New appreciation for the Model 28

[BobC357]

Of the 27s and 28s I've encountered, the workmanship was definitely equal. Basically the exact same gun with the exception of finish and frills for the 27. Both were -2s made within a three years of each other and they felt the same, shot the same, were both tight and locked up well, etc. The ribbing and finish was all there was to tell them apart. Oh, both were 6 inch too.

 

[Buford57]

I have never owned a M27, although 2 M28s have passed through my hands, one of which is still with me. Would I, as a rookie cop, have preferred a Skeeter Skelton 5" M27 in my holster? Sure, but I couldn't afford it.

What amazes me now is how this utilitarian revolver is achieving collector status verging on a cult following. I paid $150 for my first M28 NIB with a full Sam Browne setup and a pair of used Jay-Pee handcuffs thrown in.

I am guessing that the fact that so many of these guns, like M10s and M15s, saw hard use by LEOs and security personnel initially created collector interest for pristine samples, driving up the price of all M28s.

My 6" S-series is not for sale. I don't claim my Crown Vic is a Lincoln, but it takes me where I want to go.

 

[aphelion]

I don't claim my Crown Vic is a Lincoln, but it takes me where I want to go.

I'd much rather drive my 2008 P71 I got at auction a couple of years ago for under $1500 than a mushy Town Car built on the same platform. In that case, unlike the M27/M28, there is a big difference. The only trouble with the Crown Vic is it still painted like a panda bear.

 

[alwslate]

I have both 27s and 28s. I really like the dull business like look of the
28s. I also really like the bright polished blue and finely checkered top
of the frame and rib of the 27s. The less polished surfaces of the 28s
can indeed make them look less well fitted than the 27s, but some
27s are better fitted than others. Unless someone can show me that
27 part numbers like springs are different than 28 part numbers I will
continue to believe the guns are the same on the inside. I own and
like both and since there is a price difference in the 27 and 28 I see
no reason why they have to compete with each other.

 

[Gunhacker]

Of the 27s and 28s I've encountered, the workmanship was definitely equal. Basically the exact same gun with the exception of finish and frills for the 27. Both were -2s made within a three years of each other and they felt the same, shot the same, were both tight and locked up well, etc. The ribbing and finish was all there was to tell them apart. Oh, both were 6 inch too.

Bingo... and that boys and girls pretty much sums up what the real differences are between the M28 & M27... equivalent except for the cosmetics.

My exact same experience with the 27's & 28's I own too.

 

[ironhead7544]

I have had a number of M28 and M27 revolvers open and in general the M27 had the better finished parts. Most M28s could use a little smoothing while most M27s are OK out of the box. There are exceptions, of course.

Never found much difference in accuracy between the two.

I remember when the L frame came out. They said it was superior to the M28 and M27 because it was lighter. The weight is about the same.

Back in the 70ties, a guy came in the shop and wanted to convert a M27 to 44 Magnum. This was often done back then as we could still get barrels and cylinders. The M29 was generally not available and very high priced when found. He gave us the 5 inch barrel that was on the M27. I put it on a 4 inch M28 and refinished the revolver. Picked up a Lawrence #7 for it and was very happy.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

My research shows that currently Model 28s are selling on line for $600 to $750 so they ain't cheap. Model 27s might be higher but that's not the point - a 28 isn't losing value these days.

That said, research says that the big difference between a 27 and 28 is as described above - bling - high polish and a checkered top strap. I say research because I didn't actually know the difference until I checked it out - all I have is a current manufacture M27 so I finally had to determine what the actual difference was.

Basically, at the time of manufacture, through 1986, they were the same gun. So, absent abuse, either will do the job if you're not buying a new one; no advantage either way.

The point of the Model 27, as far as I can tell, is that it makes not owning a Colt Python unimportant. That pleases me no end and I have nothing against the Python - it was just nice knowing that after I acquired my M27 Classic the Python was no longer on my grail gun list.

It is a great shooter, too!

And a 28 would fit into my collection quite nicely!!! I'll get one someday.

***GRJ***

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Side note - I had a nickeled Trooper - a friend gave it to me to keep or sell about 12 years ago. Like a dope I sold it. Bad mistake!

***GRJ***

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

About a year ago I picked up my late 1970's HP with a 6" bbl and Magnas in 98%+ condition. Funny thing is, up till that trip to my LGS when I saw it under the glass and asked to handle it I had no real desire for one.. Well, all said and done I ended up with it for just over $500 OTD and I was happy to pay that for a good ol P&R Smith!

By far the smoothest shooting 357 I have ever squeezed the trigger on with stout mags, and that includes the L-frames...

I love the thing for it's rugged sort of "over built" design being an N-frame chambered in 357.

I have since removed the Magnas and stashed them for safe keeping and installed a set of N-frame targets.. I just like the looks of it better with the targets. Carry it fairly frequently when I'm out on the ATV's with the family... Deadly accurate too...

My 28-2 isn't going anywhere an time soon... It really has grown on me!

It would be nice to someday acquire a nice m27 to complete the set.. But I'm more obsessed with a m57 at this point in time... Money tree isn't ready for harvest yet! LOL!

