Please help me decide on a M28

[American1776]

I'm considering EITHER of the following:

1) A 95 percent (NRA Excellent) condition Pre 28 Highway Patrolman, 4 inch, 5 screw. No box, light turn line.

2) A NIB, never fired, model 28-2. Has the N prefix.

The price on the 28-2 is higher than the 5 screw, but the price isn't going to be the determining factor here.

Which would make the better collector AND shooter? I once owned a 5 screw model M&P hand ejector, and that was by far the best fit and finish on a revolver I have EVER seen (even the colt pythons I've handled). Is it safe to assume the 5 screw Highway Patrolman will be better fit and finish, and better overall, than even a NIB 28-2?

I'm inclined to go with the 95 percent 5 screw.

Am I missing any other considerations? Thoughts?

 

[Art Doc]

Older is more desirable...

 

[Cal44]

If you are looking to shoot it, then going with the NIB one might be a mistake in that it will lose value if fired.

So I vote for the earlier one also.

 

[19leben]

Go with the 5 screw. I have 2 28-2s, and am waiting for a 5 screw

 

[DD357]

A consensus is building - 5 screw.

 

[tallpaul]

A good 28 is only going up in value- even if you shoot it and keep it in nice shape. Most of us never thought that smiths 28- the stepkid of the 27 to the unknowing would ever gain so much in value as they have over the last ten years... ya could not hardly give them away in the 80's early 90's They like every other smith is climbing and I doubt you will gain or loose much more vlaue shooting it or not. Save the box and accessories and that will mean more than shooting it or not I believe. Then again my pricing thoughts are way off base lately

 

[colstontc1]

Well, I had a 28-2 that was mint in box, I shot it and took great care of it, and I can say it never lost any value.
Actually when I did sell it, it brought more than what I had paid for it.
Love the classic N frame's

 

[sodacan]

28-2's are a dime a dozen compared to 5-screw pre-28's. Buy the Highway Patrolman.

 

[American1776]

Seems like there is an overwhelming consensus. Like I said, the 5 screw models seem to be from a different world, even apart from the general pinned and recessed N-frames from later periods.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Jack Flash]

You don't mention the barrel length of the M28-2. Maybe a minor point, but if shooting is of primary importance, I would be inclined to favor a 6" over a 4". Also, I assume you do not intend to carry it. However, I have to admit that it does seem a little silly to buy an unfired one and then start firing it!

Four inch N-Frames are very popular. If it were my choice, I would probably go along with the rest and get the older revolver. I don't think you would lose money with either one, unless you put a lot of holster wear on it.

 

[bananaman]

I myself shoot guns that I own. I would go with the H.P. pre 28. I have a 6" 28 no dash from 1960. A great gun to shoot, and it is very nice. I do have a set of diamond target grips for it. If you buy the -2, and shoot it, is no longer NIB. Only my opinions! Bob

 

[alwslate]

Have you been able to personally handle the five screw or are you
relying on a seller's description? I'm basically a shooter rather than a
collector and I would not hesitate to shoot a NIB 28-2. But if the five
screw model is truely as tight as a new gun it would be the better buy.
There's no reason to pay a premium for NIB if you're going to make a
shooter out of a gun.

 

[CelticSire]

Both. That way there is no room for "Did I make the right choice" in the future.

 

[Retired W4]

As for fit/finish of the two I doubt you will see much difference. I have owned and still own both. Personally I would go for the pre-28 HP. Barrel length would influence my decision as I prefer the 4" on the HP. Either way I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[Grayfox]

Another vote for the Pre-28 HP.

 

[Semper Fi 57]

1776

Have one of the old 5 screw 28s. It is as smooth as a Swiss watch. I have had it for many years as it was one of my first purchases. You would be well advised to get the 5er. Just my $.02.


Jim

 

[A10]

I currently have two 1955 HPs and three 28-2s. I'd go with the 5 screw as well. The blueing has more depth, the action is smooth as glass, and usually older is better. The NIB gun will only remain that way if you never shoot it. The 5 screw will be what it currently is, as long as you care for it.

 

[S42N8]

All depends on what you want: a pristine safe queen or a fine gun you'll shoot without fear of decreasing value.

I'd buy both, but if that's not an option, I'd have to do a close look at the HP to assess lockup, action and grips... if lockup and action are off, those are discriminating factors; if the grips are not original, that would be a tick against it. That said, you want a shooter and collectable. Shooting the 28-2 may affect its value, but the HP in 95% condition is probably the cusp of shooter/collectable. Your call.

 

[deyomatic]

Get the 28-2...

And tell me how to contact the owner of the 5 Screw!

 

[steelslaver]

I now own 3 HP. 2 28-2 and a well used pre model 5 screw. Can't tell much difference in the actions or accuracy of any of them. I would probably grap the 5 screw though.