Model 28-2 color variance

[johnnylaw]

I have a Model 28-2 that has matte finish on the barrel, trigger guard, top strap and grip frame. The frame itself is highly polished as is the cylinder. I have the original box serial numbered to the gun. In the special features section on the box is the code D-1393. I can find no reference to this code. Can someone help me out?

 

[s&wchad]

It's impossible to evaluate the finish with seeing good photos, but some variation in polishing/finishing is normal. The sides of the frame on a Highway Patrolman typically does have a different finish than the straps. The original cylinder should have an "H" stamped on the back and the inside of the extractor should be numbered to the gun.
These photos may help put your mind at ease:

I'll guess that the "D-1393" code is different from the other markings on the label (different hand and possibly ink). Dealers often wrote a code on the label, so they could easily know what they paid for the gun.
Here's an example of what I believe to be a dealers code:

 

[EricR]

Further to Chad's comments, you can see the varying degree of finish sheen on these three M28-2'. Top to bottom a '79, '75, and a '72.

 

[Jdavis]

Color variations in the Model 28 finish are common. I can see three different variations in my 28-2 not counting the bead finish on the trigger guard and sighting plane.

 

[22hipower]

I had one with a "mixed" finish somewhat as you describe although the barrel was polished too. I decided, perhaps mistakenly, that it couldn't have left S&W like that so sold it. Perhaps I should have lettered it instead. Pictures? Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[hittman77]

This thread led me to grab my 28-2 from the safe and look at the finish.

My barrel and cylinder are what I'd describe as a "dull" blued finish while the rest of the gun looks more like a "matte" finish.

Good to know mine (NIB) is normal too!

 

[vonn]

The quality of different machine finishes would explain color variations. Hand polishing is an art that makes it possible to get that “perfect “ bluing.

 

[Abbynormal]

The "side polish" on M28 differed from flat brushed to polished. A lot had to do with the owners practices too!

 

[EricR]

The "side polish" on M28 differed from flat brushed to polished. A lot had to do with the owners practices too!

Yeah, my "shiny" HP's would have nothing to do with repeated coats of Ren Wax..

 

[hemiram]

I've looked at a couple of 28-2's over the years that I passed on solely due to the barrel or cylinder not matching the finish of the frame at all. I guess I missed a couple of good deals because of that. My present 28-2 is almost exactly uniform, except for the small areas where it has holster wear, the top of the rear sights and the right side of the muzzle.