S&W Model 28 [Archive]

BIGGUNGOBOOM

01-24-2009, 04:33 PM

Whats a good price on a S&W model 28? I have been looking around for them and I am finding them Locally for around 500-590 used and 659 new "NEW MEXICO" one, the used ones seem to be Patrol man versions.

anything other then the standard things that I should look for

what the difference between the 28 and the 19 ?

Jayhawker

01-24-2009, 04:37 PM

I've got the Highway Patrolman. If I rembember right, I paid like $550 for my in mint condition. Great shooter. I have not really been a fan of S&W's until then. As for the differences, the main one is that the 28 is on the N-frame, while the 19 is a K-frame.

nitesite

01-24-2009, 05:03 PM

The Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman is one of the finest .357 Magnum revolvers ever produced. Four-inch examples cost more than six-inchers. Model 28-3s dropped the pinned and recessed feature that is so coveted in S&W magnum revolvers, and while not produced in very large numbers before the gun was discontinued, are valued less than the -2s.

These guns are experiencing a tremendous surge in popularity, with the -2 variant most often seen.

Ten years ago they were being dumped off and could be bought for $250 in VG condition. Nowadays, a 4" in VG condition will set you back at least $450 and one LNIB will go $600.

It's just unreal.

My 28 has the most incredible DA/SA trigger imagineable for a totally stock untuned action and the mainspring is fully tensioned.

It might be the very last handgun I would ever part with if, God forbid, I had to drastically reduce the number of handguns in my posession.

If you have more detailed info about a particular one, please jump in here and share what you're thinking. :)

nitesite

01-24-2009, 05:08 PM

Forgot something.

The cylinder of the 19 is longer than the 28, allowing it to chamber the #358429 cast Keith bullet when crimped into the top crimp groove.

With 28s, you have to use modified designs of the 173-gr Keith bullet (shorter ogive and thinner front driving band) in order to chamber them, or else seat #358429s deeper and crimp over the front driving band.

Or, use #358429s in .38-Special brass crimped in the normal groove with 12.0-gr of 2400 as ol' Elmer did with great success!

Thor's Hammer from a .357 magnum.

JW6108

01-24-2009, 05:35 PM

I sold my 28-2 about 20 years ago when I couldn't afford to have a bunch of guns and miss it once in a while. When you got that big cylinder going in double action it seemed to pick up momentum and was very smooth and quick. I have a 686 now and it fills the bill, but I still have some fond memories of that old 28.

They will never go down in value.

nitesite

01-24-2009, 05:57 PM

BIGGUNGOBOOM

01-24-2009, 06:49 PM

Ive been looking at a model 19 and also the 28, im not sure which one I want, they both feel the same to me, I have just always had a fondness for that style cause it was the first gun my dad carried as a LEO. I know that they are supposed to be superb shooters. and i want to add on to my smith collection. the two 28's that I have been looking at are the 28 high way patrol model and the new mexico model, or the model 19 that has some neat things about it. I just dont know

BIGGUNGOBOOM

01-24-2009, 06:50 PM

by the way that is a beautiful 28 nitesite

CZ93X62

01-24-2009, 07:29 PM

Gorgeous Model 28, Nitesite!

BGGB, if you look at the 19 and the 28 side-by-side, the dimensional differences will be immediately apparent. If you plan to run "full-potential" 357 Magnum loads, the Model 28 would be a better choice than most Model 19s. Only late-series K-frame 357s had the metallurgy to withstand sustained use of the 43K PSI loads originally intended as true "357 Magnums". The K-frames won't blow up, but will wear prematurely and develop "end shake" over time. The N-frame S&Ws (27, 28) will digest them with relish, as will the L-frames (586 or 686). With the accellerated wear issue in the K-frames, and the J-frame 357s on drawing boards, SAAMI reduced the mean product pressures of commercial 357 Magnum ammunition to 36K PSI some years ago.

nitesite

01-24-2009, 07:56 PM

BGGB and CZ93~

Thanks. I really am quite fond of that revolver. Don't knock the grips, I bought them specifically for that gun.

