S&W model 28 4" nickel or SS

goldwinghg · Jan 31, 2023

Looking for some info on the model 28. Was there a nickel or Stainless Steel version? I'm not familiar with them. I ran across a model 28 for sale. The owner says it's SS. I think it's nickel. If it was SS wouldn't it have a 6 in the number of the model number. If it is factory nickel what would it be worth in excellent shape?

Patrick L · Jan 31, 2023

Generally just blue. There were no stainless M28s, and there was a VERY small run of nickel 28s, I believe for Florida Highway Patrol?

Others with much more knowledge will chime in soon.

murphydog · Jan 31, 2023

A few satin nickel model 28s were made for the commercial market, and for the FHP as Patrick noted. If it appears to be a stainless gun, this one is almost certainly an aftermarket hard chromed example, a common modfication. Photos would help here.

22hipower · Jan 31, 2023

I'd guess 90% probability that it is after market nickel. However, as murphydog says it might be hard chrome. In the case of the 25-5 in hard chrome shown below, the shop owner insisted that it was original nickel. Clearly it wasn't original factory finish or the hammer and trigger wouldn't be chromed too. Anyway, it is hard chrome, a great and durable finish, but not one ever used by S&W as far as I know.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

Vtgw938 · Jan 31, 2023

This factory nickel sold at Poulin's Auction in Maine for $3-4000 as I recall. The FHP nickel 28's were polished I believe.

Never know I guess.

Doc44 · Jan 31, 2023

There were fifty-four satin nickel Model 28-2s with a 4-inch barrel built and shipped by S&W in 1972. The twenty-five nickel Model 28s with a 5-inch barrel were shipped to the Florida Highway Patrol in 1959 (these have 4-screw frames).

Bill

SmithNut · Jan 31, 2023

As Doc44 pointed out, the fifty-four were satin nickel...

Here's what they looked like...

The 5" ones for the Florida Highway Patrol were normal nickel, i.e., brite.....

flhr95 · Feb 1, 2023

28-2 done in industrial hard chrome (matte) finish over 20 years ago.

Green Frog · Feb 1, 2023

flhr95, that is a great example of a working revolver. Although I usually “deduct points” for Pachmayr grips, they are part of the working gun package here. It would ride well in a good holster hung from a heavy Sam Browne belt. Thanks for showing it. BTW, it’s worth mentioning how well the hard chrome fills without blurring the marks. That layer of chrome is amazingly thin!
Froggie

stansdds · Feb 2, 2023

Hard chrome is often mistaken for stainless steel as the coloration and light reflection properties are very similar. Hard chrome is the best finish one can put on a firearm if the intention is frequent carry or use in humid or salt water environments.

hemiram · Feb 2, 2023

I don't know why, but that satin finish in SS or Hard Chrome really tempts me to send one of my 3 4" 28-2's to have it done. Which one is the question, all are very nice. I was hoping the last one would be rough as it looked in the very bad GB pics, but a cleanup had it go from last of the three in looks to a barely out of first place second. Maybe the 6" as it has some dead guys SS# engaved under the grips?

stansdds · Feb 2, 2023

hemiram said:
I don't know why, but that satin finish in SS or Hard Chrome really tempts me to send one of my 3 4" 28-2's to have it done. Which one is the question, all are very nice. I was hoping the last one would be rough as it looked in the very bad GB pics, but a cleanup had it go from last of the three in looks to a barely out of first place second. Maybe the 6" as it has some dead guys SS# engaved under the grips?

The one with someone's SS number engraved into it would be a good candidate for hard chrome.

goldwinghg · Feb 2, 2023

S&W 28-2

After talking to customer service at S&W. They are say,that they did make the model 28,in nickel in the late 70's. I haven't found anything that verifies that,other than what they had to say. The 28-2 that I ran across is nickel, and I looks like a factory job. If not it was done by a shop,that went to a lot of detail to make it look factory. Saying this can anybody give me an idea. What it would be worth.

Patrick L · Feb 2, 2023

Take this for what it's worth, but the phone monkeys at S&W (or most places for that matter) probably know a lot less than the collective knowledge of this forum. Just saying...

murphydog · Feb 2, 2023

A nicely refinished model 28-2 is probably worth $600-700 and a factory nickel version 4-6 times that. If the seller is asking a price toward the latter figure I would agree to a purchase only if a letter of authenticity verifies it as original. Good luck in your decision.

bamabiker · Feb 2, 2023

Buy it and enjoy it. Nothing wrong with it as long as you're not looking for a collectible.

CH4 · Feb 2, 2023

FWIW, I think hard chrome is the most durable, good looking firearm finishes. Feels good to get that off my chest.

hemiram · Feb 3, 2023

stansdds said:
The one with someone's SS number engraved into it would be a good candidate for hard chrome.

I would maybe do it, but even when it had the Magna grips on it, you can't see it. And it's only real wear is on the end of the muzzle from holstering. The Magna grips are safe in the box and I have swapped in Altamonts, which I really like. IMHO, the Magnas are too small and way too ugly.

goldwinghg · Feb 3, 2023

S&W 28-2;,Nickel

Well, it ended up being a looks like a factory renickel. Not an original nickel from the factory. Still intetested. Trying to come up with a fair price for it. Not a collector,but a shooter. I offer $600 to $700. The owner wants $825. What is a fair price for it?

Fishinfool · Feb 3, 2023

Personally, I think $700 is a fair offer. Then again, even if not original, factory re-nickeled model 28's don't come around that often. If you really like it, you might offer to split the difference between $700 and $825. Also, take a look under the grips at the grip frame. See if it has a factory re-finish stamp. If not, then it may not be a factory refinish, and another bargaining chip you can use.

Larry

S&W model 28 4" nickel or SS

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