One of the reasons for my joining the forum is the ability to network for information. I have a friend, actually I have several, but one in particular has a Model 28-2 and he has asked me for some help. Its a brushed nickle finish, 4 3/4' bbl, issued to the U.S. Marshal's Service. It may be one of only 500, he is not sure. Its NIB, never been fired. Its family, not inventory, and he just wants to learn more about the firearm's history and a fair approximation of value. I've done some looking and asking, I cannot find anything. If anyone has some specific information, I would really appreciate it.
28-2
- Thread starter Habeas17
- Start date
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I would guess the barrel length is really 5". Remember to measure all the way to the front of the cylinder. If it really was issued to the USMS, and is as you say unfired, I'd definitely get a letter from S&W on its origin.
As to value, others far more qualified than I will surely chime in.
Welcome to the Forum, Habeas17.
The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson only shows five (5) satin nickel finished M28s being built. Standard finish was a brushed blue, and came in 4" and 6" barrels.
A few were finished in 5" nickel for the Florida Highway Patrol in 1959.
Back in the day, it was not uncommon for law enforcement officers, even on the Federal level, to carry privated owned weapons. This may be the case with your friend's revolver.
The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson only shows five (5) satin nickel finished M28s being built. Standard finish was a brushed blue, and came in 4" and 6" barrels.
A few were finished in 5" nickel for the Florida Highway Patrol in 1959.
Back in the day, it was not uncommon for law enforcement officers, even on the Federal level, to carry privated owned weapons. This may be the case with your friend's revolver.
Dennis The B
US Veteran
Contact Smith & Wesson directly. The letter will be written by Mr. Roy Jinks, S&W's historian. It will provide date shipped, to whom, special options, etc. The cost is $50.
Thank you for the suggestions and info folks. I am anxious to see this handgun for myself, but apparently it is stamped "U.S. Marshal Service" and is one of a very limited run of such guns. Don't know, but intend to find out and will report back what I learn. My friend's father was the original owner. He told his son, "Don't shoot it, don't sell it".
Black Knight
Member
Is it possible that it is a USMS commemoritive revolver? I know many firearms companies have made various department commemoritives over the years.
Smithhound
US Veteran
If your friend has the box, as I'm assuming from the NIB description, what does it say on the end label? Is there a product code or other info there. Get pics!
RD
RD
Habeas, I didn't think of this before, but is your friend absolutely sure it's a 28-2? Could it be a 27-2 instead? They certainly came in nickel and 5" barrel length - I have one in my gun cabinet.
Like Smithhound said, if there's a box with a label, a picture of that will speak volumes.
Like Smithhound said, if there's a box with a label, a picture of that will speak volumes.
