[HKLovingIT]

If you have some firsthand, what can you tell me about these revolvers?

If I was looking to get one is there a time period, - model or other things to be aware of?

What would an okay price be for one in good condition?

Thanks,

HK

[fnfalman]

I have an M28-2 with the 5" barrel. Essentially it's a non-pretty version of the M27 which is the descendant of the original .357 Magnum.

I paid $400 for it about six years ago.

[countrygun]

Originally Posted by fnfalman

I have an M28-2 with the 5" barrel. Essentially it's a non-pretty version of the M27 which is the descendant of the original .357 Magnum.

I paid $400 for it about six years ago.

I used to have the 'fancier" 27 in 5" now I've got a 4" and a 6" 28. I've never seen a 28 in the 5" length.

Here's the 4" on the left, (bad pic a while ago with new camera) it was actually used as a "highway patrolman" by a motorcycle officer.




an the 6" I rescued from pawn shop almost 30 years ago when I realized I'd made a mistake trading off the 5" 27,




Great revolvers, they have their own unique characteristics

[bac1023]

As already stated, the M28 is the "economy" version of SMith & Wesson's old flagship revolver, the M27.

I have a 27, so I doubt I would get a 28, but its a great revolver nonetheless.

[fnfalman]

Originally Posted by countrygun

I used to have the 'fancier" 27 in 5" now I've got a 4" and a 6" 28. I've never seen a 28 in the 5" length.

Now you do. At least on picture, anyway.

[countrygun]

Originally Posted by fnfalman

Now you do. At least on picture, anyway.

You sure that ain't a 6"? the underlug appears to be almost exactly 1/2 the length of the barrel (from the frame) and that is a pretty good sign of a 6" barrel.

[fnfalman]

Originally Posted by countrygun

You sure that ain't a 6"? the underlug appears to be almost exactly 1/2 the length of the barrel (from the frame) and that is a pretty good sign of a 6" barrel.

I think you might be right.

I got confused between it and the 686 5-incher. I know I got a 5-incher in the stash somewhere.

[bear62]

I've had a M28 in pristine conditions for about 5 years now. It was actually given to me by an elderly neighbor lady. My wife and I had been very helpful to this lady through the years... and she want do something for us in return. Sometimes I guess it pays to be nice.

I have a number of handguns which are part of my Home Defense strategy...... but oddly the M28 is not in that group.

Is there any difference between the M27 and M28 as far as reliability and accuracy goes? (I know the M27 is much fancier, etc than the M28).............

[gjk5]

oddly enough, found a 4" M28-2 in pristine condition today, think I am going to buy it and ditch my 6" M28.

[Leigh]

Originally Posted by bear62

Is there any difference between the M27 and M28 as far as reliability and accuracy goes? (I know the M27 is much fancier, etc than the M28).............

Nope. Purely cosmetics in order to appeal to a larger market. Specifically LEO hence the roll stamp on the barrel, "Highway Patrolman."

[gunsmoke92]

The model 28 is the working mans model 27. These are quality working mans revolvers that will tame .357 mags with ease. Barrel length wise, the 4" version is more desirable than the 6" model, unless you're looking for a target shooter. Then there is the serial number side of things, with the "S" serial number guns being older, having pinned barrels and recessed cylinders, with Diamond magna grips which number to the gun if original. The "N" series guns transitioned through several grip styles, and the newer ones eventually lost the pinned and recessed features.

As for price, that is a thing relative to many factors, location, condition, extras, and the like. A "S" serial numbered 28-2 in excellent condition by itself can be had for as little as $400 and as high as $800 depending on if you're in Idaho or Southern California. Boxes and accessories can add about $100 to the deal, again depending on condition.

In today's market, I would say between $450 and $550 would be a good price. Less than that, grab it! More than that, evaluate the gun and your budget, and determine how badly you want it.

Here's an example of how prices can go, no rhyme or reason.

Model 28-2, 4", S serial number, Diamond magna grips, $450



Model 27-2, 5", S serial number, Diamond magna grips which number to the gun, $279



Good Luck, if you get it, you won't be sorry.

