1973 28-2

[Waxster60]

Hi,
Recently bit by the SW revolver bug and new to the forum. I am looking at a 1973 28-2. The front site is unusual in that the ramp is squared off and contains a gold or brass insert. Does anyone now if this type of sight was "factory" or is it aftermarket? If the revolver is in good shape, I will remain interested. While it will be a shooter, at the asking price of $950 I do want it to be all original. Thanks so much!

 

[Jack Flash]

The front sight is almost certainly aftermarket. It wasn't a factory option.

That price sounds like it is at the upper end of the price range. It's probably a nice enough gun but they are not rare. You should be able to find an all original one in the same condition for less money.
What is the barrel length?
Do the stocks (grips) appear to be the original wood stocks?
Just curious, How do you know it is from 1973?

 

[Narragansett]

Sounds like the sight was changed to partridge with a gold bead or something, I own 7 M28's 1961 to 1973 and what you are describing is full money for an altered gun. With no pics but your description, I would stay away from it

Welcome from RI

 

[Waxster60]

Its a 6" barrel. 1973 per the seller. I'm only going by photos at this point since we have not yet met to look at the revolver in person. Thanks so much to you both for confirming my concerns as no where could I find a reference to factory beaded front site.

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

I'm glad that you'll have the opportunity to look at it before buying. I'm with the others above in that it is an altered front sight and that the price as such is probably beyond what its actual value is. If the sight was done well, it might be of interest, but not at that price.

I've owned four N frame 357 revolvers (two 28s and two 27s) and they are my favorite 357 for range use or long range shooting.

Show us a photo or two when you can.

 

[stansdds]

Welcome to the S&W Forums!
The Model 28 was a low cost version of the Model 27. What you described sounds like a Patridge front sight with gold bead. While these are nice front sights, they were not available on the Model 28, so this would be an aftermarket modification.

 

[series guy]

If you like to shoot it’s a modification well worth doing. If it is well done it would not prevent me from buying the gun but I wouldn’t want to pay more than $800 - $850 for it unless it was exceptional with box, tools, etc.

 

[ken158]

Welcome to the S&W Forums!
The Model 28 was a low cost version of the Model 27. What you described sounds like a Patridge front sight with gold bead. While these are nice front sights, they were not available on the Model 28, so this would be an aftermarket modification.

As noted, the 28 was the entry level N frame 357 for those that would not pony up for a 27 and offering optional sights, etc was not on the table.

 

[Waxster60]

Thanks much to you all for your help-much appreciated! Think I may take a look and go from there. If it's not in great shape and unobtainable at a significantly lower price, can just "keep my powder dry"and enjoy the search for the 28.

 

[Narragansett]

Because you are new, and maybe new to revolvers, there may be issues with the gun that you are not aware of and do not know how to look for them. End shake=Excessive front to back cylinder movement. Push off+ cock the gun, and take your thumb and try to push the hammer forward. just a few pounds of pressure needed. If the hammer drops real quickly, especially at the slightest touch, that needs fixing. If it has rubber grips, pull them off and look for frame rust. They trap moisture.

I know there are some that would buy the gun altered, but I would not be one of them. If it were me, and I wanted a M28-2, 6", I would place and ad in the " want to buy" section of this forum. The chances are you will receive a response from a forum member with a reasonable price, and an original example in good working order, and maake a friend along the way

 

[Waxster60]

More great advice- thanks! How do you take off the rubber grips without damaging them? On the 629 that I have they seen pretty well applied to the frame. Does the screw in the base of the butt have to be removed? Thanks.

 

[Truckman]

More great advice- thanks! How do you take off the rubber grips without damaging them? On the 629 that I have they seen pretty well applied to the frame. Does the screw in the base of the butt have to be removed? Thanks.

That sounds like a Hogue Monogrip...If so, just remove the screw, and pull the grip off the bottom......Ben

 

[Narragansett]

More great advice- thanks! How do you take off the rubber grips without damaging them? On the 629 that I have they seen pretty well applied to the frame. Does the screw in the base of the butt have to be removed? Thanks.

That sounds like you know it has rubber grips an not the original magnas. I would move on. Just my .02.

 

[Mrnurse]

Grip stocks and front sight fooled with is a Pass for me. In addition 950.00 should be for 98% finish and Box etc.

 

[Hair Trigger]

Hi,
Recently bit by the SW revolver bug and new to the forum. I am looking at a 1973 28-2. The front site is unusual in that the ramp is squared off and contains a gold or brass insert. Does anyone now if this type of sight was "factory" or is it aftermarket? If the revolver is in good shape, I will remain interested. While it will be a shooter, at the asking price of $950 I do want it to be all original. Thanks so much!

