[Fat Boy]

Thinking of trading my Colt 1911 for a S&W model 28...

My concern is that the 28 has some cylinder play (side to side- not end shake) on lock up; not much, but it is there. The gap from cylinder to forcing cone is close; I don't see a problem there. The screw heads look clean; no evidence of any "Homegrown" gunsmithing- The gun has blue wear at the muzzle, cylinder, etc; all the places I would expect from holster carry, and a turn ring on the cylinder. I tend to think this gun is a retiree from law enforcement, maybe a range gun? It is a 4" barrel, blue with Pachmyr grips.

I have always wanted a smith 28, and I am willing to trade the Colt away in the deal, but wondered about the condition; does the play in the cylinder indicate that it is loosening up?

What else might I be missing?

Thanks!

[machinisttx]

ALL revolvers are going to have some rotational play. If the gun checks out, the Colt should go bye-bye.

The only way I'd own a Colt is if I could turn it quick and make a profit.

[springfield30-06]

I suggest that you trade it. I have a Series 80 but like my father's Model 28 much better! I would like to get a 28 myself, but I haven't seen any around my local shops.

[AK103K]

I have both a 28 and a Series 80 Colt. I'd keep the Colt and get the S&W.

I made the mistake years ago of getting rid of my first 28, a 4" gun. The one I have now is a 6" I got cheap off a boy at work going through a divorce. Dont really like the 6" barrel, but hey, its like new and cost me $150. The 4" guns are great pistols, but then again, so are the Colts.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b7d700b3127ccec27e7b0979e200000010O00CYuWbdo5bsQe3nwk/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D480/ry%3D320/

[MICHAEL T]

I would keep the Colt Not worth as much as a Colt 1911 my book shows a 100% at only $450 AND A 70% at 250. A 1954 to 1957 model is worth more
Colt on a bad day worth more than that.

[Steve C]

If at all possible keep the Colt and get the S&W 28 too. I wouldn't trade a Colt for a 28 straight across, maybe a 27 but a 28 is the low end N frame .357 mag.

[kimbernut]

I must agree with keep the Colt and get the 28. It's the only reasonable thing to do. Read the sticky above the revolver group - good info in any used revolver purchase.

[easyrider6042004@yahoo.ca]

Depends on what you want. Are you are revolver, or an 1911 guy, or both.

Value wise, a 28 and Series 80 are very similar. Can you have only one?
In your area, which one is easier to find? Own the "rarer" piece now, and if you still want the other "easier to find" piece in the future, acquire it later.

Personally, I don't care much for any of Colt's Series 80 1911s, from Government Model to Gold Cup, and the only Colt 1911s worth owning are Series 70 and older.

Some may disagree but anyways, I put my money where my mouth is and traded my Series 80 Gold Cup for a brand new GP100 stainless 6" and some cash:D

[The Lone Haranguer]

How much play are we really talking about? Smith & Wessons always have a little bit, but it must not be excessive. Without being able to see it, it is impossible to say whether or not it is excessive. Look at the bolt notches in the cylinder - preferably with a magnifying glass or eye loupe - and see if they are battered or peened instead of sharp and square.

[Hunter0924]

I would keep the Colt no question.

[Clean97GTI]

The Colt would go bye bye if it were my choice. The 1911 line just doesn't hold any special interest for me.

[FCFC]

If the Colt 1911 is in very good condition then I gotta think it is more valuable than holster-worn 28.

I'd say pass on the 28 and wait for one that is in better shape and with wooden grips. They're not rare or anything.

[Geno]

Keep the Colt. Save little-by-little and get whatever else you want.

Doc2005

[Walkalong]

I would not do it. I would save up and get the 28 if you want it. Fine guns.

Personally, after I got a Colt revolver in .357, my M-28 is expendable. The only reason it is not gone already is the fact it is such a nice gun and a piece of history.

[FCFC]

my M-28 is expendable. The only reason it is not gone already is the fact it is such a nice gun and a piece of history.

I'd be interested in it. :)

I think the 27 is the one to get (first). They're nicer. But I'm looking for a 28. Almost snagged one at a gunshow a few months ago.

[Oro]

I have both a 28 and a Series 80 Colt. I'd keep the Colt and get the S&W.

I agree with this. I love 1911's, have a few. A very favorite is a Series 70 in stock form - just reliable and feels good.

If you are getting a realyl nice trade value, e.g, the 28 for $400 or less and a nice valuation on your 80, I'd do the trade, then pick up a series 70 later.

28's are fine guns. I had one a while, traded it and put the money towards a 27. I like the 27 better, but they are the same gun except for finish. I do like the 3.5" barrel on the 7 much more than the 4" on the 28, though. Maybe it's psychological, but the 1/2" less seems to make it handle better.

Good luck on the 28. Factory or smooth magna-style grips with a Tyler Adapter (like the pic above by Ak103) are a winning combination on the N frame as a grip option. Like him, I also massively prefer 4" over 6" (and 3 or 3.5" over 4" in the N frame).

[Bill B.]

Something to keep in mind .........there are still a lot of S&W 28's around for $350 - $400. I haven't saw a Colt 1911 for that price in "ANY" condition for at least 10 years.

[wnycollector]

I picked up my 4" S&W 28-2 for $250 2 years ago and my 6" model 27 for $325 last year...I dont think you could find a colt for the same price!

Keep the Colt and go out and buy yourself a 28!