.38 model 33-1 .357 model 28-2 .357

[OLDTRUCKER]

Just bought 2 revolvers and dont know diddly about either. First is a S&W .38 model 33-1 5 shot 4 inch barrel s/n 108xxx. Second is a S&W model 28-2 .357 6 shot 4 inch barrel Highway Patrolman s/n N24xxxxFrom what i was told they are both retired COP guns. Slight holster wear but are tight and fire well. I have shot 25 rounds through the 2 guns. Any info u can give me about these models is greatly appreciated as i said i dont know diddly about handguns.

 

[GRIZ22]

The M28 is a brute that you grandchildren will be shooting and capable of taking hot 357 loads as long as you can stand shooting them.

You are aware the Model 33 is 38 S&W caliber not 38 special aren't you? 38 specials might fit and shoot but you may wind up with split cases (38 S&W are fatter) and the bullet used is larger in diameter than 38 special.

 

[OLDTRUCKER]

GRIZ22, Yes i found out about the 38 S&W's when i went to the firing range. Have bought an ample supply of them because i also have an iver & johnson 38 that shoots the same shell. I like the feel of the 28-2 mild jump on firing but it feels so damn good.The 33-1 has a good feel but i dont think it has the STOPPING power of the 28-2 at any distance.

 

[GRIZ22]

The 38 S&W is not as good a stopper as the 38 spl and the gap really gets wide as there is no high performance ammo loaded in 38 S&W. I wouldn't feel unarmed with a 38 S&W. It's at least as good (and most likely better) than a 380.

The weight of the Model 28 absorbs a lot of recoil. You can start with standard ammo and move up to +Ps and +P+s and magnums depending on what power level you want and how much recoil you want to put up with

 

[Radagast]

OLDTRUCKER:
Your 28-2 was manufactured in the period 1974 to 1977.
The Model 28 Highway Patrolman is built on the .44 sized N frame and should prove very durable when shot with magnum loads or with .38 specials.
The Highway Patrolman was introduced in 1954 as the service version of the .357 Magnum (later model 27), lacking the checkering on the top strap and barrel. The model 28 was discontinued in 1986.

Your 33-1 was manufactured between 1961 & 1969.
The 33-1 Regulation Police was manufactured from 1917 on the small I frame and improved I frame until 1961, when S&W consolidated it's small gun manufacturing on the slightly larger J frame which was basically a stretched I frame that could hold a .38 special cylinder.
The .38 S&W has been around since 1876, when it was introduced as a black powder cartridge. All modern smokeless ammunition for it is downloaded to keep pressures close to the original loading so that old guns won't blow up when fired.

 

[OLDTRUCKER]

GRIZ22;
I dont have a problem with recoil. I have only fired my 28-2 with .357 mag JHP. 150 gr.
when i have more practice with it i might go heavier on the load.
Radagast;
I found you're information enlightening. I know diddly about handguns.Im sure my 28-2 will be a piece i will keep for a long time. I'm to enlarge my selection of guns in the near future. Im looking at a .380 Beretta 13 shot now And am thinking about a Desert Eagle .44 mag.

 

[Radagast]

OK! A new gun nut! *best Mr Burns voice* Excellent!

Basics of S&W revolver frame definitions:
I = discontinued. Was used for .32 long and .38 S&W calibers.
J Small frame, mainly pocket sized snubs nose revolvers, 5 shots in .38 or .357, 6 shots in the .32 calibers.
K Medium frame, for .38 special and .357 magnum, subject to wear when shot with .357 magnums.
L frame, slightly larger medium frame that doesn't wear out when shot with .357 magnums.
N frame, large frame for .44, 45 and the original .357 magnum.
X frame, Xtra large frame for the .500 Smith & Wesson & .460 Boomers. Think .44 magnum on steroids.

If you are interested in Berettas check out www.berettaforum.net It is an excellent resource (I'm a member there, although inactive) and as helpfull and probably more polite than this forum. I've shot a few of the .380 Berettas, they do have a snappy recoil due to the type of action, but are very well made.

With the Desert Eagle I suggest you hire one at a range and get it out of your system before purchasing. They are cool to shoot but heavy with very large grips that make a comfortable hold hard to obtain. If after a couple of goes you still want one then go ahead. I only warn you about this because it's not uncommon for newbies to shooting to buy one, but it is uncommon for them to bring them to the range on a regular basis.

Welcome to The High Road, I hope you enjoy the company.

 

[OLDTRUCKER]

Im glad to hear all the good stuff about my purchase. So im thinking 650.00 for the 2 was a good deal along with the fact i got 2 boxes of shells for each gun plus 2 soft side carry bags and one holster for the 28-2

 

[LouisianaMan]

Oldtrucker,

Yes, you did great! Wish you'd been bargaining for me when I recently bought 4 Mod 33-1's and 4 Mod. 32-1's. . . ! As others have said, factory loads are kept intentionally low due to the huge numbers of older, weaker guns that were manufactured for this caliber. Too bad. I cast bullets (now) and reload, so I have a lot more options. I agree with the poster that said even the standard lead bullet load is about like a .380, maybe better.