SW 28-2 or taraus tracker

[dukewa]

SW 28-2 or taurus tracker

I was given a SW 28-2 .357. It seems to be in very good condition. No rust and a little wear in tiny spots. I have never really used it. It is too big and heavy. I only would use a gun when I am hiking in the mountains or on my property. It would be used for protection from bear (mainly black bear), cougar, and so on. I hike a lot over 5-10 days so weight is a major concern. I was thinking about selling or trading the SW for a .357 taraus tracker. The main qualities I am looking for in a gun are light weight, ease of use, realiability, and then stopping power. Is the taraus my best choice? How much should I pay for this gun? How much should I get out of my SW? I appreciate averyones time and responses.

 

[mnrivrat]

I'm thinking that the value of both depends a bit on where you live . In my area I think the tracker sells in the $380 range and the used S&W would sell in the $300 area. That will vary depending on where you live, but the difference might remain in the same area of $80 to $100 . Expect to pay more to boot if trading at a local store because they have to have something too. ( perhaps in the $150 range)

I won't get into the difference in quality very much except to say the Smith would be a higher quality gun. I personaly don't mind Taurus and have a couple of their revolvers that I am OK with.

 

[Ala Dan]

In an effort to meet your criteria, I would say the Taurus Tracker would
be lighter in weight; but in reality the S&W model 28-2 is the "best" of
these two.

 

[P95Carry]

I agree with Ala Dan - but I don't find the M28 too big or too heavy, which makes a difference. I'd say it will help with control of full house .357's better than a lightweight, that's for sure. Maybe even have better longevity too.

It should also better hold resale value.

 

[dukewa]

taraus, is it substandard?

Thanks so far. I understad the SW is a better gun, but it has sat in a bag for 2 years now. I have never actually carried it and probably only shot 6-12 rounds. When I hike I cut down on my cloths to save ounces so weight is huge. When you have to carry everything you are going to need for the next 10 days on your back it adds up. So right now I am opting to take nothing. But I also do not want to trade the SW for a gun that I will not be happy with as far as quality, but is light. The gun will probably get 10-20 rounds a year shot through it, just to keep comfortable. Is the taruas decent, or it it a substandard gun? Also which rounds would be best for me?

 

[P95Carry]

Opinions vary on Taurus guns - but it is fair to say i think they are not quite ''ip there'' with the Smith. That said tho - for such limited thruput of ammo I doubt you'd have any reason for disappointment.

I remind again tho the lighter weight will make heavy loads less pleasant. Lot of choice re ammo but 140 grain JHP .357 offerings from Corbon are quite ''stout''!

 

[mnrivrat]

From my experiences with Taurus I would not call them substandard. They should work just fine and the two I have are OK.

I wouldn't expect them to be up to par with the much higher priced S&W guns and the difference is in the details. Smoothness, finish , etc. Nothing wrong with them in my opinion, particularly if you are not shooting a lot.

Nothing the matter with the Taurus model 66's either and they run a bit cheaper than the tracker.

When all is said and done however you should realize that the extra $ spent on a S&W may be a good idea in the long run. They will hold their value better for example. I'm not all that familiar with current production quality of the S&W's , but you might also expect them to remain tighter longer. (timing . etc.) For that reason you may want to spend the extra money , or look at trading the Model 28 on a good used K frame model 19 S&W or the stainless K frame model 66 . Both being .357 magnum in smaller - thus lighter frames.

 

[Skofnung]

Don't Do It!

The biggest gun related mistake I ever made was to sell off my 28-2. Save up and just buy the Taurus if you feel like you need it, eat ramen-noodles for a month if need be.

If you sell that model 28, I can assure you that you will regrtet it down the road.

A S&W is head and shoulders above a Taurus as far as quality is concerned. Not to say the Tauri is bad, the S&W is just better.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I have never actually carried it and probably only shot 6-12 rounds.

