Model 28-2 DOB

[toast&tea]

Today I picked up a S&W Model 28-2. The thing is beautiful and I'd say excellent+ condition, it may be unfired. It has the 6" barrel, Magna stocks, and came with the original box, paperwork, and cleaning tools. I was hoping someone could help me out with the DOB/shipping date. Serial number is N5140XX. I'm thinking late 70's, maybe 79-80. Also, what is the deal with the "X" looking character on the right side of the barrel between ".357 CTG." and "Highway Patrolman"? Thanks in advance.

 

[murphydog]

It is probably an early-mid 1978 production gun.

I believe the small figure stamped on the right barrel is called a "dingbat", a printer's term.

Four years since your last post - don't be a stranger.

 

[Sevens]

I cannot say for S&W guns from the 1970's… however it has been my experience (a number of times!) on revolvers from the late 1980's through now, that with good light at the right angle and a very keen eye, you can see evidence of two chambers of test-fire on the front of the cylinder.

If you can see what appears to be an unblemished cylinder front surface on 4 of the 6 chambers with two of them with a ring from firing (very faint but OBVIOUS when you see it), then you can be much more sure if that unfired condition you suspect is indeed true.

 

[StrawHat]

…
Also, what is the deal with the "X" looking character on the right side of the barrel between ".357 CTG." and "Highway Patrolman"? Thanks in advance…

Need a clearer, in focus, picture to help you with that question..

Kevin

 

[toast&tea]

I cannot say for S&W guns from the 1970's… however it has been my experience (a number of times!) on revolvers from the late 1980's through now, that with good light at the right angle and a very keen eye, you can see evidence of two chambers of test-fire on the front of the cylinder.

If you can see what appears to be an unblemished cylinder front surface on 4 of the 6 chambers with two of them with a ring from firing (very faint but OBVIOUS when you see it), then you can be much more sure if that unfired condition you suspect is indeed true.

I don't really see any powder residue or carbon on the front of the cylinder. Here's a picture of the inside of the frame.

 

[toast&tea]

Need a clearer, in focus, picture to help you with that question..

Kevin

Kevin, crappy cell phone picture but at least it's in focus. The character in the middle is what I'm wondering about. I've seen it on other Model 28's and I was just wondering if there was any significance.

 

[JP@AK]

I was just wondering if there was any significance.

There isn't. See what Alan wrote above in Post #2.

 

[toast&tea]

Four years since your last post - don't be a stranger.

Alan, I've been pacing myself

Thanks for the replies everyone.