Are Model 28s finally getting respect?

[stantheman86]

I also like the fact that the guns I collect and shoot get "less" respect, so I don't have to sell my soul to get one.

Older Smiths all across the board are going up, for the same reasons, people are seeking out the ones from "back in the day" because they don't want the new MIM, IL and 2-piece barrel stuff coming out now for $700 when used stuff from the 80's is still $300.

I used to be able to buy tight, nice condition PD trade in 67's, 65's and 10's all day for $150 even as recent as the late 90's, early 2000's.I wish I had bought a lot more of them, I would have been able to fill a gun safe with nice .38's for a few thousand $....... 6 months ago I bought a rusted-busted Model 10-10 for $180 and thought I got a deal.

The solution is, if you can swing it, if you love 'em buy a few 28's now, buy one to shoot and one to keep put away.

Out of the 28's, it seems the earlier ones go for higher prices, I wouldn't worry too much about the prices for the later production 28's from the late 70's, early 80's, especially the post-82 non P&R revolvers. I don't think they will skyrocket in price as much. The earlier 1950's produced ones will always command more. There comes a time when things reach their money, the 28 was made for a long time and they are not rare, so I refuse to let artificial inflation force me to pay $1,000 or more for a gun that should be $500.

Prices are also going up because guys that don't want to pay for a 27 are looking for NIB 28's to "fill the gap".

I never was, and never will be a "Colt guy" but man, if you collect these you must have deep pockets......it seems the Pythons and Anacondas are getting LOTS of "respect" these days.

 

[alwslate]

The first S&W I ever owned was a 6" 28-2 bought new in 1966. I still
have it even though several others have came and gone over the years.
Today I have three 28-2s and two 27-2s. The 28 used to be known as
the cop's or hunter's gun, in short a working gun. It's always had it's
own respect niche.

 

[sgt.207]

Just picked up and shot my first Model 28. Without a doubt, it's the most accurate revolver i have shot in my life. Incredible.

 

[CodeRed]

I cant believe this is my first post, but I have a chance to buy a 28-2 in PRK that is close to NIB, but does have a line along the cylinder. It does come with the box and docs. N serial number and they are all supposed to match. The seller said that he bought it awhile back for $700, which I believe (being in Cali with the premium attached to being here), but how much is it worth? Does the N serial number drop the price a lot vs. an S? BTW, it is a 4" which I like. Thx for any advice, and I hope that I didn't hijack, just really want a 28 and this one looks pretty decent. Need to make a decision asap.

 

[northslope]

I think $700 is a bit much; last highway patrolman that I bought was from a local shop on the bay area (about 8-9 months ago) was for less than $600 out the door with taxes and fees: and that was for a very Minty specimen with matching box and tools.

There was a good discussion in a recent thread avout Heavy Duties that really boiled down to this: 1) they aren't making any more of them and 2) none of us are getting any younger.

If it's the only one you've seen and you like it, get it.

--neill

 

[CodeRed]

^ Thanks that is a VERY good comp. I think that I will wait on it.

 

[northslope]

Couple of pics of the aforementioned 28-2, just for laughs/comparison:

 

[CodeRed]

One question, does the 4" get or lose anything $$ wise compared to a 6" these days? I like the 6" as I just got a pre 27 in it, but I thought that the 4" might have a benefit in terms of size. BTW, that is a very nice looking specimen you have there, thanks for sharing the pics! You scored on that one.

 

[model70hunter]

I never felt it was a matter of respect, part of the reluctance on my part to purchase a used one was the stigma of it probably is a PD trade in and therefore should cost less. In hindsight I feel the 28 was designed to be S&W's flagship gun in the law enforcement field for 357 use. Controlling costs to help sell them to PD departments was by reducing the un-needed extras like finish. But then again,a duty gun need a utilitarian finish.There was high competition between Colt and S&W at this time. Getting the Highway Patrol and all large cities that allowed 357 mag duty sidearms made it easier to sell to smaller departments. The money was spent on making the gun as good as or better functioning than any competitions product. Making the finish Satin had multiple purposes, non reflective for duty, it was more low key when carried and again cost control. In a nut shell it was the service "black" gun of it's day. It was studly, HIGHWAY PATROLMAN was stamped into the bbl that indicated no nonsense, toughness and reliable, an excellent marketing prize for S&W, Colt had to counter with the TROOPER, ha, Trooper, an individual. S&W's name choice referenced the entire department. Do my 27's shoot better than 28's? I doubt it. My 27-2 in 3.5" purchased this spring cost about what some are paying for a 28 right now. All things being equal on a 27 or 28 I personally would buy the 27 if the money was close. I would love to have a 4" solid 28, but I won't give 27 prices. No disrespect from me, I respect their design, finish and history. In retrospect, I'm not sure I would trade my 4" Combat Magnum 19 for a 28. The 19 is handy, easier to pack than an N, lighter than an N and as accurate as an N. Perhaps these qualities are why the 19 replaced the 28 as a PD service revolver. That and Bill Jordan could draw the 15 very fast and was pushing for a K size 357 magnum. For me it never was a matter of respect, other than finish the 27-28 are the same gun, both excell at what they were designed to do.

 

[2hawk]

I've got some respect for 'em now...

