Which Is More "Desirable" M28 or M27?

Well, "more desirable" points to the 27 family. But if what you are talking about is "more knockabout shootable," you probably want a 28.

I have a couple of 27s and a 28 -- well, actually a couple of pre-27s and a pre-28 -- so I'm on both sides of this question.

I predict that whichever one you choose, you may find yourself keeping an eye out for one of the other type as time goes by. :D
 
I just got a 27 and it's making me nervous. Too pretty. I am glad I have some other shooters.

I wonder at the common notion that the 27s and 28s are identical but for the finish. The 27 I just got has the smoothest action I have ever turned, it feels like all the parts are floating on velvet. I bet it got a real high quality tune job at the factory. I don't know if 27s are all like that but the 28s I have picked up and worked in pawn shops did not feel near so smooth.

Maybe someone with pre 27s and pre 28s (David) can speak to the action smoothness of both.
 
A Model 28 started this addiction. That was a long time ago, and last year, I finally added not 1 but 2 model 27's to the safe. It really doesnt make a difference what you start with, just start !! and ENJOY
 
I have 2 28's and 6 27's (one in each barrel length) so I am no the best one to ask, but IMHO really clean 28's are getting harder find and price is going up. Depending on the deal, you may kick yourself down the road if you pass on the 28. Get it and start saving for the 27 companion.
 
The 27 was the S&W flagship, the most premier gun that they produced for many years.

The finish and the action received extra special attention by the finest craftsmen in the shop. The 28 was the "everyman" version. Cops and security guards could afford them.

Put another way, the 28 was USDA Choice sirloin. The 27 was Kobe.

Nothing wrong with sirloin but it is not waygu.
 
I have a 28 and a 29, both 4" tubes. I've carried and shot the 28 plenty and it is what got me into N-frame Smiths and onto this forum.

I did have the opportunity to buy a 27 and looked it over plenty. Thing is, I'd have had to sell the 28. I knew that gun, how it shot, and I just wasn't prepared to take that chance on the 27.

Would I want a 27? You bet!!! I want one. Maybe one day I will get one. When I do, I'll still have my trusty 28. I think the 27 really great looks and I would shot it too.

If I was in your shoes I'd take the 28 and keep my eyes peeled for the 27 I really want. ;)
 
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I stopped at my LGS last night on the way home. They had an unfired, NIB 28-2 s/n N54XXX, cleaning rod only but in the original box. It was absolutely perfect! The price tag...........................$899! Now, it's a nice gun, but lets be honest folks, there are some darn nice 27's out there for that!
 
Buy the 28. A bird in the hand in better than two in the bush, or something like that! Seriously, if you buy one you're gonna want the other. Besides, you're gonna have some more money later on, aren't you?

Both those revolvers are highly desirable and the great part of owning any good Smith is in the shooting. From that aspect, once the trigger is smoothed out you can't tell any difference on the target. Buy it, they ain't making any more and this one is right in front of you.

Just don't pay too much.
 
Boy thanks for all the replies! Unfortunately somebody beat me to it. The next time I won't hesitate. I also have a 686 I like but the 27 & 28 really appeal to me. TC
 
fyimo said:
You can not make a mistake owning either but the truth is the Model 27 is a lot better looking and the difference is would you rather date Rosanne Bar or Sharon Stone.
Click to expand...

Wouldn't disagree.
 
PURIST---Do not read this reply, it can lead to stomach disorders and extreme anxiety.
First lets discuss your thoughts and what YOU want. If you want a shooter and a project then the 28 is the choice.
If you are into collecting and keepin the weapon as is and think the idea of original is your cup up tea, then the 27 is for you.
I am not a tradionalist. I don't think beauty is the same for everyone---we all married different women----some several, looking for the perfect.
I like to make things my own---I don't really care what others think along the lines of beautiful.
Guns are tools and like all tools, they are what they are too you.
I like projects and I like making guns MINE---this makes me happy.
Blessings
 
As a kid, I admired my fathers' model 28 with 6" barrel. I always believed it to be my birthright and would someday posess it for myself. Unfortunately, he foolishly traded it in on a 30-30 instead of having the timing fixed on it(was spitting lead out the sides).
A few yrs ago, I decided I was going to obtain an N-frame 357magnum and this dilemna was mine now. After alot of reading up on the choices, I went with the 27 with 5" barrel.
375574_3038949752162_176455484_n.jpg

Mine is not in perfect condition as the bluing has some imperfections, so I shoot mine.
 
A few yrs ago, I decided I was going to obtain an N-frame 357magnum and this dilemna was mine now. After alot of reading up on the choices, I went with the 27 with 5" barrel.
375574_3038949752162_176455484_n.jpg

Mine is not in perfect condition as the bluing has some imperfections, so I shoot mine.[/QUOTE]

I shoot all my 27's, and the 28's, 29's, 57, 25 all the Kframes (even the K-32) and even my I frame 22/32 one in a while. Guns are for shootin'
 
glenncal1 said:
I shoot all my 27's, and the 28's, 29's, 57, 25 all the Kframes (even the K-32) and even my I frame 22/32 one in a while. Guns are for shootin'
Click to expand...

My statement that I shoot it is referring to the trend in this thread that model 27's are too pretty to shoot and that one should get a 28 if you plan to. Mine is not mint condition, and if it was and I paid top-dollar for it(not that I have any guns like that) I understand those who don't shoot them and want to keep them in unfired condition. If you payed beau coup bucks for an unfired classic revolver and wish to take it out to the range..good for you.
 
Buy the Model 28, then a Model 27 they are both strong, serviceable revolvers. The Model 28 is a "workhorse" while the Model 27 is a "pretty revolver."

Its your choice.

Scott
 
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