I looked at some S&W revolvers yesterday and some, especially a Model 28-2 had bluing that looked dull and pasty. It almost looked painted. The finished didn't have that deep polished blue like my Model 17-2 or Model 41. Is this normal for some S&Ws?

The Model 28's weren't finished the same as other models. The metal wasn't as highly polished, since the gun was meant to be very utilitarian. The blue finish is matte in nature.

Dennis,
Thanks for the quick and informative response.

Many standard blued S & W revolvers from the 1990s and 2000s were matte blue as well. Of more recent guns, the 1930s and mid to late 1950s guns seem to have the best polishing/blue finishes overall.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

The principal difference between the M27 and the M28 was that the M28 was not highly polished as the M27 was - thus its dull finish. This saved considerable cost, which was essential in order to lower the M28 price to encourage its adoption by law enforcement agencies, the target market for the M28. Cops do not need shiny guns.