A friend of mine sent me a picture of a Model 28, 4" barrel, says it was made in the 1950s, and is unfired. He writes, "S code not an N frame". He asked me what it was worth.

My reply was that the S does not mean that it is not an N frame. All model 28s are N frames; S&W simply changed the way they serial numbered the guns. Then I said it could be worth anywhere from $700 to $1,000. He didn't give me a dash number; I bet it is a -2 but maybe not.

The gun rug in the picture is obviously not exactly connected to the gun because it seems to read "nickel" on there.

Comments solicited.

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Model 28.jpg (44.7 KB, 228 views)

Exactly. It's still an N frame. The same N frame introduced circa 1908. SN's didn't have letters until after WW2. First was the 'S'. Later the 'S' was replaced with the 'N'. Eventually, they were a mix of letters and numbers. The 'Highway Patrolman' didn't become the Model 28 until circa 1959. If that gun is unfired and in as-shipped configuration, the grips it is wearing weren't introduced until 1968. That places it at least post-1968.

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

I can't tell you much from the picture.
I can say it certainly isn't a 5 screw gun.
Which does cover a lot of the 50's.
The stocks are non diamond so if original would mean late 60's at earliest.
The gun does look in great shape.

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Paul
S&WCA #2726

The first Highway Patrolman appeared about April 1954, so it is no older than that. And the S-series N-frames started in 1946 and continued until 1969. If it is stamped as a Model 28, it would be no older than from about 1958. Stocks, if original, would be 1969 or later. Putting those together, it is a high S-series M28, probably from 1969. $700-$1000 is a reasonable value, maybe somewhat more if it still has the box, paperwork, and implements. I bought a brand-new Model 28 in 1970 for $125.

The upper sideplate screw was deleted in 1956, so it is not any older than that. As others have said, if those are really the original stocks, it is a lot newer. It's not uncommon for people to get there facts mixed up, especially if the gun is inherited.

We are engaging in a lot of unnecessary guess work here. Just ask your friend to --
1. Get us the serial number. X out the last couple of digits if you wish. We can then look up the year it shipped.
2. Swing out the cylinder and look on the frame for the model number. (I am guessing it will say "MOD 28-2").

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You're shy a few manners.

If the stocks are correct, the 28-2 dates to approximately 1967-1970.

Bill

Thanks, folks. If I get the SN I will add it here but I told him what y'all said and the SCSW and I think I convinced him that the gun is NOT an early 1950s item.

Probably not as early as believed-
But as described, a very desirable gun!
I'm not looking for any guns, not sure if any are looking for me,
But a 4 inch S frame 28 in the posted condition, yes indeed I would try to buy it!

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

My 28-2 is s/n S227xxx. The stocks match the gun. It shipped in 11/62. I paid $650 for it.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

I then found a box and a set of target grips for it.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Serial # S2011xx Model 28 no dash from 1960. Target stocks are not original to the gun, but the right era. My Dad bought them new in the 60's. Bob

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	2-21-17 016.jpg (68.7 KB, 11 views)
	2-21-17 017.jpg (70.1 KB, 9 views)
	six inch 033.jpg (168.2 KB, 12 views)

The grips say 67-70. The S serial number says 67-68, so probably a 1967 gun. That is assuming it IS an S serial number AND the grips are correct.
If unfired = I got the box too, he could be reading the printed material date of April 1955.

Charlie