Smith & Wesson: Model 28 S Prefix Information

J

jamers125

Inactive
I just picked up a S&W Model 28 with serial number S192X. This revolver is in great condition. I have read quite a few threads on the Model 28 but I am hoping someone could help me out with a little information on this one...

I am looking to find out what year(s) it was in production, the approximate value and if there is anything unique or rare about it based on the serial number. I have already read that the model 28 is not a rare or extremely expensive gun by itself (at least compared to the model 27, the 28's older/prettier sister) but I also read that there might be some variance in rarity and value based on the serial number prefix. Any help is appreciated.
 
See pic for SN location. Include all the digits using X's for the last two or three digits. Also, to estimate value a good description of it's condition would help.

Jim
 
laytonj1- That photo (and the gun) look familiar.

jamers125- That can't be a correct serial. The Highway Patrolman started in 1954 at S113,000 something (or thereabouts). The S series ended below 300,000 so your number isn't right if you dropped the last digit, either.

Due to the Gun Control Act of 1968 all guns were required to have unique serials. S&W had used the S prefix in the 1940s so they had to change. They replaced the S with an N. This happened in 1969 during the 28-2 production run.

The Model 28 was made 1957 to 1960. The 28-1 was made 1961-62. The 28-1 wasn't made very long so few are seen and value to collectors are highers. The 28-2 was made 1962 to 1982. With collectors older is more desirable. Many guys will pay a little more for an S series only because that makes it older. There is no difference between a 28-2 made in 1968 with an S prefix and one made in 1970 with an N. One change that occurred was in 1968 the Magna stocks deleted the diamond around the screw.

Below is a first year (1954) Highway Patrolman (pre-28) wearing the correct pre-1968 "diamond" Magna stocks.


standard.jpg
 
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I agree. Thought so when I posted it.

Now for the $64,000 question...can you ID the revolver from what you see in the photo?
 
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