SW 15 or 28?

Mike19 · September 4, 2013, 11:23 PM

A LGS is selling 2 beautiful wood grip, 4" SW revolvers: a NIB Model 15 Classic (.38 Spl +P) for $850 and a used circa. 1983 Model 28 Highway Patrolman (.357 Mag) for $800.

If I can save the money I'm gonna get one of them, but which?

Need help deciding.

Nick_C_S · September 4, 2013, 11:26 PM

The 28 is more collectable, I'd say. Both would be cool to have. Can you afford both? Or are you married?

Wyosmith · September 4, 2013, 11:27 PM

If only one I'd get the 28, but getting both is MUCH better.

Buzzcook · September 5, 2013, 02:20 AM

The Model 28 for sure.
Then save up $400 for a used K frame.

jmr40 · September 5, 2013, 05:58 AM

I like the 28 better, but prices are too high on both. A decent model 28 should be in the $500-$600 range. Not sure about the model 15.

CajunBass · September 5, 2013, 06:08 AM

Quote:

I like the 28 better, but prices are too high on both. A decent model 28 should be in the $500-$600 range. Not sure about the model 15.

Agree. A Model 28 in NIB condition, with box and papers...maybe...but a "classic" Model 15? No thanks. I'd just look for a older used Model 15 for about half that.

They're both nice guns. I shot the Model 15's I've had a lot more.

sarge83 · September 5, 2013, 10:02 AM

28 is my vote and price is high on both. $500-$600 range as suggested.

clang · September 5, 2013, 11:25 AM

Not sure what prices are like by you, but both those guns are overpriced. Is the 28 Pinned & Recessed? By 1983 the 28-3s were being sold, and they are not, which brings downs the value. Is it a 6" or 4" barrel? 4" guns usually bring more money.

Assuming it is a ANIB 28-3 with a 4" barrel, top price would be $600 for a collector, but collectors want pinned and recessed guns and this one is not.

Is the Classic Model 15 a brand new gun of recent manufacture? If yes, listen to the earlier posts and find a good used one for $400-$450. The older, the better.

Nick_C_S · September 5, 2013, 09:58 PM

The Highway Patrolman's are high demand guns. Even if you find you don't like it (fat chance), you'd have no problem flipping it.

Stukaman · September 5, 2013, 10:46 PM

Fort Worth Texas paid 415.00 for a 28-2 from a pawnshop no less holster wear gun is tight like a bank vault. I'd say shop around man may run into something.

Mike19 · September 6, 2013, 06:06 AM

Thanks for all your advice.

I have no dependents but I am retired so I can't afford both revolvers. Heck, I can't even afford one of them, but you only live once (I guess). So, I'll make like Broderick Crawford and go for the Highway Patrolman.

The Model 15 Classic is a currently produced model. S&W has a whole line of newly made "Classics". Check out their website.

I suspected the prices were way too high and I figured I'd get some comments on that. I do a lot of business with this LGS so I always get a 15% to 25% discount off his listed price.

I'm not familiar with the terms "pinned and recessed". I'll look them up.

Have a great day, ya'll.

SaxonPig · September 6, 2013, 03:09 PM

Look for a M28-2 in 4" or 6" (as you prefer) in the $500-$600 range. They can be found.

9mmfan · September 6, 2013, 03:20 PM

"Pinned" is something S&W used to do with their barrels. After they were screwed on, a small pin was driven in to help hold them in place (as is my understanding). Stopped doing it in the early eighties(?), I believe I've read.
A little blurry, but you get the idea.

"Recessed" is a ,well, recession around the chambers, so that the rim/case head is flush with the back of the cylinder. It is found only on magnums or .22s, at least on S&Ws. Have no idea if they still do this or not...

This is on my very own 28-2, as luck would have it. Here it is with my .38 M&P.
I have a new rear sight blade, before anyone points out that the current one is bent, just need to put it on...

jad0110 · September 8, 2013, 06:28 PM

Neither. If NIB, the Model 15 Classic is probably about right price wise, but you can get used ones in the high $300 to mid $400s. The 28 is also high, especially since in 1983 it would not be pinned and recessed. I'd say low $500s tops on that particular gun.

SteelChickenShooter · September 8, 2013, 07:26 PM

I would prefer the Model 28, but I think the price is about $100, $200, $300 too high.

m&p45acp10+1 · September 8, 2013, 07:49 PM

$800 is way high for a Mod 28 unless it is unfired, in a wooden presentation box, with all the original do dads that came with the gun, and the papers. With the stock grips, and target sights.

If it is just in good shape with the orignal finish, with the stock grips. No box, no papers, or original cleaning stuff. It would go for maybe $450 is on the high end.

