S&w Highway Patrolman

[barber]

I have a chance to buyone of these, 4" barrel, good condition. What is the most it would be worth? Thanks

[dubber123]

Condition is the big thing, good to you may not be to someone else.  By "good" do you mean a fair bit of blue wear on the cylinder, end of barrel and frame edges?, or is it in REALLY good shape with very minimal wear.  The first case gun to me would be in maybe the 275$ range, (if I really wanted one), the second very nice example would be around 400$ to ME.  I got my 6" version about 5 years ago, in VERY nice condition, with a 2 or 3 boxes of ammo for 250$ from a regular gun shop.  5 years does seem to have made quite a difference in pricing though.  Hope this helps.

[S.B.]

Value=how much the buyer is willing to pay? How much is the sellere asking?

[Camba]

I am looking at one model 28-? S&W patrolman and the gun has the following observations from my part:

1.  Asking price was $400
2.  The cylinder has the dragging mark of the cocking rotation and some minor blue wear at the tips of the cylinder in the front side.
3.  The bbl does not have any marks other than the blue is more like a dark chocolate color while the frame looks dark black.
4.  The hammer has some discoloration that looks like case-hardened.
5.  The cylinder is tight when the hammer has been down with the trigger pulled and it seems welded to the frame.
6.  The trigger pull is a dream (like most of the S&W's I've seen)
7.  There is a screw in the grooved lines of the metal part of the grip in the inside where you wrap your fingers to hold the gun.  Is this a normal screw or could this had been modified by the previous owner?
8.  The rear sight seems like a 1/16" past forward the frame but otherwise not bad.
9.  The wood grip seems new and like it has not been handled or shot more than a few rounds in its gun life.
10.  Over all, the gun looks great and in very good conditions.

Questions:

Can the bbl be slightly a different color than the frame? Or do you think this gun had been reconditioned and placed a new or different color matching bbl?

The vendor was asking for more money but he agreed to go for $400.

Is this a good price or am I paying too much for it?

Thank you.

Camba

[Mikey]

Camba:  The screw you spoke to is a normal part of the revolver.  It tightens against the hammer spring to adjust the trigger pull.  If you like the trigger pull now, don't adjust the screw until you have had lots of experience with the revolver. 

Sorry, but 4 bills seems a bit high for what the factory produced as a base model.  The Highway Patrolman was a basic, no frills version of the M27, S&W's top of the line 357.  The rear sight is where it should be.

The finish on those revolvers was a matte black.  Where you see wear it may go to a bit of a 'patina' brown before it wears to the bare metal. 

You can easily contact S&W - take down the serial number and ask them if they have any history on reworking or refinishing that revolver.  $400 still seems high to me.  JMHO.  Mikey.

[Camba]

Mikey,

Thank you for your response.  I will keep on looking.  I don't really need to buy one but it is one of those things that makes you etch your pocket when you see something.  In fact, Last week, I ended up buying a Ruger GP-100, SST, 4" bbl.  I have one in 6" and it is a dream to shoot.  I am hoping this will do similarly.  Thank you for the information.

Camba

[rockbilly]

I agree that $400. is too high for a model 28.  I have seen them in excellent shape (95-98%) that went for $275.

While the Model 28 was produced as a utility grade gun, it was rough and reliable sidearm.  I have owned two of them.  The first I purchased about 1958 in Shreveport, LA. from a Gibson's Department Store.  If I remember correctly, it sold new for less than $200.  (a gold mine in those days, especially for me) The gun was bought on the advice of Jim Clark to use as a trainer for competitive pistol shooting.  It digested thousands of rounds and never missed a beat.  Before my first trip to Nam, I obtained permission to take it with me.  It was on my side everyday for the thirteen months I was there, when I left I passed it on to one of our replacements.  Several years later I ran into him, he said he had passed it on to his replacement.  When I returned to the states from Nam, I purchased another one.  It is still with me today, I carried it for many years, but finally retired it for something lighter.

In my opinion, if you can find a good one in the $250.-$300. price range it would be a good buy, and should last for a lifetime if you take care of it.  

[S.B.]

I agree that $400. is too high for a model 28.  I have seen them in excellent shape (95-98%) that went for $275.

