Did I pass up anything special? S&W M28

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Nick_C_S

New member
Poked my head in my LGS today; as I do from time to time.

They had a used S&W model 28. Weren't these known as a "Highway Patrolman?" How do they differ from a M27?

The one in my LGS look well cared for. But I think it had a lot of rounds through it. Lockup was just okay. The finish looked dull, but otherwise smooth, with no scratches or holster wear. Trigger was heavy, but smooth. 4" bbl, btw.

I'm not really that interested in it (like I said, I think it was a high round count gun). But it did pique my interest in knowing more about these Model 28's.
 
The only difference between the M27 & M28 is the price , M27 is 1/3 more , and the M28 has a matt finish while the M27 has a nice bright finish.
The M28 was always a bargin for those not wanting shiney stuff. These .357s can take full power .357 loads all day long ! They are of course the same size as the M29. If it's in good shape buy it !!!:D
 
and the M28 has a matt finish
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Well that explains the finish part. I thought is was old and worn. But it was oddly too "smooth and even." Had me confused. Now I understand why. Thanks.
 
How much were they asking?
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I'm reluctant to answer this because I'm in California. And when it comes to handguns in California, the situation is apples n oranges compared to the rest of the country. We might as well be another country, for that matter. A very authoritarian country.

I digress. . .

The gun is on consignment. Which is the only way the purchase of a model 28 is legal here. And no such guns can be "imported" into California. So what is here is here - and that's it.

The seller was asking $549. I suppose I could talk them out of a few bucks; but that was the asking price. If it were in pristine condition, it would probably sell for $800+ here.
 
That is the question...what was the asking price?
In decent shape, six-eight years ago, that might have been a $400-450 revolver.
Four years ago, it was probably a $600-650 revolver.
These days? I'm not sure what M-28 prices are.

But older S&W revolvers seem to be a bit like real estate: you cannot pay too much (within reason), you can only buy too soon.
 
I've had a couple M28s. The actions have been smooth as glass and will eat anything! The price for one that is unscathed is pretty good IMHO.
 
The Model 28s also don't have the checkering on top the revolver between the front and rear sights.

The Model 28 was made as a "duty gun" for the field police officer and of course, Highway Patrolman. It wasn't as fancy as the Model 27, but it didn't have to be. They were still as well put together on the inside.
 
It looked good. Well treated. But cylinder lock-up left a lot to be desired. Like I said, I'm pretty sure it was a high round count gun.
 
For some reason many guys think the 28 and 27 are the same. Well, sort of...

The 27 always was the deluxe, top of the line revolver for S&W. Many barrel lengths were offered (3.5" is most popular but 5" is my favorite) along with sight options, trigger options and choice of high polish blue or shiny nickel.

The Highway Patrolman (Model 28 after 1957) had only the choice of 4" or 6" barrel as options. Matte blue, and lacking the deluxe features of the 27. Same frame size and internal parts, but that's about all they shared. The HP or 28 was meant to be a low cost service revolver for cops on a budget who wanted 357 power. It really should not be compared to the 27.

A cult following has developed with the 28. Many insist it's superior to the 27 (which is ridiculous) and recently prices on 28s are beyond comprehension. At a recent show I actually saw a dealer with a 27 and a 28 side by side with the 28 priced $50 higher.

This is a 1st year HP with a 4" barrel.

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Here are a couple of 27s showing the extra features and options available.

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When you say the lockup was "just okay," what exactly do you mean? Was there a lot of rotational play? Endshake? Not carrying up on all chambers? The reason I ask is because these different conditions can be indicative of different sorts of wear with varying degrees of difficulty/expense to fix. In decent shooting shape, $549 is a very fair price on a M28 in today's market.
 
I'm curious about lockup as well. Having owned several in the S&W line with a couple ridden hard earlier in life. Even those locked up tight with the hammer and trigger held back simultaneously. Some buyers when testing only cock the hammer leaving a loose wobble in the cylinder. Just curious if you gave the 28 a fair test ?
Also, was there a burn line in the underside of the top strap above the forcing cone ?
 
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high round count gun
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The Model 28 doesn't care how many rounds have been through it. You'll never hunt a '28 shooting it. Its made to be shot.

The finish is different (matted vs. polish blue) then the 27. That is a Plus for a service revolver and that's what the Model 28 is, its a service revolver, met to be carried and used.

You don't want a shinny revolver reflecting light when you're sneaking around doing building searches.

I have a nice Model 27, good shooter, but its not as smooth as my 28, it was when both were brand new but it doesn't have near the rounds through it as my '28. Not by a long shot.

In "POLICE ADMINISTRATION" by O.W. Wilson (use to be referred to as the Bible for police admin) Mr. Wilson said "the revolver should be robust and heavy so it could be used as a club if necessary".

He had the Model 28 in mind.

I shot the holy crap out of my Model 28 since it was issued to me in 1974, I retired in '94 and my Department gave me the gun when I left. I still shot the heck out of it. Now for bowling pin matches. Its my go to revolver for serious use. I've put down several moose after vehicle-moose disputes with mine. I've killed deer and even a buffalo. All using 150 gr. LSWC bullets.

My '28 likes those and I found them more effective then the jacketed hollow points when dealing with large animals. They are more accurate in my gun also.

I'd jump at one for $549 even though I have one (and a Model 27). If you want a pretty gun to set in the gun case then move on, if you want a heavy revolver that will never let you down for serious work, then grab the Model 28.

