I was offered a 6" 28-2 in 85-90% condition for $500. I don't yet own an S&W 357 and don't plan on carrying this gun. I would like to have a good "shooter" to go with my M 10-5 that my wife seems to have claimed for her own.

The gun looks good, bore is clean and it locks up tight. I know that the 4" is more versatile and desired. I'm a big guy though, 6"8" two hundred and somethin somethin pounds, so barrel length isn't much of a concern. Heck, it looks like a snubbie in my hands!

Is it priced fair? Thanks for your input.

I will weigh in on this. I do not know where you live, but in my area, around Atlanta, a good shooter, as you describe, is at least $475. I can tell you, that a M28 in shooter condition is still a joy. Sounds to me like you should buy it, and enjoy the heck out of it. Shoot, have him throw in a box of .357's and take it to the range.

I think the price is a little high. You should be able to get a good 4 incher for that price.

That's actually a little low for around here. Maybe I'm not discounting enough for the 85%-90% part of the equation, but the three 28-2's in my LGS range from $525-$675, and a little higher than that at gun shows.

It varies by region. West Coast is always higher than anywhere else. California is REALLY high; they're a whole different ball game because you can't bring anything into the state unless it's on their approved list. It's not a real long list.

IMO $500 would be a good deal in The People's Republik. I paid quite a bit more than that a couple, three years ago and from looking around since then I think it was an "OK" deal. In hindsight I might have dickered a bit.

If I really wanted a 4" I would probably be patient & keep a wad of Benjamins in hand.

You can bring them into the state if you already own them. The registration fee is $19 I believe.

Once the gun is here you can do anything you please with it.

That's the rub. No imports from the internet or private sellers at all. If they're not already in the state or arrive with an owner, tough luck.

Revolvers can use a single action only exemption if the seller is willing to do that. You remove the DA sear (or whatever) so the gun is single action only. The process is outlined on Calguns. Perfectly legal but you need a cooperative seller & an FFL familiar with the law.

I'm in Nevada, much more civilized than PRK! I'm pretty critical on condition rating.... I looked on GB and according to the sellers there this one would be "excellent" or "rarely handled"... Yeah right. It is in good condition and considering it may be near 50 years old, it's in very good condition.

If I'm reading the California DOJ web page correctly, if you move into the state you are considered a firearm importer. It says you may bring in California-legal firearms, and you are correct that the registration fee is $19. EACH. For me that would be a chunk of change.

What it doesn't say specifically is if the term "California-legal" means they have to be on the Certified for Sale list, or it just means anything that isn't specifically banned i.e. standard capacity magazines and evil-black-assault-rifles.

I know if I do end up there I'll have quite a few 59 series 15 round magazines in the parts for sale section...