New to me Highway Patrolman...Next to the Last, Almost Final Update, Sept. 10th, 2016

[Texas Star]

les-

That gun deserves better leather. I'd look around for a nice used Bianchi or Safariland rig. The holster would be the Model 5BHL in Bianchi or Model 25 or 29 in Safariland, and you ideally want the basketweave stamping and soft leather lining. I carried revolvers in such holsters for years with very minimal wear to the guns' finishes, and the overall quality of the leather is quite a bit better than what S&W sold. I regard S&W holsters as being about minimal acceptable quality. I think they were bought out by Gould & Goodrich.

If you can afford new leather, the models recommended are virtually duplicated by El Paso Saddlery. I also have their products, which are top notch.

 

[RobertJ.]

Nice!

No, you certainly didn't pay too much!

I'm "in between" Model 28's right now. I'd love to find a deal like that one!

 

[richiecotite]

Where I'm at, shooter grade 28's start in the 5's. And that's catching a deal


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[Inusuit]

About a year ago, I gave $500 for a 28 without original stocks and no accessories. It was in somewhat better condition than yours, but I vote good deal on your purchase! Just my opinion, but I wouldn't mess witht he stocks. They look fine to me.

 

[les.b]

I would have paid that price all day long. And that is an awesome belt! What brand and model is it?

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The belt is made by the "Idaho Leather Co.", of Boise Idaho, item #162. I have never heard of them, but the leather is supple and heavy, and it seems to be in good shape, but you can tell that it has been worn a lot.

Best Regards, Les

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

The perfect trilogy..Good gun, good price, good guy. 4 inchers are hard to find here. I have a 4 in about your shape and a NIB 6 incher I just got.

 

[BlackAgnes]

les--

Also, should you be so inclined, they make excellent platforms for conversion to .45 Colt!



The top one I converted many years ago (what's up with that bluing??!!) and the lower one is a Bowen conversion, regulated with a higher front sight of his design.

Tim

 

[TAC]

The 28 is a very popular revolver. They always command high prices. I think you got a bargain!

I like it better than the 27, as I think the finish holds up better in real-life use, than the high polished blue on the 27. Not there's anything wrong with that. But if it's going to be a shooter, a tool, than I'd rather have the 28. It will give you a lifetime of reliability. Enjoy!

 

[raisedin99]

Smile, you won!

terry

 

[Camster]

This afternoon I got a call from a LGS friend of mine. He had just taken in a "well used" Smith and Wesson 28-2. He generally knows that I am interested in older Smiths and sometimes Colts, and asked if I would like to see it. Well, I drove over and it was by no means pristine, but not abused in anyway. It came with an older tan Smith and Wesson holster, marked 21 and 34, and a cartridge belt made by the "Idaho Leather Co.", of Boise Idaho, item #162, and a box of 38 spls, a brand new Safariland cleaning kit, and a bottle of Hoppes No 9.

Here it is as I first saw it:



Anyway, he was asking $525 (plus we have a 6% tax here), for the whole deal, and I frankly told him that I thought that was a little high, and that I wasn't really in the market for another N frame anyway. But I had just read a couple of threads on the forum about Highway Patrolmen that folks either wanted, or had just bought, and I was interested.

After we dickered a little, I told him I would give him $475.00 for the whole package, if he would pay the tax. He agreed, and it followed me home. Everything is tight on this revolver. No push-off, no end shake, all 6 chambers are timed perfectly, and the stocks number to the gun. Trigger pull in both single and double action are great, and it looks like one of those revolvers that have been carried a lot, and shot not so much. Bore and chambers are pristine.

Here is another shot of it. At this point, I have not even wiped the gun down, let alone cleaned it:



After I clean it up, and shoot it a little, I'll post some more pictures.

Anyway, here is my question: did I pay too much? I figure that the tax, holster, belt, ammo, cleaning kit, and Hoppes are probably about $75.00, so I have around $400. In the gun itself.

Let me know what you think, and I'll get back with some more photos after I give it a gentle cleaning with a little extra fine bronze wool and oil.

By the way, all of my reference material is at the office. The serial number is N7954. Can anyone give me a rough ship date on this?

Thanks for looking....

Best Regards, Les

Why is everyone obsessed(dare I say neurotic) with this notion of paying too much,and worrying about it after the fact.You wanted it,you negotiated for it,and you paid the number.I think that makes it worth it to you,unless you're looking to flip it tomorrow.....No one held a gun to your head.

 

[Laketime]

You knew already that you didn't overpay.