Model%2028.JPG
 
I love my Model 28. In fact, I had four of them (all 6") but wound up selling two of them during the last couple years.

It really should not be compared to the 27.
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I'm going to disagree on this point. Actually, I think the model 27 is the only gun you should compare a model 28 to.

They are the same gun, other than the finish and some features. Same car, the M27 has the "fancy paint job and all the options".

The 27 is finished in either what S&W calls "high luster blue" (their regular top of the line finish) or nickel.

The 28 is finished in "Satin Blue" (a low gloss finish), which I actually like better than the high luster finish, personally.

M27 came with the white outline rear and read ramp front sight. The 28 sights are just plain "black".

The topstrap & rib of the 27 are grooved to reduce glare. The same parts of the 28 are "bead blasted" to a flat finish, to reduce glare.

The 27 came with the Target Hammer & Trigger. The 28 did not. (you can find 28s that have been fitted with the TH & TT, S&W used to sell the parts)

The 27 came with the large "target" style grips. The 28 came with the smaller "magna" style grips.

The 27 was offered in a range of barrel lengths from 2.5" to 8 3/8". The 28 was only offered in either a 4 or 6 inch barrel.

Those are the main points, and of course the price. For a long time, the model 28 has been a "sleeper", a fine gun, at a good price, largely overlooked by the public and ignored by collectors. That has changed.

The last handgun I would get rid of is my favorite model 28. It has the target hammer and trigger, and wears pachmyr grips. Accurate and hell for stout, and my father had one, so the Highway Patrolman has a special place in my heart.
 
For some reason many guys think the 28 and 27 are the same. Well, sort of...

The Highway Patrolman (Model 28 after 1957) had only the choice of 4" or 6" barrel as options. Matte blue, and lacking the deluxe features of the 27. Same frame size and internal parts, but that's about all they shared. The HP or 28 was meant to be a low cost service revolver for cops on a budget who wanted 357 power. It really should not be compared to the 27.
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I don't see why not. Sharing the same frame and internal parts is a lot of common ground. I don't think they're the same, but they're certainly similar.

A cult following has developed with the 28. Many insist it's superior to the 27 (which is ridiculous) and recently prices on 28s are beyond comprehension. At a recent show I actually saw a dealer with a 27 and a 28 side by side with the 28 priced $50 higher.
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I can't imagine how a 28 could be considered in any way superior to a 27. As good as, maybe in certain aspects, superior, no. Well, OK, it does have a cool name.

The only possible justification for a higher price on a 28 would be if the 28 were absolutely mint. Many 28s have seen holster service and mint examples are rare.
 
Howdy

Top view of a Model 27 in front and Model 28 at the rear. The 27 has knurling on the top strap, rear sight, and barrel rib. The top strap of the 28 has a matte finish with longitudinal grooves on the rear sight and barrel rib.

TopStrapsModel27model19_zps74473905.jpg
 
That's interesting Driftwood. I have a 28-2 shipped late 70's, I think 79 if I recall. Mine has no lines whatsoever on the barrel rib or rear sight.

To the OP: I gladly paid $515 OTC for my 6" 28-2 about a year ago. I didn't even know much about the value of them or whether it was a descent deal or not, I just figured any old P&R Smith in descent shape is worth 5 bills all day and twice on sunday. Mine is in 98% or better, finish is just shy of flawless. I don't think mine was fired much at all by the looks and mechanics of it and it is the most accurate 357 I have owned.

Bottom line in my opinion: yes, you passed up something good.. so long as it wasn't priced in the stratosphere.

First pic is how mine came. Original Magnas.


After firing stout 357 out of it and finding out just how smooth a shooter it is, i decided to put on a set of N-frame targets I had kicking around. I liek the looks of those better.



The HP is a fine workhorse of a revolver. It can take more punishment than the L-frame (and thats alot). It is a little bulky, but if you want a heavy duty 357 that will eat a steady diet of stout mags for a lifetime then this is it.
 
44 AMP

I guess it depends on what you think goes into making a revolver. If it's just parts assembled to function, then go ahead and lump the 28 in with the 27. They are both heavy frame 357s. They shoot essentially the same. If that's all you care about then fine.

I don't see it that way. I look beyond function to aesthetics and that elusive panache. IMO the 28 is plain and utilitarian while the 27 is gorgeous. The 28 works fine while the 27 oozes panache.
 
When you say the lockup was "just okay," what exactly do you mean? Was there a lot of rotational play?
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By "just okay," I was actually being quite generous. There was a lot of rotational play. More than any Smith I've ever had in my hand And that's why I thought it was a high round count gun. (I know it's an N-frame and is thus, built very tough.) I did not check it for cylinder thrust (forward/back) play.

The trigger felt smooth (but heavy). Cylinder rotation was smooth.
 
I agree that the 28 and 27 are the same gun without the special touches that the 27 got.
I have owned a 5 inch 27 and multiple 28’s. The one 28 I have now was used when I bought it back in the early 80’s. I had a different barrel mounted (44) and the cylinder was bored out to hold the 44 special.
This gun has seen umpteen thousands of rounds and a lot of Elmer Keith loads.
Please don’t take this wrong, but when you say the lock up do you mean the lock up with the trigger pulled and the hammer down?
Even with the issue you talked about for +500$ I would have taken it home.
 
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