smith and wesson model 28

[wolfy]

Picked this up about a month ago, has it been refinished? Has some weird discoloration going on the barrel. Shoots great and feels like a bankvault. Really nicely made. Can't wait to shoot some magnums as I've only fired 38sp+p rounds.



Any way to determine year it was made?

s 1342XX

[Mr. Beretta]

Judging by the hammer / trigger and poor fit of the side plate, I'd say it's a cheap reblue on a great gun. Can't tell you when it was made but it was shipped in late 1954 or 1955. It not a model 28 BTW. It's a 5 screw, pre-model 28 commonly called a "Highway Patrolman".

Where did you get it and how much did it cost ya!

[Jpcm]

My buddy has this revolver.. it also has the highway patrolman imprinted on it. His is stainless though, not blued. Not familiar enough with the platform to give you any more information but I can tell you this thing is crazy accurate and fun to shoot

[ckprax]

Looks like rust to me buy Mr. Beretta is correct, that is a pre-model 28. Nice gun, they are meant to be shooters so I wouldn't worry about the finish.

[9mmepiphany]

My buddy has this revolver.. it also has the highway patrolman imprinted on it. His is stainless though, not blued. Not familiar enough with the platform to give you any more information but I can tell you this thing is crazy accurate and fun to shoot

There was never a stainless Highway Patrolman made...sounds like an after market re-finish

[kurac]

yup, poor rebluing job, and on a gun of this vintage, its possible it got re-finished more than once.

[wolfy]

Wow didnt think it was that old. I traded a tube amp and cheap guitar for it. Guy said he had too many firearms so I choose the smith and wesson out of his collection. Thanks guys

[wolfy]

I knew something was up because he said it was his uncles carry piece before moving to a 1911. I thought it would have been worn down more and didnt really look at it in good lighting. The second pic makes it look worse than it is because of the flash. Im still happy with the trade as I have a nice weapon to pass onto my kids.

[Mr. Beretta]

wolfy

You got the better end of the deal. Great shooter. Enjoy!

[Dark Mod]

Looks great for beign 60 years old, and its a sweet gun regardless. In fact i havent met a Smith i didnt like

[RedFord150]

... Im still happy with the trade as I have a nice weapon to pass onto my kids.

Keep it for a shooter, no need to worry about the finish. The gun should outlast you and your kids.

[gibt]

Wolfy,

You'll love it.

[scarville]

There was never a stainless Highway Patrolman made...sounds like an after market re-finish

Ive seen a few that were plated with Chromalloy (?). It looks just like Stainless Steel.

Re the OP, I have a Model 28-2 and, IMO, it is a very good gun. When it isn't at the range, it's one of my hit the fan guns. It's not a real valuable gun or I wouldn't own one. I buy guns to shoot, not to collect and my Model 28 is a pretty good shooter.

[BigDogatPlay]

Very nice score on the 4 inch 28 for the OP. I have a 6 inch 28-2 and am always looking for a nice 4 inch example to go with it. My holy grail would be an SFPD marked 4 inch. I've seen many plated examples, most are aftermarket refinishes. Occasionally you can find a factory nickled 28, they look stainless as well, but aren't.

I'm guessing the gun was wrapped in a towel or something that got wet and the barrel had rust issues that were dealt with harshly. From what I can see of the rest of the finish looks pretty original. The fit on the top of the sideplate is a little disconcerting to the eye, but if the gun locks up tight and shoots well, enjoy it!

[redcliff]

Picked this up about a month ago, has it been refinished? Has some weird discoloration going on the barrel. Shoots great and feels like a bankvault. Really nicely made. Can't wait to shoot some magnums as I've only fired 38sp+p rounds.



Any way to determine year it was made?

s 1342XX

Your model 28 was produced between 1954-1955 accordig to the SCSW book. The fact that its a "5 screw" is a clue that it was produced no later than 1957, as the upper rear "5th" screw was discontinued then. The gun was a no-frills N frame 357 with a satin blue finish originally. I cant tell from the pictures if someone polished/refinished it or not due to the flash.

The N-frame .357's are my favorites. I have a pre-model 27 5" thats going to the range with me later today.