Model 28 buy opportunity

[ameridaddy]

I looked at a 4" Model 28 no dash today.
It had pristine Magna grips, (didn't remove to check Ser. No. match) plain black rear adjustable sight, plain black serrated Baughman front sight, very, very light turn line, very, very slight holster wear at muzzle, otherwise spotless bluing and screws, all mechanics and bore good.
Number on bottom of grip frame was N115.
Is this for real a very early Mod 28? Maybe ~1960?
Seller asked $825, bare gun, no box, tools or papers.
Haggle to what price, jump on it, or walk?
FWIW, I shoot all my guns but one.
Thanks for your advice.

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by ameridaddy

I looked at a 4" Model 28 no dash today.

Number on bottom of grip frame was N115.
Is this for real a very early Mod 28? Maybe ~1960?

Since the N prefix wasn't used until 1970 (late 1969 at the very earliest) something here just does not compute. Are you sure of the serial number? It should be a Model 28-2 with that serial number.

Check the front of the trigger guard. Does it have a screw in that location? The -2 was a three screw gun, only having screws in the sideplate. The Model 28 had four screws.

[daddy bear]

A 60 gun should have an S prefix. None the less, you are describing a nice revolver and the price is decent to good in our area.

Jack

[Derosa]

Where is it?

[Targets Guy]

I got mine last year for $650. $825 might be a touch high but the 28 is a sweet revolver. Mine is an "S" prefix from 1962. a -2

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[rgm36]

If it is in fact a 28 no dash and were to have numbers matching grips - you better break the sound barrier getting back to buy the gun.

The "4 screw" 28 no dash brings a premium and is easily worth close to a grand in my neck of the woods with numbers matching grips. You will have to verify that - as that is a MAJOR factor in the value.

28-2s are common place in comparison and can be found for $650.00 or less in shooter grade quality condition.

28-2s and 28 no-dashes are apples to oranges. They don't compare as far as value is concerned.

[ameridaddy]

Originally Posted by JP@AK

Since the N prefix wasn't used until 1970 (late 1969 at the very earliest) something here just does not compute. Are you sure of the serial number? It should be a Model 28-2 with that serial number.

Check the front of the trigger guard. Does it have a screw in that location? The -2 was a three screw gun, only having screws in the sideplate. The Model 28 had four screws.

Will go look closer. I'm very sure about the S/N; that was easy to read on the butt frame. I thought the seller said '1959', but me being a little deaf, maybe he said 1969, which would make sense by your info, and be an early 28-2. The light was not good, I didn't have my glasses and I could not read the stamp inside the crane. I'll take my glasses, a Smith screwdriver and a flashlight tomorrow and count screws, check the grips and the crane stamp.
Thanks very much for the info.
In fact, thank all of you for your input. I had a Mod 28 new in 1972, my first Smith, liked it very much, had it stolen in a burglary in 1975. I'm going to have a go at getting this tomorrow, and will post pics if I succeed.

[ameridaddy]

Originally Posted by Derosa

Where is it?

Central Virginia.

[Targets Guy]

Good luck.

[bananaman]

My no dash 28, is S2011xx. It is a 6" from 1960. 28 prices keep going up. Bob

[Florida Guy]

Very pricey if it in fact is a 28-2.
A model 28 would probably have come with diamond grips.

[deyomatic]

If it's N115 then it's probably the 115th offering after the switch to the N serial numbers. Mine has N4xxx.
Price does seem high, if that's the case.

[Engine49guy]

Ameridaddy to be clear if that serial begins with an "N" than it is a 28-2.
Also it really is not an "early" 28-2 as the 28-2 first appears around 1963 IIRC.

Diamond Magna stocks are the norm up until 1967-68 depending on the gun but the diamond stocks are gone before the N serial appears.

A VG shooter grade 28-2 is a bit overpriced at $825 IMO ,

On a side note a LNIB S serial 28-2 with original diamond Magna or target stocks would not be overpriced at $825 IMO.

[vcptech2009]

3 screw, Model 28-2, N5856xx, 4", Adj rear sight, Target wood grips

Wha year???

Thank You

[chief38]

The M28 is a fine S&W but personally I'd go for the M27, unless you specifically like the matt finish better. The one in question here is on the high side (for JUST the gun) and if you are willing to spend that for a M28, the M27 is something you might want to consider.

