Bought a Model 28-3 Highway Patrolman

Oh, and for the record. I've probably muddled it up earlier in the thread but now people are posting specifically about super insane hot reloads.

We will NOT be doing anything crazy. Hottest would be something approaching Buffalo Bore or even well established Keith type loads. That will only be after we have a firm grip on reloading. Nothing insane, no "fill the case and smash the bullet in" type stuff.

We're just starting out and my buddy is down around Cowboy Loads right now in .38 Special. We're far from even pushing our way past WWB .357 generic loads.

Thanks from the concern but I like my hands and fingers and have no intention of blowing up them or a many hundred dollar firearm I worked hard to own.
 
Sebago Son said:
Not correct Frank.

-3 guns were only produced for a very short period before 28's were discontinued.

28-3's are more collectible for this reason.

I have many pre-28's, 28's, 28-2's, and only one 28-3, a 4" gun. I am actively seeking a 28-3 6".

Drew
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I think he said desirable, not more collectable. And in that sense, he is correct imo.

And this exchange illustrates perfectly the difference between die hard collecting and the shooter/collector/accumulator. Things that will make the die hard collector swoon and reach for the AmEx will make the latter yawn and search for a model that has more "desirable" features.

Such as P&R models. :) The new "holy grail" of Smith buyers.

But I don't agree that the 27 is double the gun however. :) Every 27 I've owned (27 no dash, 27-1 and 27-2's) got sold eventually as just too darn pretty to shoot. But 28's? Have that "mean" and businesslike appearance that many find appealing and if you spent time wearing tin, who can resist "Highway Patrolman" rollmarked on your gat?
 
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.357magger said:
I think he said desirable, not more collectible. And in that sense, he is correct imo.

And this exchange illustrates perfectly the difference between die hard collecting and the shooter/collector/accumulator. Things that will make the die hard collector swoon and reach for the AmEx will make the latter yawn and search for a model that has more "desirable" features.

Such as P&R models. :) The new "holy grail" of Smith buyers.
Click to expand...

So you contend that having a barrel pin and the charge holes a little deeper somehow makes the bazillions of 28-2's more attractive than the damn few -3's?

How does this make the gun a better "shooter"?

28-3's like 25-5's are one of the few examples in Smith collecting where a premium is likely for non P&R guns...

I stand by "Desirable". If for no other reason than the monetary value attached.

BTW, the "NEW grail" is non-IL locked guns. Before that was forged vs. MIM. Then wood vs. rubber stocks before that.

Drew
 
Sebago Son said:
BTW, the "NEW grail" is non-IL locked guns. Before that was forged vs. MIM. Then wood vs. rubber stocks before that.

Drew
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If thats all true all you have to do is buy guns made before 1975 or so.... :) and you got the cream of the crop.
 
Getting back to the original question...

I bought a GP100 as my first magnum. Took advice on "can't hurt it", etc. They are a tank and basically as big as an N frame. Then I ran onto an HP years later and picked it up because it was the right price and it just looked like it means business.

Quick story is I ended up trading the GP100 for an old Sauer 38H, dies and such. The HP has SO MUCH BETTER A TRIGGER and just POINTS SO MUCH NICER than the Ruger.

The HP can take any loads I need to use. I have 44 magnums for throwing big lead fast.

Remember that Elmer was loading in a .38-44 or other S&W or SAA. He didn't use a Super Blackhawk for his load development...
 
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If all one wants is the scarcest variation for a collection then I suppose the -3 would be more desirable. But one probably wouldn't want to use and shoot such a rare and valuable piece, now would one?

If one wanted the best variation for using and shooting then I stand by my assessment that the -2 (or earlier) is a better choice.

As for the advantages of the pinned and recessed models (P&R), the original intent of the recessed chambers was to better contain the pressures of the Magnum cartridge. This is what S&W said a long time ago. Apparently they decided in 1982 that the Magnums really didn't need the added containment. The fact is that Colt never used this feature, and it probably is unnecessary, but it's elimination represents a reduction in quality, in my opinion. It was not dropped to make the gun better. It was dropped for no reason other than to save money in manufacturing. This is not a good selling point (again, in my opinion).

Same with the barrel pin. Colt never used the pin, but there are advantages when swapping barrels is needed. Also, it seems to me that S&W has had tons of QC problems with barrels since the pin was eliminated, suggesting they didn't master the crush fit procedure.

Bottom line: the post-P&R models lack the style and panache of the earlier guns.

All I can say is that I genuinely prefer the P&R variations. This is what I recommend to others. All are free to do what they wish with my advice.
 
I buy guns to shoot or to pass on for profit.

This will be a shooter, -3 or otherwise. The -3's already not had a "safe queen" life judging from the handling wear and a few marks.
 
Went and looked again today at the -3 at Bud's. Lockup is tight, crane doesn't have any movement when closed, nice trigger pull, everything physically seems good. Finish is "meh" without being bad. They're still fixed on the price, I asked if they'd move and was paying cash. The guy got his manager to come down $20 but then I'd pay that in taxes so I passed. Told me it was on consignment since November 15th so I'll go back in two weeks and wave cash at them again. Trying to get it for less than $450.
 
Got the Highway Patrolman.
Guy didn't even blink and refused me straight up on the $420 cash. Said $460 plus tax.
I said $450 cash out the door.
He said $450 plus tax ($466.40) and it was mine.

I bit. I can deal with it.



