Friends, One of the shops I visit semi-regularly has a 5 screw HWY Patrolman that is in perfect condition, with the box and all the goodies in a 4" configuration.

No turn line, stocks are factory perfect showing no handling, bluing is perfect, no marks, no nicks that I could see anywhere, doesn't even look like it was test fired....truly a time capsule.

Anyways, the bottom line is the shop wants $ 1,299.00, plus tax and background check.

Worth it? I've never seen one in this condition. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance, TH

**UPDATE 6-16-2020****Friends, being polite and having persistence, while being respectful, turned this one around. This was sold a few days after I saw it; reached out to the collector network in my area, found out who bought it. We talked and I got it. Happy as can be. I really enjoy all the S&W offerings and have had numerous. Now days, I am into collecting very high-condition firearms and this one was just right. *****

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Rather be outdoors

Buy it. Fast. That’s a bargain.

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SWHF #691

^^^^ that's what I was afraid of. They do not open again until Monday and guess I will have to add it to the stable if it is still there. I was on the fence because I do not follow this particular model nor variant.

Fingers crossed I will get it Monday and post pictures.

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Rather be outdoors

The price knocked me on my butt!

I was thinking $800, $900, definitely less than $1,000.
All original 5-screw w/ 4" barrel LNIB … I might have to throw in the towel and buy that one if I saw it.

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You're shy a few manners.

I too was a little taken back by the price but haven't really been following that model lately. The fact that it is in pristine condition will always add value to most collectors. As many folks have said before, you don't pay too much you just buy it too early. In that condition, it will always grow into the price. You have to ask, when will I find another in this condition???

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James Redfield
LM #497

Monday morning, try $1200 out the door - they know you are serious with that offer and they mighty enjoy big sale with their first customer of the day.

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S&W factory revolver armorer

Price seems high to me, but I bought mine years ago. You don't want to know how cheap they used to be.

I doubt it is going any where soon at that price.

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

It's high (now) but not outrageously so. If you like it and won't be spending the kid's milk money I agree with offering $100-200 less than the asking price.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

For collecting, maybe, for shooting, no way....shooting will remove a lot of that value, IMHO...that's a rare find these days

A year ago When I saw the ‘broke’ lawyer selling his collection,
He had a really nice 4 inch 28.
I didn’t look at it too close.
Probably would have liked it too much!
He was asking about what they want for this one.

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

Carry in a stack of $100's, and lay 10 of them on the counter, then add one. See what he says, but be prepared to put the rest down.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

That sounds like a real dandy! The price isn't too bad as described. A package like that does not surface around these parts very often. It may be a first year production HP which would make it highly sought after. If it were me, I'd go back and pop the grips off for further inspection of any marks or stamps to assure myself it's original. After that, then you can make your offer. Let us know, and post some pictures! Good luck.

Simple question....how much are you going to kick yourself if you miss it?

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Mike H

Sounds nice

I shoot all my guns. If I found something like that I’d only buy it if the price was such I could flip it.

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213th FBINA

Yes, its a bit high, BUT.

I was looking at a 38/44 Outdoorsman at a gunshow several years ago. I thought the price was high and I asked a friend/dealer. His response was the same advice I'll give you here. It may be high, but how long will you look for another one like that?

Pristine 60 year old revolvers don't grow on trees.

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Bill

I agree. I’ve used that justification many times, not just for price but for rationalizing the purchase of a duplicate. Works every time. Here’s my latest example. Can’t have leave clean 2.5” 19/66s sitting unappreciated in pawn shops.

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213th FBINA

When are you going to find another one like that??

Buy it if you like it.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

What he said. … But me being me, I'll have to expound just a little. …

If it happened to be an M27 in that condition (any barrel length), no one would question the price. But think for a minute. People who bought the M27 were buying it because it was at the top of the gun maker's art at that time. They babied it and would have been horrified at the idea of carrying it in a holster. So a good percentage are in LN condition.

