found out yesterday that my Model 28 4" is a 1st year production run based on it's serial number. Now by doing some internal forum searches I've discovered that it has Coke grips. Why are they so popular and are they worth anything and what affects their worth? Rudy in Manassas

Rudy,

Welcome to the Forum!

The best way to determine whether the grips currently on your early Model 28 are "cokes" would be to post a picture of them for the experts to weigh in on. These grips would not have been standard on a 1st year Model 28 - or, even on a 1st year pre-Model 28 - but could have been added later. Please let us know the first 3 digits of your gun's serial number along with the letter (probably an "S") that precedes them. This will tell us more about the vintage of your Highway Patrolman and what it was probably wearing when it left the factory. Of course, you can always pay $50 for a letter from S&W that will confirm what grips it was shipped with - and when and where it was sent.

Regards,

Jerry

1. First year M28? Like made in 1957 when model numbers started or do you mean first year Highway Patrolman made in 1954?

2. There is a thread that is a sticky about IDing the "Cokes." Check the photos.

3. If they are "Cokes," they are not original to the gun and are maybe worth more than the pistol.

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I'll post some pictures this afternoon. Tried to last night, but my camera batteries went dead. First, the gun is a Highway Patrolman. The serial number is S 1106XX, which I believe, according to some members of this forum, to be made in the first year of production for this revolver. It is a 4" model, in very good to excellent shape. From the pictures I see on "Sticky's" posts, the grips are "Coke" grips. Any, I've had the gun since 1980 or 1981, and it mostly resides in my gun safe. It's nice to know that it is a little bit unusual. thanks for the info. Rudy

Rudy...Coke bottle type stocks would not be original to your Highway Patrolman as they were not introduced until December 1955. However, they were available for purchase from S&W after January 1956 and could have been added to your revolver anytime after that.

Bill