S&W Model 15 vs 28

I couldn't vote because some important information is missing from the Poll.

Disregarding the barrel lengths.

The Model 15 Combat Masterpiece is a high-end K-Frame .38 Spl, and weighs less.

The Model 28 Highway Patrolman is an N-Frame economy finish .357 Magnum, and is bigger and heavier.

Of the two?

Buy the one with less rust and the one you like the feel of better.

Either one will do what you want to do, longer then you want to do it.

BTW: A 5" Model 28 is possible.
But it would be a pretty rare bird, and worth the extra money to a S&W collector / con-a-sewer.
(Take a ruler with you, and measure from the muzzle to the face of the cylinder to get the barrel length.)

If it is indeed a 5" barrel Model 28?
Buy it and worry about the price later.

rc

Unless you live in a very rural area, the .357 Magnum cartridge would be a poor choice for home defense. Of course you can fire .38's in a .357, but....

And will a large frame revolver with a 6" barrel fit in the bedside table you have in mind?

If the barrel is indeed 5" it might be a top-of-the-line model 27, mis-marked as a model 28. You can tell because the topstrap on the former is finely checkered, where the latter is just sandblasted. If the revolver turns out to be a model 27, don't wait - jump quick!

If its a 5", make sure anything stamped on the barrel is centered. If the barrel was chopped, then the stamping would be off center (because it would have been most likely centered on the origional length barrel). Both are a decent deal. I like a 4" better than a 6". If I personally was presented with these deals, I would grab both...that's why I'm always in so much trouble with my wife.

Oh, the agony! I'm not fond of rust - at all. However, a 4" is better for in the house and the lighter weight would be good too. But... at the range the HP would be the winner there and I am really liking my HP's. Just can't seem to get past the nightstand - gotta pull the lever for the K frame.

However, a 4" is better for in the house

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A 6" would be less Shock & Awe in your face inside a dark house though!!

rc

Read up on the Model 15 (the S&W forum is a good place). They are very well thought of by S&W afficiendos.
Is the rust something that a good scrubbing with CLP might take off ?
I think the 15 is better suited for what you are looking for.
The 28 is a big heavy gun and wouldn't be as quick-pointing in an emergency situation.
If one of these two don't work out, keep looking for a nice J or K frame S&W.

Looked over 27-2 in excellent condition with 3.5" barrel. That would make excellent HD plus range gun especially with .38+P ammo. The 28 is just proletarian version of the 27. I would go with that.

For punching paper? six inch Model 28. That is what I have, traded my 4 inch Model 66 for it and I'm more than happy. The weight and the longer barrel all make for accurate shooting.
For self defense? Model 15. its easier to swing, shorter barrel makes a gun grab less likely to succeed, easier to conceal if needed. I've a Model 18, the .22lr version of the Model 15. Lovely balance, perfect pointability. I'm on the hunt for a near mint Model 15 to go with it.

Of the two you are looking at? Get the Model 28 and then wait till a near mint Model 15 becomes available. They are not rare guns so why settle for a rusty gun at an excellent condition price?

FWIW, as mentioned above, if it is a factory 5 inch barrel it is either a Model 27 with a mismatched stamping or a very rare Model 28 for the Florida Highway Patrol, one of only 50, IIRC. Either way I would jump on it at that price.

See what I said in post #2.

Either one will do what you want to do, longer then you want to do it.

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Unless the gun is already wore out?
(Unlikely.)

Or you can afford and have the free time & space in your back yard to shoot several thousand rounds a year?
Without knowing your annual income or living accommodations?
(also unlikely.)

rc

I say go with the #15, take it to a reputable smith and have it cleaned out and re-lubed. I have one, one of the better Smtih's I own! Love it.

The M15 for home defense.

I am a fan of the 28. No better pick for punching paper. I also like being able to shoot .357 as well.

I voted for the Model 15. For years a 4" Model 10 was my nightstand home defense gun. If you do go with the Model 15 try using some Flitz on the rust. Nothing to vigorous, just lightly rub some of it on the affected area and wipe off once it dries.

My vote was for the 15 every one I have owned have been great shooters finally got a nice 5 screw pre 15 and am keeping it. I think a 15 is about the best buy in revolvers dollar for dollar.

If you decide on the Model 28, let me know where to contact on the model 15. Looking to add one to my collection as it was the first pistol I carried on duty USAF SPS. To answer you question, it depends which to to plan to shoot more of 38 SPC or 357 Mag?

The Model 15 was called the Combat Masterpiece for a reason...it is one of the best shooting and handling revolvers ever made.
I bought mine while hunting for a Model 10...shooting the Model 15 was a revelation. The easy of shooting it accurately is incredible.

amd6547 said:

The Model 15 was called the Combat Masterpiece for a reason...it is one of the best shooting and handling revolvers ever made.
I bought mine while hunting for a Model 10...shooting the Model 15 was a revelation. The easy of shooting it accurately is incredible.

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I have seen model 67 in box and it was very nice revolver. What you say is true, but big vintage S&W paperweights are more sought after bring in more and will likely continue to do so. I examined 3.5" Model 27 recently and almost filled out paper work for it, almost. It was LARGE & GLORIOUS. The smaller stuff tends to disappear from cabinets at slower rate and sell for less.

Combat Masterpiece vs Highway Patrolman.

Sounds better than 15 vs 28. I would choose the Masterpiece and spend the extra $100 on ammo.

Unless you live in a very rural area, the .357 Magnum cartridge would be a poor choice for home defense. Of course you can fire .38's in a .357, but....

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Probably the most ignorant statements I ever read on the net. A 4-6 inch 357 magnum has long been a recommended starter and "only one gun" The 125 grain 357 mag has long been one of the best man stoppers in a pistol platform with limited pass through etc. It can be loaded as you said with 38 spl up to heavy mag heavy penetration type loads

While the trend of autos and newer ammo choices make other choices as viable no other round offers anything other than capacity and they still make speed loaaders for revolver use.

I for one would not feel under armed with one of my .357 mag revolvers nor would I classify it as a poor choice...

Now comparing the model 15 and 28 is apple n oranges I own a pre 15 and several model 28's and they all work well for different uses, While 38 spl out of that big ole model 28 are powder puff loads if those are all I would need for my house and woods walking uses the model 15 would be a great choice at easier carrry.

I would suggest choice number three myself- look for a model 19 or 66- a k frame in 357 in a four or six inch barrel and do not look back... or an L frame like you mention

Probably the most ignorant statements I ever read on the net.

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Well you have to take into consideration that I lack experience and don't know anything.

One has no way of determining the experience the gentleman who posted the questions has, or the neighborhood environment where he lives. But if he touches off a .357 in darkened condition there is going to be memorable blast and flash that could delay or prevent accurate follow up shots. The flash might also cause temporary blindness. The degree of penetration through common construction materials is dependent on what combination of bullet and load is chosen, and that’s something else neither of us has any control over.

Some of us older old fogies remember the days when the FBI carried S&W model 13's, chambered in .357, but were issued .38 Special Plus-P for daily carry. I presume they're ignorance was only exceeded by mine.