S&W Model 28 vs 686+

[JCM]

Hello!

Think I might actually pull the trigger on this one... thought I'd ask you guys for which is the better choice.

S&W Model 28 4 inch, great condition, no lock. Think its a mid 70's model.

Or a brand spanking new 686+ also 4 inch. They're both about the same price.

I have a 6 inch Colt Trooper and thought it was too big (plus it was my dad's gun so it'll stay in the safe). Then I got a 3 inch Model 60 Pro but being a J frame .357 loads are not that fun.

I want something in a 4 inch barrel that can fire .357 loads all day long.

I thought I wanted a blued revolver but that's less important now.

So what do you all think? Which is the better choice?

Thanks.

[liketoshoot]

love my 686, but then I don't have a mdl 28.

[golfrj]

Model 28, built in a time of Great Craftmanship & Pride.. Also has tons of History and Large frame.. JMHO

[Che762x39]

Model 28. I got a Model 27 four inch and I would go with character.

[kmca]

If you think the Colt is too big, the N framed Smith might also seem too big. The L frame might be what you want. Have you tried a K frame Smith? If you might use it in competition, the 7 shot really doesn't have a good home

[JCM]

If you think the Colt is too big, the N framed Smith might also seem too big. The L frame might be what you want. Have you tried a K frame Smith? If you might use it in competition, the 7 shot really doesn't have a good home

well I meant too big as in the 6 inch barrel.

I did handle the 28 and it felt very good. Wasn't too concerned about the weight.

Looks like the consensus here is the 28 is the way to go because of the history.

Hmm... any concern about the price on the 28 being the same as a new 686 though? Not really sure what a good price should be.

[Iknownot]

The 28 will be much nicer in fit and finish (even as back in the day being the "working man's version of the 27, the quality is still better than current Smiths, by far).

The trigger on the 28 will be a bit more smooth, most likely, since it will be used, but that will eventually even out if you get the 686.

That being said, I'd personally pick the 686. The 28, when it comes down to it, is a bit of an overly large frame for 357/38 (my opinion). Unless you have oven mitt sized hands (and I don't have small hands), the 686 feels like just about the exact right size.

The 686 feels about perfectly balanced and points easier, IMO, than the 28. The 28 always felt a bit front heavy to me, in terms of balance.

In any case, that's how I'd pick. 686. Unless you really want a much nicer gun, in terms of quality and fit and finish. Then go with the 28. They are both really nice.

As for pricing used 28s in good condition usually go from $600 to over $700 if it comes with the orginal box and tools and such.

[trigger945]

Oh tough! Both are nice. I love my 686 (not +) and don't have a 28. Or not yet at least!

Price? I've seen brand new 686's around $800 - $1,000 so it's kinda steep to pay that kind of money for a used Smith if you're saying they are the same price. Or maybe the ones I have seen were overpriced.

Good luck OP!

[trigger945]

For reference, used Smiths go for around $600 or so if in good condition.

That's what I paid for my 686.

[Gryff]

If you think the Colt is too big, the N framed Smith might also seem too big. The L frame might be what you want. Have you tried a K frame Smith? If you might use it in competition, the 7 shot really doesn't have a good home

I was thinking the same thing about the 28. But OP said they want to shoot a regular diet of .357 Magnum, so they don't want to go with a K-Frame. Sounds like the 686+ is a great choice if this is not for competition.

[Fishslayer]

I would take the 4" P&R N frame 28-2 all day long over a brand spanking new 686.

While the 28-2 is indeed a blued revolver it's a more matte blue than the high gloss of the M27 & others. The 28-2 was the "working man's" .357.

[Ed_Hazard]

I'd get the M28 as it is a great classic sixg shot 357, from a great time in SW history.

The only modern SW 357 I would consider now would have to be either the 686 + , seven or eight shot model. However if I could find one of the non PC 627-5's they made for a short time in 2008, I'd jump all over it.

[toadman]

Get the 28. Later on you can always get the 686, but how often do you run across a 28 in that kind of condition?

[JCM]

yep... I think 28 it is. Since 686's are still in production they'll be easier to find later on anyway.

I like the idea of the working man's .357, if it was the model 27 I'd probably be afraid to shoot it.

Thanks!

[kurac]

I think the 28-2 is going to weigh about the same as the 686 even though it has a larger frame and thicker cylinder.

The cylinder on the 686 is slightly longer so if you want to shoot 180's that might make the difference.