Recently got into 28s. Here are my two.
As I stated in another recent thread I have recently gotten to appreciate the Model 28. I guess I was a bit of a snob about preferring 27s due to their fit, finish and accuracy. However I recently got the gun below, a 28-2 with serial number N5221XX. I bought it and a 6" Model 27-2 at the same time and was very impressed with how similar the two guns were in terms of quality. What impressed me most was the quality of the 28's action which was just as good as the 27's. The only issue I have with the gun is that the blue on the barrel and on the frame don't match perfectly, but then they don't on the 27 either. From threads I've read on this forum this was a chronic problem with many S&Ws in certain times in its production history.
The gun came with an ancient pair of Rogers Combat grips which I upgraded to a set of Nill Classics. I then had David Sams clean up the action just a bit, keeping the springs full weight. I plan on using the gun in IDPA, shooting in the standard revolver class.
I was so impressed with the 28 that I decided to get another, but in as good a condition as possible. I came across the one below, which I just picked up yesterday from a private seller in Virginia where I live. Its serial number is N985XX, made in approximately 1972, about five years earlier than the one above. The finish is a beautiful satin blue with a much more textured blue on the top and bottom surfaces. It wears one of the most interesting set of S&W Target grips I've ever seen. The finish appears original and there is no evidence the grips have been refinished at all. The wood is very dark with a very dense grain, with strong hints of red throughout. To my eye they appear to be Rosewood, but the wood is so dark I really can't be sure. The fit of the grips to the frame is so precise they must have been fit to this gun at the factory. Also, the shape is an interesting cross between a set of cokes and the more current Target grip shape. They feel almost exactly like the Nill Classics that are on the other 28.
I took the following picture in strong sunlight to show off the grip's colors. I hope someone out there can ID the wood.
Hope you enjoyed the post.
Keith