28-2

[Matthew 25]

I shouldn't even go into pawn shops.
I went in and saw what I thought was a slightly worn 4" 29. The fellow says, "That's a 28." I'm such a poor S&W student I didn't know what that was. I looked at it and thumbed it...it is the smoothest revolver action I have ever felt! It makes my Python feel like a new Ruger. It is truly beyond my imagination. So guess what I just bought. Like I needed another old revolver, in .357 at that.

I was hoping to get opinions on the 28-2 from you fellows that know these old Smiths so well.
My goal with this gun is to shoot steel at 100y with irons. My thoughts are to start with a 180/190g and 296. Any old .357 silhouette shooters with advice?

[stubshaft]

You can by all means shoot steel hogs at 100 with a 357. I used to shoot my 4" 66 in fun matches with regular loads using 158's and used a 8 3/4" mdl 27 for revolver. You don't need 180's to knock down hogs! Heck, I used to shoot a stock XP in 221FB for production, with 50 grainers just to pee off my friends (it was the only bolt gun sanctioned for production).

The bottom line is that it will knock down the piggies with regular loads as long as you do your part in shooting at them and if I had one come across my path for a decent price it would get no further.

[subsonic]

My wife really loves hers.

They don't make 'em like they used ta.

[44deerslayer]

I have a 28-2 highway patrol with a 4x Leuplod scope on it it's a one hole gun

[2shot]

I have a 4" and a 6" M-28 and they are great guns!

2shot

[Dan Cash]

M28-2, M27-2; both excelent revolvers. One is prettier but mine both put lead in compact groups. Fine fighting revolvers.

[RKJ]

I've got one (picked up last October) and it is great. It will handle practically anything you could load in it. If you'll go to this site: http://smith-wessonforum.com/ you'll find all the info you'd ever want. :) I got it and then a 66 (K frame, smaller than your 28 N frame) and can't decide which I like more, so I just shoot and enjoy them both.

[bobthenailer]

A 28 6 inch S&W was my first centerfire handgun bought back in the 1970s . although accurate the cylinder is shorter and takes cartradges with a shorter COL than the 686 or 66 revolvers are capable of chambering. I dont know why S&W never corrected this as there is plenty of barrel shank left in the frame to do so.

[405]

The big N frames are great handguns. Not the lightest, most compact to carry but very pleasant to shoot. For those who have them check the "dash" model. The extractor rod changed from right hand to left hand thread in most numbered model S&Ws with the dash-1 production change. I see a lot of extractor rods buggered by pliers.

[keyhole]

I have a 6" M28-2 bought new in 1972, about 2 days after I turned 21. Over the years I have had many Smiths, but this one has one of the smoother actions of any. It came with the small grips, which were not comfortable for my larger hands. After trying several aftermarket grips, I finally settled on the factory target N-frame grips.

[BruceB]

Seems like S&W revolvers MULTIPLY in the dark.

A few years back, I ended-up with more S&W N-frame .357s than one man could reasonably use, so I passed a couple of them on to pals on this Board...now, they get more use and give more fun to the new owners. I STILL have a 4" M19 and my 6" M27, and I love them both.

My tastes in single-actions run to Rugers, but my first love for double-actions falls on Smith y Wesson. Haven't seen any need to change those opinions in about fifty years! Also, anyone who thinks revolvers are "obsolete" is full of prunes, as Jack O'Connor liked to say.

[MGySgt]

I have 2 Mod 28's one bought new in 1980 and one bought used at a gun show about 1998.

Both shoot good!

[Mk42gunner]

N frames.

If they fit your hand, they are a great gun. If not they can be so-so. I am still looking for the set of grips that feel right in my hand.

I always thought the 4" balalnced better for me; unfortunately, the only ones I have owned were 6 or 6 1/2" barrels.

The 27 and 28 will not accept a 358429 crimped in the crimp groove in full length Magnum brass. This shouldn't be surprising, it was designed for N frames chambered in .38 Special.

Robert

[Matthew 25]

Thanks, all. RKJ thanks for the link it looks like a fine site.
Shot the 28-2 at lunch today, just a few rounds of heavy 158 .38s. It did well at 20y and 3/5 looked great at 100y. It is butter in DA fast and close.
Time to make time to develop a longer range .357 load. I always work with larger calibers at distance, I'm kind of excited.