Model 28, 4-screw, Opinions?

[PeteC]

It's a Highway Patrolman, so what's not to like, but... I am wondering what other people make of this particular one...

I acquired it a couple months ago with a little dirt and "patina", a few flaws, needing a new rear sight, and grips numbered to a different gun. This set of pics is after two rounds of cleaning (!), but the formerly dull bore is now shiny, and the cylinder chambers are clean.

According to the SCSW 4th edition (pg 230), a no dash Model 28 is worth a 30% premium. Does that only apply to high condition examples, or also the more average kinds of M-28's that mere mortals are likely to come across?

My intention was to move the grips to another gun, and make this my N-frame range gun. It was either an ok local deal at $600 thanks mainly to the grips, or, if the SCSW book is to be believed, a really good one... you be the judge!

The good:

 

[PeteC]

... and the bad. Or at least, the not so good,

 

[PeteC]

And one pic of some interesting marks on the right side of the hammer:

 

[lihpster]

Nice gun. Great price! I would say the premium applies but only AFTER condition is taken into account. In this case the condition is high enough the difference won't be too great but a no finish project gun would get a premium based on the project gun price, not a NIB price. In any case feel ecstatic about your deal and enjoy shooting it! I would!

 

[hivel37]

Very nice. Five years ago 600 was an ok deal.
Today that’s a very good deal.

 

[AlHunt]

Who drove the getaway car after you stole that gun?

Very nice catch.

 

[PeteC]

Nice gun. Great price! I would say the premium applies but only AFTER condition is taken into account...

I think that is what I meant. I am not good at judging things like % finish, but all other things being equal, I was wondering if a 4-screw no-dash still commands such a high premium over a 3-screw if they both have the same amount of wear. Frankly, the grips was what cinched it for me, because the best I culd find on ebay lately was $100~150 for diamond magnas from early '60s. I swear I picked up a pair like this for a friend about 5 years ago at a show for $40 (!)

 

[mojave30cal]

That's a very nice looking M-28. You did a nice job of cleaning
it up. What did you use? Great price too! Congrats.

 

[PeteC]

Who drove the getaway car after you stole that gun?

Lol, the gentleman who sold the gun had just acquired a different one, and very kindly disclosed a lot of the flaws and wear I might have missed. And, it took a lot of cleaning. It was not so much like it had not been cleaned after shooting, just really dull. I think I used up most of a favorite ripped t-shirt and half-a-cup of Hoppes on this project.

 

[PeteC]

What did you use? Great price too! Congrats.

Two threads about cleaning guns in this forum, Hoppes No 9, then food grade Mineral Oil in the bore and chambers, toothbrushes, a little copper wool on the front of the frame to knock down some of the freckles you can still see a little on the right front frame, lots of time, and a small stack of patches. I practically soaked the grip frame, and cleaned that with rubbing alcohol. Have not opened it yet because is seems to work fine, but I also cleaned the extractor and yoke shaft.

 

[Shrike6]

Beautiful gun! And a great job cleaning it up. I think $600 was a great deal. I would be tearing my pants pocket getting my wallet out for that one. Enjoy it!

 

[LPD256]

I think you made a great deal on a nice gun. The diamond magna grips could be easily sold if you wish since the number doesn’t match or you can keep them as backup. I had a perfect no dash 28 that I sold to a good friend for exactly what I paid which was more than you paid. Enjoy the gun and now that it’s clean, take it to a range and get it dirty.

 

[SS336]

That’s my kind of revolver, just enough use to make it affordable.
$600 is a real good deal. Even better after you cleaned it up. As for the flaws, if you don’t point them out, most won’t notice them.
A great shooter, enjoy it.

 

[PeteC]

That’s my kind of revolver, just enough use to make it affordable. ...

That was my feeling too. I am hoping this will be my take-it-to-the-range N-frame. It may never be this clean again, lol.

I took the effort to show the flaws hoping to get an assessment from more knowledgeable people relative to what I found in the SCSW. That, and I assume other people with my kind of budget are probably looking in their own local area, and can use it for reference. I admit being a bit lost when it comes to values lately. My wallet tends to say no, while my eyes are saying yes. Having some spare cash is almost worse than having none,

 

[SS336]

My wallet tends to say no, while my eyes are saying yes. Having some spare cash is almost worse than having none,

I can sure relate to that.

 

[Babysitr]

That's a nice package for that money.....for me, the 4 screw, no dash is worth more, not a great deal more,, but with the late model targets, that's a good deal!....I would be a buyer also if all checks out!!

 

[Vtgw938]

Nice gun and a great deal. The marks on the hammer are from it contacting the inside surface of the side plate. A little stone work on the offending high spots probably would take care of it and or a shim on the bearing surface. Or don't worry about it. As far as value and age, to me anyway older is always better and I will always pay more for the older gun.

 

[6string]

A nice score for you! Good job sprucing her up, too.
Well done!

Those buggered up side plate screw slots can be peened and dressed, then fire blued. That's the only annoying thing I see.
The rest is just good, old-fashioned character.
Personally, I think that the ones you rescue and clean up become the ones that are most treasured.
But, then again, I have five cats that were all rescue strays!

PS: the last pic is not a cat!

 

[StrawHat]

And one pic of some interesting marks on the right side of the hammer:

As mentioned earlier, the hammer is scraping the sideplate or frame when it is cycled. There are shims available that will center the hammer in the slot to avoid any further defacing of the hammer.

Kevin

 

[Hawg Rider]

Great purchase

Almost any N-frame in decent shooting condition is easily worth $600+, so you did great on this purchase. Sure, it has a few dings and dents, but that means you can take it to the range and have fun without worrying about damaging the finish! I actually like target stocks on my HPs, although some Forum members prefer magnas. I have a couple of 4" and a 6", and they're great fun. The only issue I've ever had was with the ejector rod on a 28-2 backing out during shooting, causing difficulty in opening the cylinder. But that's an easy fix. Enjoy!