One of my 28-2's has an "S" prefix (made in 1968) and the other has an "N" prefix (made in the early '70's). There really isn't much difference between them. I certainly wouldn't pay more just for an "S" prefix. I'm just a shooter though, not a collector.

 

S&W never had identical serial numbers across models that I know of. The older the better in my opinion, so I like the S prefix Smiths, but they are getting really expensive. You can call Smith & Wesson and they will give you the year of manufacture right over the phone based on the serial number. If you want more information, you need to pay for the letter. If it's an S prefix Model 28 in 99% condition, 1K is about the going rate right now. I would be hard pressed to pay this amount for a Model 28 unless it was really LNIB.

 

I guess my question is that if I had the SN in front of me, according to what I have been able to figure out, they serialized them by FRAME and not model. Is that correct? Is there only one N frame with a SN that would be, say S123456, or is it possible that there is a Model 27, Model 28, and Model 29 that might ALL have the same number...one made in 1957, another in '61 and the last in '67...

I hope that makes sense.

Another way to ask it is:
Would there only be ONE N frame SW revolver with the serial number S123456?

 

Another way to ask it is:
Would there only be ONE N frame SW revolver with the serial number S123456?

Yes

$1K is a little dear for a model 28 - unless it may be a 28-1, which are pretty rare. Even at that, it would have to be ANIB for me to consider that kind of money for that gun.

A gun is worth whatever people are willing to pay, and I've seen some Smiths bring crazy money lately.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

The difference between the "S" and "N" prefixes on N frame guns is the era in which they were produced. In 1968, the Gun Control Act mandated unique serial numbers for firearms. Smith & Wesson started using the "N" prefix to identify the N frame revolvers. Those revolvers were shipped starting in about 1969, after the existing inventory of "S" prefixed frames were exhausted. Numbering revolvers in this manner lasted until ca. 1980, when they went to the AAANNNN method of assigning serial numbers. This method started with the L frame guns.

The "N" series lasted until ca. 1985, or serial number N97xxxx. The "S" prefixes lasted until S333454 which was shipped ca. 1970.

The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition contains all of the above information.

 

Is the $1000 gun not a -2? (M27-2, M28-2, and M29-2 seem to be the popular variants these days. Three screw but "pinned and recessed" at manageable prices.)

A plain Highway Patrolman before model numbers, a M28 or M28-1 might be an excuse to jack up the price to collectors and speculators but will do nothing special for the shooter.

 

I know nothing about it. I saw it in the case on consignment with a $1000 price. I don't know if it's an S or an N, but based on the prices I've been seeing on -2s, like most are saying, for $1000 it SHOULD be something special, for a model 28 anyway...

It looked pristine, and probably too nice for me!

Thanks for all the info. At least now I know how they did the SNs and am a bit more educated.

 

I have several N-frames. I consider the S prefixes to be worth a premium to the N's. The amount is subject to how low the S-number is.

 

The way it's explained in the S&W books is that they made frames . serial numbered them , put them in storage , then brought them out as needed to build guns. That's why date of manufacture and shipping date can be years apart.

You will also find revolvers that are model marked incorrectly.

And yes , pre-model marked guns do command a premium in collector circles.

This is my pre-28 , S-prefix , 5-screw Highway Patrolman , ser.no. S165***.

 

This is my pre-28 , S-prefix , 5-screw Highway Patrolman , ser.no. S165***.

Very nice! Getting tough to find ANY of the early guns anymore without the seller having "harvested" the original stocks, especially if they are Diamonds.

THAT is a beautiful pair of diamond targets, nice grain.

 

Mkk41, what are those large grips called? I love that, but I have my heart set on one with a 4" bbl.

 

Those are called diamond Target stocks. Those are rare on a pre-28. The Highway Patrolman (pre-28) were made from April of 1954 until 1957 (when S&W changed to model numbers).

The diamond was deleted in 1968. Then it was a Target stock:

Or, a 'football' Target stock (this had a red ramp front sight):

Here is a Model 28 4":

With box:

 

Thanks for the compliments guys. Ya might not want to see the other side. Somebody 'relieved' the other side. But can't figure out why. :scratch:




Someone said it might be a rub from an early swivel holster.


I just missed buying an even nicer , slightly earlier , practically mint one with diamond Magna's.