My one and only HP, sn N536896:

Impressively accurate, shoots like a house afire

Of course, I came late to the party, and it cost me the better part what I'd paid for a nice 6" 27-2 about a year before. But, the condition is phenomenal- I think I got the elusive "sock drawer" HP. The targets are off a 29-2, but I do have the original magnas.

While I'd call my 27-2 "gorgeous", the HP is better described as "very handsome", imo.

 

[Gary7]

It was studly, HIGHWAY PATROLMAN was stamped into the bbl that indicated no nonsense, toughness and reliable, an excellent marketing prize for S&W, Colt had to counter with the TROOPER, ha, Trooper, an individual. S&W's name choice referenced the entire department.

I'm not quite following you. "Highway Patrolman" is singular and refers to an individual (patrolman), not a department. And the Colt "Trooper" pre-dates the introduction of the S&W Highway Patrolman, so it was really S&W who was countering with a law enforcement named revolver.

 

[Skeeziks]

Oh...they're getting respect all right! Was in a "Pawn & Gun" shop today and saw a 28-2 that had really seen a lot of service in its day. This old gal showed the years & years of rough use and wear from being on duty.... The tag said $729.99

I felt it was just a bit over-priced....

 

[ditrina]

I'll play..

28-2
as from the factory..

 

[model70hunter]

I'm not quite following you. "Highway Patrolman" is singular and refers to an individual (patrolman), not a department. And the Colt "Trooper" pre-dates the introduction of the S&W Highway Patrolman, so it was really S&W who was countering with a law enforcement named revolver.

When I was a teenager getting into guns all the Highway Patrolmen carried the model 28, when I went with my dad to guns shops I never saw a Trooper until I was in my 20's. I guess never seeing one made me think they were a later gun. The bigger gun shop stocked Smiths but not Colts. I know that most of the City PD and Deputies used 10's or 15's. My error in not researching the Trooper manufacturing date.

 

[hemiram]

Looking at all these pics is making me want another 28. I really miss my no dash 61/2" one that I had back in the early 80's. It had an action job on it and was so smooth, and had the patina an older gun gets from careful use. It had pachmar grips on it, but I bought a set of used target grips to dress it up when I carried it at work. My mom used it as a house gun for a while, she could shoot it pretty well, 3 or 4 times before the weight of it started causing her problems.

I got offered a lot of money for it, and have regretted selling it ever since.

 

[bwickens]

My mid seventies 4" N242XXX bought in '91 for the Dangerfieldesque price of $250. Grips were mismatched targets dated Nov. 1986 inside. It wore rosewood Hogues for a few years before I put the stags on.

 

[bwickens]

A few years ago, a co-worker told me a friend of his had a HP he wanted to sell and wondered what I thought about it. It would be his first revolver. Told him it was and is a darn fine gun, what shape is it in and what's he asking for it? He said it was like new and the guy was asking $180 bucks for it. I darn near had a seizure, the price was so disrespectful. Told him BUY IT! because if he didn't, I wanted the sellers name, address and number because I sure as heck would. He did, showed it to me later, and it was in mint condition. Lately, I've seen Cabela's asking an overly respectful $695 for beat to crap 28's in their gun library.

 

[Elmer]

As a baby cop I bought a used 6" Highway Patrolman, as it was cheaper than any Combat Magnum I could find. I called Carol Lee at Hoyt and had them make me a long shank, reverse rake gunfighter holster for it, (which cost 3/4's as much as the gun did..), installed a pair of custom Herrett's grips, and had Bill Davis do an action job on it, (after having it inspected by my rangemaster first so it would pass minimum trigger pull weight..... it never would have again... ). When I strapped it on and climbed into my beat unit, I was the epitome of the hardened steely eyed killer.....or so I thought in my mind.....

Then I found out what it was like to drag along (literally sometimes..), 5 lbs +/- of steel and heavy custom leather hanging off one side of my hip, for 10-12 hours or longer. It also banged into everything, was a constant worry in the nightly bar fights and wrestling matches with reluctant "customers", and made sitting in the new little police cars we were getting then almost impossible. Trying to shoot police matches with it was frustrating, as it's big heavy cylinder wasn't as conducive to smooth double action shooting as a K. So I switched to a K frame and retired the big gun to a shooting for fun gun. Lots of rocks in the desert got shot at stupidly long distances with .357 Super Vels and my hot reloads in single action, along with an unfortunate Jackrabbit here or there.

In the years following, it got sent off for hard chroming to pretty it up, (which turned Bill's 2.5 lb trigger pull into a .5 lb trigger pull until I got it fixed....). Eventually, I gave it my bestest buddy, partner, and future famous gunwriter, who had always admired it. He still owns it, and delights in shooting it.

So despite it's unsuitability for my use at the time, that gun is towards the top of the list of guns that I miss, but it's got a good home with an owner that loves and appreciates it. I've got several different .357's these days, but I might have to keep my eyes open for another 6" Highway Patrolman, just for old times sake.

 

[The Last Standing Knight]

I'm wondering...

What are the chances of S&W ever having the 28 make a comeback like the 58?

 

[TJC]

I had a 4" and a 6". Sold both for some reason or another. I don't miss the 6" so much but I would really like to have my 4" back. It was a great shooter. Oh well, maybe some day.