First revolver GP100 or model 28-2

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Big B

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I'm buying my first handgun soon. A 357 double action revolver. I plan on spending a lot of time at the range with this gun, and will use as much 357 as I will 38+p, in the beginning.
A couple days ago my local gun shop had a couple s&w 28-2's, and I fell for the four inch barrel with the large target grips. Most comfortable revolver I've held. (Damn good lookin too) The only problem is it's as much as a new GP100, which I hear is as good if not better when it comes to durability and accuracy. I haven't held a ruger yet, but plan on trying one soon at the range. If I buy a smith it'll be an N frame with large grips. Don't know how GP compares with the rubber grips.
What do you think is a better buy for a long life of hot 357 rounds at the range? Thanks.
 
Both are excellent heavy duty 357's that should last you a lifetime.
Price used GP's. Also, ask if you can dry fire them both. The old Ruger triggers that I had sucked. So I sold them off to by more S&W & Colt's.
I just picked up a GP for the first time this week. It's been about 3 or 4 years since I bothered to handle one.
The damn thing had a super nice trigger and a price of only $350 and she's just about new.
It's now mine.
Both are good guns and if the GP's come with these triggers now, it will be a tougher choice, that's for sure.
The only bonus to buying the GP is that it can always be holstered and polished to look like new, where as the 28 will slowly get more signs of use.
If you would have asked me prior to this weekend, I would have talked you into the 28 and out of the GP.
Because it would have taken a lot to make the GP trigger to feel anything like the S&W.
Good luck with your choice.

Jeff (GUNKWAZY)
 
I have a GP-100, it's a nice gun. But, I would rather have a Model 28 S&W if it's an excellent shaped used gun and passes the tests.

Why do you want to shoot a ton of hot 357's at the range?
 
Both will hold up to hard use, that's not really the question. You know the S&W fits you, and that counts for a lot. The Smith will likely have a better trigger and be slightly more accurate. It seems Ruger barrels tend to get better velocity for a given load, but if you're not a handloader that probably won't matter.

These are just generalizations, but without comparing two guns side-by-side that's the best you can do.
 
I got to shoot a SS Ruger Security Six that had the most buttery smooth DA trigger at a range in Houston about 5 years ago.

I'd be MUCH more inclined to go for the Smith if the prices are similar!
 
The only problem is it's as much as a new GP100, which I hear is as good if not better when it comes to durability and accuracy.

That's the problem with a nice Model 28 when you find one. As far as durability I would say they're about the same. The only more durable DA revolver I know of is a Redhawk 357 (vailable used only). Ruger triggers tend to be heavier than S&W but smooth (heavy and smooth is easy to deal with). I'm sure the M28's lockwork is broken in by now. Triggers between the two will feel diffrent (Ruger coil vs S&W leaf). I got a new GP100 recently and it's everything I thought it would be.

The M28 is a class act but abother thing to consider is that Ruger will fix your new GP100 anytime it needs it (never saw a Ruger revolver break!).

Whatever you choose you can't go wrong between these two.
 
as jad0110 said, they don't make M-28's anymore. I've been waiting for one a long time. Perform the famous Jim March Revolver checkout. If it passes, BUY.

The M-28 will hold its value and you even said "Damn good lookin too".

The GP100 is depreciated when you take it out the gun shop. Ruger churns out GP100s daily. Buy one anytime.
 
Can't go wrong with either one. I'm partial to the GP100, but the S&W is a good gun too. My GP is about 3 years old and the trigger is pretty good, but not wonderful. Oddly, my SP101 (2 years old) has a significantly better trigger.

I don't think you could break a GP100 without doing something really stupid.
 
The model 28's were 600 and up, and looked great. I'll definatly get one later if I can't sooner. I'd like to shoot the 357's alot to get familiar with the recoil, for better accuracy. And, I can't lie , I love the boom a magnum makes. Besides my verson of alot is probably way less than what a lot of you reloaders would usually fire.
Thanks for the advice, hopefully next time I can check them out side by side.
 
It's a tough choice, Big B. I have both - can't choose between the two.

$600 sounds like a bit too much for 28-2 unless it's in mint condition. You'll find them for less on gunbrocker.

Mike
 
Does the fact I live in Ca. have anything to do with high gun prices? It seems members from other states have posted lower prices for the same guns I find for several hundered more.
 
Sounds like that shop is trying to ride the wave of " old smith, better get one " to me . A great gun but not for that price. I paid 300 in 2003, good deals are out there , get the ruger for now and enjoy it and search for a Mod28 as a treasure hunt. Take a look at my past posting on engraved HP Mod 28 to see what I found , just for a shocker.
 
I have both and like both. The Smith is a extremely well built gun and like folks have said, they are not making any more. The GP-100 is a really nice gun as well. Its trigger won't match the Smiths without work, but it is easy to shoot well, and has less felt recoil, to me anyway. The GP-100 is probably more durable.

Buy the Smith and shop around for a good used GP-100 while you save up for it.
 
Normally I would say that $600 is insane. But I've found that when people live in CA, all bets are off on prices. I'm not from CA, but from those who are, I've seen prices anywhere from 10% to 20% more than what we pay here in the USA.
 
Does the fact I live in Ca. have anything to do with high gun prices? It seems members from other states have posted lower prices for the same guns I find for several hundered more
Click to expand...
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Hi Big B!

California prices are as usual over the top. No exemption on used revolvers. You will see plenty of them for less on www broker sites, etc.

Problem is, you won't be able to import any of those to CAli anymore (Thanks to Gov. Gray Davis and his "junk gun" program).

Anybody who is half way informed and wants to turn around well known and desirable revolvers will take advantage of it. PPT or consignment dealer, it doesn't matter.

However I'd like to ask you, if you don't mind, which part of Cali those M28's you're talking about are located, I might be interested. If you want you can PM me.
 
Model 28 definately. They ain't making them anymore so it will not go down in price.
 
Normally I would say that $600 is insane. But I've found that when people live in CA, all bets are off on prices. I'm not from CA, but from those who are, I've seen prices anywhere from 10% to 20% more than what we pay here in the USA.
Click to expand...
Yeah, but not 50% more... $600 for a 28 is cray-zee.
 
If you are looking for a range gun that will see a lot of use, either of those weapons will do you fine. My personal preference would be toward the Model 28. You can always buy a Ruger example later on, as they still make them, but if you have a chance to pick up a good condition Model 28 jump at it.
 
I just picked up a 28-2 Highway Patrolman the other week and after shooting it I wonder where has it been all my life. http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=370471

I don't have a GP-100 but I do own a Ruger Service Six and I'm extremely happy with the quailty of the Ruger as well. I agree you probably can't go wrong either way but I would also agree that if you can find a 28-2 for a decent price then I would buy one just for the sake of having one.
 
You got lucky on that mod 28 for the money you paid.

For $600 I would certainly consider a factory new S&W incl. factory warranty etc and the uncompromised feeling, that I am the 1. owner.
 
I would like to ask are you going to be carrying the 28 constantly or just to the range and home defense? I carried one for two years as a security officer and they do get heavy after an 8 - 10 hour shift. The GP should be easier to carry. As far as durability goes both will last a lifetime with proper cleaning. The 28 was discontinued years ago in favor of the 27. You may also want to check out the S&W 686 or a used 586. They are a hair smaller than the big N-frame 28 but more beefy than the medium K-frame 19. The 686 is probably the closest S&W model to the GP.
 
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