What is the attraction of the Model 28?

[59Lover]

I see stupid asking prices on model 28's recently, but I dont know how many actually sell

 

[cbvanb]

For me the attraction is a little hard to describe. The model 28 just seems to be the right scale, and it is all function in appearance, a working gun, not a show gun. I've always tried to have at least one in the stable since I was a kid in college, and during leaner years when I didn't own one, I was on the hunt for one. While I pretty much like any pre-lock S&W, the 28 is a "must own" model for me. Easy to shoot, rides easy on the hip, and built to last longer than I will. This is all subjective of course, but I will always be a fan of the Highway Patrolman.

 

[CSG]

I don't think too many of S&W's guns had cool names either - Highway Patrolman. The M36 was called the Chief's Special, the 19 Combat Magnum. Gotta have a cool name like Colts not just a model number.

 

[DR505]

I don't think too many of S&W's guns had cool names either - Highway Patrolman. The M36 was called the Chief's Special, the 19 Combat Magnum. Gotta have a cool name like Colts not just a model number.

How does the name "Registered Magnum" strike you?

 

[Kilibreaux]

It's a working mans gun that can be dressed up. It's built like a tank and it will never let you down. Wear only makes them more attractive and it was my first handgun.

I have had this one for 31 years. I got it when I was 17 for graduation from my dad. It was his first "good gun" after my mom and him got married.

SaWHEEET!!

 

[Kilibreaux]

The Model 28 is a plain version of the Model 27. It was offered in 6" and 4" and had a matte finish. I recall when Model 29's were non-obtainium that gun writers were recommending getting a model 28 and having it bored out to .44 caliber. In the '70s i was looking for a handgun to hunt with. I ruled out single actions and that pretty much (to me) left S&W. I was in Smith Brothers Gun store in Rochester, PA and found a Model 27 8 3/8" in the presentation case. I was literally the first person to lay eyes on it or touch it after it left S&W. The original tape was on the cardboard outer cover.

Now, I see model 28s selling for as much as Model 27s and Model 29s (maybe more).

The M28 is a M27 sans the high lustre bluing and oversized Goncalo Alves. They are supremely well-fitted and harken back to the period when S&W produced mechanical works of art. No surprise M28`s have soared in price in the modern age of internet experts.

 

[BobR1]

The Model 28 was my first Duty Revolver as a city policeman in 1974. A buddy of mine still owns it, and reminds me every time we meet how good it shoots.

I have owned 3 over the years. All Three were Tack Drivers.

I still remember shooting pop and beer cans at 50 yards with the first 28 when I was a rookie. I was really impressed with the accuracy. Almost 40 years later I am still impressed with the accuracy of Smith & Wesson N Frame Revolvers.

The high prices?? I guess it is like a ventage muscle car, they do not make them any more.
I have always liked the Model 28 with a 4" barrel. A 3.5" Model 27 would really put a smile on my face however.

Bob

 

[CSG]

Yup, there's a reason I bought two some years ago. The 28 is what we wanted to carry in my department in the 70's. Instead, we were issued Model 10's and 158 grain round nose ammo.

 

[IRONVIC52]

Ah, the Model 28. My first revolver was a S&W Model 18 and I had just joined a fire department that in the late 70s actually had "gun cleaning day" where we brought in our guns to show, clean and maybe trade. A captain on Engine-1 gave me a set of RCBS dies in .38 Special/.357 Magnum and I knew I needed a centerfire gun to go with them.

Fast forward a month and I'm in a Big-5 sporting goods store and there's this unsavory biker guy pawing over a brand new Model 28 6" like he's going to take her home and have his way with her. He leaves to go to the bank and I sidle up to the counter, "Let me see that Model 28 please..." She came home with me and it was love at first sight. The barrel was marked "Highway Patrolman," very cool, the gun felt great in the hand and that utility style bluing would actually be a nice finish by today's standard, probably would be called "Tactical Matte" and carry a premium. I went out and bought her a nicer set of grips, Goncalo Alves S&W target style-beautiful.

