Model 28-2: What Can/Should I Do With It?

[mainegrw]

So picked up another Model 28-2, 4" on a whim last night. Definitely not the deal that CH4 got on his Cheap 28-2, but good enough I think. I paid $525 out the door, but she does have some condition issues. I suspect she spent her life in a damp holster, as the cylinder finish is pretty far gone, the picture I posted below doesn't really show how bad it is, and she has surface rust on the frame, a spot of it can be seen just below the front edge of the clyinder, but the worst of it is under the grips, along the front strap to the back of the trigger guard. She had an oldset of Pachmayr Gripper Pros on her when I picked it up, held together with a flat head screw and nut from the hardware store. I swapped them out for this lovely wrecked pair of S&W Target stocks I've had, they look bad, but they work until I can find something else.

The good news is that mechanically, she's near perfect, nice tight lock up, so definitely worth the grab as a shooter. The question is, what can or should I do about the finish issues? Would this be a prime candidate for refinishing in like a Cerakote, or the like? Do I leave it alone, and treat the surface rust? I kinda do like the look as is. Thoughts and opinions appreciated. Thanks!

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

 

[steelslaver]

Soak it in a 50/50 of transmission oil and kerosene for a few days, give it a light wipe down with bronze wool available from Ace Hardware and shoot it

Nodays that was a good deal.

 

[Nightowl]

A good soak in Kroil or Ed's Red, scrub with bronze wool. If you like it as is, keep it that way. I have always thought guns like that would be a candidate for a hard chrome finish. But, I have never had one done.

 

[Ruger 13]

I'd refinish it if I owned it!

 

[weatherby]

Send the cylinder out get it nickel plated.
Touch up the other areas

It will be cool and different

 

[stansdds]

I agree, first thing is a long soak, then copper or bronze wool, then reevaluate its condition. If it looks really bad, you could have it bead blasted and reblued, which will return it to a more-or-less factory finish. Beyond that, hard chrome is expensive, but is the closest thing to a permanent finish you can put on a firearm.

 

[jeffrefrig]

That looks like a fun gun just as it sits. If it were mine I'd put rubber Hogues on it for shooting, just because I want to use my hand again after shooting a couple boxes through it! Maybe some new lumber, but that's all the money I'd put into it. But that's me; the decision is yours! I do like the idea of nickel-plating the cylinder, though, depending what it costs. That would really make it pop!

 

[mainegrw]

A good soak in Kroil or Ed's Red, scrub with bronze wool. If you like it as is, keep it that way. I have always thought guns like that would be a candidate for a hard chrome finish. But, I have never had one done.

I think I might still have some Kroil around, definitely will start there. I do kinda like the look of it, even with the modified target grips. Really gives it some character I think. If I can stop the deterioration, and prevent further corrosion as is, I'll leave it.ill see what it looks like after Kroil and bronze wool.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

 

[mainegrw]

That looks like a fun gun just as it sits. If it were mine I'd put rubber Hogues on it for shooting, just because I want to use my hand again after shooting a couple boxes through it! Maybe some new lumber, but that's all the money I'd put into it. But that's me; the decision is yours! I do like the idea of nickel-plating the cylinder, though, depending what it costs. That would really make it pop!

Meh... Honestly, aside from the older fancy wood Hogue grips, I haven't found a set that fits older S&W revolvers or my hands all that well. I do really prefer the Standard S&W Target grips, never had a problem shooting a whole lot of 357 or hot 38 loads with them.

I do however prefer the feel of Hogue and Pachmayr grips on Colt revolvers though. I've always found Colt's E/I and MK III Frame Target grips to be too slim. Especially felt that way about the new Python, the grip profile was too slim and hard to hold on to in my hands. I was left pretty sore after a box of 357 factory loads.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

 

[series guy]

Clean it, shoot it, enjoy it. They are just as accurate clean and shiny or well aged.

 

[Babysitr]

I would soak and brass wool..then re think it....change grips to nice used targets.....I would not refinish complete gun, maybe the cyl, but I even doubt that....great shooters

 

[bananaman]

I would be ok with a 28 like yours! Bronze wool, and what they say. Personally, I would cold re-blue the cylinder. {at least try} No matter what you do, you have a shooter! Slap on some nice target stocks. I have a 6" 28 no dash. Bob

 

[Truckman]

Unless you're in a big hurry to make a decision, just do what I do when I acquire another 28/HP...I currently own six which I think makes a nice centerpoint in one of my glass top cases when I display at a local gun show...When #7 presents itself within my range, it will join the others...

Clean it up as mentioned, shoot it if you like and show it off...I particularly like the grips you chose for it, they individualize the gun quite a bit...I can imagine one of our talented members here extending the border grooves more around the finger channels...What does the right grip look like?......Ben

 

[Old_Cop]

Leave it just as it is.

 

[Alex Johnson]

Clean it and shoot it would be my thoughts, but than again some of my favorite revolvers have some honest wear, I just think it gives them character. I would probably change the grips though.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

If the outside looks that bad. What about the insides?

 

[mainegrw]

If the outside looks that bad. What about the insides?

Chambers and bore look good, dirty, but good. Haven't looked under the side plate yet, but the hammer and trigger still have their case hardening, and the mainspring looks good. Not too worried about it.

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

 

[stanmerrell]

Take your time

I have a family owned M&P that for years I wanted to refinish, but when it became mine I just couldnt do it. Nowadays I'm happy with it the way it is and I'm glad I left it alone.
I also have a model 19 that I've owned since I was a boy that I had some work done on, now I wish I'd left it alone.
Think it over for awhile clarity comes with time.
I'd probably just clean it up and see how it shoots. Maybe send the cylinder in for reblue at most. Congrats on that one, very good deal.

 

[gmborkovic]

It is nice to see everybody on the brass wool band wagon.
We have all relegated the steel wool to the Weber grill!

 

[SS336]

I have a family owned M&P that for years I wanted to refinish, but when it became mine I just couldnt do it. Nowadays I'm happy with it the way it is and I'm glad I left it alone.
I also have a model 19 that I've owned since I was a boy that I had some work done on, now I wish I'd left it alone.
Think it over for awhile clarity comes with time.
I'd probably just clean it up and see how it shoots. Maybe send the cylinder in for reblue at most. Congrats on that one, very good deal.

I couldn't agree more! Soak it, clean it with bronze wool, go through the insides, oil it up and shoot it. Handle it, it will grow on you and then you can decide what to do.
By then you might just like it just the way it is.