Opinion on Price for 4" M28

[ColColt]

This looks most inviting. I had one with the 6" barrel back in 1973 and it caught my eye. It looks almost LNIB. Would you think it's worth $615? It comes with box and papers.

 

[mtime7]

I think it is a little on the stiff side on price.. But its a nice one and I don't think it is outragous, and a man wants what he wants

The most important thing is whether that is what you want and if it is don't settle and don't pass, life is too short, get what you want..

 

[VM]

I just paid $600 for a lnib 4" from '61-62 and it has orig., number grips - I am happy

 

[desertdweller]

28

I just picked up a 6" with the box, paperwork and tools in as new in the box condition for $500 so I would be inclined to think it is a little steep.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

There is definate muzzle wear to the one in the photo ( at least on the side I can see) so that would be right at the top for one. On the other hand, that is an S prefix gun judging by the barrel markings, and they tend to bring higher prices than later guns with the N prefix. Either way, the grips are nice but not correct for that gun, and to a collector that makes a difference, but if you just want it to shoot, who cares? The correct vintage grips aren't that hard to find if you wish to bring it back to stock.

Bottom line, if you want it and it makes you happy, go for it!! They aren't going to be making them like that ever again.

 

[Mike Q.]

Go for it

The price is well within the range of values I see locally for M 28s. I recently purchased a 98% M28 from a reputable dealer for $750, with box, and considered myself incredibly lucky.

 

[ColColt]

On the other hand, that is an S prefix gun judging by the barrel markings, and they tend to bring higher prices than later guns with the N prefix.

What's the difference? I can't imagine what would make one more than the other because of the prefix.

Today they sent me some extra pics of it and the "star" looks rather new. I can't explain the slight wear at the muzzle, however. He says the gun hasn't been abused in any way and perhaps hasn't had more than a box or two of "shells" thorough it. As mentioned it's a hard decision since I was originally looking for a 686+ -2 or-3 in 3 inch.

 

[senecaap]

In that condition with the box and papers, I would say it is not a deal but not a rip off either. The last gunshow I went to there was a guy walking around trying to sell a 4" 28 no box, no papers, finish worn off the backstrap, finish worn off the cylinder all scratched up with a Galco owb for $675 or the gun alone for $600. I would say get the gun.

 

[jubela#4]

What's the difference? I can't imagine what would make one more than the other because of the prefix.

Many people, my self included, will pay a higher price for an S serial numbered gun. The N serial numbered guns started around 1968 or so. The ampersand on the barrel indicates this gun may be an S serial numbered gun.
If it is a 28-2 there is no difference between an S or N prefix, just the prefix is all that is different.

The gun looks great, it also looks like it may have had a trigger shoe installed at some time in the past.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

If it is a 28-2 there is no difference between an S or N prefix, just the prefix is all that is different.

The gun looks great, it also looks like it may have had a trigger shoe installed at some time in the past.

This is true, but before the GCA of '68, most all S&W's shipped with diamond stocks, and a lot of guys see the earlier/older guns as having slightly better fit and finish.

Good call on the trigger shoe, BTW

One other thing, that kind of muzzle wear can only be from one thing- being carried or left in a holster that was moved about quite a bit. It wouldn't do that just from sitting in a holster in a drawer.

 

[ColColt]

Another photo sent showed the serial number...S272XXX. Maybe that tells more about it but I don't have access to info indicating what or when it was made. The only reason I stopped to look at this more closely was because my first pistol was a M28 in six inch barrel back in 1973, I believe it was and it was a bit of nostalgia for me and actually wanted the 4 inch back then but none was available at the time. I remember always using full charge 357 loads in it and don't recall any problems with doing so.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

That serial places it in the '66-'67 time frame.

No, you'll never have a problem using any and all full power loads in an N frame, with the exception of any loads you may try with the Lyman 358429 bullet. It's too long to chamber in an N frame cylinder when loaded to the crimp groove in .357 brass.

 

[ar15ed]

i bought a decent (96ish %) 1970 vintage 4 inch 28-2 about a year ago for 375.00. it was a sweet gun. i loved it. it was recently pried away from me for 450.00, and i have actually regretted it ever since.

28s have been the red-headed step-child for along time, but their prices are on the move upward. i have always thought it was crazy that you could buy a pinned and recessed n-frame in nice shape for 400.00, but those days may be over!

 

[ColColt]

With the wear on the muzzle and the trigger shoe added that was pointed out, I find it hard to believe it only has a couple of boxes through it as the owner indicated. I may pass on this one.

 

[Enframe]

The muzzle wear has nothing to do with how many rounds have been through that M28, nor does the trigger shoe marks. Look at the turn line. The cylinder star is also a clue. The star should have a matching serial number visible on the back side when it is pushed to the 'eject' position. If so, it's likely original and a lack of wear on it is significant.

Personally, it looks pretty darn good for it's age. The price is (maybe) a bit high to too high, but that's today. Give it some time, and it will be a good deal. More time, it'll be a smokin' deal. All you have to do is wait.

Besides, who cares? I will unabashedly admit to overpaying for guns I wanted. After all, I'm only keeping myself happy. If I didn't have a slightly older one in similar shape, I'd be a buyer at that price. I didn't get the box or papers, and my grips aren't correct either. Beauty (and value) is in the eye of the owner.

Enframe

 

[4thUSMC]

I just picked up a 80's production 28-2 in 99% condition with barely perceptable muzzle holster wear. It came with original box, target grips, paperwork and leather holster. I paid $550 shipped and consider it a bargain considering the limited choices in 28-2 I see nowadays. Will be posting pics once it comes in.

 

[jimmyjoe]

I was lucky to find this unfired 28-2 with box and all the goodies at a local gun show. It was priced at $600. I offered $500 out the door and the dealer said "sold". It has the N serial number.

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[4thUSMC]

You did very well for $500. Congrats.

 

[ColColt]

The muzzle wear has nothing to do with how many rounds have been through that M28, nor does the trigger shoe marks. Look at the turn line. The cylinder star is also a clue. The star should have a matching serial number visible on the back side when it is pushed to the 'eject' position. If so, it's likely original and a lack of wear on it is significant.

Muzzle wear and amount of rounds don't coincide and I made no reference to that. It does indicate it's been a holster for a certain amount of duty time and the blue being rubbed off the muzzle and/or the cylinder would detract from it 's price for me in a pistol of this kind and the price involved. I'm disturbed by the fact the guy told me that was not wear at the muzzle and I don't think he's being exactly truthful about it. As for the star, you can barely see that much less try to make out a number of any sort.

Besides, who cares? I will unabashedly admit to overpaying for guns I wanted. After all, I'm only keeping myself happy. If I didn't have a slightly older one in similar shape, I'd be a buyer at that price. I didn't get the box or papers, and my grips aren't correct either. Beauty (and value) is in the eye of the owner.

Enframe

I won't arbitrarily pay a given price for anything just because I want it or think it'll make me happy. I don't have an unlimited income.