While the Model 28 was produced as a utility grade gun, it was rough and reliable sidearm.  I have owned two of them.  The first I purchased about 1958 in Shreveport, LA. from a Gibson's Department Store.  If I remember correctly, it sold new for less than $200.  (a gold mine in those days, especially for me) The gun was bought on the advice of Jim Clark to use as a trainer for competitive pistol shooting.  It digested thousands of rounds and never missed a beat.  Before my first trip to Nam, I obtained permission to take it with me.  It was on my side everyday for the thirteen months I was there, when I left I passed it on to one of our replacements.  Several years later I ran into him, he said he had passed it on to his replacement.  When I returned to the states from Nam, I purchased another one.  It is still with me today, I carried it for many years, but finally retired it for something lighter.

In my opinion, if you can find a good one in the $250.-$300. price range it would be a good buy, and should last for a lifetime if you take care of it.  

Maybe in your part of the country but, they go for the asking price around here(Central Illinois)? You can't talk retail prices from the 60's and compare it to now's prices? A Corvette was only around $5000 in the 60's, fully loaded. Neither one will ever be made again.

[rockbilly]

S.B.  Dealers will charge what the traffic will bear, the model 28 currently list in the "Blue Book of Gun Values" for $270.00 in 100% condition.  I just checked Auctionarms.com, there is one there for $250.  complete with holster and speed loaders. There is also one on GunBrokers.com for $600.  but it is an unfired, 8 inch barrel model.  I worked a gun show two weeks ago here in Texas, and sold one for $175.  it was not a pristine gun, but still had a lot of life left in it.  As for not making the gun anymore determining the price, this gun is similar, in some respects, to the thousands of Milsurp guns on the market today.  The gun was/is not a highly desirable piece, there is little or no historical value, and the move to automatic pistols by most people, Could it be the crazy gun laws of Illinois has driven the prices up in that area?  I can think of no other reason that a sane person would ask, or pay $400 for a model 28.

The "Blue Book of Gun Values" is pretty much the standard for gun dealers throughout the USA as is the "NADA Book" for automobile dealers.  I would think someone attempting to sell a 28 for $400. is either "smoking something," or a fly-by-night dealer who is out to take advantage of someone.  My advice at this point is, if barber truly wants a model 28, and does not have to have it TODAY, then monitor the two sites listed above, and make a purchase from someone there.  All one has to do is find a licensed dealer that will do the transfer for them, have the dealer provide them with a copy of their FFL and they can make the deal, have the gun shipped to the dealer, and pay the dealer a small fee for the transfer (my dealer charges me $10. but as I said above, I help him at gun shows0.  The sites will even provide a list of dealers that will make the transfers, and the fee to do it.

Keep in mind, when you buy on-line, look at the sellers rating, if they have a bunch of bad ratings avoid buying from them.  Most of the people that list on these sites are honorable dealers, and will be fair with you.  They will also accept a return if you are not satisfied with the firearm.

[S.B.]

Don't put your money on the Blue Book pricing? It usually a year or two behind any current pricing.

[Graybeard]

I've not actually looked at a Blue Book in years but the shop where I trade does, every single time I go in he first looks mine up in that book before telling me the trade difference. Now whether he uses the value in the book or marks them up/down a set percent or dollar figure I dunno but around here dealers for sure believe in the Blue Book. I just don't know how exactly they use it.

As for me I'd not personally put over $250 in a Model 28 regardless of condition, that's mostly cuz I think an N-frame is too big for the .357 Magnum and partly cuz I recall just how cheap they were back when they were still being made as compared to the more highly polished models also chambered to it.

[S.B.]

Yea, I can remember prices about $98 in the seventies? But, not any more.

[rockbilly]

Thanks G.B.  I often work for my FFL (donate my time for the good deals he cuts me).  With him,  no trade, or purchase is made until the Blue Book is consulted, it is not only his policy, but the policy of most of the dealers at shows I have attended all over the Southwest.  The Blue Book is about the best standard for determining gun prices, and likely prevents the outlaws in the gun business from taking advantage of us.  I usually buy a new one each year and keep it on top of one of my safes, the last years book goes in my truck, handy for a quick estimate at garage or estate sales, or for when I am traveling, I also use it, along with an appraisal from my dealer, for establishing a fair market value for insurance purposes.

Gun prices, like many other things,  are based on supply and demand.  As GB stated, the model 28 is a large frame, poorly finished example, there is not a large demand for them, so the price remains fairly cheap in this area.

[vonfatman]

Well, I must live in the "wrong" part of town...but I suggest Mr. barber you make a visit to the S&W Forum and re-post your question there as you will find a number of different suggestions as to the value of a 4" M-28.

