Am I paying too much for this old 28-2?

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

If it doesn't pass function checks, you need to find out what it would cost to make it work, and it might be easier to just pass it up, which IMO you would be entitled to. However, if it works correctly with whichever springs it ends up with, it looks to me like it is well worth the money. It cannot be a collector with the finish, but it is probably actually a superior finish. I wouldn't mind having it with that finish, particularly as a shooter. Others are entitled to be purists on that issue - just telling you that I am not.

Not sure where you would find one of those for less than $400, but maybe there are those who do know. I haven't done that much buying lately.

BTW, I'd check that gun out with the as-modified springs before rejecting them. IMO and experience, NOBODY makes the DA too light for combat use, as long as the gun still passes all function tests. You are entitled, of course, to your own opinion on SA, and I agree that there can be SA pulls that are marginal to unacceptable for defensive use. However, I have only one carry gun that has such a pull, and I don't care, because I am simply not in the practice of cocking those things. I really consider ALL SA revolvers dangerous for defensive use (in my hands), and have for many decades accustomed myself to shooting adequately in DA mode. I used to make my S&Ws DAO, but I don't even bother anymore.

Anyway, if you like the gun and it works right, I think $400 is just fine. How much do you think it would cost to Cerakote a 28 if you wanted it done (and I think that that is an OK idea)?

 

[BigBill]

If it was mine for a shooter $400 is perfect.

If your not happy I'd sent it out to be reblued

 

[MrG5122]

That would be a $175 Cerakote job around these parts. If I it were me it would be OD green though. Mechanically sound, at $400 I'd own it. My problem is the ones I find around here that look like they need a refinish are $600+.

 

[gutterman]

$400 may be the top end for this 28, but I beg to differ on finding a " nice" 28-2 in the $400 range these days. Couple of years ago maybe,but not now. Sellers who know what they have,and most seem to have an idea, won't part with a 28 in nice shape for much less than $550 to $650,at least not around here. The crazy ones are asking much more.

 

[sbowenjr]

Let us know how she shoots and functions once you get to pick it up.

 

[hiwaycruzer]

New Addition is the New Favorite

Sir, you got what you were looking for. As for price, try and find anything else that meets your needs for less money. I for one think you did just fine.

old bear

Thanks Old Bear, I think I did just fine, too.
As soon as I held that mag-nificent, solid, heavy hunk of carbon steel N-frame in my hands I knew I'd never let it go. The coating on frame and barrel was actually done quite nicely(photos don't do justice, the Cerakote was applied smooth and uniform). The pistol's trigger and cylinder function smoothly and flawlessly. I probably would have paid $500 for it and still have been as happy as I am now, knowing that I STOLE it for $400. I really look forward to some range time and the opportunity to warm up the barrel with some .38spl. target loads I have left over from the old S&W 10-5 I recently traded and no longer miss...

 

[hiwaycruzer]

Sounds like you ran into a bubba who wants to rid himself of a
constant reminder of his "skills" and move on to his next project. I
have to vote with the $300 value given above. Not because the 28's
not a really great revolver, I have three, but because there's no cheap
fix for this one and $400 is close to what a reasonably nice one could
be had for with a little looking. If you feel locked in at $400 because
of a verbal commitment that's understandable but the lesson here is
to slow down a little, don't buy on impluse and ignore red flags
because you're excited and willing to jump and just hope everything
will be ok. A typical buying strategy when starting out but shed as
experience grows.

Thanks for the advice... you described me to a "T" . . .

 

[hiwaycruzer]

Let us know how she shoots and functions once you get to pick it up.

Done, see my post...

 

[Bigblockbill]

I agree a mans word is his bond. I think you did fine for 400. A lot of people seem to find them for less, I am not one of them (I wish I was). What most of these people seem to forget is if I pay 550 on gun broker its going to cost me 30 bucks to ship it and 25 to have an ffl receive it for me. Like I said sounds like you did fine and if you think a 6" N frame is good try the balance of a 4".

 

[S&WIowegan]

I was gonna say: Leave the gun, take the cannoles. But it's too late.....now you can use the gun to take the cannoles!

 

[Theoak84]

Looks like a bad DIY keracoat job.

 

[MrG5122]

Looks like a bad DIY keracoat job.

Lots of flash. 1950's bright blue doesn't look as good under flash as it does in natural light.

 

[oldlongbeard]

Wellll.......

If you go to sell her, you can claim it has CCH...... Combat, Combat, Hogue! ;-)

 

[Tom_R]

For $400 you got a shooter grade N Frame and if the mechanicals check out, you did just fine. If you get the cylinder done to match the color of the frame, it will look a lot better.

But, in the meantime, you have a rock solid revolver that you don't have to worry about scratching, or not leaving perfect. All you have to worry about is shooting it.

 

[rogo123]

From what I recently learned on this forum, you can't really overpay for any model 28.

 

[shotguntom]

While agree, giving your word should mean something. Having said that, if it doesnt check out mechanicaly, I would beg off and look for another 28.

 

[A10]

Any Nframe less than 500 dollars around here is a bargain. You got yourself an ugly duckling. I bet it shoots like a beautiful swan! And yup, you could ship it off to Robar and they could refinish it for you, but you would have a bunch of money into it......just shoot and enjoy!

 

[hardcase60]

$525 gets you a 28-2 4" with some holster wear and non original grips. Good bench mark. In my area of Wi, Most Of the late 60s - 1980s two digit model 38 $ 357 s&w wheel guns in good to very good condition with original grips go for $525 (+\- $125). Boxes etc add more dollars.

There are limited dealers and lots of old people. So prices are fixed to a general range, but there is semi regular inventory because of all the retired folks wanting the pistol out of the house because of the grand kids or estates.

Perhaps I should vacation in Wisconsin instead of the Caribbean?? Even with acquiring more S&W's it might be cheaper. hardcase60

 

[CajunBass]

Around here, $400.00 will get you a really nice Taurus.

I'd say you did pretty well.

 

[rogo123]

I have wanted a model 28 for a long time. I will pay a reasonable price, but apparently "reasonable" is very subjective and depends on geographic area. I live in an upper Midwest state, in a semi rural area and although we have gun shops, a model 28 just never shows up. So I look online, and I must pay shipping and FFL transfer fees which now add about $65/$80 to the price. So I can get a renickled LE surplus for $560 or a 95 % blue for $730. These are 4 inch guns and delivered prices. And they are the cheapest I have found so far. I could easily pay around $800 delivered for an 85/90 percent gun and I'm just not ready to do that right now. I guess if I thought these guns would appreciate in 5 yrs or so, I might be ok. But I'm not sure.

 

[BigBill]

I'd buy it and get it refinished at s&w. Blue or nickel?

 

[smitholdtimer]

hiwaycruzer

Opinions are similar to another body part and everybody has at least one so here is mine. For the $400.00 you have an "N" frame Model 27 without the frills such as a checkered top strap and the high polish blue or nickel finish. I'll also add that they were produced to satisfy a Law Enforcement need, a great revolver at a reduced price. If the internals are sound you will own something you and your decedents will enjoy shooting for many years to come. If you are a re-loader you are way ahead of the game, shoot it and be proud Sir.

 

[firearmsunlimited]

$400.00 is toooo high for a highly modified piece. Call Donald Trump and have him do the deal for you. LOL

 

[pharmer]

Around here all you hear are altegassers. If'n I told you what I've spent way more than $400 in my younger days, you'd know you got a deal. My second ex-wife cost probably that much per day and gave almost no enjoyment at all. Enjoy. Joe