September 4, 2013, 11:23 PM	#1
Mike19 Member Join Date: April 26, 2013 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 42	SW 15 or 28? A LGS is selling 2 beautiful wood grip, 4" SW revolvers: a NIB Model 15 Classic (.38 Spl +P) for $850 and a used circa. 1983 Model 28 Highway Patrolman (.357 Mag) for $800. If I can save the money I'm gonna get one of them, but which? Need help deciding. __________________ "Hey Joe, where you goin' with that gun in your hand" (Billy Roberts, 1962)

September 4, 2013, 11:26 PM	#2
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,523	The 28 is more collectable, I'd say. Both would be cool to have. Can you afford both? Or are you married? __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

September 5, 2013, 11:25 AM	#8
clang Senior Member Join Date: January 17, 2009 Posts: 119	Not sure what prices are like by you, but both those guns are overpriced. Is the 28 Pinned & Recessed? By 1983 the 28-3s were being sold, and they are not, which brings downs the value. Is it a 6" or 4" barrel? 4" guns usually bring more money. Assuming it is a ANIB 28-3 with a 4" barrel, top price would be $600 for a collector, but collectors want pinned and recessed guns and this one is not. Is the Classic Model 15 a brand new gun of recent manufacture? If yes, listen to the earlier posts and find a good used one for $400-$450. The older, the better. __________________ If the horse don't pull you've got to carry the load.

September 5, 2013, 09:58 PM	#9
Nick_C_S Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2013 Location: Idaho Posts: 5,523	The Highway Patrolman's are high demand guns. Even if you find you don't like it (fat chance), you'd have no problem flipping it. __________________ Gun control laws benefit only criminals and politicians - but then, I repeat myself. Life Member, National Rifle Association

September 5, 2013, 10:46 PM	#10
Stukaman Senior Member Join Date: October 17, 2010 Posts: 101	SW 15 or 28? Fort Worth Texas paid 415.00 for a 28-2 from a pawnshop no less holster wear gun is tight like a bank vault. I'd say shop around man may run into something.

September 4, 2013, 11:27 PM	#3
Wyosmith Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Shoshoni Wyoming Posts: 2,713	If only one I'd get the 28, but getting both is MUCH better.

September 5, 2013, 02:20 AM	#4
Buzzcook Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: Everett, WA Posts: 6,126	The Model 28 for sure. Then save up $400 for a used K frame.

September 5, 2013, 05:58 AM	#5
jmr40 Senior Member Join Date: June 15, 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 10,809	I like the 28 better, but prices are too high on both. A decent model 28 should be in the $500-$600 range. Not sure about the model 15.

September 5, 2013, 10:02 AM	#7
sarge83 Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2000 Posts: 426	28 is my vote and price is high on both. $500-$600 range as suggested.

September 6, 2013, 06:06 AM	#11
Mike19 Member Join Date: April 26, 2013 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 42	OP replies Thanks for all your advice. I have no dependents but I am retired so I can't afford both revolvers. Heck, I can't even afford one of them, but you only live once (I guess). So, I'll make like Broderick Crawford and go for the Highway Patrolman. The Model 15 Classic is a currently produced model. S&W has a whole line of newly made "Classics". Check out their website. I suspected the prices were way too high and I figured I'd get some comments on that. I do a lot of business with this LGS so I always get a 15% to 25% discount off his listed price. I'm not familiar with the terms "pinned and recessed". I'll look them up. Have a great day, ya'll. __________________ "Hey Joe, where you goin' with that gun in your hand" (Billy Roberts, 1962)

September 6, 2013, 03:09 PM	#12
SaxonPig Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2006 Posts: 1,900	Look for a M28-2 in 4" or 6" (as you prefer) in the $500-$600 range. They can be found.

September 6, 2013, 03:20 PM	#13
9mmfan Senior Member Join Date: May 26, 2012 Location: Weatherford, TX Posts: 301	"Pinned" is something S&W used to do with their barrels. After they were screwed on, a small pin was driven in to help hold them in place (as is my understanding). Stopped doing it in the early eighties(?), I believe I've read. A little blurry, but you get the idea. "Recessed" is a ,well, recession around the chambers, so that the rim/case head is flush with the back of the cylinder. It is found only on magnums or .22s, at least on S&Ws. Have no idea if they still do this or not... This is on my very own 28-2, as luck would have it. Here it is with my .38 M&P. I have a new rear sight blade, before anyone points out that the current one is bent, just need to put it on... Last edited by 9mmfan; September 6, 2013 at 03:32 PM. Reason: Added pics

September 8, 2013, 06:28 PM	#14
jad0110 Senior Member Join Date: May 30, 2007 Posts: 761	Neither. If NIB, the Model 15 Classic is probably about right price wise, but you can get used ones in the high $300 to mid $400s. The 28 is also high, especially since in 1983 it would not be pinned and recessed. I'd say low $500s tops on that particular gun.

September 8, 2013, 07:26 PM	#15
SteelChickenShooter Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Posts: 863	I would prefer the Model 28, but I think the price is about $100, $200, $300 too high.

September 8, 2013, 07:49 PM	#16
m&p45acp10+1 Senior Member Join Date: May 3, 2009 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,930	$800 is way high for a Mod 28 unless it is unfired, in a wooden presentation box, with all the original do dads that came with the gun, and the papers. With the stock grips, and target sights. If it is just in good shape with the orignal finish, with the stock grips. No box, no papers, or original cleaning stuff. It would go for maybe $450 is on the high end. __________________ No matter how many times you do it and nothing happens it only takes something going wrong one time to kill you.