S&W Model 28-2, Brushed Nickel, Original or Fake?

[R61414]

I recently purchased a S&W Model 28-2, 4" Barrel, Brushed Nickel Finish, SN #N524167. Based on what I had read in the Blue Book of Gun Values and the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (4th Edition), there were a very small number of Model 28-2s made in the Brushed Nickel finish. "A few reported (5) made with Satin nickel finish, reportedly as a sales sample for Adolph Blaick Inc."
Any easy way to tell if this is one of the factory brushed nickel finishes or a fake? If it is a fake, I think it was extremely well done but then again, I don't own any other "brushed nickel finished" firearms. Any information you can share would be greatly appreciated. I will probably need to order a factory letter.

 

[GerSan69]

Hi,
That looks exactly like an aftermarket hard-chrome finish, not satin nickel. Hard-chrome was very popular in the 1970s and 80s. I know I must've sent 4 or 5 guns to Armoloy Inc. back then, so I am very familiar with the characteristics of that kind of work, and your 28 has that "look."
The companies doing this refinishing do an excellent job, so I'm not surprised that it still looks new. That finish will take a real beating and not fail. You have an excellent shooter. I know I would love to have one of those !
By the way: I just looked in the SCSW for that serial number range - 1978-1980. Also, it says that most of the N500000 series were M28 and M58.

 

[1blindref]

That gun was originally blue and has been refinished. A fast tell tail sign is the hammer and trigger are also nickeled. They came case colored from the factory.

 

[CH4]

Another vote for hard chrome. The perfect finish for that gun.

 

[Hair Trigger]

That gun was originally blue and has been refinished. A fast tell tail sign is the hammer and trigger are also nickeled. They came case colored from the factory.

And the extractor star will be blued. I also vote for hard chrome. Not factory, but it looks pretty good.

 

[stansdds]

I think it is hard chrome, not a factory finish, but the most durable finish one can put on a firearm. No collector value with this one, but it likely would be a great shooter.

 

[A10]

That would definitely be my woods gun were it mine! A perfect candidate for a set of Pachmayr grips and a chest rig!

 

[BAM-BAM]

Shame they didn't round butt it before the refinish!

 

[Marshal Tom]

Definitely hard chrome but it looks great. I love hard chrome, it's like satin stainless. I have 2 hard chrome finished 1911's, 1 is two tone and the other is fully hard chromed.

 

[SmithNut]

The original Satin Nickel M28's were much earlier in the N frame serial numbering system, the two I owned were N40xxx and N43xxx.

A couple pics....

 

[llowry61]

The original Satin Nickel M28's were much earlier in the N frame serial numbering system, the two I owned were N40xxx and N43xxx.

A couple pics....

Out of curiosity did they have the N on the cylinder and frame? I would think that we be a dead giveaway with all of the other items mentioned.

 

[Goony]

I'd also remark regarding the OP's gun that the target stocks are of a later style than what would've been available at the time it was made.

 

[R61414]

Thank you!

Thank you for all the responses to my question about my Model 28-2. There does not seem to be any question that this gun has been refinished in hard chrome. While I did NOT pay the high price associated with a factory brushed nickel finish, I was wondering if by some chance I did, out of dumb luck, stumble into a bargain, but that is obviously not the case. However, the gun is in great shape and is a perfect companion for my blued Model 28-2. So, I will probably keep it and shoot it on a regular basis. Which is what I prefer to do, I already have enough safe queens.

Thanks for the prompt responses. Everytime I post something on this forum, I always learn something new!

 

[Doc44]

I owned one of the original Model 28-2s finished in brushed nickel. It did not have and N stamped on the grip frame or cylinder.

Bill

 

[Pisgah]

Generally, when asked "Is this nickled 28 real?..." it is almost always safe to say, right away, "No..." Almost.

In this case, there are no qualms. It is refinished, but very nicely done, and I'd buy one like it in a heartbeat if the price were reasonable.

 

[R61414]

Generally, when asked "Is this nickled 28 real?..." it is almost always safe to say, right away, "No..." Almost.

In this case, there are no qualms. It is refinished, but very nicely done, and I'd buy one like it in a heartbeat if the price were reasonable.

Pisgah, what do you think would be a reasonable price for this gun?

 

[GerSan69]

Since I was first to answer your initial post.....
Reasonable? $600-750, maybe even more to the right buyer, given the current prices of used firearms. Really, the only 'drawback" would be collector value, since it certainly appears to be in great shape.
Remember, it's not unusual to see "finish-challenged" (i.e., real beaters) going for $500 or more... and people out there willing to pay it!

 

[R61414]

Out of curiosity did they have the N on the cylinder and frame? I would think that we be a dead giveaway with all of the other items mentioned.

There is not a "B", "N", or "H" on the frame or cylinder.

 

[R61414]

Since I was first to answer your initial post.....
Reasonable? $600-750, maybe even more to the right buyer, given the current prices of used firearms. Really, the only 'drawback" would be collector value, since it certainly appears to be in great shape.
Remember, it's not unusual to see "finish-challenged" (i.e., real beaters) going for $500 or more... and people out there willing to pay it!

I buy a lot of used guns from a local gun store that takes used guns in on consignment. Since I have bought a lot of guns from him over the years he usually gives me a break on the price, but I can't imagine him selling me this gun, in this shape, for any less than $1,000. Heck, he get's $700+ for nice, not spectacular, Model 36's. The prices for used S&W's and Colts have really gone up over the past few years.

 

[Browns fan]

I'm in Ohio if you decide you want to re home the 28 pm Me