Before passing judgment, I'd like to see the gun and how well/poorly the sight change was done. I love the look of the Patridge sight on a 6" barrel. $950 is a bit rich for an altered gun, but I gave a grand for a Exc. condition M28-2 (also a 1973 mfg.) a year or so ago, so I suppose it depends on how bad you want it. I'd make sure all the functionality tests passed (the above mentioned push-off and test for both cylinder and yoke end play and side play). Make sure that timing and lockup are perfect. Also check the hammer and trigger for original equipment or replacement, since the sights have been modified. Full target trigger and hammer aren't original, but the slightly narrower semi-T's were an option, as well as the smooth (non-serrated) trigger. Mine has that one, and I wish all my S&W's had it, feels great.

 

[Waxster60]

Thanks to all for being so helpful. Sorry folks, guess I wasn't clear. The grips on the 28-2 are wood and everything is supposedly original. Not sure how to tell about the trigger and hammer, though. The monogrips that I was asking about are on both my 629-4 and 617-1. Not sure if this is worth pursuing all things considered Plus, the drive over and back to look at the 28-2 will take 3 hrs round trip. No commitment made, so can sleep on it for now. Certainly won't be losing any if its gone by then. Sounds like I just answered my own question

 

[Waxster60]

Anyway, here's the link to the ad with the not-so-great pic of the revolver. Kind of hard to tell much, but look forward to your thoughts. Thanks!

Classified - 4876421 | Uncle Henry's

 

[Narragansett]

The sight is partridge not original but loos good .. the blue from the tiny pic looks reblued. The target stocks are probably not original, but the M 28 could be ordered with them

 

[Jack Flash]

The pictures are too blurry to say definitely but it may be reblued. The bluing looks darker than the standard "brush blue" of the M-28. But a lot of variation in the factory finish has been noted on M-28s.

The target football stocks could well be original. In any event, they look good.

Bottom line, it's iffy at best. Up to you if it's worth the time and gas to drive 3 hours to get a first hand look at a questionable gun with a high end price tag.

 

[Waxster60]

Thanks to all. Think I’ll pass in this one.

 

[Narragansett]

Thanks to all. Think I’ll pass in this one.

Place an ad in the want to buy section of this forum. Ask for a shipped price, and pictures. Describe what you are looking for as far as condition goes. Ask for a 3 day non firing non disassembly inspection where you can return the gun if not as represented

 

[Waxster60]

Thanks, Pete. I will certainly keep your advice in mind.

 

[G-Mac]

Sounds like the sight was changed to partridge with a gold bead or something....

I ain't gonna say it....

 

[Neversink n Klapperthal]

the price is a bit salty. Theres plenty of fish in the sea my friend

 

[Waxster60]

OK, so I've decided against this particular 28-2, but still would like to find one that is unaltered, in perfect operating order, and with still-presentable finish for range and target shooting. Any thoughts on what price range is appropriate and fair for one in this condition? Seem to be all over the place on the usual sites. Thanks!

 

[stansdds]

Prices right now are out of whack due to a number of issues in the world. Auction prices are often driven up to stratospheric levels by shill bidders or bidders who have no concept of what something is really worth or simply have a stash of cash and nothing to do with it.

 

[Waxster60]

"New" 28-2!

Thanks to all for your great advice. I passed on the 28-2 in question and glad of it. Brought home today this (in my eyes) absolutely perfect 28-2 S series, courtesy of a local fellow forum member. Photos cannot do it justice, but it looks like its new and right out of the box. It's condition is making me rethink shooting it, but I know that I must. First-world problems.

 

[Peak53]

Looks like you found the one you wanted! Don't even think about not shooting it. You will be pleased. I have several SW in high condition that are handled carefully, shot, cleaned, and they still look like when I bought them. Holsters are a different story, so I only holster guns that already show wear, although that blue can hold up for a long time.

 

[Waxster60]

Well, folks, it's a perfect Maine day to go to the range. After running a few mags through my EDC Glock 30, I couldn't stand waiting any longer and brought out the 28-2. Nothing like watching the first six rounds of .38 spl drop slickly into that perfectly recessed cylinder. First shots from the bench on target in a 1.5" group at 15 yards. That N frame was like shooting a 22. The trigger is smooth and crisp as a thin sheet of glass. Next came the .357mag 158g. Same joy loading up. Quite a bit more "pep" and spread with the first 6 rounds, improved with 3 more shots, getting a 2.5" group at 15 yards from the bench. She's cleaned, oiled, and awaiting our next outing. Thanks again, and a special shout out to stmry.