I've only seen one M-28-2 go for less than $275 in the last 3 years.  That one I bought.  I saw a 6" sell for $275 (I told a friend about it and he bought it or I would have) a month or so back...that was the second one I've seen sell for less than $300.  MOST 28s are selling in the $350-375 range with a few pristine examples (w/box etc.) going up to $500 (yes, 5 bills...don't ask me why).  And, once-in-a-while I see pretty good examples sell for $300.  I bought my 6" 28-2 from a Forum Member on S&W Forum for $300.

Good luck finding one anywhere below $300.  As far as fit and function, a 28 is right there with the 27s (of similar vintage).  The hi-polish finish and checkered topstrap are a welcome feature on a M-27, but don't push away from a 28.  It's as fine a shooting .357 as you will find.  Extremely strong and well balanced.  Yes, it's a bit heavier than a .357 needs to be, but it an N-frame gun and all Ns are on the heavy side.  If you are going to carry this gun, look to a K-frame or perhaps an L-frame.

You won't wear out a Model 28.

Good luck.

Bob

[lester]

I have a 28-2 .357 w/ a 6" barrel that I bought about 3-4 years ago.  It's in what I'd consider 90 - 95% condition.  I absolutely love this gun.  It's my primary home defense weapon, plus it's my woods carry gun when I'm brook and stream fishing or bird hunting.

It's very accurate, virtually malfunction proof, and very versatile.  I can (and have) shoot almost any kind of .38 or .38+p thru it for plinking/target practice, keep it in the nightstand w/ 125 grain hollow points for home defense, and feed it 180 grain solids for woods carry.  My son shoots it, my wife shoots it, and I have no doubt my daughter will soon have her turn with it.

I paid $240 for it here in VT, and it came with a leather belt holster and a box of ammo.  I'm happier than a pig in crap!!

Lester

[Barstooler]

I bought my M 28 new back in 1973.  Believe that I paid $125 for it.  I put on custom grips and a trigger shoe, which really improved the feel and ability to shoot it accurately.  I have fired 1000s of rounds through that revolver and packed it hundreds of miles while backpacking, camping, and fishing.  I will never part with it despite the reputation of the 27 being a "better" revolver.  I keep it still for home defense despite having a 44 Mag as well.  It is much easier for my wife to handle than the 44.

Barstooler

[Lloyd Smale]

heres my take on it. first im with Bill, its a gun that never did anything for me. Its just to big to be a 357. that being said. Take the gun book of values and pitch it. It may work for bolt action rugers and remingtons but there are some rugers and smiths that the value on the street just doesnt jive with there prices. I just sold a 3 inch 610 smith for a grand and probably could get close to that for my 696 too. I think the last time i looked 696s were listed at about 400 bucks. One other problem with the book is you have to be real careful the gun dealer is using this years copy as some gun prices double in a year. 28 smiths and especially 27s have been really climbing in value the last two years or so. If its a gun you want id say jump on it as your wont buy it for 400 bucks two years from now! And whats 400 bucks in the big picture. Hell you cant even buy a new ruger for that much anymore. Id sure like to find about 5 32 mag smiths at the price there listed for in the gun value book!!! or even a 32 mag ruger!

[Hammerdown]

Good luck finding one anywhere below $300.  As far as fit and function, a 28 is right there with the 27s (of similar vintage).  The hi-polish finish and checkered topstrap are a welcome feature on a M-27, but don't push away from a 28.  It's as fine a shooting .357 as you will find.  Extremely strong and well balanced.  Yes, it's a bit heavier than a .357 needs to be, but it an N-frame gun and all Ns are on the heavy side.  If you are going to carry this gun, look to a K-frame or perhaps an L-frame.

You won't wear out a Model 28.

Good luck.

