Highway Patrolman Questions

[BZimm]

I am currently pondering a SW Highway Patrolman revolver that a fellow has for sale. Chambered in .357 with a 4 inch barrel.

The serial number begins with 255 and at this point I'm not aware of a prefix. I think that means a production date of late 1964.

I will likely use this as a sidearm while hunting and working in the woods. My normal carry is a Glock 23. Other than an old Bulldog that belonged to my grandfather, this would be my first revolver.

I don't know much about this particular model and I want to make sure that with proper care and feeding it will retain it's value over time. Any input at all is genuinely appreciated. I'm not in a hurry to make this deal, but I should be polite and not leave this guy hanging.

It seems that the value range for this model is 400-700 bucks, and he is asking near the upper end of that range.

Thanks in advance, BZimm

Ummm, is this a double action pistol, or is it SA/DA?

 

[series guy]

The Model 28 can be shot single or double action. It is an N Frame so the weight of the gun does a fantastic job of damping the recoil of the .357 Magnum round. As an early gun I would think it should have an "S" prefix in the serial number. They are sometimes well ahead of the serial number. The Model 28 was very under rated for much of it's run but in the last 4 or 5 years folks have caught on to the fact that it's every bit the same gun as the illustrious Model 27 but without the polish and top strap checkering. As a result prices have jumped from $300 - $500 to todays rate of $500 - $800. The price you're inferring is at the high end of the scale and you don't mention if the box, papers, or tools are included. Price also varies greatly by location. I will say that if you buy it you'll never regret it.

 

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum.
^^^He pretty much nailed it. I'll just add that HPs are a favorite around here. Here is a favorite HP thread you can look at for a while.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...lman-thread-including-n-frame-ser-ranges.html

 

[amazingflapjack]

Slam dunk !!!

 

[series guy]

Forgot to post a photo to push you over the edge.

 

[Engine49guy]

The 28-2 is SA/DA and it had a fairly long production run , if the gun has an "S" serial prefix it is from the 60's, if it has an "N" serial prefix its likely from the 70's.
They are equal in quality but earlier versions with diamond grips sell for just a little more.

The N frame 357 is a robust design but slightly large for toting around and so my personal preference is the smaller K frame 357 Magnums.

$700 is at the current high end for Model 28-2 but condition and originality of package dictates price.

 

[lebomm]

Try to negotiate price if you can, but buy it ! As stated above, you'll never regret it.

Larry

 

[BZimm]

Yeah, he's wanting 650 and that just seems a bit high. I'm gonna take a ride over there soon and handle the gun a bit. This gentleman is retired law enforcement and offers firearm training classes. He is an FFL and I do respect him.

 

[old bear]

M-28's are great revolvers. As others have posted they were produced on the N size frame, I believe they weighed 44 ounces. I find them somewhat heavy for all day carry, but do to the weight they will shoot Magnum ammo all day.

Below are photos of the one I purchased last month. Paid $635.00 Total.

 

[Harkrader]

Buy it, steal it, negotiate for it, weasel him out of it. Just get it.
Of course you should ALWAYS dicker on the price.
Bought one from Cabelas, even thought they did snooker me on the price, and another from a friend who needed money.
Both are excellent field guns.
The one from the friend has a 6" barrel and had a Redfield 4X scope. You can guess what he did with it. 1978-80 build.
The one from Cabelas has a 4" barrel and was clearly someone's carry gun, going by the wear on it. Also '78-'80 build. It is frequently borrowed by a friend during deer hunting season.

 

[Iggy]

If the stuff hits the fan and I could only have one gun, it would be a S&W Highway Patrolman.

Nuff sed.

 

[cowboy4evr]

My S&W HP 4" was the 2nd revolver I ever bought , years ago . It had seen some use , I still have it . Other guns have came and went , but it will always stay with me . It's a real " work horse " .

 

[Targets Guy]

Mine is a 1962 "S" prefix. Paid $650 for it. Love it. Shoot great.

 

[gmborkovic]

My golly, the HP is the most handsome revolver ever made.
Say what you want, big and clunky, to heavy or finish challenged.
It may not be as pretty as a 27 or a Python. But, dependable and eats everything. Best

 

[BAM-BAM]

For $700 it would have to be close to "new in box" around W. Pa.

that said...... I'd prefer the 4" for carry......6" for a hunting revolver ( as primary deer gun).

Like someone said..... for a .357 intended to be carried a lot and shot a little........... I'd go with a 4" K-frame for woods carry...... 2 1/2 or 3 inch for concealed carry.

IMHO L-frames (686,586) combine the best of both the K and N frames.

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! If the gun was clean and well taken care of, I would certainly go $650. Sounds like you trust the seller also. (a good thing) I have a no dash 6" from 1960. It was my 1st G.B. purchase. Nice gun all around. Make sure you let us know how you make out! Bob

 

[BZimm]

Ok, well this morning things came together such that I had to drive into town about an hour away. With a small detour and some cash I stopped by the seller's house and we talked for a while and reached a deal on the gun. It's a monster!!!

I like it and it fits my hand pretty well.

I'm headed out tomorrow morning for chores and I'll pick up a box of whitebox ammo for her inauguration. The Smith, not Hildebeast.....

Speakin' of which, the turnout here is the strongest I think our little town has seen in a LONG time.

 

[Nightowl]

Prices have been going up rapidly on 28s, so even at his original price, I don't think you will be hurt. That is a nice looking gun and certainly has not been shot much.

Well done.

 

[Gunhacker]

Nice...

Over the past few years, pricing on M28's has done nothing but increase, as a favorite saying on the forum goes "you didn't pay too much, you bought too early".

I think neither is the case in your transaction, but even if you did... with the popularity and demand for these guns continuing to rise, the not too distant future will have you thinking in retrospect, " I got a bargain".

 

[jdlii]

Nice find and "beautiful" example of a Mod. 28! I wouldn't change a thing and would shoot it until "the cows came home!"

I have been lucky enough to have owned four and smart enough to have held on to the last one!