N-Frame S&Ws are special in a way that my daily-carry sidearms can never compare.

Every winter I look forward to putting on outerwear that allows me to CCW that Highway Patrolman. Talk about inspiring confidence!

Here's a thread from the S&W-Forum that might give you some pricing information,,,

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/530103904/m/8181036043

Brass Nazi

01-24-2009, 08:06 PM

I paid $425 for a nearly mint 6" 28-2 a few years ago. It has a smooth yet stiff trigger pull. Maybe it needs to be broken in?

BIGGUNGOBOOM

01-24-2009, 08:23 PM

God I think I want that 28-2 Highway Patrol one. gonna have to work something out with him.

nitesite

01-24-2009, 08:30 PM

I paid $425 for a nearly mint 6" 28-2 a few years ago. It has a smooth yet stiff trigger pull. Maybe it needs to be broken in?

If the DA trigger is absolutely smooth and the SA trigger breaks at about 2-lbs with zero overtravel then it's about right for a 28-2.

I consider that to be a flawless combination.

Side note: What kinda loads do you put thru yours, James?

nitesite

01-24-2009, 08:33 PM

OK, I've got to ask what the hell is a New Mexico Model 28, BGGB? I'm a retard, mind you, and I have never heard of that one.
<===============================

Brass Nazi

01-24-2009, 08:41 PM

I have not really fired it much. I have shot some 158gr JHP over a stiff load of H-110 but most of the time I use 141 or 148gr wadcutters over 3.2gr of HP-38 in .38 special brass.

nitesite

01-24-2009, 08:47 PM

Is the SA trigger almost scary light and crisp? Like astonishing?

You'd really have fun with 358429s and 2400 in .38-Special brass, James. You can't help thinking to yourself that Elmer and Skeeter, and probably Bill Jordan all cut their teeth on similar loads and N-Frames.

Brass Nazi

01-24-2009, 08:53 PM

You are going to make me go pull that thang out aren't you?:gun2:

I believe that the single action pull is somewhat light and really crisp. The Double action is smooth but stiff.

mbradst

01-24-2009, 10:38 PM

You guys are gonna make me cry. I sold my 28-2 a few years ago. I got a great deal on it. My brother in law got a bunch of guns in a estate sale and sold me a stainless Ruger 10/22 and a 6" 28-2 for $500. I wanted to get my wife a par of earrings and put a post up on a few boards to see if I could get $500 for it. I put down $500 OBO, and within 4 hrs I had a PM from a GT member with an offer for $550. He offered me more than I asked for it because he was buying every 28-2 he could get his hands on. I sold it to him and thought I was getting a good deal. I wish I had not done it. Smoothest action I had ever felt on a revolver. I will look for pics to post.

BIGGUNGOBOOM

01-24-2009, 10:42 PM

OK, I've got to ask what the hell is a New Mexico Model 28, BGGB? I'm a retard, mind you, and I have never heard of that one.
<===============================
its the same thing just has New Mexico state police marked on it, I think thats it. every thing else is the same

JW6108

01-25-2009, 10:45 AM

MONTEGOD7SS

01-25-2009, 11:38 AM

One of my favorite camping, hiking, and woods walking sidearms of all time. Sorry, I just had to post a pic of mine.

Now back to BGGB's original topic...... BGGB, if you get a nice example it'll never disappoint you. Promise.

Man Nitesite, that is nice looking! Has it been reblued or is that factory?

CZ93X62

01-25-2009, 12:18 PM

My first new handgun purchase was a Model 28 x 6" in 1976, and it left during a Divorce Fire Sale some years back. Selling that one was like betraying a friend, and it left a very bad taste in my mouth--but bad times sometimes prompt such actions.

The Model 28 was a very fine marketing idea by S&W, a less-refined finish on a fine platform for the 357 Magnum for LEOs and sportsmen/women. It is a very practical idea as well, and would sell well today--especially if put up in classic trim with the 8-shot cylinder of the current 627 variants. Leave the cylinder unfluted--in service-grade blue or stainless steel (NOT Krylon Barbecue Pit Black)--4" barrel--SOLD.

