When PPC was in its heyday there were a few outfits making up modified guns. I suspect that this is one of those and the ".... of 500" indicates that it was a model produced from new or used guns updated and given these barrels than sold as a full gun. Usually a shooter would buy a gun then get the barrel and rib put on.
So what's it worth? That depends on the buyer. I prefer my wheelguns to be stock. But there is no doubt that these PPC oddballs shoot fantastically. So folks that like hitting what they aim at tend to like such guns. But because they are a limited market to get what they should be worth takes a lot of patience. The last PPC gun I saw on the EE took a long time to sell at only around $650 asking. But the barrel and rib on yours looks nicer so it might sell sooner or possibly for a little higher.
As mentioned look for the model number on the frame under the cylinder crane. From what I've read MOST of the PPC guns were based on .38Spl K frames, not .357's and certainly not the N frame that is used on a Model 28 Highway Patrolman. So it's likely that the manual is not for this gun. But checking on the frame under the crane will quickly tell you for sure.
Why such guns will work better with HBWC ammo or other lighter target loads is that the barrel twist rate of the aftermarket barrel is set to work with the preferred PPC ammo options of the time. So even if it turns out to be a Magnum frame I would not shoot any magnum ammo through this gun.
So what's it worth? That depends on the buyer. I prefer my wheelguns to be stock. But there is no doubt that these PPC oddballs shoot fantastically. So folks that like hitting what they aim at tend to like such guns. But because they are a limited market to get what they should be worth takes a lot of patience. The last PPC gun I saw on the EE took a long time to sell at only around $650 asking. But the barrel and rib on yours looks nicer so it might sell sooner or possibly for a little higher.
As mentioned look for the model number on the frame under the cylinder crane. From what I've read MOST of the PPC guns were based on .38Spl K frames, not .357's and certainly not the N frame that is used on a Model 28 Highway Patrolman. So it's likely that the manual is not for this gun. But checking on the frame under the crane will quickly tell you for sure.
Why such guns will work better with HBWC ammo or other lighter target loads is that the barrel twist rate of the aftermarket barrel is set to work with the preferred PPC ammo options of the time. So even if it turns out to be a Magnum frame I would not shoot any magnum ammo through this gun.
