Sidearms & Scatterguns Help with revolver restoration!

[Alderleet]

Hey all, last time I went home on leave, I borrowed my fathers S&W model 28 (highway patrolman), to practice shooting with a wheel gun (im rusty as all hell)

Anyway, the pistol is in alright shape (he says its his throw-away). The blueing is worn, and I think it could use a restoration. (I know he'd appreciate it)

Anyway, What do yall think would be a good direction to run with this pistol?

 

[Powder_Burns]

Re: Help with revolver restoration!

Personally if there is no actual damage to the pistol, I'd leave it as-is. Worn blueing gives character to a gun, if you refinish it the pistol could actually depreciate in value.

 

[VJJPunisher]

Re: Help with revolver restoration!

re-chamber it in 338 Lapua? if not that then id agree to leave as is, specially if its the one pictured, still looks good

 

[Alderleet]

Re: Help with revolver restoration!

Well the one pictured is a stock photo. I agree the wear adds character, but i'm thinking about coating it and adding better sights to it.

He said a while ago about parkerizing it. I'm thinking about either cerakoting it, or Birdsong finishing it.

 

[redrum007]

Re: Help with revolver restoration!

Leave it alone, most times when a restore is done it kills the value, and that's a nice mod. 28.

 

[Phylodog]

Re: Help with revolver restoration!

I would not recommend coating it. The blast pressure and gas around the forcing cone is going to tear into your coating very quickly.

I parked a 19 a few years ago and I love it. As soon as I walked in the door with it, my wife claimed it as her own though.

 

[Jerry m]

Re: Help with revolver restoration!

Agree with above - leave it original!!!

 

[Scott E White]

Re: Help with revolver restoration!

Love the '28s. Big & bulky, they take a lot of abuse without letting you down. I carried one on-duty for about four years, before the Dept. switched to the Glock model 17.
You can replace the stocks, if needed, and any springs that have gone soft over time. Bolt, hand, etc. should be done by your 'smith. As long as the timing & lock-up is still good, it's purely cosmetic. I kinda' like a little "character" in my older pieces. Personal preference dictates.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: Help with revolver restoration!

the SW 28 "highway patrolman" are not the most sought after, collector, piece. If you have no plans on selling it but rather keep on shooting it, by all means refinish it, parkerizing is the easiest and cheapest way while very durable and good looking. Any kind of paint or non metal penetrating coating will not last long on the cylinder face.
hope this helps.

 

[Ol Rob]

Re: Help with revolver restoration!

I have done several S&W revolvers with good results. I agree about the blast face after heavey use. But I have coated a couple of older duty guns even inside the side cover. Very slick. Here is an airweight 442 that the original finish had itted severely.