Found old .357 S&W w/Pachmayr grips in back yard.

[Lordbobby]

I was wondering if anyone could help me identify this gun we found in the yard. We have a pretty large yard that extends out into the woods. Dad recently got a leaf blower to clean up and uncovered this gun under a lot of old rotten layers of leaves. The gun was in a holster that had a Velcro strap holding it in.

We are going to report it to the police, but was curious what exact kind of model it was and how long it had possibly been laying there. Most of the numbers are rusted off. Could probably clean the rust off, but don't want to mess with it since we are turning it in.

Thank you.

edit: pictures of the holster in this post.

 

[Raider]

It looks like a Model 19. The sn# on the grip may still be readable if it was protected by the grip.

Charlie

 

[X-RingDistroyer]

I'll take the first guess .. N frame ... 4" model 28

 

[RalphK22]

I was going to say too that it looks like a model 28 or perhaps a 27. Does it have checkering across the top of the barrel and the frame? If so, it's a model 27.

 

[murphydog]

Definitely an N-frame with a 4" tapered barrel, probably a model 28. If you are able to swing the cylinder out it will be stamped on the frame, under the barrel.

 

[rags]

"Found old .357 S&W w/Pachmayr grips in back yard."

That's something you don't hear everyday!

rags

 

[pharmer]

Another vote for M28. Some hunter stopped to take a dump awhile back, got up, felt alot lighter, and went on with his day. Joe

 

[sceva]

It appears to be loaded.

I think a mod 28

 

[Lordbobby]

It looks like a Model 19. The sn# on the grip may still be readable if it was protected by the grip.

Charlie

If the police let us keep it I will take the handle off and get the s/n. Otherwise I don't want to mess with it too much since we are turning it in.

I was going to say too that it looks like a model 28 or perhaps a 27. Does it have checkering across the top of the barrel and the frame? If so, it's a model 27.

Looked again and it does not have any checkering.

Definitely an N-frame with a 4" tapered barrel, probably a model 28. If you are able to swing the cylinder out it will be stamped on the frame, under the barrel.

Cylinder is too rusted to even move.

It appears to be loaded.

I think a mod 28

Yeah it is fully loaded and none of the shells have been fired.


Here are some more pictures.

 

[RalphK22]

if it is a model 28 it would say highway patrolman on the right side of the barrel. It would also have a sort of X. shaped caricature between Highway and patrolman

 

[RalphK22]

oops sorry, it would say 357 CTG. Then the X. shaped character and then Highway patrolman

 

[Dregg]

Wow, such a shame to have an awesome revolver to have such a fate.

 

[roscoesheater]

Wow, such a shame to have an awesome revolver to have such a fate.

I ditto that!!!!!!!RH

 

[DCWilson]

I'd say there is no doubt that it is a Model 28 (Highway Patrolman). Looks like there are two lines in the roll marking on the right side of the barrel.

Not pinned and obviously not recessed, so a 28-3. Thus not manufactured earlier than 1982, and not later than 1986 when the model was discontinued.

I would think a gun buried in wet leaves in the weather would look a lot worse than that if it had been there for 20 years or more. I bet that one was lost sometime in the last five years, and maybe only couple of years ago.

 

[DCWilson]

Afterthought: This one might make a good case study for the Firearm Forensics article that Curtis is working on.

 

[Lordbobby]

if it is a model 28 it would say highway patrolman on the right side of the barrel. It would also have a sort of X. shaped caricature between Highway and patrolman

oops sorry, it would say 357 CTG. Then the X. shaped character and then Highway patrolman

It does indeed have this.

It looks like this on the side:
.357 \ • / H________
......•)-(•
C__. / • \ Patrolm___

Where the underscores are rust.

 

[Lordbobby]

I'd say there is no doubt that it is a Model 28 (Highway Patrolman). Looks like there are two lines in the roll marking on the right side of the barrel.

Not pinned and obviously not recessed, so a 28-3. Thus not manufactured earlier than 1982, and not later than 1986 when the model was discontinued.

I would think a gun buried in wet leaves in the weather would look a lot worse than that if it had been there for 20 years or more. I bet that one was lost sometime in the last five years, and maybe only couple of years ago.

It is holstered in what appears to be a nylon case. Velcro strap that attaches on both sides to hold the gun in. The holster seems to be in decent condition compared to the gun. You would think it would have rotted away had it been out there long. I will post pictures of the holster tomorrow. I will also try and get a better camera.

 

[selectgear]

Interesting thread. I can't help but wonder if this gun "found in the backyard" was used in a crime locally and dumped there. Of course it's not likely, but still a very curious story.

 

[Lordbobby]

Interesting thread. I can't help but wonder if this gun "found in the backyard" was used in a crime locally and dumped there. Of course it's not likely, but still a very curious story.

That is one reason why we want to check it with the police before we do anything. We would love to keep it, clean it up or find it a home. Something along those lines, but just want to make sure first. We are guessing the police will take it.

 

[sw44spl]

If you get to keep it bead blast it and shoot it if it is safe to do so.