That poor gun is sorely neglected!

 

[Iggy]

Don't turn loose of that 28... Get suspenders, Eat Wheaties, Drink Red Bull etc.
You will regret trading that S&W for anything someday..

 

[dukewa]

looks like I keep the 28-2

Thanks for all your input. Not being a gun collector, or a huge user, I sure seem to be getting a collection. I appreciate everyones thoughts. I think after listening to you all, I will keep the SW and try to save up a little longer for the light weight taraus. People have mention getting a glock 10mm or even a 41 for my light weight gun. I feel comfortable with the 357, because I have used many. Any thoughts on this?

 

[W Turner]

Look at one of the 5-shot all steel .357's made by Taurus. I have heard good things about their 5-shot snubbies and the .357 version would be much lighter than any K or L frame from SW. SW makes a 640 that is a 2" 5 shot .357 if you want to go that route, but expect to pay $100 or so more. No, the 2' 5-shot won't be fun to shoot, but it will fill the role you are asking for very well.

BTW- the grips on the Taurus are very good from the factory. This should help with the recoil as well.


W

 

[CAS700850]

First, let me state that anything I say here should not stop you from buying another pistol. Or tow or three for that matter.

I'd suggest that you use the money you save to get a good set of grips for the 28. I like Hogue, but you should get what fits you and your hand. And, get a good holster and belt set up for it. I bet with the right carry rig, you won't feel the weight as much, and might even find it comforting after a while.

If the 28 is going to be a shooter, not a collector's piece, as it woud seem from your intentions for using it, you might want to consider having it refinished to protect it from the elements. Then again, the wearing on the finish will add to its character.

 

[Checkman]

I had two of my three M28's refinished. They're shooters not safe queens. But boy do I like the M28's. Don't let go of yours. Smith stopped making them ninteen years ago and they aren't coming back.

 

[W Turner]

Checkman- I really like the finish on those revolvers.....very utilitarian. Just as SW intended when they made these guns. Slap some Herrett Jordan Troopers on there and I'm a happy guy.


W

 

[Checkman]

Thanks. I live in Western Idaho. Approximately a two hour drive from Twin Falls. A few weeks ago I stopped in at their shop and ordered a pair of Jordans. They measured my hand and I'm expecting them sometime in the next few weeks. You know I'm actually pretty lucky to live where I do (yes I guess I'm bragging a little). Milt Sparks is 20 miles from my house and Herrets is fairly close. Then there is CCI up in Lewiston and John Taffin in Boise. It's only been recently that I've come to appreciate what we have in Idaho when it comes to shooting. Oh yes Elmer Keith - how can I not mention him. Even if he did pass away in 1984.

 

[71Commander]

I know the decision has been made to keep the 28, but down the road, you may have doubts and change your mind, so let me add this. While the lighter gun is a definite advantage in carrying, they can be brutal in shooting full throttle rounds through. Thus, you might be tempted to use lighter loads in the lightweight to reduce the recoil, such as .38 +P. This would defeat the purpose of the .357 round, IMHO. Get a good holster for the 28. Carring it shouldn't be a problem then.

Go shoot that 28. You might like it.

 

[Dienekes]

I can relate to the 28. Carried a 4" concealed back in the day but it was not for long as it is a lot of gun. Owned two and sold both (mistake, compounded) and one of these days I will remedy the error on principle (I just like them, that's all there is to it).

Fie on Taurus. Just my outlook on furrin guns when something better is readily available.

I carried various Ruger Security Sixes concealed for many years and found them to be entirely satisfactory for everything without too much weight penalty. anything K framed (M19, 66) will do the same thing.

Down a notch I got a Smith M60 .38 Spl. full lug with target sights which is almost ideal for what you are contemplating. It is now made as a .357 which is an extremely nice, compact package for what you get. I had a minaturized flap holster made up for it and it is quite the gun.

And I *still* want a nice M28 shooter.