Inherited M28-2, need some info

[Dracc]

I just inherited my grandfathers Highway Patrolman revolver, as I am the only other gun owner in the family. However, I collect and shoot WWI/II era long rifles and carbines, so revolvers are a little out of my wheelhouse. I did a pretty thorough inspection and some research. I know that the wear on the bluing is pretty strong, especially on the barrel and the front of the cylinder. I assume this is from it being holstered and drawn often. I also know that it is 6" barrel, which I have noted to be less desirable than the 4", and that the rubber grip will detract from its value. I assume that he purchased this gun used

But that is about all I can figure. I don't know how to tell if the timing or locking is good, or poor. I don't even know how to disassemble it beyond removing the grip. If it had a bolt maybe I could get somewhere with it

Of all the sites and forums I have looked at, this was clearly the place I needed to come to. So thanks in advance, and I am glad to be joining the rest of the S&W owners.

The main things I wanted to know were date of manufacture, approximate value(Only out of curiosity as I am keeping and shooting it) and any important cleaning and care tips. The rest I ought to be able to research myself.

Serial is: S221XXX

Pics:

 

[beagleye]

Nice!! One trick: If you loosen the front lower screw on the right panel you can the open the cylinder and ease it forward and remove the yoke and cylinder for thorough cleaning.

Here's a good thread: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-re...lman-thread-including-n-frame-ser-ranges.html

 

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on getting what is usually a great shooting S&W. I am sorry if you had to lose your grandfather to get it.
It comes from 1961-62. I'd say the value is around $375/$400 with the wear and rubber grips.
Do some reading in the Smithing section of the forum and you should be able to get all the info about caring for it.

 

[fyimo]

They are great 357 magnums and are the same revolver as the much desired Model 27 less the high luster blue and checkered steel top strap found on the Model 27. S&W made the changes on the Model 27 and called it the Highway Patrolman to lower the cost to sell them to police departments and they were successful. When they went to Model numbers the Highway patrolman became the Model 28.

 

[steamloco76]

The Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman revolvers are finally getting the respect they deserve from collectors and shooters. As Fyimo mentioned you get the strong design and superb trigger action of the beauty queen of S&W revolvers-the model 27 without that models expensive top strap checkering and high polish blue. I own both models and the 28 shoots right with the 27.
I can't think of a better range revolver than a 6 inch Model 28 as you can shoot .38 Special loads for inexpensive target practice or full power .357 Magnum loads for hunting and 'recoil therapy' any time without any undue wear.

You can easily change out the ugly but functional Pachmayer rubber grips for nice looking, but still comfortable wood from several vendors. Any grip for a S&W N Frame Square butt will fit. Ahrend's, Alatamont, Kuric and Hogue are all good, made in the USA brands.

Enjoy your grandfather's gun for many years to come, beware though, the 28 will make you a revolver aficionado and lead to more of its kind in your safe!

 

[zelda]

Those deleted

 

[twofish]

Congratulations on the new gun and sorry for your loss also.

That is a great revolver and will give you years of great service.

Welcome to the forum.

twofish

 

[gunny4053]

Welcome to the forum. That's a hard way to acquire a fine firearm like the model 28, though I bet he's looking on with pride.
The 28s' are great guns and fantastic shooters. Everything you need to know about care and feeding can be found here, as there are a multitude of very knowledgeable folks who are more than willing to point you in the right direction.

 

[Smithhound]

Fine old revolver with 'character'. As has been mentioned they are great shooters, you'll enjoy it immensely. With the wear on it you can shoot it, clean it and it will last forever, plus you don't have to worry about detracting from it's condition.
Sorry about the loss of your Grandfather, mine was a true inspiration in my life, I learned more from that old guy than any other person I've ever known.
I have a set of original stocks that will fit your 28, they are mismatched in color and grain but still quite functional,they are not diamond center but will certainly look better, send me a PM with your address and they are yours, Free.
RD

 

[Dracc]

Thanks for all the great info, and well wishes!

I did actually find the Highway Patrolman serial thread after I posted this, so I had figured it was from 61'-62' but I also noticed that it has a lower serial than the any of the other 28-2s listed. I'm posting that info over there as it looks like it might help narrow down the number of guns manufactured during the changeover from 28 to 28-2.

