Are there any other Smith 28 fans?

[steve]

As much as I love Pythons and the high polish blue, and the checkering of the model 27.............these are without a doubt my favorite .357's

[hammerdown77]

Never actually fired an N frame 357, I usually end up with the K or L frame guns. Might have to rectify that one of these days

That's a nice one you have there, though. Prices on the 28s seem to have stayed reasonable, unlike the 27s.

[Frank V]

I guess you don't have to own one to be a fan. Count me in. I've shot friends & they are a great gun.
Frank

[bobwright]

I had one about like yours in the photo, but swapped it off before I really realized what I had.

They are very popular now for conversion to .44 Special.

The one big disadvantage I found with mine was the rather short cylinder. My handloads with the 173 gr. Keith bullet stuck their noses out the front of the cylinder. And I could never handle the N-Frame in DA shooting as well as the K-, and later, L-Framed guns.

But my battery is going increasingly toward single actions these days.

Bob Wright

P.S. Those cartridges you have posed there are collector items now.

[steve]

Bob, I know they are.......Those don't go down range...Photo purpose's only
I bought 2 boxes of those for $5 ea at San Francisco Cow Palace gunshow a long time ago.

[akray]

I've owned 2 or 3 Model 28s, and used to see them at gun shows for right around $200.00 or so. I never really saw the appeal of these guns. I'm glad they're making a comeback in popularity, but they've never been a favorite of mine.

[boxhead]

I have a mint one I picked up cheap a few years ago that is currently out for "an overhaul".

[maxcactus]

Like Hammerdown, I've owned and shot K and L frame 357s but never an N frame, though I have an N frame in .45 Colt. How differently does the N frame 357 shoot? Curious minds want to know.

[gotcha]

I had never owned one till about a year ago, well all I can say it is a keeper!!! I have been contemplating a project with one
unfortunately to many ideas and to little cash. Hope I do not get in trouble for this but on another Board (S&W) there is a very long running thread on the Highway patrolman

[vonfatman]

My first S&W was this 4" unit. Paid $265 otd. I LOVE hot .357 loads in that gun!

Bob

[Frank V]

Jul 7, 2012 21:00:12 GMT -5 bobwright said:

I had one about like yours in the photo, but swapped it off before I really realized what I had.

They are very popular now for conversion to .44 Special.

The one big disadvantage I found with mine was the rather short cylinder. My handloads with the 173 gr. Keith bullet stuck their noses out the front of the cylinder. And I could never handle the N-Frame in DA shooting as well as the K-, and later, L-Framed guns.

But my battery is going increasingly toward single actions these days.

Bob Wright

P.S. Those cartridges you have posed there are collector items now.

I think Elmer Keith & others crimped over the front driving band on those bullets & got along fine that way. Those were the 27s. However I think they have the same cylinder length, maybe the outdoorsman too?
Frank

[robl]

My 4" 28...truck gun...it is slated to get a 45ACP cylinder and 6.5" 1955 target barrel. I like it, it shoots fine but my M19 & 66 do too and my other N frame 357 is an 8 shooter...
Still a fine sixgun that can be had for a reasonable price. I traded a Police trade in G-22 for this one. No picture... just about tired of the 3rd party hoops required to post a picture here.
Take my word for it: It's real nice blued with fancy wood stocks in beautifully carved holster shown with my 100 yard target and a 5 shot 1/4" group...

[2 Dogs]

I had a 28 that was wonderfully accurate. I traded "up" for a beautiful 27 that didnt shoot nearly as well. Dumb move. I replaced it with a older Colt Trooper that is blisteringly accurate. But if I came across another that was a good shooter I would most definitely move on it.

[edk]

Jul 7, 2012 21:00:12 GMT -5 bobwright said:

The one big disadvantage I found with mine was the rather short cylinder. My handloads with the 173 gr. Keith bullet stuck their noses out the front of the cylinder.

I hear this quite a bit and won't discount the comment. On the other hand since I've been casting I've picked up a 180gr LBT FN that works fine and with the thicker nose profile vs the Keith it permits just about the same amount of powder space. So this is a fairly good work-around for those wanting to shoot a heavier bullet.

I know these take a back seat to the 27 but I came across an unfired one that was priced fair and jumped on it. Also agree the 27/28 are a big platform for the 357 and understand why many prefer the K frames. On the other hand notice how over the past 5-10 years or so even the most dye-in-the-wool wheelgun fans are carrying tupperware? Is that argument becoming less relevant? Anyhow they are certainly a nice platform for heavy loads and the workmanship for the price is outstanding by any measure.

[Bowenbuilt]

My 1968 model 4 screw. Where ever you see me it won't be far away. It has saved my bacon more than once. I keep it loaded with LBT 180 grn. WFNGC and a heavy dose of H-110. It's old and rusty just like me but it continues to get the job done when the chips are down. I know I could pick a lighter, more attractive and up to date carry gun but so far anything I point it at rolls over and dies. Just 2 old ugly dinosaurs I guess.