Bob

Hello
I have owned several Model 28's and model 27's and the Only comparison I see is The Internals, and accuracy. The model 27 is the top of the Line .357-N-frame from S&W. The Model 28 was The work horse, with sales projected towards Law enforcment officials, so the cost was Kept Low to allow Police agencies the Opprotunity to Purchase them in Large numbers. The finish on all Model 28's was a Brushed Matte Bluing, where the finishes on the Model 27's was Bright Blue or Nickel. There was a Very Low number of Model 28's sold that had a Brushed Nickel finish and these are rare being few and far between and they are often called Salesman samples of this Model. I have seen A few Used model 28's with a Bright Nickel finish and these are refinished guns as S&W never made one of the model 28's with that finish. The 27's also had an elaborate Top strap cross checkering where the model 27's mearly had a No Glare matte finish on their top straps. Most of the 28's came with service grips and Narrow Target Trigger's & Hammers where the model 27's came with Wide Target Hammers and Triggers Post 1975. Prior to 1975 all model 27's were offered with the Baughman quick draw front sight and Narrow Target Hammer's and Triggers Like the one shown that dates 1970, or you could have ordered one with all the Options at an extra cost. After 1975 as I Mentioned the model 27's all came with Patridge front Target sights and Wide Hammers & Trigger's as this was S&W's way of Increasing sales on this model by offering these extras at no extra charge. The 28's had a Baughman quick draw front sight, where you had a choice of Many sight configurations on the 27's. On the durability issue m,entioned by a Previous Poster, I have seen model 28's out of time, and it is not Unusual with a revolver of this vintage that has been exposed to many hot Loads in it's life, so saying you can't wear one out holds no Merit with me. I recently Passed on a good Looking Early model  S-Serial Numbered 4 screw model 28 as it would Not Index the cylinder correctly when you Pulled the hammer back slowly. This showed me that it had been subject to many hot Loads in it's life and the evidence was there by a very sharp extractor star wheel. It was Too Bad this revolver had been abused as the finish was Nice and I almost Purchased it until I saw it did have a Problem with it. They Both are fine guns, But the model 27 has far better in eye appeal than any model 28 to me. The Prices have gone up and down on both these Models in my area in the past few years, and if one is Patient not Jumping on the first one you see, they can be had reasonable. I gave $210.00 for this Blued Model 27-2 In the Spring of this year, as some idiot had left it Holstered over a year in a Leather Holster, and it suffered heavy Pitting in the cylinder. I had the cylinder reblued at Ford's In Florida and now have less than $300.00 in it. To me that is about Half of what one is worth and this one Locks up real tight and had no other damage other than the cylinder being Heavily Pitted which has been repaired. The model 28's are averaging the $300.00-$375.00 Mark at this time in my area and the model 27's are going around the $550.00-$600.00 mark for nice ones that have been taken care of. The Blued model 27 shown has a 5" Barrel and I had an extra Presentaion case for it as well. Evidently whop ever ordered it had intentions of daily carry with it's Baughman front sight, and Narrow Trigger and Hammer. The model 28-2 shown came with the diamond service grips shown, and I Paid $300.00 for it Two years ago. Both are fine revolver's but like anyother revolver used out there Caution should be used when checking one out Prior to Buying it, as they all have not aLaid silent in bed stand drawers... Regards, Hammerdown

[Newgun]

Which blue book are you using?  Mine is the 27th edition and it lists a 100% M28 at 395.00 and one at 90% for 275.00. 
the latest edition the 28th has them even higher, at least according to my local dealer.  That said I probably paid too much for mine.  It is a 1968 vintage, with out the diamonds, that is 99%, slight rub on end of barrel, and a faint drag mark .  It has been fired but not much and came with Perfect box, Papers and tool kit.  425 plus tax.  Ouch.  but I wanted one and now I have it.  By the way, the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson 3rd edition lists an ANIB at 475.00 and     exc. at 375.00. 
they aren't getting any cheaper it seems.

Don't mind me...I'm just passing through.

 

[S.B.]

Blue Book doen't take regions into consideration. Different prices in different locations are normal. We live in a free enterprize country.

[Newgun]

Yes we do and ain't it wonderfull.  Out here, Arizona, I believe that we are a little ahead of the rest of the country.  At least when it comes to S&W.  The blued ones are a "little" high.  But I have limited experience so don't take that as fact....  Just what I see locally as opposed to the gun classifieds online.  I use as many reference books as I can, for pricing information as well as Model and history of same.  They are only valuable as reference however as actual conditions vary, as you say by region and enterprise.  Reference books also go out of date.. you need to use the latest volume for most accurate reference.

Don't mind me...I'm just passing through

[jcn59]

Another way of looking at the $400. S&W is that you are buying it at the 2009 price.  If you plan on keeping it for 5 years it will be worth more than you paid, so why not buy now if you are going to keep it.  It's only $35. over what it's worth now anyways.  What's 35 bucks if you want it now?

Any solid S&W without the clintonhole is worth $400. in my book.

[hemiram]

I would be THRILLED to find a 28 in decent shape for under $400! Online, at the gun shows, and in the local shops, a mint one goes for over $500. I did see a nice one at the last gun show, not mint, for $395, and a near mint one made in 1969 for $465. If I had the cash, I would have snatched up the cheaper one in a second. I really regret selling mine 25 years ago, it was great.

[S.B.]

