So here's the quandary, I picked up this severely finish challenged Model 28 recently to finally see a project gun to completion. Paid $300. Leaving it as is is not an option. I already have a 4" and 6" Model 28.
The previous owner inherited it as shown with deep pits in the sideplate and cylinder and some minor pitting on the frame. My plan was to have the sights on the pre-27 barrel modified to resemble a registered magnum. But then I found a 5" 38/44 barrel I'd forgotten I had that already has the sight setback. I have a spare cylinder and sideplate shown in the picture.
Now, I've never owned either a 5" or nickeled revolver. So is it stick with the original plan and end up with a nickeled 3 1/2" or go with a blued 5"
What would you do?

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My, that one does have a bit of character doesn't it. I'd probably install the HD barrel, cylinder, and side plate and then rebulue assuming the rest of the metal is in polishable condition.

You didn't say if the cylinder is chambered for 357 Mags or it is an HD cylinder that goes with the HD barrel.

If your replacement cylinder is a 357, I would have the nickel stripped from the 3.5" barrel, install it, the side plate and have the cylinder fitted, then fine bead blast the whole thing and blue it.

If the cylinder is an HD then I would install the HD barrel and cylinder, then bead blast and blue as above.

YMMV,
Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

Cylinder is a Model 28

Either option would be way cool, and a fun project. I assume what ever option you take it is going to take quite a bit of precision hand fitting.
How about a third option, a nickel plated round butt 3 1/2" revolver?

There's no need to thank me, just trying to help out

Really it sounds like a great project, please keep us posted.

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Always Stay Strong!

I think the 38/44 barrel without the rib would look slightly out of place on the Model 28.

I would checker the top strap and go with the 3 1/2 inch model 27 barrel

Well, I have 624 3" and to tell you the truth I'm not crazy about a round butted N frame. Square butted magna grips just fit my medium sized hands better.
As a point of interest, I called Fords in Florida. They told me they've seen worse and can bring it back to life in either Nickle or blue.

Checker the top strap,use the 3 1/2" barrel,blued finish and may as well bore it out for 44 special.Couldn't cost that much more

3 1/2" .44 Special on a 5 screw Model 27?
Been there, done that - and love it!

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I would fit the 5" barrel and add a serrated rear sight. That way the rear sight and the barrel rib would match. Then get the whole shebang blued.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Strip the plating from the 3.5", fit it to the gun, checker the top strap to match, fine bead blast - & blue the whole thing. WOW!

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Regards - GCF

Well it all depends on what u want to do with the gun....if it were going to be my carry gun...the short barrel and blued finish would be the way to go...my lew horton 24-3 is on of my favorites to carry...and i agree without the right grips round butt N frames are not the most fun to shoot....
I think a 3.5" square butt 357 sounds like a great compromise and a great carry option...i am not big on nickel guns so bluing would be my preference
Look forward to see how it goes forward
Thank u for sharing it
God Bless,John

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I would also get a nice sideplate with the Smith Logo and some nice diamond targets ...and i love the non relieved ones too...would really set your gun off

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Before I decided to use the 5" barrel, I'd check the height of the front sight from bore center as compared to the currently installed barrel. You want to make sure you can zero the gun. The S&W post war adjustable rear sight rides noticeably higher than the pre-war.
Also, if you choose to nickle the revolver, I'd try polishing out the pits unless the other sideplate is a really close fit. Substitute sideplates are usually really easy to see.

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S&WCA 1729

I'd go for shiny nickel, but that's just me.

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

Before you do anything, remember they don't make model 28s anymore? But, it's your gun.
Steve

Just my thoughts but having metal checkering done to a M28 frame & rear sight only to have the whole gun bead blasted is sort of an oxymoron approach. If the gun is pitted and you're going to that amount of rework I'd mount the 3 1/2" barrels, have the pits removed, have the necessary logo's and rollmarks redone and refinish in a nice finish. Otherwise I would just bead blast the whole gun as-is and parkerize or ceracote.

Bruce

I'd do a 3 1/2" nickel............Oh wait,,,,I've done both.




Sometimes It's Just Got To Be Shiny




If A Man Can Dream It....An RM Story






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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

Ever thought of getting a nickel cylinder (saw one on eBay a few weeks ago for $60 or so) and making your own 3.5" pinto?


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Still would be a model 28 marked? How would resale be affected then? I think collectors call these mixed matches or parts guns don't they? When a buyer customises a pistol, they become what the owner likes but, no nessissarily what someone else likes. Keep in mind I have no thoughts of arguing about a rebuild like this.
Steve

To all of you, thanks for your input!
First, I know they don't make Model 28's anymore, but this one has zero collector status and only marginal shooter status, heck most wouldn't want to be seen shooting this one in daylight. Besides, I already have a 4" & 6". None of my guns are for sale as my son has them all catalogued, that is the ones he hasn't already lugged off, and said he'll haunt me when I go take my dirt nap, if I sell any.

So, as Dave Keith sez, "a man needs to please hisself". That said, I'm leaning toward the 3 1/2" barrel, front sight modified to resemble a RM, (the closest I'll ever get to owning one) then nickel plated. The sideplate I have is from a 5 screw, and with slight opening of a couple of interior pin holes, fits well. A have a top sideplate screw coming.
When that arrives the only other thing I need is a partridge front blade with red insert. S&W has these on back order so anyone's guess when they'll become available. When I do get one I'll ship the whole works off to whoever I select to do the work.

I'll dwell on this, make my decision first of next week and keep you posted. Still and all that 5" barrel looks tempting.........
Best,
Forrest

Regardless of barrel length, "Engraving" can cover up a lot of surface defects, and makes an outstanding hand me down gun.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Replace cylinder and side plate, keep 4" barrel, glass bead blast and hard chrome finish.

Top it off with a nice set of Culina cokes in a dramatic wood.