[Browns fan]

Originally Posted by Targets Guy

I got mine last year for $650. $825 might be a touch high but the 28 is a sweet revolver. Mine is an "S" prefix from 1962. a -2

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my birth year gun ‼‼‼‼ been looking for a 1962 hp for awhile thanks for the pix

[ameridaddy]

Originally Posted by chief38

The M28 is a fine S&W but personally I'd go for the M27, unless you specifically like the matt finish better. The one in question here is on the high side (for JUST the gun) and if you are willing to spend that for a M28, the M27 is something you might want to consider.

If I found a 4" 27 around here, I'd be all over it, but my neck of the woods has been desert for decades for a decent Smith blued revolver. I check the local gun stores and pawn shops fairly regularly, and most of what shows up is way overpriced or looks like it arrived dragged behind the truck, not in the truck.
I have a 27 already, bought it new ~1974, But I don't own a 4" anything in a revolver. After hefting a few at the range over the years, then in the past reading all y'all's comments about the glories of 4" N-frames, I yearned for one.

Yesterday, I met my seller, got him down to $775, which is high, (it's a very early 28-2) I know from the advice above, but you only live once, life is uncertain so have dessert first, I'm over 70 years old, so I bought it. It hurts a little after seeing the good deals all over this forum, but it beats the disappointment of buying off an auction picture and discovering a mechanical problem after it arrives, or traveling hither and yon to be disappointed at an over-hyped gun when I get there. Plus, it was a local and legal FTF, so no paperwork.
I'm deep into doing taxes now, so I'm going to treat myself as soon as I'm done. I have ~ a thousand .357 and a couple thousand .38 I can play with.
Freedom! And many thanks to all of you for your advice and encouragment.

[Tom Kent]

Anyway you look at it, you got a sweet pistol. I think the 28 is my favorite S&W, of course I like the model 19 and 66 and the 586 and 686 and, and...

[44wheelman]

It's worth a small premium to me to be able to inspect the gun in person.

And a 3 digit s/n is pretty cool, even if preceded by an n.

[triaxle]

A 28 dash 2 goes around 650 to 750 around here but you never see any for sale . I did a gun shop run one Sat and not really wanting to buy any thing looked in the dark gun case and saw a Smith grip thinking it was a newer one of some kind almost kept looking . B ut had him get it out and it was a Mint 27 no dash target , diamond , non relieved grip . with gold box 629 dollars./ Broght home and stashed under the pillow and never been out since that was just last year .

[retiredbadge8091]

From the looks of those pictures it looks like you did fine. I have a Pre 28 Highway Patrolman and a Model 28-2 HP both in 4". And I'll buy the next one I see that I can do a FTF purchase.

Never mind the incredibly low prices you see posted here for some purchases, pay what you have to. You'll never think about the few bucks you might have overpaid the first time you get your HP to the range.

[Targets Guy]

Originally Posted by vcptech2009

3 screw, Model 28-2, N5856xx, 4", Adj rear sight, Target wood grips

Wha year???

Thank You

1978-1980. N500000. According to the 3rd edition of the SCS&W most of the N500000 range consisted of M28s and M58s.

[Targets Guy]

Originally Posted by Browns fan

my birth year gun ‼‼‼‼ been looking for a 1962 hp for awhile thanks for the pix

You're welcome. This one shipped from the factory in Nov of 1962.

[Targets Guy]

Originally Posted by Engine49guy

Ameridaddy to be clear if that serial begins with an "N" than it is a 28-2.
Also it really is not an "early" 28-2 as the 28-2 first appears around 1963 IIRC.

Diamond Magna stocks are the norm up until 1967-68 depending on the gun but the diamond stocks are gone before the N serial appears.

A VG shooter grade 28-2 is a bit overpriced at $825 IMO ,

On a side note a LNIB S serial 28-2 with original diamond Magna or target stocks would not be overpriced at $825 IMO.

Model 28-2 appeared in 1961. 28-3 was 1982. Lots of 28-2's made.

[Targets Guy]

It is a nice looking revolver and I know you will enjoy it. I'd call it a first trimester Model 28-2 as opposed to "very early" but what's in a name.

[KEN L]

Originally Posted by ameridaddy

If I found a 4" 27 around here, I'd be all over it, but my neck of the woods has been desert for decades for a decent Smith blued revolver. I check the local gun stores and pawn shops fairly regularly, and most of what shows up is way overpriced or looks like it arrived dragged behind the truck, not in the truck.
I have a 27 already, bought it new ~1974, But I don't own a 4" anything in a revolver. After hefting a few at the range over the years, then in the past reading all y'all's comments about the glories of 4" N-frames, I yearned for one.

