Keith Hayes
Member
I am going to look at a S&W later this week. All the information he can give me is, it is a Highway Patrolman, 357 and the serial N579XXX. Can someone help me out on when this was made?
Thank you
Thank you
Need to know DoM of a Highway Patrol
- Thread starter Keith Hayes
- Start date
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From SCSW 4th Edition, 1978-1980.
OP
Keith Hayes
Member
Looks like I found my answer in the "Ultimate Highway Patrolman thread", it looks like a 78-80 model.
Jack Flash
Member
It should be a Model 28-2, so it will have a pinned barrel and a recessed cylinder (abbreviated P&R).
Seems like he should be able to tell you:
1. Barrel Length (usually 4" or 6", but the much more rare 5" is possible).
2. Type of stocks (grips).
These were about the only options on an M28. The 4" barrel seems to be more in demand than the 6". If he tells you it's a 5", he may just be measuring it wrong. Be sure to measure (or have him measure) from the front edge of the cylinder to the muzzle. If really an original 5", it's worth a whole lot.
For stocks, I *think* (wood) magna stocks were still standard, but it may have (wood) target stocks as they were an option. Of course, it may now be wearing some form of aftermarket wood or even rubber grips. Usually, anything aftermarket lowers the value, unless it's made by some well known craftsman, made out of ivory, etc. Rubber grips have the least value, but many of us prefer them for shooting.
I've rambled on enough. If I used some terms you don't understand, just ask. Someone here will give you a quick courteous answer.
Seems like he should be able to tell you:
1. Barrel Length (usually 4" or 6", but the much more rare 5" is possible).
2. Type of stocks (grips).
These were about the only options on an M28. The 4" barrel seems to be more in demand than the 6". If he tells you it's a 5", he may just be measuring it wrong. Be sure to measure (or have him measure) from the front edge of the cylinder to the muzzle. If really an original 5", it's worth a whole lot.
For stocks, I *think* (wood) magna stocks were still standard, but it may have (wood) target stocks as they were an option. Of course, it may now be wearing some form of aftermarket wood or even rubber grips. Usually, anything aftermarket lowers the value, unless it's made by some well known craftsman, made out of ivory, etc. Rubber grips have the least value, but many of us prefer them for shooting.
I've rambled on enough. If I used some terms you don't understand, just ask. Someone here will give you a quick courteous answer.
Jack Flash
Member
One other thing:
The finish should be blue. Very rarely the factory nickel finished the M28, and those bring a much higher price. A nickel M28 is almost always a refinish.
So he ought to be able to tell you if it's blue or not. If not, it's almost certainly a refinish which usually lowers the value. Of course if it's blue it could still be a refinish, you'll just have to examine it.
The finish should be blue. Very rarely the factory nickel finished the M28, and those bring a much higher price. A nickel M28 is almost always a refinish.
So he ought to be able to tell you if it's blue or not. If not, it's almost certainly a refinish which usually lowers the value. Of course if it's blue it could still be a refinish, you'll just have to examine it.
Welcome to the Forum from Virginia!
The Highway Patrolman you will be looking at should look exactly like the pics of my Model 28-2 shown below if yours turns out to be a 4" barrel. Mine is a original specimen (as shipped from the factory in 1974).
Note that the "blue" finish is NOT bright, or deeply polished. It is a "matte" or duller finish that was made for duty guns. Basically the Model 28 was simply the more economical version for sale to Law Enforcement Agency budgets of the beautiful Model 27 for all consumers.
You cannot go wrong with a Model 28 so if that one checks out mechanically and fits your price.....grab it while you can...they don't make anything like it anymore!
The Highway Patrolman you will be looking at should look exactly like the pics of my Model 28-2 shown below if yours turns out to be a 4" barrel. Mine is a original specimen (as shipped from the factory in 1974).
Note that the "blue" finish is NOT bright, or deeply polished. It is a "matte" or duller finish that was made for duty guns. Basically the Model 28 was simply the more economical version for sale to Law Enforcement Agency budgets of the beautiful Model 27 for all consumers.
You cannot go wrong with a Model 28 so if that one checks out mechanically and fits your price.....grab it while you can...they don't make anything like it anymore!
