I am hopeing that you guys can tell me more about these guns. I got them today from a friend.
1- Colt challenger. It is in what appears to be very good shape. The blueing is worn from holster ware

2- Smith & wesson model 28 Highway Patrolman 357
This gun has after market grips and I don't like them much. Other than that the gun is very nice.

3- U.S. revolver co. 32 cal Hammerless.
This gun is nickel plated I think and it is in good shape but the cylinder will turn both ways. I don't know if this gun should be shot.

IS the 22 a good one? Where do I get some info on how to take it appart to clean it?

IS the 357 a good one? I would like to get different grips for it got any sugestions?
Ron

The Model-28 is an especially bad piece of crap. If you can arrange to send it to me I'll pay you a couple bucks to take it off your hands.

The Colt Challenger is a fine little automatic pistol and quite collectible when in really nice shape.

The M28 is basically the same thing as the M27, a true large frame (N Frame) .357 Mag, only without the bells and whistles of the M27. It was made as a lower cost alternative to the M27 that would appeal to law enforcement agencies. They are fantastic pistols that are becoming more and more sought after.

Thanks for the info. I need to get info on how to take the colt appart to clean it. Have any ideas? Also, on the S&W I want some new grips. The grips that are on it are not good "after market" and your thumb is up high. I want some packmyer type. I see from your post it is a N frame. I see in some catalogs that the N frame came in two types. Round and Squair. I know this sounds stupid but how can I tell which is which? Thanks.

I have become very fond of my 28-2 lately. Just ordered some Crimson Trace Hoghunter laser grips for it yesterday---2MG

The round and square grips are just that. At the bottom of the grip frame, it either comes back to a point and then flat on the bottom(square) or it is rounded. A buddy of mine just got some round to square conversion grips from S&W for his M29. The gun has a round grip and the new grips cover that and come out to make the square profile on the back.
I really like the Houge Mono-grip. My 4" 500 has them on from the factory. The back of the grip frame is covered with rubber, other ones don't. The 500 is supposed to have the same grip frame as the N-frames so grips are interchangable.

ALL M28 Smiths are Square butt configuration. 28's right now are getting more and more collectible as the older style Smiths get snagged from the market and put into collections.

The M27 was the deluxe large (N) frame .357 mag. It had deluxe bluing, several front sight options, hammer and trigger options, the top strap of the frame was checkered to cut glare, VERY deluxe. Many came in the wood presentation case with cleaning kit and screwdriver included.

The M28 had a matte type bluing (black really), the top strap was smooth, and though one could specify options they generally came with std hammer and trigger and the smaller service style grips.

If interested You should check out the Smith & Wesson Forum , do a search.

Many grip options available. The rubber Pach's are a dime a dozen, Ugly but good field grips.

Give me the serial number and I can approximate your 28's date of birth.

FN in MT

Thanks for the info. Here are the numbers.
N 103***
SO do I need to just keep this 28 in a vault or should I shoot it? I am leaning to shooting it. My grandpa would have wanted it shot but I don't want to screw up the value. It is in very good condition but the factory grips are no where to be found. Ron

Ron,

Born between 1970 and 1972. The S serial number prefix had just been dropped and the N prefix had just started. My first Handgun was a 6" M28 and it's number was N1080XX.

They are not serious collector items, but a desireable Smith to add to any collection none the less. You have a nice KEEPER there. I'd shoot it , but I wouldn't abuse it.

I just snagged a like new 4" M28, circa 1975 without original box or papers for $450 and didn't feel bad about it. Truly nice examples are getting tough to find. Especially out here in MT.

FN in MT

Mine is a 6" one. I would like to carry it while bird hunting. Every once and a while I hear of guys that see Mountain lions while chukar hunting. I would love to get one, and I carry slugs in case I get the chance. I would think the S&W would be a better choice. I am not sure how to carry it. Belt holsters just won't work. Ron

RON:
Shoot it and enjoy it. If you take care of it, it won't hurt the value. Grips are readly avalable. Check with your local gun store/smith.
Teh Colt .22 should be a good snake gun and fun to shoot. I think(don't quote me) that is is a less expensive Woodsman which is a great shooting .22. I could be wrong about that.
The .32 sounds like it needs adjustment. It may not be worth the cost of fixing value wise, but if it was your grandfather's fix it and put it away for your children, assuming we will still be able to have handguns when they are of age. Good luck with it all.
Remember that you can shoot .38 spl. in the .357 for a less robust recoil load.
Judge Sharpe

I had one of the model 28-2s about 10-12 years ago. Wish I had it back. I sold it to Jerry Lee Lewis. Yes, that Jerry Lee. Kept a copy of the check. Needed the money back then. Had the slickest action of any revolver I have ever owned.

I want to shoot 180 gr Hornadys. ANyone had any luck with them? If so what was your load you liked most in the 28. Ron

Try one of the DE Santis crossdraw holsters. It has a radical rake is is very comfrotable to wear.