I can't say all was good with this gun, it was right around S&W's Bangor Punta era and she spit lead, had to go back for a factory rework. But I loved that gun, until I traded it for a Model 52 and am still searching for a 4" Highway Patrolman.

Yeah the 28 was a great gun, wadcutter mid-range reloads tore up the bullseye all day long and recoil was ***** cat smooth. Even with .357 Magnums it was tolerable. There's a mystique to the Model 28 that evokes a hard working state cop patrolling some lonely desert highway, his sidearm tucked into a basket weave clamshell holster, knowing he has the tool for the job. The 28 was no frills, solid and manly. What more can you ask for in a revolver?

 

[fyimo]

Until about 18 months ago they were under valued when compared to the Model 27 and they are bascially the same gun without the high luster blue and the checkered steel top strap. They were selling for $450 to $500 while the Model 27 was selling for at least $300 more for one in the same condition.

 

[lagavulin62]

I'm with the "workhorse" camp. No need for anything pretty and like a good quality gun it gets better with a few bruises and scuffs. Still looking for my first. Almost had one last year but the seller informed me at the last minute that what he thought was an original finish was a refinish. Then I had my eye on one on GB last month but for some reason the Pawn dealer from Florida is trying to get 650-700 plus on a well used but tight gun. I can't pay that for the 28 unless it's NIB or close to it.

 

[jaykellogg]

It seems to me that LEOs prefer guns without target sights, but all S&W did with the M28 was make a plainer version of the Model 27.

I am not putting the Model 28 down, but i wondered why today they sell for the same price as a Model 27 or Model 29 when back in the day they were close to half the price of a model 27. To each his own. It could be they are harder to find (in decent shape) today.

 

[lagavulin62]

I'm not the moderator but isn't this in the wrong category?

 

[lagavulin62]

It seems to me that LEOs prefer guns without target sights, but all S&W did with the M28 was make a plainer version of the Model 27.

I am not putting the Model 28 down, but i wondered why today they sell for the same price as a Model 27 or Model 29 when back in the day they were close to half the price of a model 27. To each his own. It could be they are harder to find (in decent shape) today.

I know for me it's hard to justify paying that, especially since I have a nice 27-2. But my 27 is a 6 inch. No idea what the 4 inch 27 would run but maybe I should start researching it? If they go for the same as the 4 inch 28's then might make more sense to get the 27 and beat it up instead. I'm hoping the price surge is temporary and somehow related to the situation in general. But I have been out of the revolver scene the last year or so.

 

[stantheman86]

Used to be you couldn't give M28's away, now people are paying $500 for beaters. I have a 6" with a Redfield scope and another 6" that was reblued by S&W. I would like a 4" model someday

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

One possible reason the prices of the Model 28s are going up is, like so many of the better S&Ws...they don't make them any more!

Dave

That's exactly it.

I bought my four inch Model 28 about five years ago for $350.00 at a gun show from a private seller. Looks essentially like it did the day it was delivered from S&W. A real joy to shoot because, as someone already said, you can load it with the hottest .357 Magnum made and it feels like shooting target wadcutters from a Model 10.

 

[Nedroe]

28 no dash....

had several over the years, only this one now.

Cant go wrong with one of these.

Ned

 

[rebcussion]

My 28 was my first S&W and my first revolver. A friend brought his Python and I brought the 28 to the range and we each fired both guns. We both agreed the 28 shot better in single action mode and weren't crazy about either in double action.

 

[Odinkar]

My dad had a chromed 28 that he carried as a deputy in the mid 70s. To me that will always be the best, coolest pistol ever.

 

[brucev]

Re: OP. What's the attraction of the M-28? It is the first new S&W revolver I ever owned. I was newly married and a student in seminary. We had very little money. I wanted a revolver that I could shoot with any .357 Magnum load on the market. I found and bought a new 6" 28-2. Over the last 30 years I've had numerous examples. They have been very fine revolvers. Currently I own two... a 6" 28-2 given to me by my identical-twin (deceased) brother, and a 4" 28-2 that I traded for early last year. They are just about my most favorite S&W revolvers. About the only revolver that would give either one of the 28's a run would be my 625-2. That thing is the business!