serial# (1960) Goodyears on it and minor holster wear. I ended up bidding & winning at $450. Have never regretted it since. Don't shoot it a lot, but sure enjoy it when I do. ( rubber grips gone)
So, did not get the 27 bling thing, just got a plain shooting machine! Bob

 

[Goblin]

Sometimes what you're looking g for is right in front of you. I have a lot of things on my list above the 28 and can't afford them all, but every time I see a 28 it's hard to pass it up. They're under appreciated based on the prices I see.

 

[Dennis The B]

About five years ago, I bought my first N frame. It was a ca. 1964 Model 28 with a set of Goncalo Alves target stocks. It cost me $375, which wasn't a screaming deal then. It's been a great shooter, and I can readily see why people buy them. I've since purchased several Model 27's, and they're all great revolvers, but none of them are any better built than my Model 28.

 

[Rick_A]

That may all be true, but they don't make a 28 in a 3.5."

 

[keithherrington]

True about the 3.5", but then I prefer a 4" tube.
Keith

 

[Stirling]

I like a 5" tube but I'm never giving up my 4" M28.

 

[Art Doc]

Well, as everybody seems to agree, the low cost service grade 28 designed and built to be a no frills cop gun is far superior to the top of the line 27.

 

[Candrews86]

I always use the 27 vs 28 conversation to compare to a woman. They might cook the same, and work the same hours, but I'd rather the hot blonde with blue eyes and a fat chest. Its all about features.

 

[redlevel]

I have never understood the fascination with the Model 28. I have owned several examples of each, and there is absolutely no comparison between the two. The Model 27 is light years ahead in terms of fit and finish. I'm thinking Dr. Saxon Pig has his sarcasm valve turned wide open.

 

[robin990]

I see nothing low quality or sub-par on the finish of the Model 28.....its much better finished than guns of today......

 

[aphelion]

The 27 is a nice shiny bauble (crows like it) with a checkered top strap and barrel that collects dirt in field use. The dirt combined with the checkering goes a long way toward cutting down on glare, so the 27 is far superior to the 28 with its matte finished top. The dirt falls right off of that.

 

[aphelion]

I have never understood the fascination with the Model 28. I have owned several examples of each, and there is absolutely no comparison between the two. The Model 27 is light years ahead in terms of fit and finish.

Me too (still have them) and my conclusion is the opposite of yours, especially considering fit. And it depends what you are comparing. Comparing a '50s/60's 27 to an '80's 28, you'll likely see a difference in fit. But if you compare examples of each that are contemporary to each other, there is no difference in fitting and quality of parts used over all. When you get into the '70's, the 28's tend to be somewhat more uniformly finished since the higher polish of the 27 makes flaws more noticeable. Plus 27's of that time seemed to suffer from the two-toned blueing syndrome between the barrel/cylinder and frame more than the other Smith models.

 

[gmborkovic]

I think Im missing the boat on Mod-28s. Im passing on mid to late 1970s 28s in the $400-$450 range down here in SoFl at shows and shops. If they are 95% should I be jumping on them. Im talking 4" with matching Magnas.
OK! if Im cheap just speak up. Looking for some honest advice.
Mike 2796

 

[aphelion]

I think Im missing the boat on Mod-28s. Im passing on mid to late 1970s 28s in the $400-$450 range down here in SoFl at shows and shops. If they are 95% should I be jumping on them. Im talking 4" with matching Magnas.
OK! if Im cheap just speak up. Looking for some honest advice.
Mike 2796

If you aren't buying them already, it sounds as though you don't want or need them. May as well leave them for someone who does. I'd say you are doing OK.

 

[Rick_A]

I think Im missing the boat on Mod-28s. Im passing on mid to late 1970s 28s in the $400-$450 range down here in SoFl at shows and shops. If they are 95% should I be jumping on them. Im talking 4" with matching Magnas.
OK! if Im cheap just speak up. Looking for some honest advice.
Mike 2796

Yes, missed the boat and gone overboard.

 

[gmborkovic]

This is the guy missing the boat on Mod-28s. OK! I got the drift. You did not have to say it I will, Im cheap. When I was standing behind the gun counter in 1971, I was selling them for $118.00. And darn glad to get it.
I have two shows and two club meetings coming up, Im buying Mod-28s.
Heck, I may even go as high as $500.00 for a Mod28-1 in the box with the stuff. I will keep you posted on my buys. Ole Cheapie Mike 2796

 

[aphelion]

Heck, I may even go as high as $500.00 for a Mod28-1 in the box with the stuff. I will keep you posted on my buys. Ole Cheapie Mike 2796

That is a lot of money for something that isn't very shiny. Even if there are only three of them out there.

 

[keithherrington]

...if you compare examples of each that are contemporary to each other, there is no difference in fitting and quality of parts used over all. When you get into the '70's, the 28's tend to be somewhat more uniformly finished since the higher polish of the 27 makes flaws more noticeable. Plus 27's of that time seemed to suffer from the two-toned blueing syndrome between the barrel/cylinder and frame more than the other Smith models.

As my original post made clear I'm not all that familiar with the finer points of Model 28s. All I can say is the 28 I now have (SN N522XXX made about 1979) is every bit as finely fit as my current 27 (SN N163XXX made about 1973), and its service finish is every bit as nice as guns made in the 50s and early 60s. And as Aphelion states the 27 is far from perfect. Mine too has a different look to the blue between the barrel and the frame. It had to be brought to my attention but once it was it is quite noticeable. Bottom line - for a gun that cost me 1/2 as much as the 27 I think the 28 I got is one heck of a fine revolver. I love my 27 but will keep it for target shooting and looking as new as possible throughout its life. The 28 in contrast will be my new Heavy Duty service gun as it was always intended.

 

[Frizzman]

When I was a brand new rookie, I was issued a well worn M10HB that I was required to carry on duty. Some of the older officers carried revolvers they got back when they had to buy their own. One guy had a Colt Trooper MK III. My FTO carried a nickel, tapered barrel M10 with faux pearl stocks. He had qualified Distinguised Expert with that tacky looking revolver. One sergeant carried a S&W M28. I had never seen one before other than in catalogues. I was impressed by that big revolver. Even though it was loaded with the same issued .38 Spl LSWCHP +P that was in the chambers of my M10, it looked like a gun for serious business. There was no flourish. It looked big, tough and plainly a cop's gun. The "Highway Patrolman" on the barrel added to the mystique for that green rookie...I never forgot that revolver. So, a few years ago when I was offered it in trade for a Glock, I finally had a 1968 4" M28. I shoot it more than any other. I have a safe full of S&W's and some Colts, including a beautiful nickel Trooper from 1966, But that plain Patrolman still looks like a tough old veteran that can do its job well in any situation...I have a nice 27-2 5" but it doesn't give me the same feeling as it's more utilitarian mate.