anybody here own a smith wesson N frame?

[mwerner]

More "lore". Elmer Kieth was fond of the .357 but being Elmer, he thought that bigger bullets were the way to go.... He designed a cast 170 grain SWC specifically for use in this round. The only problem was with the older N-frame revolvers, the cylinder was just a tad too short. If crimped properly into the bullet's crimping groove, the bullet nose would protrude from the cylinder.

You had to seat this huge slug too deep, and that cut into the powder capacity. Keith used a case full of 2400 powder, and it was essentially a compression load.
When the M19 (K-frame) came out, Kieth was overjoyed as it had a longer cylinder and would accept properly-constructed loads with his pet bullet.
I got the mold for this slug back in my younger days and made up a bunch of Keith's loads.... I have to say that this was the only .357 Magnum load I ever shot that was uncomfortable....
I carried 125 gr. JHPs on duty like everyone else.

 

[Charlie_K]

he wants $700 for it. he said his father shot it 6 times. it doesn't look like its been used at all though.

For that kind of money you can get a brand new Ruger GP100. Quite literally a tank in terms of durability. Plus it'll carry easier.

 

[rbmcmjr]

The S&W's 27 & 28's were very good Guns but in the 357 Mag line the Colt 357 Python wins out ~~ hands down as the strongest & most trusted.*

On what planet? I have never heard the Python described as anything other than fragile and finicky, albeit beautiful.

 

[leghog]

If the price is right and your inspection of is comes out ok, go for it. The M28 is an excellent handgun.

If it really hasn't been shot but 6 timers, and there's no turn ring, and it comes with box and papers, $700 may not be too bad. I'd offer $600.

Buy it because you want to shoot it (I don't believe in safe queens) as I doubt you'll ever carry it. For carry consider the K frame M13 or M19. A few bucks for a trigger job and S&W's, especially the older ones, can easily have the best revolver triggers in the world. Something Ruger will never be able to say.

 

[Unk]

Here are my Mod 28s all good;



Had the 6" for >40 years, the 4" for> 20.

Would buy another if priced right - $700 seems sporty but I'm old and thrifty....on some things.

Best.

 

[22-rimfire]

I think $700 is a tad high, but since it is as new condition and I wanted one, I'd probably bite. The N frame Smiths were generally too large for law enforcement. I am a fan of the M57's personally and a $700 M57 in as-new condition would be already at home keeping me company. The N frame was designed for the 44 mag (M29), so for 357 it is plenty strong. Rugers tend to be stronger if you intend to shoot really high powered stuff.

 

[DPris]

The 28 is a classic Smith, strong & durable. It is not the strongest, but it's one of the best.
The price is high, even for a near-mint, but you'd be getting a dependable workhorse .357 in great shape.
Being a retired cop, I saw several N-Frame Smith .357s in police holsters.
They were a trifle large, but greatly trusted & respected here in my part of the West.

I have three .357 N-Frames.

The Python is far from the strongest & most trusted.
Denis

 

[Charlie Fox]

I owned a 4" Model 28 back in the day. I will say it is a big hunk of steel; my department at the time issued 110 gr. JHP +P+ 38 Specials and it was like shooting a .22! I say go for it!

 

[Bai Lang]

N frame smiths are great guns! No lock and pinned versions are looked for by collectors.

28's are great weapons I like them maybe even better than 27's

I would buy it- probly after inspecting it.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

They are a bit on the heavy side for a carry piece. If you just want it for the range/SD they are great and if you shoot .38's out of them it is a great gun for all day shooting and starting a newbie on a center-fire cartridge.

I had a 28-4" and while far from the strongest I doubt you will ever shoot the gun loose.

 

[DocT]

Those big N frames were the original guns designed for the 357 Remington Magnum and are pretty strong. They are nicely made. Get it and enjoy it.

 

[Teppojutsu]

Ruger wins in the ability to shoot hot loads
whether or not thats your cup o tea is up to you
I will say I love my 329 pd n frame 44 and my 386 357
I also have a spot in my heart for a 3.5 to 4inch super blackhawk in 44

 

[hfrog355]

Those big N frames were the original guns designed for the 357 Remington Magnum and are pretty strong. They are nicely made. Get it and enjoy it.

Wasn't the Triple Lock the original N-frame? It wasn't called the N-frame, but I vaguely remember reading Elmer Keith talking about that being the beginning of the N-frame platform. It was a .44 Special.

Ruger wins in the ability to shoot hot loads
whether or not thats your cup o tea is up to you
I will say I love my 329 pd n frame 44 and my 386 357
I also have a spot in my heart for a 3.5 to 4inch super blackhawk in 44

Aiming a SB is like wielding a brick compared to an N-frame. No question they're stronger though.

 

[rbmcmjr]

Wasn't the Triple Lock the original N-frame? It wasn't called the N-frame, but I vaguely remember reading Elmer Keith talking about that being the beginning of the N-frame platform. It was a .44 Special.

Correct. The .44 Hand Ejector, First Model, was introduced in 1905. That same frame size was chosen when they rolled out the .38/44 Heavy Duty (and Outdoorsman). When they debuted the .357 in 1935, it was the logical choice for a high intensity cartridge.