Model 28-2 - Refinished

[Bayou52]

About 6 weeks ago, I bought a Model 28-2, # N561XXX, from a fellow shooter. The finish was quite rough, but I shot it very accurately. There was quite significant pitting at the muzzle and on the cylinder along with some worn bluing. I decided this piece was going to be a keeper/shooter.

I determined that the Patrolman needed a facelift for my own personal gratification, as I'm going to keep it. I'm wholly unconcerned about resale value, quite frankly.

For fulness of discussion, I paid $400 for the 28-2 - this was the seller's asking price. I did not negotiate the price, as I felt it was fair, to me at least.

I brought the Patrolman to my LGS for a facelift. I would like to share the before and after pics:

The cost of the facelift surgery was $185. For me, money was well spent. I'm satisfied with the result.

Most of the pitting was removed. A couple of very minor pit spots remain as the smith said too much surrounding metal would have to be removed to completely eliminate them thereby leaving deformities in the surface.

So, I've put $585 into this one, and I'm pleased to look forward to many years of recreational target shooting with it.

Just sharing this story..

Bayou52

 

[Arquebus357]

That's a very nice job. I like to do my own rust bluing but my results are not as nice as that.

$185 well spent indeed.

 

[billwill]

Nice looking job. Enjoy that one.

 

[Bayou52]

Thank you, gentlemen!

Bayou52

 

[jonh1373]

Money well invested.
Would you care to share the name of the shop that did you refinish work?

 

[BaldEagle1313]

That's not much more than you'd pay a person to completely detail a full sized SUV. I think it looks great.

 

[RobertJ.]

A collector might wag his finger, but I think it was a great move. Beautiful gun!

 

[Bayou52]

Money well invested.
Would you care to share the name of the shop that did you refinish work?

Surely - the smith is in Slidell, LA. He's performed numerous & various projects/jobs for me. All have been fairly priced. And all have been performed with significant skill and expertise. I could share his name by PM.

 

[sigp220.45]

Good job! That old soldier will give you many years of service.

I used to live in Slidell. I really miss it.

 

[loc n load]

Having buffed and refinished my share of revolvers in years past. IMO you got a bargain on the refinish, and he did a very nice job.
I have a twin to that one that I have carried and shot since 1973. They are great revolvers, enjoy your's.

 

[Bayou52]

Thank you, gentlemen, for all of your frank and kind remarks and observations.

 

[STCM(SW)]

Looks like a great 357 magnum to me.
Sold my 6" M28-2 a few years ago and it didn't look that good!

 

[ameridaddy]

That's impressive, especially at that price. You done real good!

 

[Joed49]

I've always been big on refinishing a challenged revolver. Most have been sent back to the mothership and one was done local.

You got a bargain.

 

[jonh1373]

Hard to tell from the photos but I suspect the color is more of a black than blue?

 

[Bayou52]

Hard to tell from the photos but I suspect the color is more of a black than blue?

Yes, it is. Thanks!

Bayou52

 

[stansdds]

That turned out great!

 

[Bayou52]

Gentlemen -

I'm very appreciative of all of your kind remarks. It's refreshing to know that although I undertook this refinish job solely for the benefit of gratifying my own eyes, that others, more experienced than myself, share my feelings about it as well.

Thanks again!

Bayou52

 

[Joed49]

Bayou52, I have no idea why there is a mentality of not refinishing a gun in most people, I certainly don't have it. In Europe most people send their guns in for refurbishing when needed, but people in the US freak out about it.

I won't own a ragged looking gun and have had any that were finish
challenged redone. That's a great looking gun and you're happy, that's what counts.

 

[Bayou52]

Bayou52, I have no idea why there is a mentality of not refinishing a gun in most people, I certainly don't have it. In Europe most people send their guns in for refurbishing when needed, but people in the US freak out about it.

I won't own a ragged looking gun and have had any that were finish
challenged redone. That's a great looking gun and you're happy, that's what counts.

Thanks, Joed49 - your nice comments reinforce my own sentiments on refinishing certain firearms! In some instances, it's just plain called for...

Bayou52