New appreciation for the Model 28

[alwslate]

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.

Yesterday I took a look at the exploded views and parts
diagrams in my Kuhnhausen shop manual for S&W revolvers.
Looking at the views of the 25, 27, 28 and 29, all internal
parts of the actions have the same part numbers except for
the TH & TTs. The standard trigger and hammers of the 27
have the same part numbers of the ones in the 28. If the
27 and 28 and 25 and 29 as well differ internally it must
be in some other way besides the parts because they are the
same.

 

[Art Doc]

This one shipped to my home town in September of 1954 (happy 60th birthday) 7 months before I was born (don't remind me I turn 60 next April).

About 5 years ago a forum member called me on the phone (I didn't ask how he got my home number) and offered it to me for $190. I hadn't seen it, but he described it fairly and for that price (even 5 years ago that was a pretty good deal) I said OK. Has a little holster wear and the right stock panel is more worn than the left suggesting it rode in a cop's holster as they tend to rest their hands on the gun causing the uneven wear. I think it's a cool gun, but it's not as nice as my 27s. Sorry, it just isn't.

Any members in the Seattle area confirm any cop shops around there using the HP/28? It shipped to Seattle Hardware which doesn't sound like a police supply house but maybe officers had to buy their own sidearms?

n't.

 

[NavyVet24]

I have two 28-2s that are in about 95-98% condition. Both are 6" and both gone through by Nelson Ford who also added his gold bead to the front Patridge. Both shoot better than I with 38 or 357 loads. I thought I would never sell them because they are great in every respect. However, reading here, if I ever become desperate, I will take them to Illinois to sell.

 

[Doug M.]

I think WSP had M28s for a while, but that memory could be flawed. It would not surprise me if that store was a dealer that dealt with many LE agencies. Of course, back then a lot more agencies were on the "big boy rules" program and did not have the fetish for issued firearms. Individual officers bought whatever met the standards and carried them. Back then, the (pre) M28 would have been a real step up from the (pre) M10.

Home #? Ha. You'd be amazed what someone can find on the 'net with some initiative. It's frightening.

 

[jaymz]

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

"They" don't, but I took it upon myself the have one done for me.

 

[keithherrington]

Now that is one heck of a fine conversion. I'd never spend the $$$ on it for 1/2" but I sure do appreciate the quality of the work.
Keith

 

[jrandyh]

I have never bought a 27/28, always thought that's a lot of weight for a 357. Have a chance yo buy a 28-2 that looks in decent condition for 550. It's a 6 inch but something is pulling me to it.
JR.

 

[075]

I've been sitting on a six inch 1954 HP, that's fired one round since it was born and looks brand new.

Just gave the gun to the best S & W 'smith I know, to have an old timey action job w / a polished 12# rebound spring and a Wolf Type one main spring.

I intend to shoot this revolver like there's no tomorrow, as life can be short.

 

[Watchdog]

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

So what? Except for aesthetics, I've never understood the allure of a 3.5-inch revolver as opposed to a 4-inch or a 3-inch. It's only a .5-inch difference, and makes no difference regarding overall accuracy and/or concealibility.

Really, what's the big deal about 3.5-inch revolvers?

 

[Watchdog]

I think it's a cool gun, but it's not as nice as my 27s. Sorry, it just isn't.

The Model 28 wasn't made to be as "nice" as the Model 27. Everyone should know that by now. Smith & Wesson's intent was to build a sturdy, powerful, and dependable working class gun for law enforcement agencies. They succeeded admirably.

 

[Rick_A]

So what? Except for aesthetics, I've never understood the allure of a 3.5-inch revolver as opposed to a 4-inch or a 3-inch. It's only a .5-inch difference, and makes no difference regarding overall accuracy and/or concealibility.

Really, what's the big deal about 3.5-inch revolvers?

That half inch makes all the difference to me. They just look right.

Given the choice, at the same price, who would honestly pick a 4" over a 3.5"?

20140701_092232 by Slick_Rick77, on Flickr

Anyway, the 27's and pre models have an elegance that has to be seen in person to appreciate.

 

[A10]

Washington State Patrol issued 6" HPs until around 1984, when they switched to a Beretta 9mm for a while.

Lots of local agencies used the 28 four inch guns, I believe King County SO was one of them....

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

I have never bought a 27/28, always thought that's a lot of weight for a 357. Have a chance yo buy a 28-2 that looks in decent condition for 550. It's a 6 inch but something is pulling me to it.
JR.

There is good reason for this.....

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

That half inch makes all the difference to me. They just look right.

Given the choice, at the same price, who would honestly pick a 4" over a 3.5"?

I would... LOVE the look of a 4" N-frame.. Better than a 3.5. Just my opinion and taste.

 

[aphelion]

That half inch makes all the difference to me. They just look right.

Given the choice, at the same price, who would honestly pick a 4" over a 3.5"?

I would. I suppose the days when people actually will fire these guns are gradually coming to a close as they gain collector status, but some of us still are more concerned with how they shoot than how they look. With such a relatively short sight radius, 1/2" does make a difference in sight alignment, but not so much in portability. So I'll take the 4 inch, thanks.

 

[Rick_A]

I believe opinion and taste is all that it comes down to.

If sight radius and longer range accuracy was a concern a five or six inch barrel or longer would be much more practical.

As I'm a double action shooter and rarely shoot beyond 25 yards that 1/2" is of little consequence.

Unless it is a geniune unmolested NIB example shooting doesn't hurt them any.

It looked lightly used when I got it and will continue to do so.

It's all shooter grade to me if it's in good working order.

If it weren't for my N frames being pretty and rare those hammer spurs would be gone.

If someone wants to critique my marksmanship this isn't a bullseye gun for me. I have a match grade pneumatic air pistol for that.

 

[RILEY31]

I don't like the dull finish on the 28 I have owned several and always felt they where just another gun the 27 on the other hand is a beautiful piece of art. They will do the same job but the 27 looks a lot better doing it. My LGS has three model 28's right now they range from $550-$695 They have one 27-2 for $1295 so obviously there is a lot of price difference around here.

 

[robin990]

Just shot my "new" 4" Model 28......just like i thought , accurate and a great shooter.....

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

I can stop whenever I want, I can stop whenever I want

Interesting thread. I have been, I admit, making some N frame purchases (read 28 and 27s) with an eye towards future demands. But when I am being honest with myself I am thinking that this fascination with the model 28 may be a passing trend. Afterall there was a time when the long barreled revolvers were in demand and that passed.

I also admit there is the thrill of the good deal or of owning a like-new iconic masterpiece like the 27-2.

Last there is the one is not enough factor associated with this hobby.

I wonder if buying would be this strong if banks were paying 10% interest? It is the fact than my savings have about zero earning power right now that frees me to buy so many great revolvers.

JMHO

 

[Checkman]

I own a 28 4" and it's one of my favorites. However if I ever get the chance to buy a 27 I won't hesitate.