Anyway, as I said, I highly doubt that my grandfather owned this gun more than a decade, and it was kept in a vertical shoulder holster in the bathroom. The wear on this gun was likely from any previous owner. As such, I am considering have it restored. Now, I know most long gun collectors frown upon this due to the battle used condition being considered almost sacred. Is there any such bias on restoring these? I would love to see it in a fresh blue with stock grips(though I might keep the pachmayers for the range as they are quite comfy)

 

[steamloco76]

With your heirloom gun's current condition you will not reduce its value by having a quality restoration done. No increase in value either, just pride of ownership! As long as you keep it, whatever your do to enhance your enjoyment of this fine firearm is your business!

I have my granddad's 1957 Winchester Model 12, 16 gage that is worn to less than 50% condition. I am going to have it totally redone inside and out. If that bothers someone else, so be it.

 

[Reddog]

Don't refinish it! It's worth $500 or more now. I have several Mod. 28s and gave around that price for most of mine. From what I've seen the easiest way to make a 28 worth any less is to have it refinished.
Dick

 

[Dracc]

I'm not overly worried about devaluing it because I really don't see myself selling it at any point. The only reason I was interested in value to begin with was curiosity, and I have decided to gift one of my long guns to my brother as there is no other inheritance to speak of.

On the other hand I would be putting money into work on the gun with nothing to show for it other than pretty pictures, and as stated above, pride in ownership. I must confess that this is something I am prone to doing. But I am glad to hear the opinions on both sides come out.

 

[Black Knight]

Sorry for your loss. Personally I would leave it the way it is. It does have character. If you do decide to refinish it don't do like some and have it done in bright blue. The factory finish is a dull or satin blue. Right now it looks as if you have the makings for a fine shooter. It will take any factory 357 Magnum load as well as 38 Special loads. You should be able to find the proper wooden target grips on various websites. You can check Gunbroker, GunsAmerica, or even Ebay. BTW the 28 is what is known as an N frame revolver. Appreciate what has been given and later pass it on (keep it in the family) when you pass.

 

[A10]

Welcome to the forum! Your HP is not really in bad shape, though from the pics it does look like it could stand a good cleaning! I am of the philosophy that it's your gun so the refinish is your choice. Make sure you get the work done by a reputable organization if you do decide to go that route. You could also get it engraved (never seen an engraved 28, that would be kind of cool!) then reblued to commemorate your grandfather. As far a grips go, it would look real nice with a set of diamond magnas (most likely what it came with). Enjoy your revolver!

 

[chud333]

That's a fine shooter and you should be proud to own it, especially with the provenance. Your call on the refinish. If it is staying with you as stated you'll not hurt the value anyways much. There we're lots of these made and they are not a rare model number. Shoot it with the pacs if that is more comfortable. People on here just frown at any sight of rubbers as they believe it to ruin the "look" of the gun. As for cleaning and care, if you've handled rifles and shotguns you know what has to be done. Normal care and oiling will keep any rust from forming.
It is S&W's sturdy N-Frame and you'll not hurt it no matter what you feed it. I'd suggest to not do the flipping open the cylinder or slamming it shut with a flipping motion either. These are no-no's and
could possibly damage the revolver.
Have fun with it and enjoy one of S&W's best.


chuck

 

[beagleye]

If you do refinish, go with a high quality gunsmith, not some basement den gunsmith wannabe hack with a drill press. There's something so pathetic about one of those bright blue guns that been sanded into a round shape. And maybe shoot it for awhile first. I got this 1903 turk mauser for a hundred bucks, looks like it had bashed in a couple of heads and been thru a couple world wars, which it had. I started scheming how to make it look great again, shooting all the while and pretty soon it crept into my mind how freaking tough it was like that.

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the Forum! You will enjoy that 28! I have 1 that is a no dash from 1960, 6". Serial # S2011xx. Great looker and shooter. If you are interested in non diamond magna grips for it I have a nice pair. PM me if you would like. Mine originally came with pachs when I bought it. Now I have 5 sets of grips for it! Bob

 

[Dracc]

Yes, I can see how one might end up with more grips than guns. I'm already eyeing a pair on ebay, and I would eventually like to get diamond magnas to be able to dress it factory as well.