Yesterday, I met my seller, got him down to $775, which is high, (it's a very early 28-2) I know from the advice above, but you only live once, life is uncertain so have dessert first, I'm over 70 years old, so I bought it. It hurts a little after seeing the good deals all over this forum, but it beats the disappointment of buying off an auction picture and discovering a mechanical problem after it arrives, or traveling hither and yon to be disappointed at an over-hyped gun when I get there. Plus, it was a local and legal FTF, so no paperwork.
I'm deep into doing taxes now, so I'm going to treat myself as soon as I'm done. I have ~ a thousand .357 and a couple thousand .38 I can play with.
Freedom! And many thanks to all of you for your advice and encouragment.

Most likely shipped Jun-Dec 1969. Nice looking gun!

[Engine49guy]

Originally Posted by Targets Guy

Model 28-2 appeared in 1961. 28-3 was 1982. Lots of 28-2's made.

The SCSW 3 says the 28-2 appears in 1961 but according to my notes
S 215,3xx 4 screw Model 28 (no dash) shipped in late 1961 with the earliest 28-2 in my notes S 222,9xx that shipped in mid 1962.

Have only seen one 28-1 and it was S 225,xxx

For those that are interested in the Model 28 here is a quick link to the Ultimate Highway Patrolman thread

The ultimate Highway Patrolman thread.including N frame ser# ranges

[ameridaddy]

Originally Posted by Targets Guy

It is a nice looking revolver and I know you will enjoy it. I'd call it a first trimester Model 28-2 as opposed to "very early" but what's in a name.

OK...got it. Had to re-read the detailed posts following my original, I'll amend my statement to "very early" N serial number, first trimester 28-2.
I misunderstood there were "S" 28-2's. I thought the "S" was 28 no dash.
Anyhow, can't wait to shoot my new old 28.
My first centerfire pistol was a 1972 Mod 28, stolen three years after I bought it new. Now I can relive my 'childhood'.
Thanks again for the support and education.

[Targets Guy]

Originally Posted by ameridaddy

OK...got it. Had to re-read the detailed posts following my original, I'll amend my statement to "very early" N serial number, first trimester 28-2.
I misunderstood there were "S" 28-2's. I thought the "S" was 28 no dash.
Anyhow, can't wait to shoot my new old 28.
My first centerfire pistol was a 1972 Mod 28, stolen three years after I bought it new. Now I can relive my 'childhood'.
Thanks again for the support and education.

That's the bottom line. It is yours and you will enjoy it and relive some earlier times. Can't beat that.

[Engine49guy]

You will enjoy that 28-2, they are way overbuilt and dampen fealt recoil very nice.

I would say your gun shipped right around the middle of the 28-2 run.
The serial number system was amended in 1968-69 with the older "S" prefix changing to the "N" prefix.

IIRC this had to be done to avoid two guns having the same serial considering the post war M&P's had an S serial prefix.

[Jack Flash]

I think that price was decent for such a fine revolver. The four inch barrel really does get a premium. Don't pay too much attention to some of the low prices you see quoted here and elsewhere. Would you be any happier if you paid $650 for the gun then $50 for the FFL fee and $75 for shipping and insurance? Factor in the possibility that you might have had to pay return shipping if the seller "exaggerated" the gun's condition. As it was, you came out fine.

[bob42]

Just for info. My blue Model 58 was N280 shipped Oct 1971.

[kthom]

Sir,
IMO, you bought this very nice Model 28 for all the right reasons, primarily because you wanted it and it made you smile! AND, I sure don't think you got scalded in the process. Somebody always buys stuff cheaper and somebody also always gives more. Did they do it within the last month? Prices have changed quickly in recent times. What somebody bought one for a year ago isn't really relevant today.

I like to get them as cheaply as possible too! All of us do. But I've got some that really appealed to ME when I saw them that I gave what I considered to be a premium price for. You know what I got for that? I got a gun I want and like and that still makes me smile, and I have no regrets because I let it linger while I thought about it and then found that it's now making someone else smile!!! YOU DID GOOD, SIR! Enjoy that revolver.

[Andy Taylor]

Very nice revolver. M28's are a favorite of mine. congrats.

[zogger]

At a LGS there was/is a 28-2 for $750. However there were chips in the grip, numerous dings, and generally not in anywhere near the shape yours is in.

IMHO, you did great and you get to shoot it now! Or as soon as your taxes are done!