I came across a 1975 Model 28-2, 4", in excellent+, possibly unfired (I was told it's unfired) condition with original box and paperwork. I know this is a pretty common gun, but they can't be abundant in this condition. What's the going rate these days?

4", unfired, original box and docs, I wouldn't be surprised if seller nets $1000.

How much are they asking for it?

$1000 would not surprise me one bit

If it is unfired, it will actually have three cylinders with a burn ring. S&W test fired 6-round revolvers by loading every other chamber. If this really is unfired (except factory test fire), in the box, all the papers, all original, then in today's market, right around $1000.

__________________
VCDL, GOA, NRA

If unfired and box is matching, not some pieced together fantasy set:
$750 would be a steal
$900 about right
>$1000 too much

I may be $100 too low. Truly unfired are very rare, most are 'unfired' if you know what I mean...

The prices have gone up so quickly that I really regret not grabbing the 625 I was looking at a couple months back for what was then, a price I considered "too high". Now, I would snatch it up as fast as I could click the mouse button.

Unless someone cleaned the gun.

__________________
Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

Thoroughly cleaned, as burn rings are usually not removed by just wiping down and re-oiling.

__________________
VCDL, GOA, NRA

Any pictures? I have seen some go over 1K in a bidding war when there is alcohol and testosterone involved. Truly factory fired only,with the box $1K to the right person. I would not pay that for one. I would just as soon have a 98% fired a few times( high grade shooter) for 250 to 300 less I have been known to hoard a few M28's, and I do not have one with a box

__________________
Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

I'm a thorough cleaner.

__________________
Kenny
Endeavor to persevere.

I also think it would bring a $1000 if
It can pass as unfired in box but
That last 2% of condition will be the
Difference between a $750 gun and a $1000
Gun

Sooo...I didn't end up taking the 4", which was offered at $800. But today I succumbed to an impulse buy, because this seemed like a good "investment," flipper, trade fodder. I'll be into it about $700 by the time it walks in my door:

Smith & Wesson 28-2 - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 873197248

This was one of those deals where I added it to my watch list, forgot about it, then got an email notification that the auction was ending, and opened the link 5 minutes before the auction ended! I didn't have time to ask if the box and papers matched the gun's serial number, but I figure I should be able to make my money back in a fair sale, even if they don't match.

Looking at the photos of they cylinder for turn line and burn rings, I don't think this has seen a lot of firing. What think?

I don't usually buy shiny old guns in "collectible" shape because I like to shoot and carry them and not worry about getting those first scratches. But this seemed like it could be a good sale or trade item, or just something to sit on and admire, if it's as good as it appears at first glance.

You did fine, even better if the box matches.

I think you did excellent. Good buy.

__________________
Pine_Worker
Ex-LEO, NRA Life

Very cool!
Nice to know there are still some deals around. Takes a little patience and luck.
Ya done good!

I did not know that!!!!!

It just occurred to me that the gun I bought has big target grips. With a 1970s or 80s model 28 have shipped with magna grips or target grips?

Check the end label on the box when you get it. You never know...

I have personally never seen a Model 28 offered new with target stocks. My thread here, somewhere, points out that they were offered as an option in the 1959 Shooter's Bible for an extra $5.00 as I recall. I have owned several HP and have one now. All of them had service stocks on them. That doesn't mean yours didn't come with them. Only way to know for sure is label on box, if it is real and possibly a letter from S&W. Not worth the letter just to find out if the stocks came on the revolver unless you suspect a bigger story. My opinion.

Magna stocks were standard, target stocks were a factory option for the Model 28.

__________________
VCDL, GOA, NRA

I got the gun today. The box number matches, and indicates that target grips were original to the gun.

It appears unfired since leaving the factory: there are very faint burn rings on only three of the cylinders.

Unfortunately, since I just splurged on a nice guitar for the wife, I think this one has to go right back on the selling block. After I work up a price, I'll post an ad in the proper forum.

Photos here:
guns for sale - Album on Imgur

I have a 28-2 that is in very good shape. Someone slapped the Pachmayr grips on it and made off with the target stocks before I got it but the cylinder ring is barely there and the finish is almost like new. Could use a bit of polishing but no gouges or nicks or bare spots. Came with the box & paperwork but no tools.

I paid $650 for it about a month ago off of the "List". Cossack, I hope you rethink your decision to flip it and hold on to it. It sounds like you got a good one. I know people wince when they see a price of $500 or more for a Model 28 but it's not 1995 anymore. Gotta dig a little deeper in to the wallet for the good ones.

Attached Images

IMG_6481.jpg (97.0 KB, 22 views)

Your guns wear out from cleaning and waxing

__________________
Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

I have one as, described by the OP, acquired back in June 2017. I paid $660.00 at the time and thought I paid a bit much for it. It has magna stocks. On my inventory record, I have it valued at $850.00. I may need to update the market value after reading this thread.

I now feel a bit better about the purchase price.

They seem to be selling for about that price, $600+, in VG-EX condition (locally to me), and w/o box. By that I mean fired little, some holster wear and minor scratches, rubber Pachmayer or normally worn wood grips.

That’s what I’ve been seeing. It seems anything in decent condition under $600 these days is a good deal. About $650Is the going rate that I’ve been seeing for a used revolver in decent shape.

Guns.com has been a good place to find classic guns once in a while, but their price disparity is all over the board.

All 4" 28s seem to be 900 to 1000 dollar guns when they show up, but they sold me my mint 6" 28 for 600. Oddly they were selling a model 28-2 4" as being NIB and unfired for 2000 dollars. I thought they were full of ****, and would never sell it. They did though, and in days.