Used model 28-2 needs refinish

From what I can see from that one picture, I sure wouldn't touch that finish. Possibly what they're referring to is the other side of the revolver, and it'd be interesting to see that side, but if it's the same as this side showing, I think it looks great. A little minor holster wear on the end of the barrel, but that appears to be it, pending other pictures.
I'd clean it, oil it and shoot it as much as you want.
I'd sure be proud to own that Smith, if it's as good as that one looks.
Good luck,and keep us posted on the outcome.

Buckshot Bill
 
Refinishing that gun will cost you money and the gun will be worth less. You'd come out ahead just burning a very large pile of $1 bills and not refinishing that gun.
 
From the one picture, I see what appears to be rust around the barrel pin, on the side plate just above the trigger and on the trigger. If the other side is no worse, I certainly would not have it refinished. A good quality matte blue that is close to what S&W originally applied to the Model 28 is likely going to run well over $200 and will mostly likely be in the $300 range. This typically puts the total investment well in excess of the retail value of the revolver. Also, even the finest of refinishing is still refinishing. A finish is original only once and a lot of people deduct value from any refinished firearm, no matter how nice it looks.
 
No issues on the other side. Starboard side which is the side shown has the only finish issues. I may be a little too picky because all my other Smiths look a lot better. ;)
 
LostintheOzone said:
It's going to take awhile to get this gun in hand, being in WA, so I'll just post this one picture for now. It came from an auction site so hope that isn't against the rules.



I can't see a turn line on the cylinder.
Click to expand...

No turn line is puzzling and doesn't match the rest of the condition of the gun. I see evidence of a duty gun with holster wear on the end of the barrel and on the frame above the trigger.

I would closely check the timing of the cylinder and the barrel/cylinder gap on all six chambers before accepting the gun.
 
LostintheOzone said:
It's going to take awhile to get this gun in hand, being in WA, so I'll just post this one picture for now. It came from an auction site so hope that isn't against the rules.



I can't see a turn line on the cylinder.
Click to expand...

No turn line is puzzling and doesn't match the rest of the condition of the gun. The cylinder is a more polished and the blue is brighter. I see evidence of a duty gun with holster wear on the end of the barrel and on the frame above the trigger.

I have my doubts about the cylinder being original to the gun. I would closely check the timing of the cylinder and the barrel/cylinder gap on all six chambers before accepting the gun.

The blue finish on the 28 was never very strong as it was a basic magnum revolver with corners cut to appeal to budget conscious police administrators.

I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer. I am on the hunt for a 4" Model 28 with a worn finish so I can have it hard chromed for a field and stream gun.
 
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BSA1 said:
No turn line is puzzling and doesn't match the rest of the condition of the gun. The cylinder is a more polished and the blue is brighter. I see evidence of a duty gun with holster wear on the end of the barrel and on the frame above the trigger.

I have my doubts about the cylinder being original to the gun. I would closely check the timing of the cylinder and the barrel/cylinder gap on all six chambers before accepting the gun.

The blue finish on the 28 was never very strong as it was a basic magnum revolver with corners cut to appeal to budget conscious police administrators.

I don't mean to be a Debbie Downer. I am on the hunt for a 4" Model 28 with a worn finish so I can have it hard chromed for a field and stream gun.
Click to expand...

That could be. It was advertised as excellent condition with very little use. I would have listed as VG but it's all subjective. Seller had A+ rating and 2200 plus sales. We'll see I guess. Hammer price was eight fiddy for anyone that's curious. By the time I have it in my hand it will be north of 1K.

I don't see these 4" model 28's going for much less in VG condition. All of the pre 80's Smiths are starting to be sold at ridiculous prices. If you're looking for the deal of the century you have more time left on this earth than I do.
 
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I rarely let money get in the way of what I want. Have I overpaid for something or merely bought it too early?

Enjoy it! Here is a Model 28-2 that I bought in the 70s. In the 80s I made some changes to it.

strawhat-albums-strawhat-picture24769-model-28-2-custom-45-acp.jpeg


It's yours, have fun!

Kevin
 
The Highway Patrolmen was discontinued in 1986 so it semi-collectible status. I bought my 6" in 1981 because it was reasonably priced and was the first I had seen in years in a Jersey gun shop. That one just needs a little going over on the blemished spots.
 
I am going to throw out something a little different. If you feel like you must have it refinished, why not do something different? Instead of doing a blue that is not like the old blue, why not do a satin nickel like the few "collectible" ones that were done? I realize the originals were 5 inchers, but it would still look cool to me, while being different. Just a thought.;)
Larry
 
I had a Model 28-2 reblued once. I had a Model 18 done at the same time. I had them done by a Pistolsmith Guild member. They looked great. But, I knew that they were reblued. I like original guns in nice condition. I ended up selling both here (honestly advertised as reblues) and have since acquired nice original Models 18 and 28. That's just my experience. The only reblued gun that I own is my Ruger 10/22 that I bought new in 1978 and that was done by Ruger at the factory.
 
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