Interested in Smith & Wesson Model 28 or The Like

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I'm looking for a Smith & Wesson Model 28 or the modern version of it. I really don't know anything about these guns or what to look for. I want either a 4" or 6" barrel, likely the 6".

All of S&W's new revolvers of the .38-.357 variety seem to be stainless. What happened to that dark bluing with wooden grips?

I'd like to go as new as possible really but would prefer to have it without the lock.

Thank you for the info!
 
The last year of production for the S&W Model 28, was approximately 1984. The last year for the cylinder being recessed and the barrel being pinned, was 1982. For collecting, I'd prefer to have the recessed cylinder and the pinned barrel. But, for shooting, I'd prefer the non-recessed cylinder(Because it is easier to clean!)and, the pinned barrel isn't meaningful to have just for a revolver for shooting!
 
As far as I can tell all they make now is a 7 or 8 shot .357 on the N frame...its a real shame too.
 
You need to hit gunshows. I've got two Model 27s, a 3 1/2" and a 6 1/2". I got them both at Ohio Gun Collector's Association shows. When I was looking for the 6 1/2" gun, all I saw at first were Model 28s and 38/44s Heavy Duties.

You shouldn't have much trouble finding a used Model 28 at a gunshow if you're reasonably alert.
 
I've own three early Model 27's over the years and find them (and the Model 28) much smoother than the stainless steel guns that came out later.

Deaminator's right. Check out gun shows or the gun auction sites for used blued N-frame revolvers. Prices are reasonable for the out-of-fashion six shot revolvers.
 
I bought a four-inch M28 from KY Imports some years ago.
My local dealer brought it to MI for me.
It's one of the most accurate .357 Magnum revolvers I've fired.
It's been hard to find a bad load for it.
I have a El Paso Saddlery "Street Combat" and a Ed Blocker thumbreak holster that fit the M28.

My gun was a former Pueblo Colorado Police Department gun.
It has blue wear, but a shiny bore. I'm more interested in the bore condition than the shape the blue is in anyway.

I've run across a few in little gun stores here and there, but if I had to have one right now I'd look on Gunsamerica.

You won't find a new one, but I don't think you'll be disappointed with one that was "pre-owned."
 
The first handgun I bought was a used 6" Model 27-2 in 1974. I still have it and it still shoots great. I have since added a few more. The Model 28 is the same gun without the deluxe finish. They made more Model 27s than Model 28s, so the price of the Model 28s is going up relative to the 27s. Good luck in finding yours.
 
M-28 Highway Patrolman

The guns shop I financially support had 2 M-28s, 4" bbls, last week. Sunday they were down to one and it had $350 ~ $360 on it. It looked really nice. You can also still find grips at Hogue or Ajax or Eagle....maybe even more places. Blued with Walnut, Goncalo, Rosewood, whatever isn't dead. They are out there waiting for you to buy one. Good hunting. You can't do much better than an M-27 or an M-28.
 
You can also still find grips at Hogue or Ajax or Eagle....maybe even more places.
Click to expand...
There are LOTS of places to get N frame grips. CDNN used to always have a big stock of Siles.

A good place is gunshows. Here in the Cleveland area, there are always tables with boxes full of used or remaindered grips, of all kinds. You just either need a good eye to tell which is which, or better, just bring the gun and try them.
 
I think that you will have to buy used to find the blued and walnut stocked revolver you desire. The good thing is you will get a better gun for less money that way.

It is still possible to find Model 28s at very affordble prices on the used market. The Model 27 draws all the attention, and the Highway Patrolman is like a red headed stepchild. It is no less a fine revolver though. Model 27s seem to be going for $400+ now. Model 28's seem to be selling for $200-300. I found this one in a pawn shop for $239.

SmithWessonModel28-2.gif
 
Blued S&Ws

I stipulate that you won't be getting the same revolver you'd have gotten 20 years back, but Smith is selling some nice new/old models in blue steel and with wooden grips. The Thunder Ranch .44 isn't my pick because of the gold plastered on the side, but the blued .45ACP I saw Sunday looks good. The nickel .44 Spl I bought Sunday is very nice. The wooden grips are laminated and the firing pin's in the wrong place, but it is close.
 
I actually carry a 4" model 28-2 ('71-'72 vinatge) as my CCW piece.

Not exactly the lightest gun around, but the controllability (spelling?), durability, and the .357 round is just too good a combination to pass up.

A little better dressed is the model 27, cosmetics only.

I have been shooting the M28 for over 30 years now and the only problem I have ever had was the ejector rod coming loose and not allowing the cylinder to swing out. Easy fix.