 

[nedlate]

Why is everyone obsessed(dare I say neurotic) with this notion of paying too much,and worrying about it after the fact.You wanted it,you negotiated for it,and you paid the number.I think that makes it worth it to you,unless you're looking to flip it tomorrow.....No one held a gun to your head.

Oh come on! I think les.b just asked the questions to start a conversation on his new purchase! And it was a fair price, always fun to have another gun!
Ed

 

[les.b]

Oh come on! I think les.b just asked the questions to start a conversation on his new purchase! And it was a fair price, always fun to have another gun!
Ed

Ed:

You are right, I was just having some fun, and sharing with my friends here on the forum. I'm not at all obsessed with whether I paid too much, Camster, I am pretty sure that it was a fair price, and this was just a way to share my find with you guys. Also, I have learned a few things, like a possible ship date, and gotten some helpful suggestions from you guys. Just enjoying one aspect of our shared passion for all things S&W, and trading knowlege.

Thanks to all of you for sharing your collective wisdom with me, and taking the time to take a look at my newest acquisition.

Best Regards, Les

 

[les.b]

les--

Also, should you be so inclined, they make excellent platforms for conversion to .45 Colt!



The top one I converted many years ago (what's up with that bluing??!!) and the lower one is a Bowen conversion, regulated with a higher front sight of his design.

Tim

Tim:

Those are interesting conversions of the 28, and I'm pretty sure that they would be great revolvers as a result. The second one is really a beautiful job, particularly with those super grips!!!

Thanks for sharing, and taking the time to view the thread!!

Best Regards, Les

 

[Camster]

You knew already that you didn't overpay.

Some guys know,some guys don't know,some guys just want a pat on the back,which only fellow gunnies can give them.

 

[les.b]

Some guys know,some guys don't know,some guys just want a pat on the back,which only fellow gunnies can give them.

Camster:

I was really just trying to start a conversation, and get to see some of the other treasures that my fellow S&W guys have, and learn a bit in the process. I have no argument with you, and appreciate your comments in the spirit that you gave them. Sure, we all like a pat on the back now and then, especially since we are apparently a dying breed in America, it seems that there are fewer and fewer Americans who would even know what a Highway Patrolman even is!!

Best Regards, Les

 

[Laketime]

Some guys know,some guys don't know,some guys just want a pat on the back,which only fellow gunnies can give them.

Camster:

I was really just trying to start a conversation, and get to see some of the other treasures that my fellow S&W guys have, and learn a bit in the process. I have no argument with you, and appreciate your comments in the spirit that you gave them. Sure, we all like a pat on the back now and then, especially since we are apparently a dying breed in America, it seems that there are fewer and fewer Americans who would even know what a Highway Patrolman even is!!

Best Regards, Les

Les,some of us are just having a little fun with you over the nice deal you got. The gun alone was worth more then you paid.

 

[rwt1405]

I'll be happy to ease your mind by repaying your investment!

I'm with classic bob, just send it my way and I'll gladly cover the cost!

 

[les.b]

Update:

Well, I spent some time yesterday with the extra fine bronze wool and some gun oil, removing almost minuscule rust specks on my new treasure. The only really bad spots were on the right hand side of the trigger, where a right handed shooters finger would rest when shooting. I didn't overdo it here, just enough to stop the spread of rust and stabilize it, as there are still traces of case color there.

I'm still here at the cabin, so my shop tools aren't here, but I couldn't resist taking a peek under the hood. This evening I took a look inside. I do have a few tools here, a few good Grace screwdrivers to keep from damaging the sideplate screws. This gun may have been made in 1970, 46 years ago, but after I used some CLP and a toothbrush and a few q-tips and scrubbed out years of powder fouling and congealed lubricant, it looks like it was made yesterday, except they don't make them like this anymore.

Here it is partially disassembled, and beginning to scrub up the innards. Please forgive the crappy iPad photos:



Here it is with the parts cleaned and lightly lubed, and ready to put the lid on:



And here it is assembled. As you can see, there is some finish wear at the muzzle and sharp edges, and more wear on the cylinder, but there is almost all of the case color on the hammer, and only the rust stains on the right side of the trigger. All in all, this should make a great shooter, and one that I won't be afraid to shoot, either!!



Just thought that some of you who were interested in my purchase yesterday would like a follow up. Next up: I will post a shooting report soon.

Thanks for dropping by, and thanks for all the friendly advice,

Best Regards, Les

 

[lebomm]

I'll agree with JP@AK's age estimate - I have N8023 as a 4" .44 Special conversion. Congrats on a terrific score !

Larry