Turn a M28 into a M27 in 3 1/2"...Anyone Done it or Considered Doing It?

[AJ]

A decently priced M27 3.5 inch revolver is out there somewhere. I bought one two years ago for $600. If nothing else get a 4 inch M28, they are very close to the M27, cousins shall we say. You could look for a gently abused M27 and make it a project gun.

 

[CH4]

You neglected to include checkering the top strap, the soul and most distinguishing feature of the 27. In the end, you’ll have a molested 28 that cost you way more than it’s worth. It’s your money be as stupid as you want, you’re good in company here.

 

[Pine_Worker]

Once an M28, always an M28.

 

[RobertJ.]

You probably knew you'd get a "wag of the finger" from at least a few...

But this is my opinion, very nicely stated:

Those of us that do what makes us happy would say it's your gun, if it makes you happy...

Go for it!

 

[boykinlp]

Here is an idea. Look for a 6 inch Model 28 with a bulge in the end of the barrel. Chopping it down would be a great result. Plus, since the barrel was damaged, you might be able to get it for a song.
Larry

 

[StrawHat]

Your revolver to do as you like. The only thing I would change would be the chambering. A 3 1/2”, 45 ACP would be an interesting revolver.

I converted this 28-2 decades before S&W offered the Mountain Gun series. The only regret is I much prefer a squared grip frame.

Kevin

 

[AlHunt]

Lots of times we spend money on one hobby or another that we never get back. If the couple/few hundred dollars you'll be "out" isn't significant to you, go for it. It's not always about getting you money back.

An off center roll mark would bug the snot out of me, personally. But that's just me...

 

[steelslaver]

Although the I made the above statements I will add this.

I have modified plenty of guns. If the ops buys a gun its his and he should feel free to do as he wishes. It would actually be easier to make a 6 inch in to a 3 1/2 than a 4". Reason is on the 6" you could salvage the front sight ramp easier. The roll mark. Take a small round face hamer and tap the roll mark area a lot. This will move metal into the low areas. Then you could make a wood or aluminum piece that matched the curve of the side of the barrel, back iit with sand paper and sand of the marks. Labor of love. Ernie at Ble Lightning Stencil could make you a couple stencils and with those and a small 12 volt batttery charge you could apply pretty could fake roll marks. Now you have a 3 1/2: N frame 357, but far from a 3 1/2 327.
Hey I hade a 1917 into a 3 1/2" barreled 45acp by cutting down a 1950 barrel and milling the frame for adjustable sights. It is a handy gun, especially since I cut down the grip frame. I would post a picture, but out of town with out flash drive with most of my gun pics and the one here under 1917 Combat
Has that stupid photo bucket deal on it

 

[stu1ritter]

I have both a 4" model 28 and a 3.5" Model 27-2. With my eyes closed and someone putting one or the other in my hand, I think I could tell the very slight difference in balance but I'm not sure. They are really close in feel. I'd suggest you try both of them at the same time if possible to see if your idea's still hold water for you.

Stu

 

[jtcarm]

A $400 Model 28 would have to be a real beater.

 

[dr. mordo]

I got a 3.5" M27 off this board in the last couple of years. I don't remember exactly what I paid, but I'm sure it wasn't more than $800 and probly more like $600.

 

[OldSparky]

Here's a 3 1/2" nickel one for you. It's my model 27 no dash. It has factory installed Herret's grips on it

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

 

[wheelgun28]

I almost never like chopped barrels, which can be a big turn off to me. They can look like a tough guy belly gun (hard to pull off but cool looking). Most often they look clumsy to me, just personal taste here.

What I Might consider is finding a nickel 3 1/2" barrel and complete cylinder. Have them fit to the 28 frame, maybe add a nickel cylinder release. Now you'll have what you wanted, it will look unique. It is also something that could be undone if wanted.

A custom pinto with the brush blue frame and nice grips could be a real looker...

 

[stansdds]

You can certainly buy a Model 28 and then maybe you can find a 3-1/2 inch Model 27 barrel somewhere, then send it off to a really good gunsmith who can swap the barrel, checker the top strap of the frame, polish everything to a brilliant shine without smearing the roll marks, then give it the correct electroless nickel plating. By the time you pay for all of this you could have bought a nickeled Model 27 with the rare 3-1/2 inch barrel and you will have a Model 27 that will continue to appreciate in value rather than a money pit Model 28. It's your money, do with it as you please.

 

[Grayfox]

a 27 is a 27 and a 28 is a 28. Never the twain shall meet.
I have a 3 1/2" 27 and it is a wonderful gun. I also have a 4" 28 that shoots just as well.
Years ago when 28s were cheap, many were used as a base for some really nice custom guns. But the value of 28s has jumped considerably since then. Cutting the barrel on one would cost you money and in the end you'd end up with a gun worth considerably less than the original.
Just save up your money and buy a real 3 1/2" 27.

But since we're on the subject of custom Model 28s.....
Some years ago I came across a bare nekkid Model 28-2 frame cheap. It took about two years to get all the parts together and then a good bit of work on my part, but I put together a custom Model 28 snubby in .45 Colt. I like it!

 

[Old Corp]

Now you've got me planning on converting my beater M28 4" to a RM.

 

[PALADIN85020]

In my experience, some Model 28s were finished to a higher polish than usual. Also, some were shipped with target stocks rather than magnas. This one is a case in point. Also, it should be noted that 4" Model 27s are comparatively uncommon, whereas Model 28s in that configuration can be found more easily. Here's a really nice 28 that could darn near pass for a 27!

John

 

[Pig Hunter]

Buy a 4" 27 or 28 and then start watching for a 3 1/2" take off barrel. They are out there you just have to look and you can shoot the 4" all you want till you find it.

 

[wood714]

There's a 3 1/2" 27-2 on that big auction site right now.

Needs some cosmetic work, but claims it's otherwise in great shape.

 

[D1911]

I've actually thought about doing that myself. I have an old "S" prefix Model 28-2 that I sent back to S&W a number of years ago for a rebuild that I don't have a lot of money in. The gun basically looks like a 4" 27 now. I have a 27 checkered rear sight and thought if I could find a nice blued 3 1/2" 27 barrel, I'd have my local smith swap it out. Although it wouldn't have a complete checkered top strap, it would have the barrel rib and sight that were (with a tiny gap in-between that was smooth). Hmmm, anyone have a nice 3 1/2" 27 barrel they can live without???