6" 28-2 Highway Patrolman

1srelluc · #1 02-15-2021, 02:46 PM

I found this 6" 28-2 today. I gave $700.00 for it. No box.

It appears to be very lightly used. Not a mark on it, no gas cutting on the top-strap.

The stocks are numbered to the revolver.

Serial # N90187. Early to middle 70s maybe?

.38SuperMan · #2 02-15-2021, 03:08 PM

Very nice! I still have my 28-2 4” I bought new in 77. Lately I’ve taken a new interest in shooting it and really enjoy shooting it again. I’d like to pickup a nice 6” like that too.

oysterer · #3 02-15-2021, 03:21 PM

Nicer than nice and the right price. 1972 something like that....with the chamfer on the forcing cone...

Scharfschuetzer · #4 02-15-2021, 03:22 PM

That's a nice looking 28 and certainly in great shape. I'll bet it's a shooter.

In today's market, I think that you did well on the price. I've owned two 28-2 6" revolvers over years and they were bank vault solid and accurate. I could always amaze friends with their long range accuracy at 100+ yards on plastic milk jugs or other targets of opportunity.

alwslate · #5 02-15-2021, 04:51 PM

Very nice. My first S&W revolver was a 6” model 28 that I bought new in late 1966 and I still have it. Prices have changed a bit since then. I have to say that the $75.00 that I paid for it was some of the best money that I have ever spent

Narragansett · #6 02-15-2021, 05:18 PM

Looks to be in nice shape, and for what I see, 700 was just fine. Got a serial number or the prefix letter and say 4 of the numbers?
Without the window dressing, they are every bit the shooter that a M27 is. 15's and 28's are my favorite S&W's

1srelluc · #7 02-15-2021, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Narragansett

Looks to be in nice shape, and for what I see, 700 was just fine. Got a serial number or the prefix letter and say 4 of the numbers?
Without the window dressing, they are every bit the shooter that a M27 is. 15's and 28's are my favorite S&W's

Serial is on OP....N90187.

In my young and ignorant reloading days I actually shot the barrel out of a 4" Model 28-2 with a untold number of hot 110gr jacketed reloads.

The barrel might have finally gave out but it kept plugging right along with never a minute's trouble out of it. It just quit being as accurate as I was used to one day and never recovered.

Ivan the Butcher · #8 02-15-2021, 07:19 PM

In 1982 or so I bought a used 28-2 4" that had a better than factory action job and had been Mag-na-Ported. I think I paid $169. It has very little noticeable recoil with 180 grain ammo. It came with no box, papers and wore Goodyear's but what a gun! Since then I have a impossible time saying no to reasonably priced N-frames! Like a dummy I sold the 25-5 4 and 6 inch in 1984 and been pining for Long Colt N's ever since!

Ivan

.38SuperMan · #9 02-15-2021, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alwslate

Very nice. My first S&W revolver was a 6” model 28 that I bought new in late 1966 and I still have it. Prices have changed a bit since then. I have to say that the $75.00 that I paid for it was some of the best money that I have ever spent

I found the receipt for mine recently and paid just over $175. That was quite a bit of money back then.

.38SuperMan · #10 02-15-2021, 10:46 PM

I mentioned in the above post that I bought my 28-2 new in 1978. I dont remember when but think it must have been in the late 80’s that I ran across a new 6” blue python at a little hardware store. The price was right but I was a little short on cash at the moment and decided to sell my 28 to my younger brother. We were both happy with our purchases but a few years ago when pythons started up in price I sold it for 5 times what I paid. When the opportunity presented itself I asked my brother if he still had the 28 and if he’d sell it back. Actually I was a bit surprised when he said yes and Said he wound up sell it back for what he paid for it.

Recently I got the lust for another new python but after taking my 28 to the range a few times recently I’ve about decided there’s absolutely no reason to buy one. The 28 is a beautiful revolver and about as durable as you can get. I am however thinking about adding a 6” 686 or even finding a mint 6” 28-2. There’s just something about those 6” revolvers. They just appear properly proportioned and balance so well.

rubiranch · #11 02-15-2021, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1srelluc

Serial is on OP....N90187.

In my young and ignorant reloading days I actually shot the barrel out of a 4" Model 28-2 with a untold number of hot 110gr jacketed reloads.

I went out in the hills shooting one time during the deer hunt.

My brother gave me 12 rounds and told me if I got within 50 yards to take a shot and toss the brass because he didn't want it back.

I had to use a small block of wood to beat the end of the extractor rod on my 6" 28-2 to get the 6 spent casings out of the cylinder.

Never saw a deer but shot all 12 rounds. The best way I can explain them is they were extremely "crisp".