With the advent of the L-frame 357s in 1981, the N-frame 357s kinda withered as a concept. The 586/686 is definitely a "357 Magnum Done Right", with sufficient cylinder length to fit cast bullets like the #358429 in 357 casings. Still, the N-frame is a fine home for the 357 Magnum.

MullahElRon

01-25-2009, 12:24 PM

One of my favorite camping, hiking, and woods walking sidearms of all time. Sorry, I just had to post a pic of mine.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/nitesite9/Model28-2_Hogue.jpg

Now back to BGGB's original topic...... BGGB, if you get a nice example it'll never disappoint you. Promise.

My first new handgun purchase was a Model 28 x 6" in 1976, and it left during a Divorce Fire Sale some years back. Selling that one was like betraying a friend, and it left a very bad taste in my mouth--but bad times sometimes prompt such actions.

The Model 28 was a very fine marketing idea by S&W, a less-refined finish on a fine platform for the 357 Magnum for LEOs and sportsmen/women. It is a very practical idea as well, and would sell well today--especially if put up in classic trim with the 8-shot cylinder of the current 627 variants. Leave the cylinder unfluted--in service-grade blue or stainless steel (NOT Krylon Barbecue Pit Black)--4" barrel--SOLD.

With the advent of the L-frame 357s in 1981, the N-frame 357s kinda withered as a concept. The 586/686 is definitely a "357 Magnum Done Right", with sufficient cylinder length to fit cast bullets like the #358429 in 357 casings. Still, the N-frame is a fine home for the 357 Magnum.
Glory! Sniff...got me some dust in mah eyes... :patriot:

nitesite

01-25-2009, 02:57 PM

Man Nitesite, that is nice looking! Has it been reblued or is that factory?

It's the original factory bluing. Other than the Hogues I haven't altered a thing.

Awesome revolvers, they are!

Thanks errybody for the compliments... :)

MullahElRon

01-25-2009, 03:05 PM

An they wonner why we complain about Krylon, round butts an' glory holes.

AlPackin

01-25-2009, 03:30 PM

It's the original factory bluing. Other than the Hogues I haven't altered a thing.

Awesome revolvers, they are!

Thanks errybody for the compliments... :)

beautiful Dave, just beautiful :thumbsup:

MullahElRon

01-25-2009, 03:56 PM

It's the original factory bluing. Other than the Hogues I haven't altered a thing.

Awesome revolvers, they are!

Thanks errybody for the compliments... :)Did you bring enough for the whole class?

creophus

01-26-2009, 08:29 AM

nitesite

01-26-2009, 10:19 AM

They're Hogue, AJ. Kinda different, aren't they?

creophus

01-26-2009, 10:27 AM

Yeah they are. Very different from what I normally associate with Hogue.

MONTEGOD7SS

01-26-2009, 11:11 AM

I think they call that Lamo Camo.

MullahElRon

01-26-2009, 12:44 PM

I don't have any, but I take a lot of second looks at dyed laminated grips.

Blackdog

01-27-2009, 06:10 PM

Awesome lookin' revolver Nitesite!

I just picked up a Smith 28-2 HP 4" a few weeks ago. It came with some Pachmayr grips, which fit me nicely, but now I'm jones'in for a set of those Hogue grips. The blueing on mine has some "honest wear", but the action's tight, and I picked it up for just over 3 bills. This one's a shooter. I like the heft of the N-frame, and of course, Smith triggers are da bomb.

nitesite

01-27-2009, 08:38 PM

Blackdog (Dave)~

Thanks. :)

You recently bought a 28-2 for three bills? WAY TO GO! That's a very low price for a tight Highway Patrolman, even if it has some holster wear.

Dave, these revolvers practically beg to be shot a lot with heavy or light loads, for as long as you wish. I think that 158- to 180-gr bullets are best from them. But even the famous 125-gr SJHP Remington R357M1 load is tamed by the sheer size and mass of a Model 28.

