I’m assuming a 28-3 would be worth less than a 28-2 in similar condition. Wondering how much less percentage wise.
Thanks

28-2s are very, very common. 28-3s are uncommon, so much so that the only place I have seen one is on the internet. That contradicts your assumption that they are worth less.

Ok good to know. I’m looking at one now but the seller is calling it a 28-2 but says it dates 82-86. Trying to sort out what it is no pictures posted or I could tell what it is. So in your opinion what would it be worth more than a 28-2?

I think the 28-2 is worth more due to the recessed cyl, but that’s me.

Five star in Zion ILL has a 4” 28-3 that is in very nice condition for $750 or so. I held out for an older one, but paid less on GB.

They are worth what you will pay.

My first gun was a new 28-3, and I would still be willing to pay more for a dash 2.

As a new guy to this, I find this question very interesting.
I've done quite a bit of reading. Here's what I've read.
28-2 are very common.
A dash 3, have not read a single post about it.
Also, never read about dash 1, or a m28 no dash, or a pre model 28.
I guess I need to read more?

Whats a m28 no dash, 6” barrel worth?

Pre-28s, or more properly just Highway Patrolmans, and 28 no dashes are often pictured and discussed here. It is debated whether or not the illusive 28-1 exists.

Regarding 28-3s, scarcity alone does not create value. Demand created by continued praise can trump scarcity and the non-functional barrel pin is worshiped. That makes opining on whether a dash 3 is worth more or less that a dash 2 as pointless as offering the pope your opinion of which religion is best.

I prefer which ever one has early carry up, tight lock up and no end shake but has holster wear to keep the price down. That describes the two I bought about 3 years ago pretty well, a 4" 28-2 for $300 and a 6" 28-2 for about $400. While the 4" looks a bit ratty it came with Target Stocks and a Target Hammer. Eye candy for pictures to display here costs a lot more. In fairness I should add that the man who sold me the 4" also sold me another gun with a serious undisclosed defect so the problem gun balances out the great deal.

You know better than to ask without giving a hint about condition.

Welcome to the FORUM! I am not a collector, but a shooter. Not for the most part not hung up on dash numbers. Do have a 6", 28 no dash from 1960. The only gun I have multiple dashes of, is 29-2, & 29-3. Bob

Even within the -2s, there are some folks that would pay more for early ones ("S prefix") than later ones ("N prefix"). Some folks just love those diamond decorations on the stocks.

As far as shooting qualities, the -3 may be as good as any and better than most. But some of us just like those older features and do not need to justify our preferences.

For myself, I would rank their desirability as follows:
1. M28-1 (if it exists)
2. M28 No Dash
3. Highway Patrolman / Pre-28
4. M28-2, S prefix
5. M28-2, N prefix
6. M28-3

But that's just me. If someone wants to rewrite this list for his tastes, have at it!

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You're shy a few manners.

I have a pre 28 Highway Patrolman, several 28-2 a couple of them S prefix guns. They all work and shoot well. I believe someone here posted an actual 28-1 once. Several no dashed have been posted. I have to agree with Jacks list and order. Only the order of the no dash and the pre being debatable.

That is probably because they are practically a unicorn. Extremely rare.

k22fan writes:
We've seen exactly one. The serial number is S225243, it shipped on August 8, 1962, to a distributor in Philadelphia. I believe it now lives in Arizona.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Thanks for the replies. I bought a very nice 28-2 a few weeks ago and am looking at a 28-3 that is priced higher than what I paid for the 28-2. So this tells me I should be paying the same or less if I do end up making an offer.
Cheers

I usually figure 10-15% more for a pinned and recessed revolver

I think I read that generalization in The Blue Book of Gun Values of some other price guide decades ago. It might even be good for average customers buying the most common revolvers.

There are exceptions. For example, Model 25-5 cylinder throats were tightened shortly after pinning barrels was discontinued. Older 25-5s are less accurate so they are worth less. To lower K frame manufacturing costs S&W discontinued the gas rings that had protruded from the front of hand ejector cylinders since the 19th Century. Binding cylinders forced S&W to admit they'd gone too far cheapening their flag ship revolver and after a year and a half that ended in 1977 went back to installing gas rings. Revolvers from that year and a half of pinned barrel K frame production are worth less to me than 1980s revolvers that lack the barrel pin but have gas rings in their cylinders. Admittedly, pure collectors may have priorities that are different from owners who use their guns.

