OK so I was wrong I could not stop at one....

WVsig · October 16, 2014, 08:49 PM

I originally set out to purchase one S&W .357 Mag. Started a thread about what S&W .357 would you buy if you could have only one. Tons of great responses. Lots of info and it helped me pick a Model 19-3 4".

Well I was able to get my hands on a nice Model 28-2 4" Here are a few pics of each gun...

So the question now becomes which one next? Was thinking about a 27 but the are pretty spendy. I really like the 4" guns. Suggestions....

GaryED50 · October 16, 2014, 09:41 PM

Very nice :-)

I'd say go for the 27

Gary

Pathfinder45 · October 17, 2014, 01:37 AM

Which one has the huge gap between the front of the cylinder and frame? I like the looks better when they use as long a cylinder as possible within the frame. Why do they do otherwise?

CajunBass · October 17, 2014, 04:45 AM

If you've got to have another 357, the Model 27 is the one to get. Personally I like the 5" barrel on a 27.

Yes, they're spendy, but they're not going to go down anytime soon I don't imagine. Might as well get two while they're cheap.

How about a straight 38? Generally they're less expensive to buy and are delightful guns to handle. Take the Model 15 for example. At first thought you might think it's just a Model 19 only chambered for 38 Special. I have a hard time myself deciding which I like better. I think the Model 19 wins because I've liked it longer, but it's close...really close.

The Model 15 is a lighter, trimmer, more elegant (in my opinion anyway) gun. The slightly shorter cylinder, the more tapered barrel, and lack of an ejector rod shroud, give the gun a totally different feel. Not better or worse, just different.

A couple of well worn examples. First a Model 19 (no dash) four screw.

And a 15-3. They didn't call it the "Combat Masterpiece" for nothing.

Just another option to consider. I'm a big fan of the K-frame, 38 special. The Model 10, and 14 are also good choices.

MrBorland · October 17, 2014, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WVsig

So the question now becomes which one next? Was thinking about a 27 but the are pretty spendy. I really like the 4" guns. Suggestions....

Your 19 & 28 were excellent choices and fine specimens.

I'm not much of a collector, so my very biased recommendation for another .357mag would be something you wouldn't mind shooting the batsnot out of, so I'd suggest a 4" 686 (and a Dillon 650

). If you must have a blued gun, get the 586. Either way, you'll fill the L-frame gap in your collection, while getting lots of trigger time.

walks with gun · October 17, 2014, 08:14 AM

Very nice, I wish I had the dough for a 28 like that, she looks sweet, I have a soft spot for the N frames.

nugun55 · October 17, 2014, 10:15 AM

Why not a 66?

GaryED50 · October 17, 2014, 10:33 AM

I'd love to own a S&W model 15 but there not legal in CA. I remember them mostly from watching Adam 12
Gary

WVsig · October 17, 2014, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Which one has the huge gap between the front of the cylinder and frame? I like the looks better when they use as long a cylinder as possible within the frame. Why do they do otherwise?

That is the 28-2. To my limited knowledge they have always looked that way. I cannot remember ever seeing one that was different but I am no expert.

orionengnr · October 17, 2014, 08:32 PM

Between the 19 and the 28, which do you like shooting/carrying better?

If you prefer the N-frame, then start looking for a 27.

If you find the K-frame a natural (as I do) have a look at the 66...unless you just can't stand stainless. It is an acquired taste, but it is low maintenance, and the finish is indestructible compared to a blued gun. Anything from bead-blasted dull/natural to highly polished near-chrome is easy to do. And if you change your mind, you can go in the other direction. Versatility and durability that a blued gun cannot match.

WVsig · October 17, 2014, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Between the 19 and the 28, which do you like shooting/carrying better?

Have not shot the 28 extensively yet. In fact due to rain have not shot this one at all.

I don't carry either and really don't intend to. Will look into a 66. I don't mind stainless.

WVsig · November 18, 2014, 08:10 PM

So I am now up to 3. Picked up a 13-3 built in 1984.

lamarw · November 18, 2014, 08:40 PM

Very Nice~

Bob Wright · November 18, 2014, 08:55 PM

I have two S&W Model 586s, which, in my opinion is the best example of a DA .357 Magnum to come out yet.

The L-Frame Smiths offer extreme rugged design, the cylinder length lacking in the N-Frame guns, and the grip size of K-Framed guns. And I favor the muzzle heavy full lug barrels. I still have a couple of Model 19s, but for a DA .357 Magnum, I've left the vaunted Python and Model 27 behind.

Bob Wright

WVsig · November 18, 2014, 08:58 PM

Yeah a 586 is on the radar...