$465 sounds a bit high for a 28 in 1969? Was that a pre 28?

[hemiram]

I didn't have the time to look at it that closely, but I don't think it was a pre 28. I wonder what it cost new? Anything less then 500 bucks on a near mint 28 is a deal now.

[Beans]

The "Blue Book of Gun Values" is pretty much the standard for gun dealers throughout the USA as is the "NADA Book" for automobile

The Blue book also lists the S&W 696 for under $400. 

I'll buy all I can find at that listed price and supplement my retirement   

The Blue book is used when the dealers want to buy your gun, but somehow they don't use it when they are selling the same gun.

[S.B.]

Dealers have to make a profit or they won't stay in business very long? They have to pay the light, gas, mortgage on the building, and taxes, some how.

[hemiram]

A friend of mine just bought a really nice 28, just a tiny bit of thin bluing, with the box and everything, with the owner's old duty holster, and a couple of boxes of Rem .357 110 JHP ammo for $425. I'm hoping he wont like it, so I can take it off his hands.

[Hammerdown]

I am looking at one model 28-? S&W patrolman and the gun has the following observations from my part:

1.  Asking price was $400
2.  The cylinder has the dragging mark of the cocking rotation and some minor blue wear at the tips of the cylinder in the front side.
3.  The bbl does not have any marks other than the blue is more like a dark chocolate color while the frame looks dark black.
4.  The hammer has some discoloration that looks like case-hardened.
5.  The cylinder is tight when the hammer has been down with the trigger pulled and it seems welded to the frame.
6.  The trigger pull is a dream (like most of the S&W's I've seen)
7.  There is a screw in the grooved lines of the metal part of the grip in the inside where you wrap your fingers to hold the gun.  Is this a normal screw or could this had been modified by the previous owner?
8.  The rear sight seems like a 1/16" past forward the frame but otherwise not bad.
9.  The wood grip seems new and like it has not been handled or shot more than a few rounds in its gun life.
10.  Over all, the gun looks great and in very good conditions.

Questions:

Can the bbl be slightly a different color than the frame? Or do you think this gun had been reconditioned and placed a new or different color matching bbl?

The vendor was asking for more money but he agreed to go for $400.

Is this a good price or am I paying too much for it?

Thank you.

Camba

Hello Camba
I would say at $400.00 the dealer is pretty high on this Less than Perfect gun you described. Remember the model 28 Highway Patrolman was Built for daily carry by Policeman and is Built on the Rugged-N-frame, But can have some issues as well. Not to long ago, I came across an Early "S" series model 28 in a Four screw configuration. This would have been from around the Late 1950's to still be a Four screw, and they don't come up often. it too had a 4" Barrel and small service grips. The gun Looked great, But a closer examination Proved different. I slowly cocked it into the single action fire mode while Holding it on it's side and the revolver would Not Index to it's full lock up mode ! I chacked the extractor statr wheel and it appeared Sharp. I came to the conclusion this Old Girl had seen many hot Rounds in her Life and Timing was an Issue with it. perhaps the Hand could have been replaced to correct the Timing issue, But it may have been a more serious Problem and with the star wheel on the extractor sharp in nature it wasn't just a Few Hot Loads this revolver had seen. Most feel this Model is so Massive it can not be hurt. Any gun can be hurt by exposing it to Hot loads over a Long period of time and I knew better than to buy it so I Passed on it.The Price of taht gun was $395.00 Out the door. The Barrel color issue you speak of sounds Like Rust to me. The Model 28's had a Matte Looking Low Gloss finish from the factory. Not the Best Looking finish S&W Produced but it should be Uniflrm in Color like the One shown. I would Pass the One you Looked at for that price if you Place another $100.00-$125.00 with what you were willing to spend on a model 28 You can get a model 27 that has the Hig Grade finish and target Options on 1975 and Later Production Guns. The High Polished Blued model 27 shown has a rare 5" Barrel and I Picked it up for $240.00. I had to send it's cylinder off to be reblued as an Idiot left this revolver in a holster for Over a Year and the cylinder was deeply Pitted. The Re-Blue was $40.00 so I have a grand total of $280.00 in this one. Be patient as there are a Lot of model 27's and 28's out there for Less money in a Lot Better shape. I Hope this Helps. Regards, Hammerdown




                    Highway Patrolman Model 28-2 with 6" Barrel and Service grips














Model 27-2 With 5" Barrel and factory target Grips

[rockbilly]

Check this one out.  If you are serious about a model 28, this one may be worth watching.

http://www.gunsstore.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=77831777