I just picked up a 28-2 that, as far as I can tell, was carried briefly and shot rarely, if at all. The cylinder face looks fresh and there is only one case head print that I can see, as if from a factory test firing. The finish looks factory original, so I don't think it was ever sent back to the factory for anything.

I mention that because the crane has a set of numbers on it that are different than the serial number. The SN is N5839xx and the number on the crane is 58xxx (can't remember, but they don't match the SN). Was this common on HPs -- to have a separately numbered crane? It also has a 3-digit number (S13?) etched onto the crane -- looks like factory work -- under the mystery number.

Just curious.

those other numbers, on the crane itself are only production numbers...the cylinder frame (grip frame) will be stamped on the frame itself ( the flat of the crane area) as well as the bottom of the grip frame.
Earlier guns , can have numbers under the barrel and even on the back (rear) of the cylinder face.............era, vintage changes, in production.

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dan
NRA Benefactor,PMA

Those numbers are on almost every Smith.
They are finishers, assemblers and inspectors numbers and have no meaning or use once the gun leaves the factory. HTH

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Dick

Thanks guys.

I haven't owned a Smith in a long time (took a 10-yr detour through Glock/SiG/Hk land) and I forgot what they looked like. The classic lines and smooth function are refereshing.

1978-1980 S&W Model 28 using the N serial Number.

Did you notice you are responding to a thread that was answered 13 years ago?

And still - S&W’s have yokes and Colt’s have cranes…

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S&W factory revolver armorer

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SWCA #2306
DAV in honor of POP