The S&W N Frame .357s are built to last.
I need to clean mine up a bit and take a better picture.
357.jpg
 
I had a 28, 4" about 30 years ago. No one could ask for a finer revolver. I traded mine only because it got heavy on the hip......Essex
 
@ Cocked&Locked: that's absolutely gorgeous! I like T-grips, and I like stag, and here comes you with both! Is there anybody that carries Elk or similar grips for less than the $145 that Eagle charges for N-frames?


It's all the fault of y'all on this forum: I had to go pick up a 28. I'd reached that certain magical point in a young man's life where he experiences a strange new longing for a S&W N-frame. I didn't get an amazing deal like everyone else here does, but I feel okay with the $350 that I paid. Considering that, if S&W still made them, they'd MSRP at $800 and have a frame-mounted pin, MIM parts and a lock, I'd say that I did okay.

Have not gotten out to the range with it yet, but this is an extremely cool revolver. It's huge, but still feels balanced. The only purchase that I've been this stoked about before was my Argentine Sistema 1911, which is still the highlight of my collection (and wears bone grips from Spresser Knifeworks).

I'm blaming all of you for my flagrant expenditure of folding money. Take care,

-MV
 
I think if I needed a DA six-shooter 357, I'd do a GP100. At least as tough in terms of "not blowing up with an overcharge" tough, toughER in terms of the lockwork...27s/28s have trouble eventually if you rapid-fire light loads, the ratchet/star/pawl area gets beat to death. That's why the K-Frame 357s/38s with a ton of extra weight added were used in PPC over the 27/28 family.

A GP100 trigger can smooth up to an absolute thing of beauty, able to match (in my opinion) the best classic S&Ws. I've handled range-rental GP100s that have had the snot shot out of 'em and not only are they still tight, both the DA ad SA trigger were just out of this world.

One other interesting detail. For some reason Ruger GP100 barrels shoot "faster" than an equivelent length classic S&W 27/28. By about 100fps. The newest S&Ws seem to match the Rugers or come close.
 
Model 28s

I am sure the model 28 would have problems if it gets enough rounds down the tube. In 1977 a friend and I...[he was killed on the job on 4-14-1978] got into target shooting and fired in the Georgia Governor's Twenty series. I tried a snazzy Model 19 and began to have trouble with burned powder getting under the "star" and freezing up the cylinder after reloads... A good friend and a Master class gunsmith, Travis Strahan, suggested I try the Model 28. I did...and I fell head over heels for the big N frames. I don't mean to suggest I'm a master class shot. Far from it. But what I did never came close to challenging the abilities of the M-28 on the range. Mr. Strahan stoned the action on the M-28 and did nothing else to make it magnificent on the line. For many years around that time I carried a M-28 on the job...in both 4" and 6" barrels. I have never had a more accurate and reliable handgun.:eek:
 
Owned two at different times early in my LEO career, carrying them as a uniform duty piece and for a little while as a plainclothes piece. Great guns, but big. Sold both for some now unknown, flimsy reason and recently picked up another "just because" they are great guns.

Truth be told, though, the GP-100 is probably a better gun. I have a 4" with a great DA; it fits me better than the M28, feels better in recoil, and if anyone has worn one out I'm not aware of it.
 
Mr. March is an esteemed member of this forum, and much more knowledgeable about firearms than myself.

That being said, his affection for the cast wonders (Rugers) is politely overlooked by those of us who bleed S&W blue. I keep reading about these fine triggers on the "R" guns, but I've never felt one on the ones I've owned it fits of temporary insanity. I once owned a 10/22 (one of three I've owned - slow learner!) that took two men and a small boy to let off. I have felt some okay ones that have been gunsmithed. Almost any N frame Smith will have a single action trigger pull that will have you throwing your autoloaders in the nearest lake.

Buy the original, and still the best. If you buy one in good condition, and manage to wear it out shooting it, I'll pay for the repairs.

In the interest of full disclose, I will say that I own two Rugers; a New Model Bearcat (with of course a gunsmithed trigger), and a Mini-14 Ranch Rifle that I really like. Since my wife sometimes looks over my shoulder, we just won't mention anything about how many S&W's I do or do not own.
 
Model 28 Highway Patrolman

The Smith & Wesson model 28 Highway Patrolman has to be one of the best revolvers made, I have had mine for nearly 20 years and I love it. I have one with a 6” barrel, I put pachmayer grips on it and it fits my hand "just right". I am considering buying a .500 Smith & Wesson Magnum. My model 28 will feel like a cap gun compared to the .500.
 
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