BLACKHAWKNJ · #12 02-15-2021, 11:22 PM

Had my 6" M-28 since 1981" in .357 I think 6" is the best barrel length, the HP is as close to an all-around revolver as we can get.

Jason Demond · #13 02-15-2021, 11:33 PM

N Series:
N1 – N60,000………….....1970-72
N60,001 – N 190,000…....1972-74
N190,001 – N430,000…...1975 – 77
N430.001 – N 550,000…..1978
N550,001 – N580,000….. 1979
N580,001 – N790,000…...1980
N790,001 – N932,999...…1980-83

D Brown · #14 02-15-2021, 11:38 PM

Congratulations on the nice find!

Careful, acquiring Model 28's can become addictive!

k22fan · #15 02-15-2021, 11:43 PM

I could post what I paid for a new 4" 28-2 in 1980 but the O.P. will feel smarter if I write that a local gun store has an excellent condition 6" 28-2 on the shelf for $950 + tax. It's been there for awhile. Regardless, they're very accurate revolvers. Light recoil helps many of us demonstrate that accuracy.

Jason Demond · #16 02-15-2021, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k22fan

I could post what I paid for a new 4" 28-2 in 1980 but the O.P. will feel smarter if I write that a local gun store has an excellent condition 6" 28-2 on the shelf for $950 + tax. It's been there for awhile. Regardless, they're very accurate revolvers. Light recoil helps many of us demonstrate that accuracy.

Nah... The OP is the KING of deals. I recognize his name from ARFCOM. When he says 700 bucks, what he really means is it cost him a sword, traded in lesser gun he had 150 bucks in, and three gumballs.

I wish I could find the deals like he does.

paplinker · #17 02-15-2021, 11:52 PM

I was at a gun show last weekend and saw two like new 6' 28-2s

One without box and hint of muzzlewear at 795

One like new with box for 1050

I'm a bright finish guy but the 795 one was tempting

Browns fan · #18 02-16-2021, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paplinker

I was at a gun show last weekend and saw two like new 6' 28-2s

One without box and hint of muzzlewear at 795

One like new with box for 1050

I'm a bright finish guy but the 795 one was tempting

I was at NE Ohio gun show this past weekend prices were even higher ‼️‼️‼️

Narragansett · #19 02-16-2021, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D Brown

Congratulations on the nice find!

Careful, acquiring Model 28's can become addictive!

You don't say!

I even gave one to #2 son on his 28th birthday, so there is a hole to fill

Abbynormal · #20 02-17-2021, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by k22fan

I could post what I paid for a new 4" 28-2 in 1980 but the O.P. will feel smarter if I write that a local gun store has an excellent condition 6" 28-2 on the shelf for $950 + tax. It's been there for awhile. Regardless, they're very accurate revolvers. Light recoil helps many of us demonstrate that accuracy.

$300 was the going rate then.

41 Roadmaster · #21 02-17-2021, 08:46 PM

Great find! Congratulations, I hope you enjoy that beautiful revolver.

charlie sherrill · #22 02-17-2021, 10:40 PM

I remember when almost no one wanted these "Ugly Ducklings." I ran into a guy at a show that had one ANIB with all the papers about 10 years ago. He wanted $300.00 for it and I told him if I gave him $250.00 he wouldn't have to carry it around anymore. He agreed. The last one I bought was a 4". I saw it in a shop in Picayune,Ms. a few months ago and the tag read $895.00. I offered him $600.00 and he wouldn't take it. He said it was on GB and to go bid on it. The starting bid was $600.00. My son was with me and he said "I just did." We were the only bidders and I went back down to the shop and picked it up a few days later for what I had offered. This one is a "S" serial numbered 4 screw model 28 dash nothing shipped around 1961. It has the correct diamond magnas, a .400" wide smooth trigger, white front sight insert, and an action job. Apparently somebody "Old School" had owned this one at one time. 95+% finish appears to be original. The number 776 is stamped on the grip frame. It is a great very smooth shooter that I sometimes carry if it's cold enough for a jacket. I never thought I would pay that much for a 28.

rubiranch · #23 02-18-2021, 12:07 AM

Back years ago my brother lent me his new 6" 28 to take rabbit hunting. The second or
third time I borrowed it he's put on a set of Pachmyar grips and
told me they were better suited for what I was using it for.

Back in Aug 2014 he gave it to me and told me I might as well have it because I was the
only one who had ever shot it.

It rests on my nightstand in the holster that its spent its entire life in.
I swapped the Pachmyar grips for a nice set of Targets.

