To 28 or not to 28...

[cpirtle]

I stopped by the LGS on my lunch today and they had a very nice looking (95-97%) 4" 28-2 for $450.

The serial is S294xxx putting it in the late 60's.

Original grips but the original owner had added a one piece polished & jeweled steel plate to the bottom of the grips. The dealer said that was pretty common for LEO's to do back then but I have never seen it before. I think he must have used it for dress occasions because it sure didn't have much if any holster wear.

I think I may be able to get it for $400 - $425 with a little cash and dickering - what do you all think? I know they have gone up dramatically in price over the last couple of years and a quick check of Gunbroker seems to confirm that thought.

Not sure if I should get it or keep looking at the show this weekend.

Anyone ever see someone add a decorative steel plate to the bottom of the grip before?

 

[BobMcG]

Wow, $400 to $450 now? Makes me wish I hadn't sold my 6" 28 from the late '60s a few years ago.

 

[Starter52]

I would buy it for that price. P&R'd N-frame revolvers are going for $450 minimum around here.

I've seen decorative plates on the bottom of wood grips. I never liked them.

 

[Jim Watson]

Before cops went automatic, metal plates on revolver butts were fairly common around here. Style? Protecting the bottom of the grips against chipping when knocked against handcuffs, keyrings, etc.? Something to bash a perp over the head with? I dunno, but they were out there.

 

[Checkman]

I say get it. $450 is a pretty reasonable price for a Model 28. The last couple of years they've begun to go up in value and they're getting harder to find. In my opinion the 4" models are harder to locate then the 6" versions.

Next time around they might be asking $500 or more.

 

[Cougfan2]

I'd jump on it if I were you.

 

[DMK]

For $400-420, I'd buy it too. I love my 6" 28-2, (paid $350 about three years ago, but it sorely needed some maintenance). However sometimes I'd really prefer a 4" and I've yet to come across one.

 

[Walkalong]

to 28 of course.

 

[deanodog]

28-2 350.00 online

 

[Phil DeGraves]

Wonderful gun. The price seems a tad high to me. Around here, that's the bottom end of what you'd pay for a M27. I'd say $350-$400 tops. That appears to be a mighty clean one though.

 

[deanodog]

28-2 6 in.350.00 online

 

[deanodog]

28-2 308.00 online

 

[22-rimfire]

I'd say it's a fair price.

 

[wnycollector]

I love my 28-2 and model 27 and I would never sell them because I shoot them better than ALL of my other guns

 

[Gator]

Not a bad price, and it is kind of cool with the cop plate on it. Those online guns might be less, but you also have to consider shipping cost and a transfer fee ($42 for me), plus you don't get to examine them first.

 

[ADKWOODSMAN]

Paid 97.00 for my 28-2 in the late 60's, she still shoots great and had been carried about 1000 miles in the woods!

 

[earplug]

I had A M-27 6.5 inch in the late 70's early 80's. I think the small hole big frame S&W's are to heavy for carry and over priced for what then do.
I own three N frames now in 44 and 45. Several K Frames and A bunch of J Frames.
The big frames should have big charge holes. The M-28 won't hold up any better then A, k or L frame, when shot DA. That big heavy cylinder has A lot of mass to wear out the cylinder bolt, the frame notch and wear the cylinder notches.
If they were good the PPC and Pin shooters would have used them.
Not trying to start any fights, but the M-28 is one heavy gun that never filled any role that A M-19 couldn't have done better. Or A big bore in the same frame could have excelled at.
Who in today's world would chose A 4 inch M-28 over A 4 inch 625? or 629for A carry gun?

 

[cpirtle]

Thanks for the opinions!

I don't care if it's a boat anchor, IMO it's one of the sexiest revo's I've seen since I fell in love with my 66 snub nose.

I'll head to the shop tomorrow and see what kind of deal I can swing.

Deandog, when did you get your most recent gun? It seems just in the last year prices have gone up considerably. Right now the least expensive one I can find on Gunbroker without a reserve is $360 and it's not as nice as the one I'm looking and not an "S" prefix SN.

Even if I won it at that (doubt it): 360+25+25=$410 to buy the gun sight-unseen.

 

[deanodog]

Bought online about 1 year ago. That does not include shipping and FFL as someone else commented on.

 

[foghornl]

If you can get it for under $450 IYH (In Your Hands), get it quick.

 

[SwampWolf]

If that "cop plate" is afixed permanently (welded or soldered) or installed by drilling/tapping the butt it will adversely affect any collector's value and the selling price should reflect that drawback (said negative can be a positive when negotiating the price with the seller if all you're after is a good shooter).

 

[Brian Williams]

Yep, do it.


aren't we all just so helpful spending your money?

 

[Rinspeed]

Too high in my opinion. Keep looking.

 

[Darkness]

I love my 4" M28 and often use it as my CCW. As far as comparing it to the M19, from what I understand (since I have not owned an M19) a M28 will eat full-house .357 loads all day, every day, without so much as a hickup, whereas the M19 cannot stand many .357 loads without breaking. Stories vary, but that's the gist of it from folks at the S&W forum.

Comparing it to the 625 or 629, it's personal preference. I feel that the M28 would give faster follow-up shots vs. the .44 mag, and comparing it to the .45acp or .45 Long Colt... well, the 125gr .357 has an excellent track record. So, that comes down to preference of .357 vs. .45acp.

If the M28 could be gotten for $400, I would say it's not a bad price.

 

[Ala Dan]

If it pass'es the revolver check-out, as posted by my friend Mr. Jim March
then I would most definitely say too partake in its existence~~! The S&W
model 28 is a worhorse of a revolver from the S&W stable of quality revolvers.
Not as nicely finished as the model 27's; but its one fine handgun; worthy to
be added to anyone's collection.