I've happened upon a stainless S&W Model 28 in a dealer's showcase. Is this a particularly unusual revolver?

It would be particularly unusual as S&W never made a stainless Model 28. Perhaps it's hard chromed?

There were rumors of nickel model 28's but there are no reports of stainless ones that I know of.

No such animal. Has to be hard chromed.

Some of the aftermarket finishes can greatly resemble stainless. They are just an exterior finish, which may or may not meet the need you have.

Why yes, it is

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Forum consigliere

I worked in a gun shop many years ago. We sent many guns for a plating called "S/S Chromaloy". This process was almost the color of stainless steel. Most customers were not able to tell the difference between the two. I suspect you have come across one of these guns. As far as I can research, no S/S Model 28's were ever produced. Nickel 28's were made for the Florida Highway Patrol years ago but no stainless.

Since the stainless revolvers started with a "6" and there is no "628" then there is no stainless model 28. +1 on what others have said about the aftermarket finish.

nbjim don't buy it as real, only if you want it as a shooter and the price is really low.

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Dick

This. For the right price a Metalife or other type hard chromed 28 would make an excellent shooter. Not collectible or more valuable, but the finish is very durable and for a general use gun for the woods and the range or the boat, hard to beat.

I wouldn't pay premium for one, but if in good condition it is certainly worth buying, especially in light of what prices on ragged out blued ones exhibit these days.

Yes, it is nickel. The actual Model is 28-2. It's in near mint condition, perfect bore, crisp markings on barrel and frame and spotless cylinder, all of which leads one to believe that the finish has not been touched since leaving the factory.

The amazing part of this is the question as to how this revolver made it up to New Brunswick, Canada. I understand that the original owner is deceased and a relative brought it in towards a trade for a rifle. I purchased it this morning - reasonable price, for just a "shooter".

Thank you folks for taking the time to reply to my query.

It would be great to see some pics of this revolver. I'm sure some of the more knowledgeable members would agree that it might not be a bad idea to at least call S&W, provide the sn & see what they can tell you. If they can confirm it as a factory nickel finish 28 then a letter would be in order.

I thought I read once that there were rare "salesman samples" of nickel M28s.

There never were any "salesmans samples", it's a myth. This myth surfaces all the time.
Smith made 54 4" brushed nickel 28s in 1972 of which 11 have been found here on this forum. They also made 25 5" bright nickel 28s for the Florida HP in 1959. Most all of those found are in collections now. No other nickel 28s of any kind are known to exist except aftermarket refinished ones.

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Dick

Quite a few of them were hard-chromed in the 50's and 60's. A common after market practice for corrosion resistance and added *bling*.
My first year (1954) HP is such an example. Meet "Big Pimpin'"

If I could find a beater in good shape, at a GOOD price, I would consider buying it and having it hard chromed.
I like hard chrome over any finish for durability and protection.
I have two semi's with this finish.
I actually prefer the look of HC over stainless.
Blessings

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TEXAS, by GOD

This is the Model 28-2 which I mistook as stainless - hopefully. one can get enough information from the picture. Thanks again to all for the feedback.

I'd still like to be able to definitely identify what it is and how it came to be.

Attached Images

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Is that a 5" barrel?

Nah, after looking closer I see that it's a 6" tube.

This is my bet:

Metalife

But there are several more that have been doing this a long time now.

Is there a serial number range known for those 54 brushed nickle M28's? 1972 would make them M28-2's. This 6in could not maybe be one of them?

I have seen, held, shot several of the bright nickle M28's the FHP had...should have bought the nicest when they traded the ones that were left years back but, hey...who knew? I bought a Python instead.

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Run Fast, Bite Hard!

Here you go. The 54 from 1972 was one S serial number S2875XX and the other 53 were from N28400 and N59622 in the five digit range.

The 25 FHPs form 1959 were in the S1890XX and S1926XX rage. All no dash and 4 screw guns obviously.

Right, they never made any in six inch.

Hope that helps.

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Dick

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Some rare variations include approximately five brushed-nickel salesman's samples and 25 nickeled guns with 5-inch barrels for the Florida Highway Patrol. (According to the classic book, "History of Smith & Wesson," by Roy Jinks, ")

Nice find regardless of whether it is factory or not. N frame 357's are great shooters

This find poses a few interesting questions, my friends. I am curious if there is anyone here on the forum that has complied a list a vendors that have done chrome/nickle/coating types of plating or surface work? I reside in the DFW area and have seriously considered having a 28 done by Armalloy in Ft. Worth, TX. But, this opens new avenues of thoughts for me. If this has been discussued and posted, please advise. Thanks to all.

If S&W ever had a serious hole in their lineup, it would have been what I would have considered near perfection - the 'Model 628'.

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Ret'd LEO
SWCA #2275

It does not get any more rare than non-existent! I have a soft spot for Model 28s and have not heard of such, but I might allow for the possibility of stainless Model 28's, bigfoot, and OJ Simpson finding the real murderer. Would not stop me from buying it to shoot regardless of resale value.

That looks for all the world like a 624.