MODEL 28-2 S prefix

[bullseye shooter]

Picked up this 28-2 4 inch today. S 236xxx. It has a bright blue finish, that has a few marks. Grips show wear. No box or papers. Anyone have an idea on production date. Also, did any 28s come with the bright finish?

 

[greenmachine]

Beautiful gun. Also awaiting responses.

 

[daddio202]

Very nice gun with period correct target grips on it!! The serial you gave is in the 1964-1965 time range. I do believe I have seen other 28's with bright finish. But I would give pause if I were looking to buy such a gun because there are some really good refinish companies that can do an excellent refinish like that. A close inspection would be required to confirm or deny such treatment. I am sure more will be along with views on subject and more experience with older model 28's. I have 2 4 inch 28's with an S serial but both mine have the dull duty finish. Enjoy

 

[bob42]

Beautiful gun with superb stocks. My records show a S2365XX shipped Sept 1963. Remember, S&W did not ship in serial number order. Original finish may have been enhanced with Flitz or Mother"s Mag polish.

 

[jake1945]

If it was original factory nickel before, there will be a N stamped on rear of cylinder.

 

[Jack Flash]

I believe the quality of the finish varied a lot on HPs / M28s, depending on who was working that day and how busy they were, whether it was part of a discounted LEO order, etc. But that's just what I think, I don't have any documentation.

Having said all that, I have never seen an M28 with such a beautiful finish as yours has. If you had said it was an M27, I would never have doubted you. I sure would like to see the other side before offering a "Refinish - Yay or Nay" opinion.

 

[bullseye shooter]

S&W m 28

I thought it was refinished, but all of the stampings are deep and clear. The cyl has an H on the back. If it is refinished, it is a great job.

 

[28/10]

I have a 28-2 that looks a lot like yours. I have had it for over 30 years...it is the one gun that I would never sell. They don't make them like that anymore. I am sure you will enjoy yours.

 

[rbmac52]

It's a refinish, IMO.

 

[Mrnurse]

Refinish via Fords Work..... first class.

 

[gmborkovic]

OH, for goodness sake, You got a really nice B&D shop drill.
Shoot it and enjoy it. Have had and sold lots of them.

 

[Fishinfool]

My model 28 pictured is very close to yours in serial number, and exhibits the standard factory finish of the time.

That said, I have seen some variance in finish in model 28's, and like Jack said above, probably dependent on who was running the polishing wheel that day.

Still, one as shiny as yours is almost certainly a quality refinish. check under the grips, there may be a re-finish stamp if it was sent back to S&W for a high polish blue job.

Its darn pretty, and id be happy to own it.

Larry

 

[Narragansett]

Beautiful piece. Enjoy it! the model 28 is my favorite S&W. I have 2@ 4" and one at 6". One is a 1968 S serial number.

 

[Nightowl]

Back then, the 28s were not that bright blue finish and the factory would not change the finish to a bright blue. Thus, I would consider it a refinish until proved otherwise.
But, I don't think that's the question here. Thats a dandy gun and if cared for can shoot thousands of rounds and still look good.

 

[sodacan]

It's a refinish, IMO.

Plus one on that.

 

[alwslate]

I have a 6" 28-2 #S289xxx that I bought new in late 1966 and it has
a nicer finish than my two 4" 28s from 78-80 but nothing like the finish
on your gun. It just has to be a nice refinish.

 

[steelslaver]

I have 2 S prefix HPs one a pre the other a -2. Neither have that great of finish. But, never say never with S&W.

But, I am sure its a great gun and will get the job done.

Model 28s are like real 3/4 ton pickups. They will get the job done and be none the worse for wear for a long time.

 

[Laketime]

As far as I know only the factory or Fords can do the re stamping which would be required after getting mirror polished like yours was. If it was done by the factory it would have been Carbona blued ( polishing level of that era ) If so the Carbona finish has a slight silver look to them in bright sunlight. Where hot blue which Fords uses always look deep and dark. Regardless your gun looks great all polished up.

 

[OFT II]

I think it is a refinish also but if it were mine I really wouldn't care. Shoot it and enjoy it.

 

[KalamazooKid]

Who cares if it was refinished? It's a beautiful revolver and they're meant to be shooters. Enjoy that one, I know I do mine!