**44 AMP** · November 19, 2014, 12:12 AM

Everybody has their favorites. Me, I don't care for the muzzle heavy feel of the L frames. They weigh the same as N frames, but don't balance the same. If you like it, by all means, enjoy!

I do have to question this, though...

,

Quote:

the cylinder length lacking in the N-Frame guns

WHAT cylinder length is "lacking" in N frame guns?

The difference between new N frame and L frame .357s cylinder length is 0.05". That's all.

According to the Standard Catalog of S&W, cylinder lengths are as follows:
N frame, recessed, 1.62"
L frame 1.62"
N frame non recessed 1.57"
K frame recessed 1.67"
K frame non recessed 1.62"

So, interestingly, the longest S&W .357 cylinders (by 0.05") were the pinned & recessed K frames. I understand that the L frame guns were designed as non-recessed from their beginning, so when S&W dropped the recessed chambers, only the K and N frame guns got the back of their cylinders shaved.

Current production N frame .357s do have the shortest cylinder, but only by 0.05", I don't see that as significant.

Hal · November 19, 2014, 08:18 AM

Quote:

So I am now up to 3. Picked up a 13-3 built in 1984.

Wise purchase.
Put that one in the "never sell or trade" category.
They aren't rare, but, their owners never seem to want to part with them & they aren't all that common.

BTW - here's a little something to try.
Handle one of your High Powers, then handle the M19 (or M13),

See if you can feel any similarities in the way they heft and feel.
I find the M19 and the BHP very similar in the way they fit my hand.

DMacLeod · November 19, 2014, 09:02 AM

I really like S&W wheel guns and have owned quite a few over the years.

In .357, my 586 is my favorite.

kutz · November 19, 2014, 09:21 AM

Keep going, you got a real nice start !

tallball · November 19, 2014, 11:45 AM

You are on the slippery slope. It will be a Ruger next...

glenncal1 · November 19, 2014, 01:14 PM

Be careful of the Model 27's first it will be a 4"

Then 3 1/2", 5",6", 6 1/2" and finally a long tube 8 3/8"

jglsprings · November 19, 2014, 01:40 PM

There is a lot of model numbers between 19 and 28.

Just sayin'

diggler1833 · November 20, 2014, 10:29 AM

OP: They are addictive! I've got seven .357s, and am still looking for a good 4" model 19 at the moment.

highpower3006 · November 20, 2014, 11:16 AM

Why limit yourself to just .357's??? There are so many different models and calibers to chose from that it is jut like eating only one particular dish for dinner.

I started many years ago with a 6" model 10 that I bought new in 1980. Since then that gun has left, but it sparked an interest in me that got me into collecting all sorts of revolvers.

I just picked up a 1901 vintage, Model 1899 First Model Target, I really wasn't in the market for one, but there it was, and at a very good price. Now I have to buy another Smith soon as I have 13 of them and need one more to bring it up to an even number.

Quote:

OP: They are addictive! I've got seven .357s, and am still looking for a good 4" model 19 at the moment.

Diggler, here is one to whet your appetite:

October 16, 2014, 08:49 PM	#1
WVsig Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2010 Location: NC Posts: 5,309	OK so I was wrong I could not stop at one.... I originally set out to purchase one S&W .357 Mag. Started a thread about what S&W .357 would you buy if you could have only one. Tons of great responses. Lots of info and it helped me pick a Model 19-3 4". Well I was able to get my hands on a nice Model 28-2 4" Here are a few pics of each gun... So the question now becomes which one next? Was thinking about a 27 but the are pretty spendy. I really like the 4" guns. Suggestions.... __________________ -The right to be left alone is the most comprehensive of rights, and the right most valued by free people.-Louis Brandeis -Its a tool box... I don't care you put the tools in for the job that's all... -Sam from Ronin -It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. -Aristotle

October 17, 2014, 04:45 AM	#4
CajunBass Senior Member Join Date: May 6, 2005 Location: North Chesterfield, Virginia Posts: 4,767	If you've got to have another 357, the Model 27 is the one to get. Personally I like the 5" barrel on a 27. Yes, they're spendy, but they're not going to go down anytime soon I don't imagine. Might as well get two while they're cheap. How about a straight 38? Generally they're less expensive to buy and are delightful guns to handle. Take the Model 15 for example. At first thought you might think it's just a Model 19 only chambered for 38 Special. I have a hard time myself deciding which I like better. I think the Model 19 wins because I've liked it longer, but it's close...really close. The Model 15 is a lighter, trimmer, more elegant (in my opinion anyway) gun. The slightly shorter cylinder, the more tapered barrel, and lack of an ejector rod shroud, give the gun a totally different feel. Not better or worse, just different. A couple of well worn examples. First a Model 19 (no dash) four screw. And a 15-3. They didn't call it the "Combat Masterpiece" for nothing. Just another option to consider. I'm a big fan of the K-frame, 38 special. The Model 10, and 14 are also good choices. __________________ For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

October 17, 2014, 10:33 AM	#8
GaryED50 Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2012 Location: Dawsonville Georgia Posts: 542	I'd love to own a S&W model 15 but there not legal in CA. I remember them mostly from watching Adam 12 Gary Last edited by GaryED50; October 17, 2014 at 10:45 AM.

