Value of Mod. 28 First Year of Issue

[Biginge]

Ok guys, you've all been there. I have found a S (131xxx) at my lgs. On consignment and the guy won't budge on the price($750). Gun is absolutely 100% correct and about a 95-98% gun.

I have been back 3 times this morning. I just gotta have it. Somebody help me get off high center. Am I an idiot at that price or what? 6" bbl, locks up great, no play, grips #to weapon. Just a great old first year Hwy Patrolman.

I need your counsel, please let me know. I am quivering for this wonderful N frame. Does anyone know the earliest issue S serial # on the Model 28?

Thanks
Biginge

[DCWilson]

I have a 99% first year (or maybe 13th month) HP in its box that I paid about $750-800 for a year or so ago. So that price does not scare me. Mine is S127225.

The first HP had a serial number in the S104xxx range. I'm not sure that S131xxx would have shipped in the first 12 months, but it would be fairly early. I imagine it would date to 1955.

The first HP was shipped in April 1954 if I remember my history. There's a long thread about the Model 28 and Pre-28 in the 1896-1961 section.

[Biginge]

Thanks David for the info. This one has no box. I know everyone on this forum has experienced the "gotta have it, shaky, mild perspiration, trembling anticipation" feeling that I am experiencing right now. If only I could get a coupla of people to agree with me on the buy. It just seems a little high, but he has it and i don't.

Thanks
Biginge

[SRT]

The price sounds okay to me. They are not making them anymore, so you had better buy it or someone else will.

SRT

[GyMac]

Since you asked - "You can never pay too much for a gun, just too soon." That said, to me a Highway Patrolman should have a 4 inch barrel (although I owned one with a 6 inch tube 35 years ago). If you are going to spend that much money for a 6 inch barrel, get a Model 27. Still, it's your money and I wish you well. I'm sure you will be happy.

[Maximumbob54]

I thought $600 was too high for my S serial number HP but mine was with rubber stocks and not the originals. But mine is a 4" tube. I could see buying that one for that price if it was a four inch gun but that's pretty steep for the six. But that's just my opinion on the subject and not yours. If you have been back multiple times and you are posting about it on here then you may have already made up your mind. Go get it.

[stumper]

To me there is a huge difference between a 95 and 98% gun. I think $750 is a decent price for a 98% gun but maybe not for a 95%?

[old bear]

Well it does not look as if any of these are going to go down in price any time soon. Smith and Wesson is not making them any longer, so if you can AFFORD it, why not?

[tango-papa]

In my limited experience, I think the price is just a bit high without the box, but not so much that I would take a pass if i were looking for one.

It's a first year, possibly second, 5-screw HP with matching numbers?
They are not making those anymore and you can still find boxes and tools at reasonable prices.

A few years from now, that price will not be too much.

tp

[Stu1205]

For me it would depend on what I am going to do with it.
If I could afford to keep it as a safe queen for an investment, then I might pay that price.
If I was going to shoot it, then that would be too much for me to pay for a shooter.
I have two very nice 6" M28s and a 4" hard chromed shooter.
I bought both of the 6" ones for under $400.00.
There are good deals out there. I wasn't looking for either of the 6" ones when I bought then.
Just my humble opinion.

Stu

[Reddog]

Biginge,
If you like em', you gotta' have em'! I have five now and only one is a 4". Personally, I prefer the 6"! I gave $700 for the one in the pic not long ago. No box or tools, but unfired. And, it's a lot newer than the one you're looking at!
Dick

[Biginge]

Thanks to all for your advice and info. I got it. Know I paid top $(maybe even a bit more) but now I have it and they don't. Once I've handled an old one twice or more chances are if everything is ok with it, and the $ are there, it is probably going home with me. They say in the car business that if they can get you to sit in the one you are looking at, there is a 65% sold statisic (I am told). Kinda like me handling an old S&W.

Thanks again for all your adivce, etc.

Biginge

[Biginge]

David,

I read the thread you mentioned on the Hwy. Patrolman. The one I bought today is not model marked on the frame like all my other S&W's. Is this the NMM that Fame is speaking of in the thread? If so does this alter the value? Appreciate your help.

Bill

[MJX]

..................

[tango-papa]

Originally Posted by Biginge

David,

I read the thread you mentioned on the Hwy. Patrolman. The one I bought today is not model marked on the frame like all my other S&W's. Is this the NMM that Fame is speaking of in the thread? If so does this alter the value? Appreciate your help.

Bill

Photos!

[Art Doc]

I am appalled at the very notion of a 6" (less sought than the 4") Highway Patrolman being firmly priced at $750. Great horny toads!

[toddimusnimski]

Yep, S&W didn't use model numbers until 1957; so yours precedes that. I'd say NMM guns are worth more than their younger bothers. The only exception being the 28-1 which was only made in 1960. We would all LOVE to see a picture of one of those!

[Big Lou]

I'd buy it tomorrow at that price if it was in my neighborhood!