Model 28-Happy Birthday & Merry Christmas to me

[gfors]

Bought a 4 screw Model 28, yesterday. The serial number is S1949XX, which I think (HOPE) means it shipped in 1959, as I've been trying to find an affordable birth year gun for a while. I sure wasn't expecting to see this in the used gun case; older Smith and Wessons never show up around here, but there it sat, next to a couple of 686-6's, a 60-15, a 17-4, and some Heritage Rough Riders.
Not crazy about the trigger shoe, and the grips are too small. The cylinder has some scars from the snap on the holster, but otherwise the metal is in really good shape. Timing is spot on. There is no push-off. And end shake is just enough. My wife said she'd buy it for my birthday (12/21). What a woman!!!
I decided to get some grips, as my Christmas present to me.
I wasted no time, looking for new grips, and bought a set from bigmtnman, this morning. Did not realize it, but Ken lives a mile from me. He has the 28, and is custom fitting the grips, to the gun! I can't wait to get it back.
Here are some pics. Gun still needs a bath!

 

[Ruger 13]

Very nice…….can't go wrong with a 28!

 

[Wiregrassguy]

If those grips are too small, George, then Ken must be making you some out of a mastodon leg bone. Your serial number is in the 1959 timeframe. So, good luck on your letter!

 

[Neversink n Klapperthal]

great find!

 

[gfors]

Guy,
I have wide palms and stubby fingers; these grips might be okay for someone with narrower palms, but they don't work for my ham hands.
The manufacturer stamped them "SM' on the inside.
I held my gun, with Ken's grips, on it, and like the feel. He's fitting the contours to match the frame. That'll be a nice touch, for sure!
Thanks for the SN info.
I can only imagine the line of people that will be submitting their letter requests, once the moratorium is lifted. I'll be one of them.

 

[Truckman]

I wasted no time, looking for new grips, and bought a set from bigmtnman, this morning. Did not realize it, but Ken lives a mile from me. He has the 28, and is custom fitting the grips, to the gun!

I'm kinda glad that's you and not me...If I lived that close, it would have to be in a refrigerator box in a nearby park because my Social Security check would be spent on Ken's grips for my family of Smiths...

And I don't think my safe would fit in a refrigerator box!......Ben

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Yeah, I like Ken's grips. Have had a bunch of pairs. Tell him I said "Hi!" and be p.a.t.i.e.n.t on your letter...

 

[kraynky]

Congratulations on a mighty fine acquisition! My 28 is also a "birth year", for me, '58. After shooting 357 magnums out of a 66-1 for decades, the N frame soaks up the "magnum" magnums with ease.

Let us know when you get the new stocks on it and take it out for a spin. You'll like it!

 

[gfors]

I'm kinda glad that's you and not me...If I lived that close, it would have to be in a refrigerator box in a nearby park because my Social Security check would be spent on Ken's grips for my family of Smiths...

And I don't think my safe would fit in a refrigerator box!......Ben

I can get you a deal on a shipping container. And I know a guy who can turn it into a living space.

 

[robvious]

mine is S1949XX too... great trigger on mine.. enjoy..

 

[mh51]

Hope the letter shows a ship date of 12/21/59!! That would be the topper on the cake.
Nice find, happy birthday, and Merry Christmas.

 

[gfors]

Hope the letter shows a ship date of 12/21/59!! That would be the topper on the cake.
Nice find, happy birthday, and Merry Christmas.

Thanks Mike!
Merry Christmas, everyone!

 

[gfors]

I put some new shoes on her. I love the look. Thanks bigmtnman!

 

[stansdds]

I presume no box, no papers, it has obviously been used, no original stocks, but overall good condition and mechanically excellent? Sounds to me like you got yourself one nice shooter grade Model 28. Congratulations!

 

[Hawg Rider]

Very nice Highway Patrolman! I have a few in 4" and 6", but they're all 28-2s from 1974-1976. Still looking for a birth year gun (1954), and an HP would be great if I could find one. I've been able to negotiate some great deals on my 28-2s. The last one I bought a couple of years ago was 95% or better 4" bbl but had a pair of strange stocks on it. I'm still not sure who made those stocks. I walked out with it for $475, and now it wears a set of magnas. HPs are excellent revolvers and are built like tanks. Enjoy!

 

[RKmesa]

I put some new shoes on her. I love the look. Thanks bigmtnman!

I love the way HP's look with stag (elk or other) grips. What a beauty - Congrats!!!

There is just something about the stag and matte blue that ... that just works.

 

[Frieda's Boss]

I put some new shoes on her. I love the look. Thanks bigmtnman!

Wow, those came out great! They look absolutely perfect on that gun. They appear nice and smooth but not too shiny, so they match the Highway Patrolman finish nicely imo. Congrats!

 

[gfors]

Thank you for all the kind words, guys!
I was hoping to get to the range yesterday, but a windstorm took out our fence, and I had to make an emergency repair. Maybe I can get away tonight, after work. The action on this baby could use some breaking-in, and live rounds are a lot more fun than snap caps!

 

[bananaman]

I put some new shoes on her. I love the look. Thanks bigmtnman!

That looks BEAUTIFUL! Bob

 

[bananaman]

This one is from the same period. S2011xx from 1960. I have had this the longest of any of my revolvers. Wish I had a 4" to go with it. Bob