I had asked him a few months earlier to keep an eye out for an Airweight for me so at the
same time he gave my the 642-1 that was his BUG for the last six years he was a LEO.

bananaman · #24 02-18-2021, 09:30 AM

My 28 no dash is from 1960. 1 of my favorites though. It was my 1st. online gun purchase. I picked up the magna grips at a flea mkt. Put a coat of honey wood cleaner on them. They were cheap. Bought the Ahrends last year. Pretty, but not nuts about the feel. They will probably get sold, or traded off eventually. Bob

diggler1833 · #25 02-19-2021, 08:46 PM

Great find! I picked up an "as new" 28-2 in Virginia for a heck of a deal out of a local gun shop. It was what got my love affair with P&R S&W revolvers started. It shoots like a dream.

PeteC · #26 02-19-2021, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D Brown

Congratulations on the nice find!

Careful, acquiring Model 28's can become addictive!

So, ummm... at what point do we stop saying "it's just recreational", and start looking for the 12-step program?
(I usually limit myself to one shooter grade gun per model number, but I also like to plan ahead...

)

RKmesa · #27 02-20-2021, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteC

So, ummm... at what point do we stop saying "it's just recreational", and start looking for the 12-step program?
(I usually limit myself to one shooter grade gun per model number, but I also like to plan ahead...

)

The official 12-step program of this forum is at least 12 of each model... and when you complete that program, you just start a new program with a different model...

or you could do another "program" with the same model...

Narragansett · #28 02-20-2021, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charlie sherrill

I remember when almost no one wanted these "Ugly Ducklings." I ran into a guy at a show that had one ANIB with all the papers about 10 years ago. He wanted $300.00 for it and I told him if I gave him $250.00 he wouldn't have to carry it around anymore. He agreed. The last one I bought was a 4". I saw it in a shop in Picayune,Ms. a few months ago and the tag read $895.00. I offered him $600.00 and he wouldn't take it. He said it was on GB and to go bid on it. The starting bid was $600.00. My son was with me and he said "I just did." We were the only bidders and I went back down to the shop and picked it up a few days later for what I had offered. This one is a "S" serial numbered 4 screw model 28 dash nothing shipped around 1961. It has the correct diamond magnas, a .400" wide smooth trigger, white front sight insert, and an action job. Apparently somebody "Old School" had owned this one at one time. 95+% finish appears to be original. The number 776 is stamped on the grip frame. It is a great very smooth shooter that I sometimes carry if it's cold enough for a jacket. I never thought I would pay that much for a 28.

Nice story. I got my first one in 68. $101.00 OTD brand new

PeteC · #29 02-20-2021, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Demond

N Series:
N1 – N60,000………….....1970-72
N60,001 – N 190,000…....1972-74
N190,001 – N430,000…...1975 – 77
N430.001 – N 550,000…..1978
N550,001 – N580,000….. 1979
N580,001 – N790,000…...1980
N790,001 – N932,999...…1980-83

Can I ask where this came from? My only source (besides this forum) is the 4th edition of the SCSW, and the serial number ranges are listed differently there (page 488). This listing makes better sense if you want to find the year when your gun shipped.

In either case the serial number in the original post seems to correspond to 1972. Finding one at a LGS with grips numbered to the gun in such nice shape is awesome. The Model 28's I have seen in local stores have all been separated from their original grips.

BLACKHAWKNJ · #30 02-20-2021, 07:35 AM

Since it's long discontinued and during its production run, had no "cachet",it has become sought after and much appreciated.

Hawg Rider · #31 02-20-2021, 10:02 AM

You did fine at $700 for your Model 28-2. I have three 28-2s...all manufactured in the 1975-1977 range and purchased at local gun shows. Two are 4", and one is 6". I bought the first 4" about a dozen years ago for $430, and put a set of Jim Badger stocks on it. A previous owner had someone drill some ports in the bbl., (Magnaport told me that they could not re-port it for me), but it shoots great. I bought the pristine 6" bbl. HP about six years ago for $575. The last minty 4" bbl. HP was purchased three years ago for $485- but it wore a set of ****** aftermarket stocks. I swapped those out for a nice set of Magnas I had lying around. With all that said, you never know when you may stumble upon a decent deal. The Model 28s are still the bargain priced N-frames, but they too are appreciating quickly. You definitely cannot go wrong with owning and shooting the Model 28s.

nipperdog · #32 02-20-2021, 10:53 AM

I purchased this 4" M28-2 last December for $813 on a Funbroker Auction. It's in Virgin Condition, and I don't have the Heart to Shoot it. I usually shoot my 686-5 anyway so I will leave the 28 for my son to shoot after I'm gone.

PALADIN85020 · #33 02-20-2021, 11:12 AM

That's a nice find and worth every penny in today's market. The Model 28s gave the best bang for the buck for many years - built like tanks and were built for hard service.

A model 28-2 6" was my first S&W magnum revolver. This gun was purchased new in 1967. I liked it so much I recommended the 4" version to my father when he was looking for a house gun, and selected the gun he bought. I found some modified rosewood smoothies at a gun show that I put on this gun, and they felt so good I've kept them on, as well as the trigger shoe. This gun has never let me down, and is capable of amazing accuracy at extended distances.