Attachments
Another thought(s) on value. I don't know about Central Missouri even though I lived in St. Louis for several years but around here in Central Virginia price wise a ANIB (As New In Box) with all documents, tools etc. is right now in the $1200 to $1400 range, and mine (all original but no box or docs, tools) is $800 to $900 and they do not last long.
Both above examples are at LGS and have been for about 3 weeks, so I expect a drop of about $50 to $100 each if still there in another 2 weeks, however add to that the taxes, fees, etc and you are right back at list, so this may give you some money ranges to begin your negotiations. Generally, private sales (face-to-face, no paperwork) in this area are anywhere from $200 -$300 less than above LGS list depending on of course, the financial needs of the Seller (immediate to don't really have to sell) and your skills at negotiations.
If the one your about to see were a private listing in my area I would have 5 Benjamins in my pocket, plus 3 Grants ($650) and a bore light, feeler gauge, PROPER screwdriver and hollow ground bits, nice cotton cleaning rag, and really look it over..check the usual end shake, timing, lock up, hammer push off and then ASK if grips can be removed (I usually ask if I can, or does the Seller want to, or not at all) and I do all this BEFORE pulling any cash out.
Last tip, WAIT until after it is yours before drooling!
Both above examples are at LGS and have been for about 3 weeks, so I expect a drop of about $50 to $100 each if still there in another 2 weeks, however add to that the taxes, fees, etc and you are right back at list, so this may give you some money ranges to begin your negotiations. Generally, private sales (face-to-face, no paperwork) in this area are anywhere from $200 -$300 less than above LGS list depending on of course, the financial needs of the Seller (immediate to don't really have to sell) and your skills at negotiations.
If the one your about to see were a private listing in my area I would have 5 Benjamins in my pocket, plus 3 Grants ($650) and a bore light, feeler gauge, PROPER screwdriver and hollow ground bits, nice cotton cleaning rag, and really look it over..check the usual end shake, timing, lock up, hammer push off and then ASK if grips can be removed (I usually ask if I can, or does the Seller want to, or not at all) and I do all this BEFORE pulling any cash out.
Last tip, WAIT until after it is yours before drooling!
OP
Keith Hayes
Member
Thanks to all for the replies. A couple of questions, "end shake" I am assuming this is the barrel fitting loose. Lock up is pretty straight forward. "Timing" how do I check and what is "Push Off"?
End shake refers to the cylinder. Push off is when it's possible to push forward a cocked hammer.
I doubt that quick lessons here will make you an expert at evaluating a revolver. Mostly rely on the gun's condition.A good looking example should be fine.A rough uncared for example might be more problematic.
I doubt that quick lessons here will make you an expert at evaluating a revolver. Mostly rely on the gun's condition.A good looking example should be fine.A rough uncared for example might be more problematic.
OP
Keith Hayes
Member
Was able to finally get to meet the gentleman and look at the M28 yesterday. It turns out to be a LNIB 28-2 w/4" barrel. The unfortunate part is it is too nice for me to use/shoot. I have posted it in the classifieds in hopes of trading it for something I can actually use without the quilt.
sounds to me like the unfortunate part is you're not going to shoot it ,care for it, and keep it in excellent condition and enjoy it. don't feel guilty for using it for what it was intended, if its what you wanted to start with..?..IMHO
It would be a shame not to shoot it.
Have 3 mod28s with 4" barrels
One is my farm gun gets carried
In a good holster in truck on tractor
On foot. If I can get some thing
To lean on ground hogs are in danger
Out to 100 yds .Handles mag. Loads
With out stinging your hands.
Have 3 mod28s with 4" barrels
One is my farm gun gets carried
In a good holster in truck on tractor
On foot. If I can get some thing
To lean on ground hogs are in danger
Out to 100 yds .Handles mag. Loads
With out stinging your hands.
Jack Flash
Member
If you already bought it this is moot but what the heck:
Yes, the standard finish on these is matte blue / brush blue BUT
in actual practice, some of them were very nicely blued indeed.
So a nice beautiful blue doesn't necessarily mean it was refinished.
Yes, the standard finish on these is matte blue / brush blue BUT
in actual practice, some of them were very nicely blued indeed.
So a nice beautiful blue doesn't necessarily mean it was refinished.