You need some bullets? I have some 158-gr JSP and 180-gr XTP so if you'd like, I'll send some to you for you to try.

:)

Blackdog

01-28-2009, 11:53 AM

NS,

Thanks for the offer on bullets, but I'm casting 158 gr SWC's for it, and I'd like to stick with lead boolits on this one. Switching between lead and jacketed makes for some tough cleaning jobs. Might look for a mold for heavier boolits with gas checks. Sounds interesting.

BD

nitesite

01-28-2009, 12:24 PM

I like the 158-gr cast LSWC for mine as well. That's about all it ever sees anymore.

While I have shot the 180-gr XTP I wonder what problems one might have regarding seating depth and OAL with some of the cast bullets in that weight range.

MakeMineaP99

01-28-2009, 01:02 PM

What moulds y'all using for 158 LSWC? H&G? I'm debating on picking up an H&G mould for the Python.

Dark Horse

01-28-2009, 05:37 PM

NiteSite, that is a stunning Piece.

Mullah, the Laminates are nice, I ended up with a Boyds laminate on my Savage .22 target rifle. Get the grips next time you see some you like, you'll like them.

CZ93X62

01-29-2009, 02:18 AM

My current N-frame S&W 357 enjoys Lyman #358156, which comes with two crimp groove heights--as if tailored for the needs of the revo's short cylinder by Thompson. It's a 155 grain SWC with gas check heel. The Lee version of this design has a shorter nose, FWIW.

Brass Nazi

02-11-2009, 05:44 PM

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g234/JRTRAPP1/guns/DSC00052.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g234/JRTRAPP1/guns/DSC00033.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g234/JRTRAPP1/guns/DSC00038.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g234/JRTRAPP1/guns/DSC00032.jpg

Brass Nazi

02-11-2009, 05:46 PM

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g234/JRTRAPP1/guns/DSC00047.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g234/JRTRAPP1/guns/DSC00040.jpg

AlPackin

02-11-2009, 05:58 PM

Beautiful JT, just beautiful :thumbsup:

CZ93X62

02-11-2009, 06:02 PM

Mighty purty, indeed!

nitesite

02-11-2009, 06:14 PM

JT,

Thank You!

Emmer really nice pics of some really great classic revolvers! You are WAY ahead of those poor souls who don't own a few good wheelguns.

Excellent taste you have, Sir! :)

gwalchmai

02-11-2009, 06:30 PM

An N-frame .357 is hard to beat.

And hard to get beat with. ;)

Bush Pilot

02-11-2009, 06:53 PM

That be one sweet gun NS.

nitesite

02-11-2009, 06:59 PM

JT,

Your 28-2 looks nearly mint. Care to share some history?

Brass Nazi

02-11-2009, 07:05 PM

Nothing special. I bought it from someone on the S&W forum who said he bought it ten years before from the original owner. I have the box and papers. There is a card with the original owners name and the place of purchase on it. It has been shot very little. I would venture that the first two owners combined put less than a few boxes of ammunition through it. I have fired it some but not often. My 686 gets most of the use.

nitesite

02-11-2009, 07:32 PM

That be one sweet gun NS.

Hello, BP. Thank you. It's made a convert out of many young Tupperware shooters at the range who have shot a revolver for the very first time. Big smiles all around.

nitesite

02-11-2009, 07:41 PM

Nothing special. I think it is. I bought it from someone on the S&W forum who said he bought it ten years before from the original owner. I have the box and papers. There is a card with the original owners name and the place of purchase on it. It has been shot very little. I would venture that the first two owners combined put less than a few boxes of ammunition through it. I have fired it some but not often. You cannot possibly shoot it enough to wear it out. My 686 gets most of the use. I like my 4" 686 a lot but since it's a more modern design it just doesn't hold as much fascination as shooting a Highway Patrolman

Your 686 is really fine, though. I'd shoot it a lot, too. Very nice!