Picked up a 28-3 recently, 98% with original box. Has an N serial number. Anyone have a rough idea of value and how many -3's were made with an N serial number?

The gurus might need just a bit more info on your 28-3 i.e., barrel length & what kind of grips it's wearing/came with. How 'bout some pics, too?

It's a 6 " has the original magna style grips. Uploading pics may be a problem as I'm not well versed in this new technology. I can tell by the Spec Order on the box that it was made in June of 1983.

short answer: I suspect not very many N-prefix Model 28-3 were made and value could be $500 - $1200 (?) per your description.

Longer answer: According to the SCSW Third Edition:
The 28-3 (dash 3) was introduced in 1982, the same year the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder was eliminated, leaving the possibility there are "transitional" 28-3 out there, i.e. some with pinned barrels without recessed cylinders and some with recessed cylinders without pinned barrels. The model 28-3, and the model 28 in general, was discontinued in 1986.

N prefixes ended in 1986 with the highest known N prefix of N97XXXX (circa 1986) per the SCSW Third Edition.

S&W started to introduce three letter (AAA) prefixes in 1980.

I cannot recall ever seeing a 28-3 either at a gun store, gun show, posted at the S&W Forum, or casually checking out model 28's on Gun Broker in the past. A quick check of Gun Broker shows that in the past 3-4 months, which is as far back as listings are available, only three 28-3 have been listed (using search term of 28-3). One was a 4" in original condition in very good to excellent condition that sold for $480 without a box BUT of interest the serial number was an AJK prefix and not a N prefix. The only other dash-3 to sell was a refinished 4" with rubber grips and sold for $499.

It is hard to get accurate production numbers on many S&W revolvers and the 28-3 is one I suspect will be hard to get also. Conventional wisdom, based upon statements from poster at the S&W Forum, suggests the Model 28 was not popular. I suspect not very many N-prefix Model 28-3 were made, and a wild guess is maybe some number in the hundreds (?). As far as a narrower range for value as per your description maybe $600 - $900, assuming it's all original and depending on location and circumstances.

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Scoundrel & Ne'er-Do-Well

Following up with g8rb8s post, I'd be interested to know if your -3 has either a pinned barrel or a cylinder with recessed chambers. Pictures would be great when you figure out how.

It's not a P&R gun. I'm retired from the U S Marshals Service and was also a firearms instructor. There is a faint drag line on the cylinder barely noticeable
I would estimate round count at 50 to 100. The original owner stated that he bought it to go deer hunting and only fired a few 38 specials through it.

I also have a 6" model 28-3 that is like new in the original serial numbered to the gun box. My gun is not pinned or recessed. My serial number is N957xxx. I will try to add a picture this weekend. I would like to get a 4" model 28-3 but don't see them to often.

I have been to hundreds of gun shows and have only seen one 28-3 for sale. It was a 4" ANIB and the seller wanted $500.00 for it. I thought about it for a few minutes and went back to buy it and it was gone.

Since you have the box, and it's an uncommon revolver, one rarely seen, could you share a little more info. Like..........

Serial Number
Spec. Ord. number
Product Code
Feature Codes
Stock Type
Type of Sights
Box Type

Pictures of the gun and box label would be a real treat.

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~ S&W aficionado in training ~