John

Browns fan · #34 02-20-2021, 04:29 PM

Traded a 4 inch 686-3 for a 28-2 6 inch box papers target grips at a local gun show today

BigBill · #35 02-21-2021, 09:39 PM

Took this one out for some fresh air today.

Jason Demond · #36 02-21-2021, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteC

Can I ask where this came from? My only source (besides this forum) is the 4th edition of the SCSW, and the serial number ranges are listed differently there (page 488). This listing makes better sense if you want to find the year when your gun shipped.

In either case the serial number in the original post seems to correspond to 1972. Finding one at a LGS with grips numbered to the gun in such nice shape is awesome. The Model 28's I have seen in local stores have all been separated from their original grips.

Log into Facebook

Edit to add... I have the 4th edition book, but several times I have just searched when I needed a quick date. I found this facebook group that had a lot of the data posted, and normally reference it when on the computer when I need a quick date.

Unfortunately, it seems you need to log in to FB to see it.

Quote:

"N" Frame Revolvers - 1908 to 1983:
Manufacture Year by Serial Number
(Years/Serial Number Range)
Pre-War:
Year/Beginning Serial
1908….. 1-------------1926….. 25000
1909….. 2050----------1927….. 28500
1910….. 5000----------1928….. 29500
1911….. 7050----------1929….. 30000
1912….. 9100----------1930….. 34000
1913….. 11150---------1931….. 36000
1914….. 13200---------1932….. 38375
1915….. 15250---------1933….. 41200
1916….. 15500---------1934….. 43350
1917….. 16000---------1935….. 45500
1918-1919 None--------1936….. 47200
1920….. 16200---------1937….. 48700
1921….. 16300---------1938….. 52000
1922….. 18400---------1939….. 57200
1923….. 19600---------1940….. 59000
1924….. 20800---------1941….. 62350
1925….. 22000---------1942-1945 None
S Series (Post War):
S62,489 – S67,999……............1946 - Early 1947
S68,000 – S71,999……….Late 1947 – Early 1948
S72,000 – S72,499……….Late 1948 - Early 1949
S72,500 – S74,999……….Late 1949 – Early 1950
S75,000 – S80,499……….Late 1950 – Early 1951
S80,500 – S85,999……….Late 1952 – Early 1952
S86,000 – S94,999…….…Late 1952 – Early 1953
S95,000 – S102,999…..….Late 1953 – Early 195
S103,000 – S139,999……Late 1954 – Early 1955*
S140,000 – S149,999…...Late 1955 – Early 1956
S150,000 – S175,999……Late 1956 – Early 1957
S176,000 – S181,999……Late 1957 – Early 1958
S182,000 – S194,499……Late 1958 – Early 1959
S194,500 – S206.999……Late 1959 – Early 1960
S207,000 – S219,999……Late 1960 – Early 1961
S220,000 – S227,999……Late 1961 – Early 1962
S228,000 – S231,999……Late 1962 – Early 1963
S232,000 – S235.999……Late 1963 – Early 1964
S236,000 – S257,999……Late 1964 – Early 1965
S258,000 – S261,999……Late 1965 – Early 1966
S262,000 – S289,999……Late 1966 – Early 1967
S290,000 – S304,999……Late 1967 – Early 1968
S305,000 – S329,999……Late 1968 – Early 1969
S330,000 – S333,454……Late 1969 – Early 1970
*Note that a number of N frames with serials in the S138000-S140000 range (and the range may be wider either way) are seen that were shipped much later than the serial would suggest should be the case. In one known example a gun with serial S136431 was not shipped until June of 1958. It's possible that a large block of serial numbers that appear to be from 1954-55 were not actually used until 1957-58. It at least one case a gun has a 5-screw serial and was built as a 4-screw gun.
N Series:
N1 – N60,000………….....1970-72
N60,001 – N 190,000…....1972-74
N190,001 – N430,000…...1975 – 77
N430.001 – N 550,000…..1978
N550,001 – N580,000….. 1979
N580,001 – N790,000…...1980
N790,001 – N932,999...…1980-83
*** Note ***
Dating a Smith & Wesson Revolver:
This list is merely a general guide and not meant to be exact.
There is some dispute regarding the dates on some serial numbers.
Your gun may actually be a year off from what is listed.
The precise shipping date as "lettered" can be several years off depending on model.
For the exact date on your gun request the letter from the S&W Historian.
Resources:
History of Smith & Wesson by Roy G. Jinks
Smith & Wesson Hand Guns by Roy C. McHenry and Walter F. Roper
Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas
Blue Book of Gun Values by S.P. Fjestad