B Shipley: My local dealer had a cherry 6" Model 27 in the case right now for $375. It looks like it came out of the box, but I didn't examine it closely outside the display case.
The Model 28 does have a matte finish with adjustable sights.
B., referring back to your other thread, when you get to B'ham area, email me and we'll hook up at the club. I have 4" 28, a 6" 28 and an 8 3/8" 27 you can try out.
A search of site's like Gunbroker and Gunsamerica, will show very nice 28's going for $250 to $300. The Highway Patrolman is a fine example of a 357 Smith.
With a fair amount of dry firing, the triggers smooth out. Granted, their action will never be as slick as a S&W, but they're good enough for anything I would need them for and they're rock-solid.
I own numerous Rugers and love them all (except for a recent SP101.....quality control problem).
It's not that I dislike S&W, but I've always felt that they (and Colt) were somewhat over-rated and over-priced. Once I started buying Rugers, I never looked back.
Buy whichever one seems to feel best in the hand and I'm sure you'll be happy with it.