I saw a gun in a local shop that was listed as a pre-28, five screw. I was in a hurry and didn't handle it, but it looked to be in 95% condition or so. It was on consignment and I was wondering what's a ballpark price? I don't have any pictures or the S/N, but I am thinking about going back this afternoon when I get a chance and look it over. Any thoughts on what to check or what it might be worth would be appreciated as I am fairly new. Thanks for the help.

It's probably going to be tagged in $550-600 range and if it checks out good, it is worth it.

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Dick

I was going to say a few hundred more than that. I wanted a four inch 27 and have looked in the local stores for a couple of years off and on. 27's go for at or over a thousand and don't get marked down much. The 28 I found I had to pay $600 for it. So for a pre model number gun I would say anywhere from $500 to a $1,000 depending on condition, grips, box, papers, etc... But then I never tend to agree with people on what they are going for in stores. Private deals are always up and down the scale. You might get someone here on the forum to cut you a nice deal. Or you may wind up like me and just bite the proverbial bullet and get what you can find for what isn't a complete rip off but is still a little high.

Oh yeah, it supposedly had the original box with it, but it wasn't in the case.

For a 5 screw Highway Patrolman (pre-28) with the original box in 95% condition, I'm guessing you're going to pony up $600 +. If it's a 4" gun, it's probably going to be on the high side, toward the $700 or more range.

Agree w/ Fred..........should have diamond magna stocks and a (solid) white border around the top face of the box lid. Hope you get it and then lets se some PICTURES!

+1..................

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S&WCA # 2045

You guys are awesome. I appreciate the help. I'm headed out this morning to look it over. I'll check the box and grips for original. I'll post some pictures if I end up bringing it home.

I think the barrel length makes more of a difference in the price than you would infer from most the posts here. Price would depend on exact condition, original stocks, unusual features, etc. I'm with Maximum Bob at $1,000 for the high end of the range... $400 at the low end if it has hard use, abuse, Pachs, ...

There weren't many options on these. In my limited experience, it's rare to see one with the .400" smooth trigger, so that may be a plus if present. (More commonly you see the .265" serrated trigger.)

Diamond target stocks would be a BIG PLUS. If it has diamond targets w/o the extractor cut --- YIKES! --- Buy it! Who cares whether they are original or not!

AFAIK, the only other option was 4 or 6 inch barrel, already discussed.

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You're shy a few manners.

I checked it out. It has a little holster wear at the end of the 6" barrel and a couple of small scatches. The bore is pristine and the action is tight. They were asking $775. It had the original box, which was in good shape. The grips had a S&W in a gold circle at the top. They were checkered and had a diamond in the center. They were in good shape except for a couple of small dings on the bottom (as carried by a right handed shooter). It was stamped highway patrolman on the barrel. I thought $775 was a tad steep, but they wouldn't even talk to me when I offered $700.

I remember seeing a thread about all the different grips some time back, but I couldn't find it. Anyone know if it is still around for me to read? Thanks for the help.

Oh yeah, the s/n was S131X67. I think the X was either a 9 or a 5.

Probably a 1955 (second year production) gun. A factory letter is the only way to find out the shipping date which is what is generally the accepted "age" of the gun is.

$775 may be a bit steep for a 6" HP, but there just aren't that many 5 screw HP's out there. Depends on how bad you want it. If you don't buy it at that price, I'd guess someone will eventually if the dealer hangs tough on the price.

As to the grips, you described the proper grips for that period, the only thing that would make a difference is if they are "magna" grips ( duty grip, contoured to fit the frame) or "target" grips which are oversized. They can have no loading cut out/dish at all, or a "football" shaped dished out area to help facilitate loading. If target grips, there's always a slim chance you might stumble on some "Cokes", which have a larger checkered area than standard and a palm swell, hence the "Coke Bottle" shape. In the unlikely event they were Cokes, the grips alone could be worth $250 to $300. If diamond targets in good shape, they're worth $150 to $200 at least. The proper magnas are a plus but only add about $50 to $75 to the value, unless parted out to someone who has none and really wants them.

The value of the grips is a big factor in deciding if that $775 is too much.

BIG RANCH, if it has the small stocks, remove the right one and the ser. # should be in 2 lines and match the gun. Original grips are always a plus. Only you can decide what to pay.