Do I really need a 28

So I went to the gun store yesterday, all innocent like, telling my wife that I needed some more powder and low and behold I see a S&W 28-2 4" on the shelf. Now I have a few 27's, but have never had a 28. I couldn't quite see walking out of the store with a firearm and pretending it was a pound of 2400, but at $400 it is now on layaway. Not sure if it was a great deal, but I do like N frames. As a plus, the action was just as smooth as my other 27's and the rest of the gun is at least 90% plus.

Now if I can just come up with a cover as to why my pound of 2400 cost $150 One of these days I really have to setup a slush fund.

 

Seems like you do....

If I were you, I would come clean to the wife. Nothing good ever comes from pretending the powder costs $150. Now if you can get the slush fund as such, you could always walk in the house with it backwards....

Good luck,
LNK

 

Please explain to me what "need" has to do with anything?

And, these days $400 is a good price for a M28. I think you did fine. don't forget the pictures when it comes home with you...

 

$400.00 for a highway patrol is a good deal. One of the few guns I regret selling was my 4 inch highway.

 

$400 is a great price.

As long as it is not an issue with household finances, I would not hesitate. (and I don't like N-Frames)

As to how to handle the wife...apparently I am a neanderthal...I would inform if I thought she would care. (mine likes to play with the new toys)
YMMV

 

You done good by snagging that 28.

FWIW, I don't discuss gun purchases with the wife.

I just consider it a "need to know" matter.

 

At that price I'd have bought it in a New York minute.

 

The 28-2 is Smith's work horse in the 357 Magnum line in my opinion. Getting one for $400 is a very good deal.

 

4 inch vs 6 inch

I much prefer the six inch barrel. But still, $400 is a good price.

 

Shoot, I've got one, so I don't "need" one, but for $400.00, I'd be tempted to buy it.



Figured we needed a picture.

 

44-henry

Got to agree with everyone here, that at $400 a Model 28 in the condition you described is a great deal. Just be upfront with the wife about it.

 

I would love to have a second M28! About the only thing I can find wrong with the M28 is that it is chambered for the 357 Magnum. Lots of extra iron for that cartridge.

 

Back when I was married my then-wife fought me over everything I bought, even though I only used my "gun" money. This was the money I made from selling/trading military surplus firearms, not household funds. I soon figured out that she really had no idea of what was in my safes. The only way she knew if I got a new keeper was if I threw myself under the bus. Sooooo, I just quit telling her. It worked out much better that way with far less drama.

Oh yeah, nice 28.

 

I finally came clean with her and she at least supports my obsession if not totally understanding it. I think it will be a nice addition to my collection for now. I have been thinking at some point in the future when finances are better I would like to send it off to Bowen and have it customized and re-chambered for something more exotic, perhaps 44-40. That will be awhile, but it will be fun to shoot in the meantime.

 

Before changing it why not try it as it was meant to be? You might be surprised at how well it handles. From what I understand there were more 6" models made than 4" models.

 

Very soon after purchasing my M28-2, I installed a new M25-2 barrel and cylinder. It shot very accuratley and became one of my competition revolvers. Eventually I got a 25-2 and really did not need a pair of them so I sent the original 4" barrel out to be rebored and rifled to .452. I then removed and replaced the 6"barrel with the 4"skinny barrel and had a great 45 ACP revolver. I rounded the butt and fitted a pair of grips to it but found I preferred the square butt style.

Here is an old photo with a pair of big grips on it. The have since been replaced with a set I made by removing a lot of excess wood.



It still looks like a M28-2, just chambered in a cartridge I prefer. The 44-40 has been done in S&W revolvers but I am not sure if it was problem free. I seem to recall something about the cases backing out and tying up the cylinder. Please, do not rely on my memory. Research it and draw your own conclusions. Lots of cartridges are appropriate for the N frame. Picking just one is the hard part.

 

You don't need one, and neither do I, but I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

 

The model 28 was a flaming deal because the only difference between it and the more expensive "flagship" model 27 was cosmetics. All you didn't get was a high polish blue and checkering on the barrel rib and top strap. Also it lacked serrations on the front and backstrap of the handle. While all of this is nice to have it doesn't make the gun shoot any better.