S&W 28 value

[sigma 40ve]

Got a value question. I found a 28 with TT, TH and 6 inch barrel. It's a 28-2. The finish is in bad shape with pitting and surface rust on about 50% of the revolver. Locks up good and tight. I literally had to exert hard pressure on the latch to get it to open. After that it was easier to open. Bore is good but dull, chambers look good also. What would you give for it just to clean up and just use as a shooter? Appreciate any input.

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // Around here you might get it for less than $350 -$400 OTD but I doubt it.

Picks would help.... enjoy the search.

 

[bikemutt]

I have never seen one in the shape you describe around here so it's hard for me to give an opinion about it's value. Model 28s are common enough in my neck of the woods, in good to excellent condition, I could not imagine buying a beater for more than a couple hundred at the most.

 

[1KPerDay]

Sounds pretty rough.

 

[CraigC]

Somewhere around $200-$300, depending on just how bad it is. Old S&W's command a premium. Old rusted up S&W's do not.

 

[45_auto]

I paid $350 for a 4" barrel 28-2 in like-new condition late last year. It had been sitting in the shop with a $399 tag on it for a month or so. That was just before Sandy Hook and all the gun control stupidity, I haven't seen anything comparable since then.

 

[silicosys4]

$250 max for what you have described. Its a shooter at this point, and you can find better shooters for long term enjoyment than an N frame .357. Yes its very comfortable to shoot, but that heavy cylinder with its little holes wears out the internals faster.
It sounds like it needs to be taken apart and cleaned out. The latch should not be hard to open like that.

 

[45_auto]

Yes its very comfortable to shoot, but that heavy cylinder with its little holes wears out the internals faster.

Now that's definitely one of the funnier things I've read on the internet.

S&W Model 28 cylinder with six 130 grain 357 mags:



S&W Model 629 cylinder with six 240 grain 44 mags:



Feel free to draw your own conclusions about which is heavier.

 

[raveneap]

The Model 28 was built like a truck and is unlikely to wear out in your lifetime. Finish is probably less than ideal as it's probably around 40 years old or so. If it were a 4" it might be valued slightly higher than the 6" as the 4's are a little harder to find than the 6". The Highway Patrolman has increased in popularity somewhat recently. It's a well made revolver indicative of the quality of the old Smiths.

 

[CraigC]

Now that's definitely one of the funnier things I've read on the internet.

It's rather a common belief that N-frame .357's shoot loose quicker than the smaller framed guns when used extensively for fast DA work like PPC. That the greater inertia batters the bolt and notches. Although I don't know if it's ever been proven and it's not something that concerns me.

 

[sigma 40ve]

I am not worried about it wearing out. I was just curious as to what the going rate for one in that condition might be worth. The shop is asking $350 for it. I figure if I could get it for $300 or less OTD, it would be worth it for a shooter. I know it would have no other value other than a shooter. Figured I would just clean up the rust, oil it good and leave it an ugly old Smith.

 

[bikemutt]

I realize a handgun could go into state of neglect appearance-wise and function just fine, I just find it hard to make that leap. I've seen friends much braver than I take the chance and end up with a great shooter. It is a bit of a crap shoot, if you know how to evaluate function while overlooking form, you should be fine.