To me this looks like a really good factory refinish. I have an old k17 that was factory refinished, it has a few flaws if you look close, like on your gun under the front sight ramp on the left side, and the top seam of the sideplate. Most looks perfect.
Used model 28-2 needs refinish
- Thread starter LostintheOzone
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ussmanlovede36
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To me the cylinder flutes look like they have carbon residue in them.
Looks like a great shooter to me, enjoy! If the factory refinished it there should be stamps on the grip frame, photos would clarify that, regardless that's a great revolver.
OP
Should I try cleaning that out with solvent and a rag? I get that residue on my 1911 slide and clean it with solvent.
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OP
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The residue should come off with solvent and/or oil and a rag.
A factory refinish stamp would be on the lower left side of the grip frame with the stock panel off; it would be R-B or R-S in a rectangle and a month/year code, like 9.22 for this month. That said I don't think you'll find one.
A factory refinish stamp would be on the lower left side of the grip frame with the stock panel off; it would be R-B or R-S in a rectangle and a month/year code, like 9.22 for this month. That said I don't think you'll find one.
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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.
Based on that picture, I would not have it refinished. If I did, I would have S&W do it in their matte blue.
As to the turn line, always remember that to a knowledgeable S&W aficionado, a turn line is "evidence of a properly functioning revolver." I always worry that an amateur kitchen table gunsmith has modified the cylinder stop and/or spring in an effort to keep a turn line from developing. I have posted here before a copy of a letter from D.B. Wesson himself explaining to an inquiring customer why the turn line needs to be there. Be proud of the turn line. It is proof your revolver was properly fitted. It is amazing how many people do not understand this.
OP
Just checked the grips with a magnifying glass. Nothing to indicate a factory refinish. What I thought was finish wear in the flutes is slowly coming off with solvent as several suggested. It's really hardened onto that cylinder.
This has been an interesting thread for me and I learned a lot. Thanks to everyone that helped me out with this revolver.
This has been an interesting thread for me and I learned a lot. Thanks to everyone that helped me out with this revolver.
If it had been refinished at the factory here's the stamp my 1971 27-2 has:
Glad it's cleaning nicely.
Glad it's cleaning nicely.
Pef
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I had a 28-2 refinished several years back. I was very happy with the results:
28-2 and 36 no dash off to S&W for re-blue (12/4/14 - They Have Returned!)
(GO to post #10 in that thread for the before and afters)
I also had another 28-2 that was in excellent condition, and probably unfired, and I couldn't bring myself to shoot it. So I bought a "cosmetically challenged" 28-2. It's finish was pretty bad and the rear sight had been swapped out in a failed experiment by an "amateur gunsmith." They had also swapped out the rebound spring with something was was very underpowered.
Otherwise it was mechanically sound. I sent it to S&W and I very much like the results. It's a nice shooter, too.
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