S&W Model 28 Highway patrolman

[gutterman]

Looking for a model 28 357 highway patrolman 4" in 90% condition or better. Can you guys give an idea on what one in this cond should go for? Also, I've looked on Gun Broker,Gunsamerica and Auction Arms, and they are very limited in this model. Is there another auction site I could look at that would offer a selection? Any help is appreciated.

 

[Feanaro]

The 4" is rarer than the 6", so nothing unusual about seeing relatively few of them. I paid $450 for a basically untouched 28-2 but this was several years back.

 

[Patriotme]

90% condition? I haven't seen any on the market in 90% condition but I'm sure some of the shooter's gun buying guides that you find at Barnes & Noble can tell you what they are worth.
I have seen a few Highway Patrolmans at the local gun shows and they were in pretty good condition. They were averaging about $300 last year. Sorry I couldn't be more help. BTW, these were VA gun shows that had the used S&W's.

 

[dogngun]

Most of the model 28's were used , and I have not seen any

in 90% condition for many years. To me, they have always been shooters rather than collectables...I have owned 5 or 6 over the last few decades, both 4" and 6"...few people who own the 4" versions sell them because they are carrying them or using them for home defense.

I bought my current Highway Patrolman for under $400 just over a year ago, but it was re finished and has about no collecter value. It locks up and shoots just fine, which is why I wanted it-I carry it when I'm in the woods or traveling, and just take it to the range every so often.

I have not seen another one under $500 for several years, with factory blue in ANY condition.

Patriotme, if you still see them for $300, grab a few - you can almost double your money re-selling them.

mark

 

[CajunBass]

I paid $650.00 for this one a few days ago, with box and papers. I don't know if that was high or not. They only had one, and they don't make them anymore.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Two years ago I saw them regularly for around 450. Now I hardly ever see them and the 650 Cajun paid seems like a good price compared to some of the others these days.

 

[gutterman]

Thanks for the feedback guys--I'll keep my eyes open.

 

[SwampWolf]

the 650 Cajun paid seems like a good price compared to some of the others these days.

Especially given its condition and the fact it has the 4" barrel.

 

[oldbear]

Expect to see prices between $400.00 - $700.00 The M-28 is a great revolver but somehow I have a hard time thinking about paying that much for a revolver that I could have bought new for $118.00 in 1972. If I were to spend that much money I would bite the bullet and look for a decent M-27 in the $600.00 - $900.00 range.

Again both the M-27 & 28 are great revolvers but I'm not convinced either is worth the current asking prices.

 

[dgvc63]

"CajunBass"... Sweet Pic and Revolver. Paid $600 for a Model 57 recently... right in that same ball park pricewise.

 

[1KPerDay]

Expect to see prices between $400.00 - $700.00 The M-28 is a great revolver but somehow I have a hard time thinking about paying that much for a revolver that I could have bought new for $118.00 in 1972. If I were to spend that much money I would bite the bullet and look for a decent M-27 in the $600.00 - $900.00 range.

Again both the M-27 & 28 are great revolvers but I'm not convinced either is worth the current asking prices.

You've heard of inflation, right?

What cost $118.00 in 1972 would cost $598.41 in 2009.
Also, if you were to buy exactly the same products in 2009 and 1972,
they would cost you $118.00 and $22.43 respectively

 

[CajunBass]

I have a hard time thinking about paying that much for a revolver that I could have bought new for $118.00 in 1972.

I know what you mean. I remember seeing one in a GEM department store about the same time. IIRC, and I'm pretty sure I do, it was $129.00 in a walnut presentation case. I was about 21 years old and wanted a handgun BAD. The problem was, $129.00 might as well have been $1,000,000. I couldn't even afford a RG-22 for about $30.00 at the time.

I almost passed it up. They wanted $700.00, I offered $600.00 They said the least they could take was $650.00. I thought about it, turned it over and over in my hand. Then I looked at the racks of new Glocks, Sigs, XD's and whatnots and suddenly, $650.00 for a Model 28 didn't seem too bad.

 

[Dave T]

I bought a new 28-2 in August of 1973 after starting the police academy. I got a police discount from S&W and only paid $97 and change. Sold it when I qualified with a Government Model 45 ACP. Owned a number of 27s over the years but not another Model 28 until last year. Found this at a LGS:



It is a Model 28 (no dash) 4-screw. It came with a set of diamond target stocks worth about $200. Since I paid $400 for the gun and had the Magna stocks and the grip adapter on hand the gun represents about the best deal I've gotten in years. It has the added benefit of having one of the best DA trigger pulls of any gun in the safe. (smile)

Dave

 

[aryfrosty]

M28

In 1974 I went to a Police Distributor and bought two 4" 'rs for $95.00 each. One for me and one for my late Father who was a deputy. I had mine changed to a 6" and fired it in the Georgia Governor's 20 matches in 1977. The last one I saw up here was a 4" on the high side of $300.00. I should have bought it but they had a 1968 Colt Trooper at the same time and I wanted it more. The next M28 I find iscoming home with me.

 

[EMC45]

I saw one a couple years back that was worn completely all over. Not a whole lot of finish to speak of, but it had a mirror bore and chambers (cylinder) and locked up like a bank vault. The pawn shop wanted under 200 for it. Went back the next day and it was gone! Shoulda bought!

 

[cpirtle]

Just picked up a 5-screw Pre-28 today, $450 + I'm making the guy a knife.

My opinion is that the guns are worth what people are willing to spend. I set out to add a 28 to my shooting bag for around $400. One just sold on Gunbroker, 80 miles from my house in 90% condition for $418 - so they're out there.

"Should go for" and "goes for" are often two completely different things. I like to do a search on Gunbroker, then switch the view to completed auctions and find guns that have actually sold to see what market price is. In my experience this generally holds true +/- 10% unless you find a smoking deal.

My rule is if you see a good deal buy it, if you can afford the price and want it - buy it. Discontinued Smith's only go up in value.