November 18, 2014, 08:10 PM	#12
WVsig Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2010 Location: NC Posts: 5,309	So I am now up to 3. Picked up a 13-3 built in 1984. __________________ -The right to be left alone is the most comprehensive of rights, and the right most valued by free people.-Louis Brandeis -Its a tool box... I don't care you put the tools in for the job that's all... -Sam from Ronin -It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. -Aristotle

November 18, 2014, 08:55 PM	#14
Bob Wright Senior Member Join Date: July 10, 2012 Location: Memphis, Tennessee Posts: 2,989	I have two S&W Model 586s, which, in my opinion is the best example of a DA .357 Magnum to come out yet. The L-Frame Smiths offer extreme rugged design, the cylinder length lacking in the N-Frame guns, and the grip size of K-Framed guns. And I favor the muzzle heavy full lug barrels. I still have a couple of Model 19s, but for a DA .357 Magnum, I've left the vaunted Python and Model 27 behind. Bob Wright __________________ Time spent at the reloading bench is an investment in contentment.

October 16, 2014, 09:41 PM	#2
GaryED50 Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2012 Location: Dawsonville Georgia Posts: 542	Very nice :-) I'd say go for the 27 Gary

October 17, 2014, 01:37 AM	#3
Pathfinder45 Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2008 Posts: 3,224	Which one has the huge gap between the front of the cylinder and frame? I like the looks better when they use as long a cylinder as possible within the frame. Why do they do otherwise?

October 17, 2014, 08:14 AM	#6
walks with gun Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 2014 Location: northern Mn. Posts: 271	Very nice, I wish I had the dough for a 28 like that, she looks sweet, I have a soft spot for the N frames.

October 17, 2014, 10:15 AM	#7
nugun55 Junior Member Join Date: October 5, 2014 Posts: 14	Why not a 66?

October 17, 2014, 08:32 PM	#10
orionengnr Senior Member Join Date: July 9, 2004 Posts: 5,177	Between the 19 and the 28, which do you like shooting/carrying better? If you prefer the N-frame, then start looking for a 27. If you find the K-frame a natural (as I do) have a look at the 66...unless you just can't stand stainless. It is an acquired taste, but it is low maintenance, and the finish is indestructible compared to a blued gun. Anything from bead-blasted dull/natural to highly polished near-chrome is easy to do. And if you change your mind, you can go in the other direction. Versatility and durability that a blued gun cannot match.

November 18, 2014, 08:40 PM	#13
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	Very Nice~

November 18, 2014, 08:58 PM	#15
WVsig Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2010 Location: NC Posts: 5,309	Yeah a 586 is on the radar... __________________ -The right to be left alone is the most comprehensive of rights, and the right most valued by free people.-Louis Brandeis -Its a tool box... I don't care you put the tools in for the job that's all... -Sam from Ronin -It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. -Aristotle

November 19, 2014, 09:02 AM	#18
DMacLeod Senior Member Join Date: February 19, 2008 Location: Maine Posts: 425	I really like S&W wheel guns and have owned quite a few over the years. In .357, my 586 is my favorite.

November 19, 2014, 09:21 AM	#19
kutz Senior Member Join Date: September 24, 2012 Location: Arizona Posts: 393	Keep going, you got a real nice start !

November 19, 2014, 11:45 AM	#20
tallball Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2014 Posts: 2,444	You are on the slippery slope. It will be a Ruger next...

November 19, 2014, 01:14 PM	#21
glenncal1 Senior Member Join Date: April 21, 2009 Location: Denver area Posts: 504	Be careful of the Model 27's first it will be a 4" Then 3 1/2", 5",6", 6 1/2" and finally a long tube 8 3/8" __________________ Jim Many K and N Frames

November 19, 2014, 01:40 PM	#22
jglsprings Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2009 Posts: 1,827	There is a lot of model numbers between 19 and 28. Just sayin' __________________ Let's eat Grandma. Let's eat, Grandma. Commas save lives...

November 20, 2014, 10:29 AM	#23
diggler1833 Member Join Date: October 6, 2014 Location: NC Posts: 56	OP: They are addictive! I've got seven .357s, and am still looking for a good 4" model 19 at the moment.