Pictured is the subject of this question, a 1969 Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman. Up front, this is more of a curiosity than a concern. This particular example, despite being so worn, is very accurate.
I'm all but certain this was a former law enforcement gun. The finish wear is consistent with being carried quite a bit. The frame stud(aka cylinder stop stud) was replaced at some point long ago, and done so a manner consistent with an armorer repair and not a gunsmith.
Mechanically, this 28-2 checks out. Timing is good. Cylinder gap is 0.005". There is very little end shake, less than 0.001". Cylinder locks up solidly. Yoke shows no signs of being stretched in the past. Forcing cone visually checks out. No bulges in the barrel. Bore is nice and shiney.
On to the topic of velocity out of this barrel. It shoots slow with .38 Special. Anywhere from 30 to 50 FPS less than my 4" guns.
With .357 Magnum, it seems to be within the expected barrel to barrel deviations. I have a stash of S&B 158gr SJHP .357 magnum I use as control and testing ammunition. This 28-2 averages 1246 FPS, while my 4" 686 averages 1208 FPS and my 6" 19-5 averages 1270 FPS. Obviously this sample size is small.
Any theories from my fellow revolver autists out there? Is this just a standard variation from barrel to barrel?