So I picked up this pre 28 Highway Patrol last night...

[chepburn]

and I don't know if I should put it in the safe and hide it or take it to the range and have a blast (pun intended).

Has the letter from S&W with the history; shipped July 20th 1954 to Huey Philp Co, Dallas Texas. Records show it was shipped blued and with checkered grips (was part of a 25 unit shipment to the Dallas PD).

Not original grip (these are targets I think?) and of course it was refinished in the nickel but it has't been fired since being refinished (previous owner had it for 8 or 9 years and never shot it).

I'm really perplexed here, I REALLY want to shoot it but it's also just so awesome to look at

Anyway, pics for your viewing pleasure.

 

[G-Mac]

I'm really perplexed here, I REALLY want to shoot it but it's also just so awesome to look at

Shoot it, clean it, then look at it some more.

 

[nate-dogg]

I see no reason why you shouldn't shoot it! The refinish will keep it from having a significant collector value. You should be able to shoot it as often as you like and keep that Nickel in excellent condition with proper and careful handling and cleaning. As long as you take care of it, it will always be a valuable and desirable gun. Refinished or not.

 

[Art Doc]

Being refinished in a non-standard finish renders it worthless to a collector. Why are you hesitating to shoot it?

 

[Watchdog]

That's one of the better looking 28s that I've seen that's been refinished in nickel.

As another member says, though, it's collector value is in the basement.

Shoot it, carry it, enjoy it. That's what it's good for.

 

[Jtown]

No collector value even if it is a nice looking gun. I have a pre 28 and it is an awesome range gun. Shoot it, enjoy it.
Walt

 

[ken158]

Do you really think Dallas PD didn't shoot it?

 

[nate-dogg]

Do you really think Dallas PD didn't shoot it?

I don't think he claimed it being unfired. He only claimed that it was unfired after the nickel refinish.

 

[steelslaver]

HPs are meant to be shot. Do it. Enjoy it.

 

[codenamedave]

Am I the only one not seeing any pics?

And yes, shoot it. I'm on record saying a great many guns posted here are too nice to shoot, but with the refinish and all, go ahead and dazzle 'em at the range!

 

[markeb]

No, I dont't see them either. Anyway, shoot it and enjoy.

 

[S&WsRsweet]

My vote is shoot it !

 

[BAM-BAM]

No pics....... but a nickle refinish ...... shoot it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Waveski]

Open and shut case -

Shoot , most definitely.

 

[Green Frog]

HPs are meant to be shot. Do it. Enjoy it.

^^^ This ^^^ along with the fact that it no longer has ANY original finish! This question about collectibility of HPs/Mod 28s is coming up over and over lately, and is frankly pretty baffling to me. Would you say, "I have this beautiful Snap-On ratchet wrench and I'm wondering whether I should use it on my car or keep in in my big red tool chest?" If you are a romantic, and wonder what the gun "deserves," I think I can say without fear of contradiction, it will love being shot and both you and it "deserve" the joy of spending time together in range and field.

Froggie

 

[Bakebfr480]

Choot it!!!!!

 

[chepburn]

Thanks all, just wanted to make sure... I'd hate to be that guy that shot something that should have been put up.

I'll run some rounds through it this weekend

 

[rwt1405]

Choot it! Choot it!

Seriously, shoot it!

I couldn't see any pictures, but I got all I needed, from what you wrote.

 

[Babysitr]

You'll enjoy the looks of it even more when you start punching bulls-eyes or ringing plates with it!

 

[Watchdog]

No, I dont't see them either. Anyway, shoot it and enjoy.

Strange. I saw the photos yesterday, and commented on its appearance. Today, I see no photos at all.