pd1964
Member
I'm assuming a 28-3 would be worth less than a 28-2 in similar condition. Wondering how much less percentage wise.
Thanks
Thanks
28-2 vs 28-3 Price
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pd1964
Member
Ok good to know. I'm looking at one now but the seller is calling it a 28-2 but says it dates 82-86. Trying to sort out what it is no pictures posted or I could tell what it is. So in your opinion what would it be worth more than a 28-2?
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I think the 28-2 is worth more due to the recessed cyl, but that's me.
Five star in Zion ILL has a 4" 28-3 that is in very nice condition for $750 or so. I held out for an older one, but paid less on GB.
They are worth what you will pay.
Five star in Zion ILL has a 4" 28-3 that is in very nice condition for $750 or so. I held out for an older one, but paid less on GB.
They are worth what you will pay.
As a new guy to this, I find this question very interesting.
I've done quite a bit of reading. Here's what I've read.
28-2 are very common.
A dash 3, have not read a single post about it.
Also, never read about dash 1, or a m28 no dash, or a pre model 28.
I guess I need to read more?
I've done quite a bit of reading. Here's what I've read.
28-2 are very common.
A dash 3, have not read a single post about it.
Also, never read about dash 1, or a m28 no dash, or a pre model 28.
I guess I need to read more?
BigBill
Absent Comrade
Whats a m28 no dash, 6" barrel worth?
Pre-28s, or more properly just Highway Patrolmans, and 28 no dashes are often pictured and discussed here. It is debated whether or not the illusive 28-1 exists.
Regarding 28-3s, scarcity alone does not create value. Demand created by continued praise can trump scarcity and the non-functional barrel pin is worshiped. That makes opining on whether a dash 3 is worth more or less that a dash 2 as pointless as offering the pope your opinion of which religion is best.
I prefer which ever one has early carry up, tight lock up and no end shake but has holster wear to keep the price down. That describes the two I bought about 3 years ago pretty well, a 4" 28-2 for $300 and a 6" 28-2 for about $400. While the 4" looks a bit ratty it came with Target Stocks and a Target Hammer. Eye candy for pictures to display here costs a lot more. In fairness I should add that the man who sold me the 4" also sold me another gun with a serious undisclosed defect so the problem gun balances out the great deal.
Regarding 28-3s, scarcity alone does not create value. Demand created by continued praise can trump scarcity and the non-functional barrel pin is worshiped. That makes opining on whether a dash 3 is worth more or less that a dash 2 as pointless as offering the pope your opinion of which religion is best.
I prefer which ever one has early carry up, tight lock up and no end shake but has holster wear to keep the price down. That describes the two I bought about 3 years ago pretty well, a 4" 28-2 for $300 and a 6" 28-2 for about $400. While the 4" looks a bit ratty it came with Target Stocks and a Target Hammer. Eye candy for pictures to display here costs a lot more. In fairness I should add that the man who sold me the 4" also sold me another gun with a serious undisclosed defect so the problem gun balances out the great deal.
You know better than to ask without giving a hint about condition.
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bananaman
Member
Welcome to the FORUM! I am not a collector, but a shooter. Not for the most part not hung up on dash numbers. Do have a 6", 28 no dash from 1960. The only gun I have multiple dashes of, is 29-2, & 29-3. Bob
Jack Flash
Member
Even within the -2s, there are some folks that would pay more for early ones ("S prefix") than later ones ("N prefix"). Some folks just love those diamond decorations on the stocks. 
As far as shooting qualities, the -3 may be as good as any and better than most. But some of us just like those older features and do not need to justify our preferences.
For myself, I would rank their desirability as follows:
1. M28-1 (if it exists)
2. M28 No Dash
3. Highway Patrolman / Pre-28
4. M28-2, S prefix
5. M28-2, N prefix
6. M28-3
But that's just me. If someone wants to rewrite this list for his tastes, have at it!
As far as shooting qualities, the -3 may be as good as any and better than most. But some of us just like those older features and do not need to justify our preferences.
For myself, I would rank their desirability as follows:
1. M28-1 (if it exists)
2. M28 No Dash
3. Highway Patrolman / Pre-28
4. M28-2, S prefix
5. M28-2, N prefix
6. M28-3
But that's just me. If someone wants to rewrite this list for his tastes, have at it!
I have a pre 28 Highway Patrolman, several 28-2 a couple of them S prefix guns. They all work and shoot well. I believe someone here posted an actual 28-1 once. Several no dashed have been posted. I have to agree with Jacks list and order. Only the order of the no dash and the pre being debatable.
That is probably because they are practically a unicorn. Extremely rare.
k22fan writes:
We've seen exactly one. The serial number is S225243, it shipped on August 8, 1962, to a distributor in Philadelphia. I believe it now lives in Arizona.
OP
pd1964
Member
Thanks for the replies. I bought a very nice 28-2 a few weeks ago and am looking at a 28-3 that is priced higher than what I paid for the 28-2. So this tells me I should be paying the same or less if I do end up making an offer.
Cheers
Cheers
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oddshooter
Member
I usually figure 10-15% more for a pinned and recessed revolver
I think I read that generalization in The Blue Book of Gun Values of some other price guide decades ago. It might even be good for average customers buying the most common revolvers.
There are exceptions. For example, Model 25-5 cylinder throats were tightened shortly after pinning barrels was discontinued. Older 25-5s are less accurate so they are worth less. To lower K frame manufacturing costs S&W discontinued the gas rings that had protruded from the front of hand ejector cylinders since the 19th Century. Binding cylinders forced S&W to admit they'd gone too far cheapening their flag ship revolver and after a year and a half that ended in 1977 went back to installing gas rings. Revolvers from that year and a half of pinned barrel K frame production are worth less to me than 1980s revolvers that lack the barrel pin but have gas rings in their cylinders. Admittedly, pure collectors may have priorities that are different from owners who use their guns.
azmick
Member
Thanks for the update. My notes show this gun left the factory on August 8, 1962, and shipped to Philadelphia. It is the only 28-1 I have ever seen, and that only in pictures.
