Smith and Wesson 28-2

[crlovel]

I probably should have asked this earlier.

I just picked up a Smith and Wesson 28-2 with a 4" barrel in .357. How good of a revolver are they? What kind of issues can be expected from one? At a rough guess, knowing when the previous owner bought most of his firearms, this revolver is from the late 60's to early 70's.

Pictures will be posted tonight (of it and the Walther P38 that I received at the same time).

Thanks!

Chris

[Rundownfid]

Congratulations that is a fine revolver, built on the N frame it is a bit bulky for caliber. One "problem" with the N-frame Smith is that the overall cartridge length is slightly less than the K frame guns. This is rarely a problem, but can be with some 158 gr loads when crimped into the crimp grove they won't fit.

The only other problem I can think of is trying to wear one out, they will give you good service long after you deserve to have it.

[PocketProtector]

First handgun I ever owned was a "Highway Patrolman", 4 inch barrel also, around 1978 or so. I wish I hadn't sold it.

[1blindref]

Congrats on your 28! Post a picture or two when you get a chance.

Since it's a -2, it is a P&R gun. The heft of the N frames make them very soft shooting 357's, but the draw back is that they are on the heavy side to pack all day. A good holster and belt are a must if you plan to carry it.
Like others have said, the only problem you'll have with it is trying to wear it out.

If you post the first letter and three numbers of the serial number, I can look up the year it was made.

[Steve_NEPhila]

The 28-2 is a great revolver. If you are looking for a holster check out:
www.simplyrugged.com
They are the finest revolver holsters in my opinion, the sourdough pancake holster is top notch and I have three of them.

N frame Smith revolvers are durable, large and generally excellent shooting pieces. I have two N frames, both are 327's (model 27's with the "3" prefix means scandium framed) of the 5 inch flavor and are fantastic shooters. Maintain it properly and the 28 will outlast you, by quite a bit.

[shiloh]

I also have a 28-2, with a 6-inch barrel. Out of the seven .357 mag revolvers I own (yeah, I kinda like wheelguns and the .357 mag cartridge), the 28 is the easiest to shoot -- that big frame just soaks up the recoil. Makes magnum loads feel like shooting a .38 out of a K frame or other smaller .357 revolver. Congrats on picking up a fine piece.

[crlovel]

I love the membership of this site. Thanks for the quick responses.

More about the revolver: S/N is S32 964X

There is virtually zero wear on the bluing. Certainly no holster marks that I can see. The timing feels perfect and crisp. The stocks show no wear, scratches, or scrapes on the checkering. If I saw this revolver in the store, I would think it were brand new. I'm not a gunsmith, but I can almost guarantee that this gun was purchased and put away.

As I mentioned in the original post, I also got my paws on a Walther P38, pretty much new in the box, dated 1968. Imported by Interarms. Same condition, purchased and put away, zero signs of wear or use.

Now to decide what to do with them. As Sparky noted, revolvers aren't my thing. My last revolver, a GP100, and my last Walther P38 I also sold.

Here's the SW 28-2 picture. My crappy iPhone camera does not do it justice:




Walther P38 Pictures:

[dannyb]

Both of those are darn fine-looking pieces. Great finds.

[shiloh]

They both look minty. Fantastic score.

By the way, I don't have my S&W Standard Catalog with me at the moment, but that S prefix on your 28-2's serial number means its born-on date was before 1969 -- S&W starting using N prefixes on serial numbers then. That's a really nice piece you have there.

[imashooter2]

Your serial number on the 28-2 places its birthday in the late '68 to early '69 time frame.

Congratulations on a couple of great additions to your collection.