Talk:Smith & Wesson Model 27 / 28

Other Variants

Two custom Smith & Wesson Registered Magnums with engraved ivory grips - .357 Magnum. The bottom is the 'hero gun' from Patton, while the top is the actual S&W Registered Magnum carried by Patton. Photograph courtesy of the Patton Museum of Cavalry and Armor, Fort Knox, KY.

Smith & Wesson Registered .357 Magnum with 3.5" barrel. Patridge front sights and original box. Museum quality example

S&W Registered Magnum with 3.5" barrel.

F.B.I. issued Smith & Wesson pre-Model 27 5 screw with 5" barrel. Courtesy of the N.R.A.

S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman with factory target grips

S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman with 4" barrel and Rubber Pachmayr Presentation Grips - .357 magnum

S&W Model 27 with custom target grips and Patridge Sights - .357 Magnum

S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman with 4" barrel and Hogue monogrips - .357 Magnum

S&W Model 27 with 4" barrel - .357 Magnum. Another recent production model.

Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum with 6" barrel and Roper grips. Owned by Clark Gable. Courtesy of NRA National Firearms Museum.

Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum with 3.5" barrel. Predecessor to the Model 27.

Smith & Wesson Model 27, 3.5" bl, nickel plate (.357 Magnum).

Smith & Wesson Model 28 with 4" barrel and Pachmayr grips.

Chrome Smith & Wesson Model 27.

Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum - .357 Magnum. This particular S&W was purchased in 1935 by (then) Lt. Col. George S. Patton.

The actual order form for the Registered Magnum that Patton filled out in 1935. Photo found on the Smith & Wesson Forum. http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/523083-pattons-revolver.html

Chrome-plated Smith & Wesson Model 27 w/ 8" barrel and Pachmayr grips - .357 Magnum

Discussion

Model 28 vs. Model 27

Here is the difference between the Model 28 and the Model 27 according to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Jim Suprica and Richard Nahas. There are three editions of the Catalog, but the info about the Model 28 hasn't changed. The Model 28 was introduced April 1954. When originally introduced it was a square butt (i.e. square grip) N-frame (large frame) target model (adjustable sights) with five screws. The Model 28 was a duty version of the Model 27. The Model 28 had a satin blue finish instead of the highly polished deep blue finish of the Model 27. It also did not have the checkering or serrations on the top rib that the Model 27 had. See the discussion page of Payback for photos of the differences between the two models. There were some other differences as well. The Model 28 was only available with the Baughman "Quick Draw" red front ramp sight. The 27 could also be purchased with a Patridge target front sight. Until 1979 the 27 had barrel lengths of 3.5 inches, 6.5 inches and 8 3/8 inches. The 28 was only sold with either the 4 inch or six inch barrel.The Model 27 could also be purchased with a "target" hammer and a "target" trigger. The Model 28 could only be purchased with the smaller "duty" trigger and hammer.

Internally the Model 27 and Model 28 were the same.

Until 1955 all S&W revolvers were "Five Screws". Meaning there were four screws on the side plate and a triggerguard screw. In 1955 the top sideplate screw was eliminated and in 1961 the triggerguard screw was removed making all current S&W revolvers three screws. The Model 28 was never manufactured with a different screw in order to identify it from the Model 27. --Jcordell 19:30, 9 January 2010 (UTC)

Smith & Wesson Model 28 topstrap

Smith & Wesson Model 27 topstrap. Note the checkering.