[countrygun]

IF anybody runs into a P&R 'ed 5" 27 with a yellow insert front sight with a narrow trigger and hammer, get in touch with me. I don't have the serial number but there are a couple of "individual" things I can identify it by. I miss her. young and dumb hurts.

[gunsmoke92]

Originally Posted by countrygun

IF anybody runs into a P&R 'ed 5" 27 with a yellow insert front sight with a narrow trigger and hammer, get in touch with me. I don't have the serial number but there are a couple of "individual" things I can identify it by. I miss her. young and dumb hurts.

Will do, I'll keep an eye out for you. Most of the plastic has disappeared, but the revolvers seem to showing up more and more. Sorry for your loss.

[Berto]

I loved my 4" MOD 28-2, it was the best balanced revolver I ever owned.
They are pleasant to shoot with full power .357mag too.

[Berto]

......

[fnfalman]

The M27 has a gorgeous polished blued finish and checkered top strap as opposed to a simple black blued finish and plain top strap on the M28. I don't know what other cosmetic differences are.

[Berto]

The mod 28 looks more ninja.

[Bruce M]

Originally Posted by gunsmoke92

The model 28 is the working mans model 27. These are quality working mans revolvers that will tame .357 mags with ease. Barrel length wise, the 4" version is more desirable than the 6" model,
...

In today's market, I would say between $450 and $550 would be a good price. Less than that, grab it! ...



Model 27-2, 5", S serial number, Diamond magna grips which number to the gun, $279



...

I would gladly give you $558 for the Model 27; you could double your money for it instantly.




As suggested the differences are a more polished finish and the checkering on the top rib between the Model 27 and Model 28. I like the N frame .357s better than the K or L frames. A bit more than a year ago I saw a Model 28 for $400 that had some finish wear but otherwise seemed fine. That was the lowest I have seen one around here in a while. If I wanted another if I saw a 4" for less than $500 around here I would jump on it. And I would not be surprised to see one marked at $600 +.


My guess is that if you find one that is in decent shape you will like it alot. My other guess is that if you can find one at a reasonable price if you don't like it will be easy to get your money back out of it and maybe even more if you are patient.

[Bruce M]

According to Supica's wonderful book the gun started in 1957 as The Highway Patrolman in 1954, changed to the Model 28 in 1957, changed the extractor to left hand thread as Model 28-1 in 1960, cylinder stop changed and trigger guard screw eliminated as Model 28-2, and no more pinned and recessed as Model 28-3 in 1982.

For a shooter I would probably migrate to a 28-2 (which I would guess were the most produced.) For a collector I would think the 28-1 or the pre Model 28 would be the most desirable.

[HKLovingIT]

Thanks everyone for the great info. I definitely want one for a shooter. The quest begins. I'm thinking a 4 inch 28-2 is the model I'll be after. Should be a lot of fun once I find it.

[RJ's Guns]

I only have model 27s, so I am not certain, but I do not believe that target triggers or target hammers were factory options on a Model 28.

I know that the 27’s finish is a lot better. I have always thought(imagined?) that the 27 has a smoother action, but I may be delusional. In my opinion, the serrated rib on the 27 looks a lot nicer than the plain matt ribon the 28.

RJ

[390ish]

I have 28 4" pinned and recessed. No way I would get rid of it. I put the magnas in a drawer and bought some smooth herret stocks. I do not like checkering on revolver stocks, or rubber, or finger grooves, or lasers, or medallions, or ranch dressing.

[DonD]

Originally Posted by fnfalman

Now you do. At least on picture, anyway.

Your cat just back from the range? I know, feeble attempt at humor. Don

[Pier23]

The Model 28 was my first handgun, sold to me by a Baptist minister FFL holder in Kentucky.

It is a big, ugly, brute of a revolver that will always, ALWAYS go bang.

Shoot the thing at night with full power .357 loads and watch this amazing flame come out of the muzzle.

I had rubber Hogue grips on mine foe amwhile...beat the hell out of my hand. Went back to the stock grips.

Frankly not my favorite piece to shoot but would take nothing for it.

[ca survivor]

It's funny a few hours ago I was thinking in trading my 28, I'm keeping it now.