Howdy folks, my first post here.
Just got home from the LGS and have a question on a gun I saw there.

28-2, 4 inch barrel, pinned and recessed, I'd say it was 98 to 99% condition.
Just a faint turn line on the cylinder. Serial# N394xxx I think.
I'm going from memory on the serial number so I could be quoting a totally wrong number...
It had magna grips without the diamond insert. No box.
Anyone want to tell me what this gun is worth roughly?

No, I didn't buy it. I'm wishing I could have but I only had money for small ticket items today. Was looking for old bullet moulds mostly and saw this 28.
If I didn't have to make a substantial contribution to o'bummers wealth redistribution plan on April 15, I might have brought it home.

BTW, real nice forum here. I've learned a lot already and I'm looking forward to learning a heck of a lot more about Smiths.

Welcome Matt, you were willing to miss the Buf's Vs. Jayhawy's to go to the LGS? If the M-28 you are asking about is as nice as you think $500.00 or less should be a good deal in today's market.

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Always Stay Strong!

Welcome to the forum.

Be very careful fooling around with Model 28.

They have a very a sneaky way of wangling a way into your heart and following you home.

That in turn opens a flood gate which will only lead to your addiction to S&W and financial ruin.

BTW, this forum doesn't help a bit. In fact is is the worst enabler in the world.

IMO a nice 28 should sell for about $350-$400.

Most sellers think they are worth $500-$700.

I have seen them tagged as high as $850.

For as many of these that were made, they don't show up as often as one would expect. One price less than $500.00 deserves a close look.

Thanks for the replies guys.
He had it marked at $675.00. Said it was negotiable.
I'm glad I didn't have the money with me now, because if I had got him down to $600.00 OTD, I would have bought it and overpaid.

BTW Iggy, it's already too late. I think I'm a lost cause.

My first ever 357 was a 4" model 28, I bought it new in the blue box for $93 in Sherman, Texas in 1967. Shot a lot of bull frogs, armadillos, snakes, turtles, possum, squirrels, rabbits & dirt clods with it...I sure wish I had it back, that gun taught me a lot!

Dick

I just paid $650.00 for one in similar condition, with box and papers. It's been a long time since I've seen one

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John 3:16 .

I saw a 4" M28-2, about 99% with box, at a gun show today. Asking price was $650. I think he's been bringing it to shows for a couple of months now so that may be high.

I'm saving money for something else or I would have seen how firm the price is.

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You're shy a few manners.

Unless it's a mint "pre-28", 5 or 4 screw, anything over $500 is just people bein' GREEDY. Most are right between $400- $500. Lately, I've seen them priced higher than some 27's. I'd almost rather be addicted to heroine, than S&W's, I'd get off cheaper.

They look like this, by the way






Ned

It's difficult to say, with local and seller desperation. I am set up at the Atlanta show this weekend and was able to pick up a 28-2 in very good condition (albeit, with Hogue rosewood finger groove grips) for $350. That's probably the low end for a gun in this condition, but sometimes you get lucky. I will post pictures Monday. BTW, I could have turned the gun for $450 a couple times over, but it's mine and I must play!

Ken L, how's my spelling?

sound much more reasonable, Ken. Seems like everybody that owns a Smith thinks it's a collector's item, just cause it's old. $500 M&P model 10's, not even if it was A engraved from me. About a year, you couldn't give away a shooter 28.

Ned

Sounds like I'm a year late. Oh well...
Speaking of model 10's, I saw several at that show yesterday and most were $500.00+.

I paid $400 for my pre-28 HP last summer. It had an after market hard chrome job which I like (but purists say "ruined it") and rubber grips. No box or papers.
If you look on the auction sites, you'll get a good idea of the value in today's market. Generally much higher than the folks who don't have one to sell but say it shouldn't cost more than "X".

I guess it all depends on where you live. Around here just a few years ago that gun would have cost you $300, now the surplus Smith supply has all but dried up and you might have to pay $600 for one,if you would pay that much. My first Smith was a 4 inch model 28. You could shoot that thing all day long,and feed it the hottest .357s you could find without worry. They really are pistols you get to love.