Hello, new to the forum here. This is a great forum, I've learned a lot already and I find the quality of discussion very good. I'm an old tool and die maker hoping to amend that to retired tool and die maker some day.
I have enough semis in my safe (not to mention the long guns)and am looking for my first revolver. Saw one at my local gun store-it's an S&W HP 4" looks to be very nice overall condition. Asking price $499.00.
What should I look for mechanically? The S/N tranlates to '74-'77 birth.
Sorry for the long winded post but I haven't slept well since I saw it!

Hi, welcome to the forum glad to have you. that model 28 is a good price I just paid $500.00 for mine. the thing you need to look for in revolvers are a few things.
With the N frames you really do not need to check some of these as the N frame revolver is a heavy duty work horse.

1. open the cylinder and look at the barrel where the bullet first enters the barrel. this is called the forcing cone. check it for cracks.Then check the rest of the frame for cracks.
2. check the barrel for bulges or deformities.
3. check the cylinder for bulges or deformities.
4. close the cylinder and push and pull it see if it moves when the cylinder is closed.
5. try to turn the cylinder by hand while the cylinder is closed.
6. ensure the revolver is empty...pull the trigger see if it works and the trigger does not catch snag or stick. also try this with the hammer cocked.
7. when you pull the trigger see what the cylinder is doing ( rotating properly counter clockwise)
8. check for rust and pitting all over the revolver. and inside the barrel. especially over worn spots.
9. buys it and have fun shooting it.

hope this helps I am sure more people will give you some more good tips.

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M.J.Hanna

Welcome to the forum, you'll love it here.

My first S&W was a Model 28 4 inch also. I immediately fell in love. It is a workhorse of a revolver.

Warning: This S&W thing could prolong that "retired" deal!

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Barry, youngest son of Claud

Thanks to all for your input-Valuable info.
I can already feel the S&W addiction creeping up on me.......
Regards,
JG

Well done.

Welcome..I just picked up my 28-2 a couple weeks ago. Cant figure out what I did without it. Heavy duty work horse is right. I paid 410 out the door. These days it's hard to pick a decent one for much cheeper. I promise you, you will not regret it. Now head down there then bring it home and show us some pics!!! Best, Mike.

"Haven't slept well since I saw it". Boy, the bug has bitten. One other thing I would check is for "Push Off". Cock the hammer back, and put pressure on the rear of the cocking piece toward the front of the revolver (not too much) to see if the hammer will push forward without the trigger being pulled. That's evidence of someone (usually) messing around internally trying to lighten up the single action pull. It can lead to a dangerous situation, but can be fixed.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Welcome.
I think I know the gun. Send me an email. My address is in my profile.

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Formerly know as Lucky Derby

LOL!!! So true!

I can't think of a better first revolver than a 4" HP.

RPM2DAY: Welcome to the forum! Your signature line is great!

"Laughing at your mistakes can lengthen your own life. Laughing at someone else's can shorten it."

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Centennial Every Day

Hey RPM2DAY, Welcome to the Forum ! I am a machinery repairman/machinist, and I already own a 1978 Highway Patrolman. Here's a couple pictures of mine, hopefully these will make it even harder for you to sleep until you go buy your own HP !!! Shoo

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"Get Hammered By a Shooboy!!"

RPM2DAY: Welcome to the forum. I know the feeling! . . I found the best cure for the sleep problem is to buy the S&W, if it checks out as the price is good. Until you get that S&W home, here's another one to look at.

Rod

Bought it, something about "it'll be gone by the end of the day", and y'alls pictures of yours motivated me. Looks just like the last two in the photos.
10 days.....
JG

Fine looking 28's guys.

Any opinions regarding ammo to shoot in my 28-2 HP?
From what I read .38 special is great for easy going shooting, but I want to keep some .357 at the ready for the woods (and whatnot). Not sure which grain of each or if a particular brand is better, but I want to get the correct match for the gun for the long term.
Also, who's speedloader works best?
Long winded again,
Thanks,
JG

Hey RPM2DAY, I may have three 50 round boxes of Winchester 357 Mag Personal Protection jacketed hollow points I could hook you up with if you experience any trouble finding 357's. Send me an e-mail if you'd like, Shoo

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"Get Hammered By a Shooboy!!"

I load my own .38s for target shooting, my own .357s for hunting. For the off chance that I'll need it for personal protection, there are two speed strips of Remington 125gr JFP .357 sitting in the safe next to it.

(I say "off chance" because the 1911 and Hydrashocks are my first choice and closer to the front of the safe.)

38s with lead bullets are just plain fun and cheaper than mags with jacketed bullets. For protection/hunting use I like a 158 JHP, preferably with a Speer Gold Dot or Hornady XTP bullet. For bear protection a heavy hardcast bullet would be better.

You may want to check into a reloading....

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Happyhunter loves the outdoors and is thankful God made it. Praise the Lord!!

Zercool, thanks for the input, coincidentally (spelling?) my 1911 is also "um, at hand".
I want to start reloading but this work thing is taking priority - go figure.

JG

Hey Happy Hunter,
Your signature line says all that there needs to be said, IMHO.

JG

I understand the work taking priority. I started reloading last year when I started shooting IDPA and realized real fast that a match was going to cost me $35-40 in factory ammo. I do it now as a relaxation thing and a way to tinker a little bit while saving money.

If you're serious about it, ask questions in the "Reloading" forum here and over at handloads.com ... you can get started for not much investment.