Ferk is it great to shoot. Shooting some 158 gr JSP Magnums it's got a noticeable kick but it's not bad. Shooting .38 +P's is easy. Like shooting regular .38's in the K frames I used to have.

Yep, I'm pleased.
 

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AJMBLAZER, Great purchase! I looked at one on Sat at a local gun shop. $495 is the price. It looks almost as new. 4" barrel, did not look if it was a -2, or -3. One of the owners told me that it was only there 2 days, and he thought it was unfired. I may go back and pick it up today! Looks too good to shoot, but I don't want a gun that I won't shoot again. Bob
 
Congratulations. Great buy. I've got a 4" 28-2 that I paid way too much for not long ago, but they had it, I wanted it, it had the box and the papers, and they were willing do do a long layaway. I'm not planning to sell it, so the price doesn't matter now.

Someone earlier wanted some gun porn. I'll contribute.

100_0215.jpg


It's got some wear marks on it, but I guess it will do for me. I think I've fired about a dozen rounds of 38 in it.
 
bananaman said:
AJMBLAZER, Great purchase! I looked at one on Sat at a local gun shop. $495 is the price. It looks almost as new. 4" barrel, did not look if it was a -2, or -3. One of the owners told me that it was only there 2 days, and he thought it was unfired. I may go back and pick it up today! Looks too good to shoot, but I don't want a gun that I won't shoot again. Bob
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Thanks. Sounds like you need to go get that one.

CajunBass said:
Congratulations. Great buy. I've got a 4" 28-2 that I paid way too much for not long ago, but they had it, I wanted it, it had the box and the papers, and they were willing do do a long layaway. I'm not planning to sell it, so the price doesn't matter now.

Someone earlier wanted some gun porn. I'll contribute.

100_0215.jpg


It's got some wear marks on it, but I guess it will do for me. I think I've fired about a dozen rounds of 38 in it.
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Thanks again.

I cleaned it up and mine and yours look similar in the wear marks. Carried often, handled some, and shot little. Has a nice cylinder line but other than that is pretty good. Usual marks around the muzzle and forward edges. Only thing I noticed is the rear sight has some "impact marks". Gun was dropped or maybe used to persuade someone to calm down once? Shoots POA after I got used to it.

I also cleaned it last night and discovered the folks at the store hadn't cleaned it at all. I didn't give it the "Commanding General's Inspection" cleaning but did wipe it all down very good with some CLP and LOTS of the dullness came off. Just powder residue I guess.
 
Congrats on a good purchase of an N-Frame.

Shoot and enjoy it............be comforted that if you ever want to sell it, that down the road you will be able to get more for it than what you've got in it.

They are not making anymore of these and there is a market for them. As Drew (Sebago Son) has pointed out there is a segment of collectors that are looking for the 28-3's because there were fewer made in that configuration.....Dr Pig (Saxonpig) is correct also, in that many people want a pinned and recessed gun......doesn't matter you have a desireable gun and someone else will be looking to buy it if you ever want to sell. For now shoot the heck out of it and maintain it and it will still appreciate in value. :)

Don
 
I think this is a keeper like my M1911A1, AK, dad's 10/22, my Mossberg 500, etc.

They all fit a role and a desire by me to have them and this one does too. I liked my Model 10's but in retrospect while they were neat I wanted something more...like this Highway Patrolman.

Now thinking about a Monica Kuehn Leather holster and belt, Combat style grips, speed loaders, Elmer Keith's books, Col Cooper's books, reloading equipment and supplies, and a big hat.
 
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Don't forget the bullet molds and cast lead bullets... the heavier the better. Think Elmer Keith's Lyman# 358429.

Cast lead slugs and the Highway Patrolman go togeather like Apple Pie and Ice Cream!...
 
Here is a Model 28-3 4 inch. I have box and papers. I guess these were near the end of the line for model 28s.
DSC_2591.jpg

DSC_2593.jpg
 
Yours is definitely purtier than mine. What's your serial first few numbers?

Mine's N95 and think that must be a few years before they stopped ('86 or so?).
 
The 28 is a great choice for heavy loads. I personally have a 28 fetish. :)

28-2s2.jpg
 
what is wrong here?
 

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You guys have some pretty M28s. Mine is an extra-ugly Texas Dept of Public Safety trade in. Paid $125 for it about 10 years ago. It has now been roundbutted and all the square edges melted. Had it plated with some type plating used for plating down hole oil field tools. Looks a lot like that straw colored nickle you used to see on Colt Commanders instead of bright nickle. Hammer has also been bobbed. If you are willing to buy your jeans a size or so bigger this carries like a dream IWB and you have something in your hand that you can actually hit with if you have to use it. While I know that will make a "collector" cringe it is one heck of a handgun.
 
Got it back on Friday. Armorer at the store said when he called them to send it in they asked about it, he explained it, they diagnosed it as end shake, and sent him shims for the cylinder. This sound correct?

At any rate while dry firing it the thing works perfectly now without even a hint of the catch in the action like before. He said if it did it again to bring it back in to them.
 
Finally got to fire it yesterday. Went bang and worked fine. More accurate than I am. 158gr .357 Magnum soft points make spectacular "sod explosions" when you miss though.
 
The only department issue gun I ever had was a Mod .28.Back in the 70's they broke the mold and hired a new Chief from outside the department. He was a former State Trooper and that's what they issued at the time,so he got them for us.
I loved it and still have it. A heavy,hard duty revolver,that will run with the best.
All the other years I had to furnish my own service weapon.
 
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