Thoughts as to value of an old Highway Patrolman

[Delta Expatriate]

Still fairly new to the forum, at least in terms of being a member, but I thought I might get some input from the forum on this.

This concerns a 5 screw Highway Patrolman with a 4" barrel. Serial # should put in within the first 1500 produced. It is functional, but at best it is just a shooter. Finish is poor, with lots of bluing loss. If it was just holster wear, it would not bother me, but I think it goes well beyond reasonable holster wear. Right side is worse than the left side, with streaks (for lack of a better word) running nearly the length of the gun with bluing loss. Trademark remains distinct, but there is some evidence of pitting within it, and on the side plate. It has the original magna grips numbered to the gun, but there is a small chunk missing from right grip panel just behind the trigger guard. It does not affect the feel of the gun when gripping it, and it is not noticeable at first. I know something of the current/values and prices for HPs and Model 28s with much better finishes. This gun does not have a good finish and is "challenged" finish-wise.

My question is what do you think any old functioning five screw Highway Patrolman with a poor finish might be worth? Considering using it in a trade if I find something else I am interested in.

Sorry, but I will not be able to post pictures at this time. I would appreciate any thoughts and opinions.

 

[murphydog]

It sounds to me to be about a $500 gun...may be a good one for a factory refinish with the pitting should you decide to keep it.

 

[Jack Flash]

Is it in good working order? IE, is it a good shooter?

My basic rule of thumb is that any N-Frame in good working order is worth $500. The pitting etc may drive the price down a little. However, 4 inch N-Frames are very popular right now, so that may bring the price back up.

If it functions well, someone will want it for a truck gun, woods gun, ... I already have a couple of finished challenged 4" M28s or I would be interested. I would have to see it, but just from your description I would probably offer $350. But as I said, I'm not in the market. Good Luck with your sale or trade!

 

[jrd1976]

If in good working order, action in time, no push off, bore and chambers good, but with finish issues, I would pay in the $300 to $400 range. I paid $300 for a 1917 Brazilian 45ACP recently.

As is, it has character. It sounds like a LEO gun.

 

[Jack Flash]

I suppose that if I am the seller, the price is $500.
If I am the buyer, my offer would be $350.

You can always negotiate up or down.

If you don't really need the money right now, hang onto it till someone pays your price.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I have one similar to the one you are contemplating. It has 0% finish left and is a restoration project for me now that I have my bead blasting cabinet. I intend to rust blue it over a bead blast finish as soon as the temps fall below heat stroke level. I have less in it than previous posters have suggested their offers would be.

IIRC, S&W won't work on that vintage gun because parts are no longer available. Maybe they will refinish it, though. S&W sometimes outsources this work to ACCURATE PLATING AND WEAPONRY 2015 | APWCOGAN. Bob Cogan will do a good job on it.

 

[Delta Expatriate]

Thanks for all of your responses - I have thought about making it a reblue / restoration project but I might rather sell or use in a trade for some other firearm (maybe a p & r Model 19). Wiregrassguy, it does look something like yours.

 

[Tom K]

I have one similar to the one you are contemplating. It has 0% finish left and is a restoration project for me now that I have my bead blasting cabinet. I intend to rust blue it over a bead blast finish as soon as the temps fall below heat stroke level. I have less in it than previous posters have suggested their offers would be.

I had a gun like that.

It turned into this.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/397845-seldom-seen-8-3-8-44-special.html

 

[trooper2899]

I carried one for about 2 yrs and couldn't get rid of it fast enough - it was like a boat anchor - most LE copies were etched we were offered to buy them for about 150 each, I passed, some bought two or three. They told us the rest went to S America. They went when we got females, small hands couldn't manage them.