S&W 28-2 Value 1978 Vintage Value******UPDATE W/ PICS

[Hair Trigger]

Picked the 6" 28-2 that left the factory in April 1978. It is pristine! If it has been shot then very few rounds have been run through it. The rear sight is typical of the M 28. The barrel is marked as most 28's are. No other markings save for some very light etching on the grip frame ( see photos ) that are difficult to read. It is a fine example of the M 28.
My total cost, including shipping and transfer fees, is $760.00

I think you did very well, gun is in great shape, I can't see a turn line. You should look for a set of walnut magna stocks, which were the standard factory issue on M28's.

Very nice HPs and Model 28s, but I'm still confused about the red insert in the front sight. To the best of my knowledge, HPs did not have colored inserts in the Baughman front sight. Were the inserts factory installed as an option, or were they added as a later modification? Any ideas?

SCSW mentions red ramp and white outline sights, but were usually on police-ordered and purchased guns (Washington State Patrol and NYSP). In the historical data paragraph it doesn't mention the RR or WO in the details.

Mine is a 1973 vintage (N189xxx), I paid a premium 5 years ago, and at the time had no turn line. I shoot this one more than any of my S&W's. Love the balance. Mine has a smooth .400" combat trigger and feels the best of all my S&W's.

 

[Model19man]

Very nice HPs and Model 28s, but I'm still confused about the red insert in the front sight. To the best of my knowledge, HPs did not have colored inserts in the Baughman front sight. Were the inserts factory installed as an option, or were they added as a later modification? Any ideas?

Like you say something has been changed here. I have seen these revolvers for years and I do not recall ever seeing one with a colored sight insert. Perhaps an owner modification?

 

[S&W Fan]

The NYSP 28 came from the factory with red insert, many also had the white outline rear-at one time I had 4 in my collection, all purchased in 1985. It's a relatively easy mod and many 'smiths did/do the insert as well as them returned to S&W to have it done.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Glad I got mine long ago when they were $225.00 NIB.

I installed a RR/WO sights. A smooth Ranger trigger & target hammer in my 4 in. Did it myself.......Left the 6 in natural.

 

[mchom]

Here are some HPs

Top to bottom
Highway Patrolman 4" (Pre 28)
Model 28's ND 4" & 6"
Model 28-2's 4" & 6"

All 28-2's LE Stamped
Top to bottom
Washington State Patrol 4" & 6"
DPS (Likely TX) refinished and NYSP

I missed out on a SFPD 28-2 recently

 

[A10]

Top to bottom
Highway Patrolman 4" (Pre 28)
Model 28's ND 4" & 6"
Model 28-2's 4" & 6"

All 28-2's LE Stamped
Top to bottom
Washington State Patrol 4" & 6"
DPS (Likely TX) refinished and NYSP

I missed out on a SFPD 28-2 recently

Could you take a pic of the 4 inch WSP stamping? If it's an original WSP gun it's a bit unusual. All of the one's I'm familiar with were 6 inch guns.

 

[mchom]

I will in a moment
It's on my list to letter as well…

 

[mchom]

It's odd how the Dept stamp

…is on opposites sides of frame

4" serial bottom

 

[Buford57]

Back when M-28s were working tools and not treasured collectables I had a green insert added to my S-series 4" along with Mustang rubber finger groove grips. I sold the diamond magnas and threw away the box. The rear sight blade broke off and was replaced with a white outline. After about 15 years of faithful service I sold or traded it. There was a significant amount of blue wear, but no rust. I felt like I broke even and was thankful to be alive to do it.

The purists can shudder, but it served the purpose for which it was purchased.

 

[Jack Flash]

... The 6" is a mint 4-screw no dash from 1959/60, and has the smoothest action I have ever felt on an S&W. ...

I have a 6" that was made '54/'55 that I have said the same thing about. It is so smooth.

 

[Narragansett]

Very nice Model 28 OP. The red ramp was not standard, but it could be ordered that way. Because I was only 90 miles from the factory, I used to take all my revolvers to the factory for the red ramp and other mods. They did this for free if you were a LEO.

Your price at 760 all in was fine. That gun is 900-1K IMO. I had 7 examples, but gave one away and sold 2. I now have 2@ 4" and 2 @ 6" all S prefix 1961 to 1966 I believe.

They are a plain Jane M27 and a working man's gun

 

[Baxter6551]

Like Narragansett above - back in the 70s/ 80s I also took revolvers to Factory for same day service as LEO. No charge. Drop revolver off, go have lunch and tour the Springfield Armory museum and go back to pick it up. And they usually offered a set of grips from the blister pack carousel on the counter. But I liked my Pachmyers …. Who knew … !!!! Home by 5.
I'm hoping to acquire this 6" when my friends estate is settled. I took it to Smith for trigger work and the red ramp.