I have a 28-2 4 inch with S Serial number in near new condition and I wouldn't trade it for a mint 28-3 4 inch barrel model in mint condition.

IMHO, only good quality pictures raise the price of a certain handguns and how offen it was posted here with favorable conversations and praise? A quality handgun is just that!
Steve

I look for pre 27's & 28's and stop looking if they're -3 or more. I want the old ones.

Steve

The most accurate I ever owned was a 6" 28-3. The 28-1 lives east of the Mississippi river now. For those that claim the 28-1 does not exist, read more. There is also a YouTube video (if it is still up)

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Thanks for the update. My notes show this gun left the factory on August 8, 1962, and shipped to Philadelphia. It is the only 28-1 I have ever seen, and that only in pictures.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

That 28-1 was heavily discussed here when it was confirmed to exist. Until that time, there was a strong belief that there were none made. IIRC, that's because the period in which that version would have been made was so short. To the best of my knowledge, it is a singleton, at least as far as having been actually proven to exist.

The discussion is likely about 5 years ago, but I could be wrong. The idea that anyone who was a member here at the time would not remember it is amazing to me. I'm not even close to the kind of person who would care about that variant, yet I recall the discussion and the excitement.

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NHI, 10-8.

As a general rule regarding desirability for common guns irregardless of dash number:

5 screw >> 4 screw >> 3 screw
Pinned & Recessed >> not Pinned & Recessed
Diamond grips >> non Diamond checkered grips
Forged trigger & hammer >> MIM trigger & hammer

These changes represent production cost savings and are perceived as a reduction in build quality because less time is needed to make the gun.

The one production change that increases build time and complexity that is loathed by many is the internal lock.

These are general rules. Some rare AND desirable versions being exceptions.

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My sgntr is mor thn 30 chrctrs

You started off asking about price difference but you never said whether you just wanted one for your collection or you wanted one to shoot. If you're a shooter, you're going to get some different responses.

I'll tell you what I think about the ones I've had. I had a couple of 6" -2's that were both S numbered, shooter grade (holster wear/bluing loss) and I got right at $600 out of them in trade value (again, my opinion on those values). One had the numbers matching diamond grips and the other had targets.

The one I'm hanging onto is another 6" S series ND, shooter grade. It has a bit more bluing loss, matching diamond grips (put away) and a Wolff spring kit installed. I wouldn't take $600 for it. It just happens to be (around) my birth year of '58 and it shoots better than I can hold it most days. But I like them with honest wear, so's I'm not always worrying about buggering them up. Still trying to decide which stocks shoot best for me, and unfortunately, I think it's the rubber Pachmayrs. The ugly ones.

I do want a 4" one day though.

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"Older 25-5s are less accurate so they are worth less."

Not all of them. My M25-5 has a "N" serial number prefix and I have to force a .452 bullet through the chambers. It shoots just fine.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Collectable? Is it or not?

I waited since ‘76 for my ruger police service six in 357 s/s snubbie 200th year of liberty to become a collectable. It is and if it is anything in time will be a collectable. Maybe not screaming from the hill tops collectable but it’s worth even more as time goes on.

I seen a ruger six like mine with no 200th scription sell for $750. My point is mine is worth $1,000 maybe more. Now any s&w is collectable.

I have two m28 no dash 6” in excellent condition and one m28-2 6” in excellent condition tucked away. When I purchased them the average price was around $695 for m28’s and the m27-2’s were around $795. You can double or tripple that in the near future.

I was happy to see any m28 or m27 any dash for sale after never seeing a used one here for many decades. There all special and rare to me.

How about an M28-3 for $300 a few years back? The Ahrends grips came with it.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/attachm...1&d=1530321010

P&R may be something that collectors value. Shooters may look at it differently. If you have ever tried to chamfer a recessed chamber, you'll cuss the guy that designed it.

Buck

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I believe the date was 2014. Couldn't find the original link, but this one refers to it. http://smith-wessonforum.com/redirec...%2F8dW0UV-rZpc

What's wrong with the search function, anyhow??

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

I agree. My M25-5 ( a fairly recent purchase) has a N serial # and is very accurate. It is fast becoming the favorite shooter of my Smith guns.

Walt

I'd take a 28-2 over a 28-3 any day of the week! I only purchase/trade for P n R era Smiths!