Smith & Wesson Model 27 / 28

Both the Smith & Wesson Model 27 and the Model 28 were born from the original S&W Registered Magnum (introduced in 1935). The Smith & Wesson Model 27 was a finely crafted high gloss blued .357 magnum revolver. Smith & Wesson later released the Model 28, also known as the "Highway Patrolman". These are essentially identical revolvers except the Model 28 was streamlined for lower cost but equal performance. The Model 28 was in production from 1954 through 1986. The Model 28 eliminated the expensive top strap checkering and had a matte blued finish. Other than that it is the identical gun. The high end Model 27 was favored amongst FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies well into the 1960s. The 'economy' Model 28 was favored among state and local law enforcement. The Stainless steel version of this gun is the Smith & Wesson Model 627

The Smith & Wesson Model 27 revolver or Model 28 revolver have been seen in the following films used by the following actors:

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Smith & Wesson Model 27 .357 magnum.

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Smith & Wesson Model 28 .357 magnum. This essentially the same gun as the Model 27, except for a noncheckered top strap and a less high polish blued finish.

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S&W Model 27 with 4".

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S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman with 4" bl. - The view of the right side of this weapon is very important: the only way to distinguish a Model 28 from a Model 27 is the screw near the hammer and the rear sight (compare with the image below). Other method to identify a Model 28 is the blued finishing, but on the films are often applied altered image filters that make it impossible to make a comparison. The Model 28 is the cheap version of the Model 27 produced for law enforcement.

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S&W Model 27 - Note the absence of the screw between the hammer top and the rear sight.

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Smith & Wesson Model 27 Snub nosed revolver with 3.5" barrel - .357 magnum.

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S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman with 4" bl.