That would be a great test of the 28 mile range!!
I am willing to bet you will never get a 28 mile range out of those radios. The only way would be if both radios were within line of sight. For running around the property I am sure they will work well but 28 miles out, never. My icom two meter handheld (480.00 new) has a problem with 28 miles under certain conditions and it is top of the line. I hate when companies like midland make claims like this.
It seems they all make the claims and they are not out and out lying, but they sure are leaving a lot of pertinent information out. There is a certain satisfaction in getting as much range as possible out of a minimal amount of power. Kind of like who gets the best gas mileage.
The human ear seems a little more sensitive to a whistle than it is to voiced words. So in range competitions, a tone is sent out. If you can hear the tone on the other end it is considered a successful test and (maximum range bragging rights). But unless you are fluent in Morse code it doesn't lend itself to practical use.
They will also stand with the radio at the focal point of a parabolic antenna. Again, not even remotely practical, but good for bragging rights.
The FRS (no license required) and the GMRS radios are both good within their limitations.
Older (pre May2017) FRS radios were limited to 1/2 watt. New FRS can have up to 2 watts of power. Try to get the two watt ones for best range.
The GMRS radios are a great choice too. You can find them with up to 5 watts of power in the handheld portables and up to 50 watts of power for mobiles and base stations. You can start out with the handhelds and then add in a higher powered mobile or base station later. You can even get your own repeater if your pockets are deep enough. It's not unusual to talk 10 miles (over level ground) from a handheld to a base station if you have a good outside antenna. But, you do need an FCC license for them. It is actually more of a tax because there is no test. You have to be a U.S. citizen over the age of 18 and pay $70.00 for a 5 year license. Once you are licensed, family can use the radios as long as your are in control to prevent abuses such as profanity and intentional interference to other users.
There is also a radio service called MURS that has no license requirement. For use on the water, a marine band radio is a no license required option. The marine band radios can have up to 25 watts and are available as portables (Walkie Talkies), again with power limitations due to battery capacity.
Ok that's enough rambling.