 

[Black Knight]

I carried a 4" 28-2 for a few years as an armed security officer. It was one of the best guns I carried over a 15 year time frame. I retired it to get a 4" 686-1. The weight of the 28-2 started getting to me. The slightly lighter 686 stayed on my duty belt most of my remaining time. I was extremely accurate with the 38 Special +P ammo we were required to use. Mine has a lot of holster wear but it spent many nights in my holster doing its job while I did mine. I don't believe I will ever get rid of it. I was my first S&W as well as the first handgun I bought for myself. That was 1982.

 

[SLT223]

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

As recently as three years ago the 28 was the best deal in a handgun in my opinion (<$500 for a P&R'ed N-Frame....are you kidding me? I'll take four, please!). I now have four of them. I have several 27's and that don't get to the range nearly as frequently as the 28's. Despite a recent unscientific thread about the fitment of parts in 27's vs 28's, the best trigger I ever pulled on a S&W is a 1966 M28...it came with diamond targets and a G Lawrence tooled leather holster from the same era for inside of $500...that's value.

 

[vytoland]

took my model 28-2 to the range today................its one of my S&W revolvers I will never sell......

 

[model70hunter]

I have some M-27's. I like them and carry my baby, M-27 in 3.5", 90% of the time. It is what I want to carry.

I get it if you are stuck on a certain model of gun and want to use it. If that's what you want pick it up and go.

I know the 27 and 28 are the same under the skin. Cosmetics is the only difference. But please cease and desist in repeating how the 28 is as good or better. It is as good, it is just rather plain. That's OK, if that's what you want just pick it up and go. You don't have to justify your choice. If you like them I support you 100%.

 

[Art Doc]

My opinions on this matter are no secret.

1. The 27 is superior. In every way. Period. More options, better finish, more features. Is the 28 bad? Of course not. It's just fine for what it is, a service grade revolver. Anyone who prefers the 28 for any reason is free to do so.

2. The 28 has become a cult object. No idea why. The fact that it sells for prices so close to the vastly superior 27 proves people have an inflated concept of the 28. Fine. That's their choice. My wife will sell my 1954 HP when I die and I hope she can buy a new car with the money.

3. The Python is nicer than the 27. I love my 27s. Have a bunch of them. IMO the Python is nicer. You want to disagree? Go ahead.

 

[Rick_A]

The 28 has always catered to those content with "good."

I can respect that.

As for the Python, the attraction on that one is lost on me. Didn't much care for them when available, care less for them now.

 

[Dennis The B]

With the relative scarcity and higher prices of the Model 27, folks wanting a S&W N frame .357 gravitated to the Model 28. Ergo, the prices have risen significantly. Yes, it's not finished as nicely, but it functions the same, and fits the bill for a heavy-framed .357 Magnum.

The Python is in "a league of its own". No other domestic revolver had as much time and money spent on a production revolver. The bare metal finishing is second to none, and the resulting finish is superior to anything else. The Python is also the only revolver with a tapered bore, which enhances accuracy.

Yes, the primary knock on the revolver is its so-called temperamental lock work. I've run over 3k rounds through my 1978, and it's as solid today as it was when I bought it. It's been inspected three times by certified Colt gunsmiths, and each time nothing was touched.

The lockwork differs in that the Colt "stacks" continuously, but that's a personal preference, and has nothing to do with its quality.

When S&W brought out the L frames, the full length barrel shroud wasn't adopted by accident.

And, like SaxonPig, have at it.

 

[tops]

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.

An old man told me that guns are like women. "I feel better when I have a good looking one." Larry

 

[spad124]

My opinions on this matter are no secret.

1. The 27 is superior. In every way. Period. More options, better finish, more features. Is the 28 bad? Of course not. It's just fine for what it is, a service grade revolver. Anyone who prefers the 28 for any reason is free to do so.

2. The 28 has become a cult object. No idea why. The fact that it sells for prices so close to the vastly superior 27 proves people have an inflated concept of the 28. Fine. That's their choice. My wife will sell my 1954 HP when I die and I hope she can buy a new car with the money.

3. The Python is nicer than the 27. I love my 27s. Have a bunch of them. IMO the Python is nicer. You want to disagree? Go ahead.

In my area prices of 28s have dramatically increased in the last 2 years. It is hard to find one offered for less than $1000. In fact, one LGS had a 28 priced at $200 more than a 27.

Could it be that some buyers like the fact that matte finish on the 28 is more like the finish on the current crop of self-loaders and the NGs?

While I'd like a 28, I have a hard time with that pricing. I guess I'll stick with my .45 N frames for now.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

In my area prices of 28s have dramatically increased in the last 2 years. It is hard to find one offered for less than $1000. In fact, one LGS had a 28 priced at $200 more than a 27.

Could it be that some buyers like the fact that matte finish on the 28 is more like the finish on the current crop of self-loaders and the NGs?

While I'd like a 28, I have a hard time with that pricing. I guess I'll stick with my .45 N frames for now.

That is an interesting question... Does the matte finish have a certain "tacti-cool" factor that could be contributing to higher prices??

Still happy with my 28-2... Would I like a 27? YES! Would I like a snake??? OF COURSE! (if I could ever afford one! LOL!)


FWIW: I cannot feel a discernible difference between the triggers on my 28-2 and 29-2... But my 19-3 beats them both by a nose.

 

[Xfuzz]

$1000.00 is outta the park on a 28.