Found old .357 S&W w/Pachmayr grips in back yard.

[girvin02]

If the police return it to you, I would send it off to S&W to see if it can be rebuilt/reblued (assuming it is safe to ship - most likely need to get those bullets out of it). If it can be restored to it's original beauty, you or your father will have a wonderful gun with a story behind it.

 

[4864]

Too bad for that poor Model 28. If you do get it back from the Police let us know. I wonder if it could be saved. Looks like it is too far gone but how knows.

 

[AkRay]

Too bad your dad didn't have the leaf blower to try out last fall.

 

[whitecoyote]

Very interesting S&W. Hopefully th OP will be able to tell us exactly what it is.
I tried sharpening up the pictures. I still can't see any sign of it being a model 28? Maybe a model 29?

 

[MR. IHC]

looks like a 28 to me

 

[7shooter]

Interesting story. Let us know what the police find out.

 

[Camster]

If the police return it to you, I would send it off to S&W to see if it can be rebuilt/reblued (assuming it is safe to ship - most likely need to get those bullets out of it). If it can be restored to it's original beauty, you or your father will have a wonderful gun with a story behind it.

Let's not let this turn into another "burned 29" thread.This one is too far gone too.

 

[Dan Cash]

It is a 5 screw revolver for what it's worth.

 

[JSR III]

That is definitely a Smith & Wesson PW if I am seeing the pictures correctly.

 

[Art Doc]

That gun is ruined. No way it can be rebuilt or refinished.

Calling police is correct, it is either lost or stolen.

Not that it really matters now...

 

[ENGINE18]

Great thread title. But it sure is a shame!

 

[Lordbobby]

As promised, pictures of the holster. It is weird how good of shape it is in compared to the gun. It is just a little dirty.

I will be sure to let everyone know what the police decides/says. He will turn it in either tomorrow or Monday. Depending on when he gets some time. If he ends up waiting till Monday I might post some clearer pictures with a friends camera if anyone is interested.

Thank you everyone on this forum for your help in identifying this gun. You have all been very excellent. Even if nothing can be done with the gun, other than give it away, we still have a weird story we got out of it.

 

[sigp220.45]

"It does indeed have this.

It looks like this on the side:
.357 \ • / H________
......•)-(•
C__. / • \ Patrolm___

Where the underscores are rust."

I'd say that removes any doubt that its a Model 28.

I'd take the grips off and see if the cops will run the SN in NCIC and tell you if its in there as stolen. If not, I'd keep it, soak it for a while, and then see if its worth shooting. If the bore and chambers aren't too corroded and the action works I don't see why it couldn't be resurrected. That holster may have protected it just enough.

 

[usmcgunny0369]

Interesting thread. I can't help but wonder if this gun "found in the backyard" was used in a crime locally and dumped there. Of course it's not likely, but still a very curious story.

My first thought too was that it had been buried there after being involved in a crime. That was before he stated that it appears to be fully loaded. I now lean to it being lost there by a hunter or plinker. I'm no expert or gunsmith and don't claim to be. But I wonder if there is any way this gun could be resurrected if the police allow you to keep it? I also wonder if any gunsmith would even be willing to try with old rounds stuck there. Don't underestimate the ability to old ammo to discharge. Several years ago while I was a Instructor at Camp lejeune, the call came to borrow my Corpsman. EOD had been handling a Civil War Cannon ball at another range. I guess they dispenced with normal precautions due to it's age. Anyway, it exploded and injured a couple of EOD marines. And it had to have been at least 130 years old.

 

[sw44spl]

hey USMCGUNNY was that at fort anderson below wilmington?

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Very interesting S&W. Hopefully th OP will be able to tell us exactly what it is.
I tried sharpening up the pictures. I still can't see any sign of it being a model 28? Maybe a model 29?

For sale-Very desirable Model 28 S&W 4" P&R. Shows honest wear but mechanically locks up like a bank vault-great shooter. $650.00 - Ammo included.

 

[Chromedhearts]

Just curious, in what State are you located? Since the different states would have different policies about returning the gun to you.

 

[usmcgunny0369]

hey USMCGUNNY was that at fort anderson below wilmington?

No, happened at Camp Lejeune above Wilmington. Happened around the 93' time frame I guess. I was a Instructor at the Infantry Squad leaders Course. Somebody had turned the cannon ball in after their dad, uncle, etc.. passed away. It had been sitting on his desk for years as a paper weight.

 

[Lordbobby]

Just curious, in what State are you located? Since the different states would have different policies about returning the gun to you.

North Carolina

 

[spricks]

Very interesting thread. I was planting seedlings this week and found a horseshoe....can't imagine finding a loaded revolver. I've always hated those leaf blowers. Never knew they were as good as a metal detector?

spricks