Gun Show Blues-problem with M28-2 S&W

E

EIGHTYDUECE

New member
Hi all,

I just returned home from a local gunshow with a new to me revolver. I have been seeking a nice N frame S&W since letting my old M29 go last year and low and behold I find a close to NIB M28-2 Hiway Patrolman for $400.00

I inspected it as good as I knew how and noticed no problems with it. It locked up good and tight and everything seemed perfect.

Now that I have returned home and have been inspecting the piece I have just noticed that the barrel is slightly canted to the left. Really not much but once you line the front site up it is noticable.

How do I have this fixed? Would it be wise to let a local gunsmith correct it or contact S&W and have them do the fix? It appears I'm going to be out of some cash either way. I am alittle leary about having a local fix it due to it having a pinned barrel.

Or can this be fixed? :(
 
If its only a little I would probably let it go but if it drives you crazy S&W would be my choice to fix it.
 
Series 2 Smiths (bet its a bangor Punta) were notorious for canted barrels. Send it to S&W, they will fixy right up

WildtheyhavegreatserviceAlaska
 
Thanks for the replies.

After dwelling on it for hours so far and with help from a friend, I have come to the conclusion that it is in my head and not canted.

I noticed that the glare on one side of the barrel was causing an optical illusion. When the glare was on the otherside of the barrel, the cant apeared to be in that direction.

I am just paranoid about gunshow finds since alot of people unload lemon guns there. I am content now.

Again, Thanks
 
Just curious, can anyone here give me a ballpark era that this revolver was made?

It is a 28-2 serial no. S3232XX

What are the dates for the 28/28-1/28-2/28-3?
 
After dwelling on it for hours so far and with help from a friend, I have come to the conclusion that it is in my head and not canted.
Click to expand...

Are you sure? the only way to really tell is to hang upside down and look at it that way...
:D
Make sure you are alone...SWMBO caught me doing that and almost called the looney squad

WildcrookedheadAlaska
 
Your 28-2 is a 1969 model.
The 28 started in 1957. The 28-1 started in 1960. The 28-2 started in 1961. The 28-3 started in 1982 and the 28 series ran out in 1986.
 
Well denial didn't work, it is canted (very slightly, 2 degrees or so) :(

It does shoot nice though. I called S&W today and they told me to send it in and they would make short work of the problem.

All in all it will run me around $100.00 counting shipping :(

I guess I learned my lesson on what to look for in a used revolver.

Since I am going to send it in, I may have a Master Revolver Action job done to it. Might as well make use of that overnight FedEX shipping and all :rolleyes:
 
I seem to remember FedEx as not being willing to ship guns. I believe UPS does though and you can still do the next day service if you choose. A call would easily confirm the shipping issue with FedEx and there may be some labeling restrictions that apply.
 
Fed Ex will ship it, I ship all the time to S&W and they will ship back to you FedEX. I use a guy at S&W named Vito(must be irish or something)he does excellent work. The secret to S&W is not to go thru customer service, speak directly to a tech.
 
Interesting comment about the 2 series Smiths being notorious for canted barrels. I've spent a lot of time on the S&W Board as well as other forums and have never heard anything along those lines? I've also not seen this on any of the various S&W firearms I've owned or handled. How many -2 series revolvers have you seen with a canted barrel from the factory?
 
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If you decide to have the trigger work done S&W will usually pay for the shipping. Call them and ask about it. They may send you a label.

Bill
 
Model 28s are outstanding revolvers!

I guess I learned my lesson on what to look for in a used revolver.
Click to expand...

Hey, EightyDeuce -
Go to the hardware store and get yourself a 6 inch scale. In case you're not acquainted with them, they are basically precision steel rulers. If you lay the thin edge along each side of the barrel, you'll see a gap if the barrel is not straight. Also,take your scale with you to the gun show next time to check barrels before you buy.

Even if the barrel is not straight and you get it replaced for $100, don't feel too bad; a nice, clean model 28 for $500 total investment is not a bad buy. S&W, in their infinite "wisdom" quit making them. :barf:

Smith 27s and 28s are some damn fine revolvers - I'd be happy to have one. That big, beefy N frame is a thing of beauty!
 
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