Want an N Frame need help-- Found it

[Jeffkframe]

So I want an N Frame 357 to add to my collection. I have a J,K, L in 357 and decided I need (want) one. I was never interested in them till I handled one at a recent gun show. I want a good shooter grade but dont want to spend a ton of money. Is my best bet to find a model 28? My modest gunbroker skills show that the going rate on them being sold is between $500 and $800 depending on condition. Is that what to expect? Any help will be appreciated.

Found a 28 Ser# S2046__ today at gunshow. Paid a little more than I wanted but I got what I wanted. Can someone help me with the dates? Sorry for the bad pic.

 

[beagleye]

It appears you have mostly deduced the primary factoids. 28s are pretty common, don't count out 27s either, I see them both locally on a regular basis. I use gun broker but prefer to buy guns locally. 4-8 hundred should get you what you want. Currently shorter barrels command more jingle but you never know what the next phase of the apocalypse will bring.

 

[Triathloncoach]

My 28-2 six inch is my favorite gun. It's not my most $, but nothing makes me smile as much.

 

[arjay]

Prices on the 28 have taken off in the last two years.Take a look at 27s while your at it.Same gun,but a much nicer finish.

 

[Jeffkframe]

Thanks. I use GB only as a barometer on the market. I thought about a 27 but the prices scare me off.

 

[arjay]

Depending on where you live,you might find better prices locally than on Gunbroker.

 

[Goblin]

In my area, gun show prices are better than Gunbroker, especially on the 27s. Look around, and luck may be with you, but a 28 can usually be found at a bargain price.

 

[Tom_R]

A 28 is a great option.

You are locked locked into a blued gun, and either a 4" or 6" barrel.

The ones I have seen locally are priced from $650 - $800, and they are not there when I get back. So if you see one locally and are on the fence, I'd snag it.

How can you go wrong with something like this?:

 

[bananaman]

If you are going to do the G.B. thing, study and be patient. A good example & deal should come along. I have had my 6" 28 no dash a couple of years now. It is very clean. (1960 gun) came with Goodyears, but price was $450. (G.B.) 28's in my opinion, will continue to gain in value. How can you go wrong with a good specimen? Bob

 

[Jeffkframe]

Thanks for all the replies. There's a couple of big shows coming up in my area so I'll try my luck there. I've gotten a couple of guns off of GB but won't go that route this time. Half the fun in finding a good S&W is the search. I'll let you guys know what I end up with.

 

[Iggy]

The model 28 is the working man's model 27. Kind of like the GMC use to be less shiny than a Chevy but tougher.

There are prettier .357s than the 28, but none better.

 

[Tom_R]

The model 28 is the working man's model 27. Kind of like the GMC use to be less shiny than a Chevy but tougher.

There are prettier .357s than the 28, but none better.

Agreed. I have a model 27-2 and a model 28-2. I'll keep the 28 over the 27. Nothing wrong with the 27 at all, I just have ZERO qualms about shooting and carrying the 28. The 27 is more of a beauty queen.

 

[Retired W4]

Depending on where you live,you might find better prices locally than on Gunbroker.

Gunbroker prices seem to border on the insane compared to gun shows. It's typically good for the seller but the buyer does have access to a lot of stuff that may not be available in his locality.

If you don't mind emptying your back account, be on the look-out for the all business 520 from 1980 (not 2005). It's the only N frame .357 with fixed sights. Maximum cool factor and a great gun. I missed out on one at a live auction because I just could not justify the cost.