Contrast the M28. Many (most?) were bought by LE Agencies for duty carry in a holster. Boxes and paperwork unceremoniously tossed in a receptacle, tools stuck in a desk drawer or glove box. Specimens like the OP describes are rare birds indeed.

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You're shy a few manners.

Take $1,300.00 and start visiting gun shops and gunshows looking for one as you described. You will probably never find another like it. The time and effort looking you will spend many times more than the shop is asking. Not always but sometimes the time to buy is when you see it. This will only get better as the years go by.

That same money will buy a very nice model 27 that was the premier version of the model 28 with all the checkering on top.

For comparison, check out the two 28s in this current forum classified:

Vintage Smiths Revolvers - Python Some Real Beauties

Those of you commenting how the price hasn’t reached that yet may not have noticed the recent sale here on the Forum of the like new HP. It was advertised at $1,950 and I don’t know the exact selling price but I know someone spoke up for it in just a day or two. There’s currently another one listed for $2,250, though it hasn’t sold yet.

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SWHF #691

put it this way. If you dont buy it,when will you find another perfect 5 screw? Today`s high prices are tomorrows bargains

Work has been hectic, but running to the shop after lunch. Hope to have an update soon...

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Rather be outdoors

I hope you get it.

What's the most that you are out?? A few hundred dollars??

I think the gain way out ways the lose.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

Went to the shop at 2:00 PM today and it was gone. I shouldn't have waited and my gut feeling that it was priced on the higher end but in that condition was a reasonable amount. Talked to the owner and he said turnover on the old Colts and S&W's right now is every 1 or 2 days after he puts them out they are sold. The skeptic in me thinks this is a way to get me to visit more, but that's the story. Thanks for the help everyone.

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Rather be outdoors

I'm not going to hit the like button.

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Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

Kenny ain’t gonna give you a Like.
I’m not gonna say - We told you so!

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

He might be gilding the lily a little bit but I wouldn't think that's too far from the truth. I'm sure he would not mind seeing you more often. We have all missed good deals.

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You're shy a few manners.

Thanks everyone, I got there when the shop opened!!!!

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James Redfield
LM #497

I love a 28-2 but not going to pay that much for one. I would not be to upset over missing that one. Get yourself a shooter for a lot less.

Thanks, Golphin. I already have a 28-2 as well; this was more for collecting/time capsule reasons. Best, TH

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Rather be outdoors

I bought a couple old Colts recently (shooters not collectors) but looking at guns for sale and sold. It seems that complete packages (box and all extras) are bringing a big premium over just the gun. Some of the Colt DA revolvers that you can buy really nice guns only for $4-500 go for way over a grand as full packages and even higher for LNIB/unfired examples.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

Sounds like you have the right attitude.

Too bad it was gone, but on the plus side you are wiser now AND you still have your money in your pocket. There's always another good deal around the corner.

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You're shy a few manners.

Persistence pays off...I know a lot of the serious collectors in the area. Found the person that bought it and bought it from them with a little horse trading...!!!!!!!

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Rather be outdoors

Here are a few more photos for your enjoyment...

Honestly, I keep trying to find any wear on this and there simply is NONE!

Wood still has natural color, not changed from oil or handling. Cylinder turn line is super faint, which in my experience leads me to believe that in the last 60+ years that it was moved only 100-200 times.

Anywhere there appears to be wear, is like reflection. This is truly a time capsule and LNIB 5 Screw 4" with all the goodies!!!!!

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Rather be outdoors

Here are a few more...I know someone is going to ask so here goes: I am into this at $1,375.00 approximately and I know some will think this is crazy, but I don't care. I have never seen a 5 screw, low serial number, Model 28 in this condition....EVER. Not for sale for any amount, this one will be handed down or donated/sold to the SWCA when I pass by my relatives....

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Rather be outdoors

Exactly. I've never even seen a five-screw anything for sale here in S&W blued revolver purgatory, never mind ANIB.
Congratulations on some good detective work running that one down!

Ain't it great when you finally bring home something you really wanted!!
Congratulations......that is sweet.

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Mike H