Hi all,

I am trying to fill in my knowledge of the Model 28 variations. Please jump in and help fill in what I missed. I am only looking for the standard variants, not the special finish or barrel length models. However anyone that wants to share that info is more then welcome. What the heck, anyone know the total number of all the variants?

Pre Model Marked 28 Patrolman 5 Screw1954 start at 4-15-54 # production at ser. #103500
Pre Model Marked 28 Highway Patrolman 5 Screw
Pre Model Marked 28 Highway Patrolman 4 Screw 1957-1958 Top sideplate screw eliminated
Model 28 Marked Highway Patrolman 4 Screw 1958 around S1821xxPer Diamondbacks' Post
Model 28-1 4 screw If it exists!sometime between 1961/62 see Doc44 post below
Model 28-2 3 screw Starting Late 1962 to early 1963
Model 28-2 3 screw N-prefix started in about 1970
Model 28-2 3 screw NYSP RR, WO, Smooth Trigger, possible Target Stock
Model 28-2 3 screw Rare Brushed Nickel Finish Made in 1972 See Doc44 post page 2
Model 28-3 3 screw 1983 Non recessed cylinders, Barrel is not pinned AJK34xx. 3 letter prefix see Smith17, others reported 7 now reported with smooth triggers
Gizamo updated 4-23-07

This message has been edited. Last edited by: gizamo,

Gizamo....There is no Model 28 three screw and the 28-1 (if there is one) would be a 4-screw.

Bill

Thanks Doc,

I will adjust the list above and correct it. Maybe we can come up with a complete list of the variations to the Model 28 that way. So the list will have been corrected after Bill's post.

I will leave the 28-1 on there for now, until we have a few more weigh in on if it exists....

Gizamo

The SCSW lists the 28-1 in 1960.

Thanks chuck17,

I think I will add a approximate years of production column to the list. Need some help here, as I am awaiting my SCSW...List updated above with chuck17's info. Anyone want to take a stab at the other date ranges?

Giz

28-2...late 62-early 63

I think you will find the 28-1 model variation (again, if any were made....it would be a very rare gun) was shipped in 1962 even though the change to the improved extractor rod with the left-hand thread was directed by S&W on December 22, 1959. The change to the improved cylinder stop that eliminated the screw in front of the trigger guard was authorized on November 28, 1961 was made at approximately serial number S227149 (per Jinks' book).

Bill

Thanks again Bill,

I will post the proposed change to the list until we get a definitive answer. This is actually getting interesting. I don't think anyone has tried to compile a list of variants on the Highway Patrolman. Wonder how many we can identify? So is the 1st year of production of the 3 screw in 1962 or 63?

Giz

After seeing the M-28 religated to the back burner for 30+ years it's nice to see it get it's due respect.

MOONDAWG

MOONDAWG ~ I have to agree, plus 1...

I'm waiting to here of any variants. For example, has anyone got a picture of the rumored 100 8 3/8" barreled models that letters. Or the brushed nickeled FL 5" models?
What years were they produced?

When did the rollmark on the barrel change from Patrol to Patrolman?

Gizamo

Back in the late 60's I saw a Florida State Trooper carrying a 4" nickel plated M-28 in their standard issued cross draw clarino holster.

I never knew if it was factory or not. I just gawked at the shiney finish and stag grips. Not only did this make the gun stand out...it made it seem much bigger to my eyes.

MOONDAWG

Gizamo....the revolvers carried by the FHP are stamped MOD-28 in the yoke cut and are 4-screw revolvers. They have a regular (not brush) nickel finish. The one I saw dated to around 1960 (I think it was in the S192000 range).

I have a 28-2 (N41000 range) with a 4-inch barrel and factory brush nickel finish. It was shipped in 1972 and is a sample revolver.

I was unaware that regular production revolvers were ever stamped anything by HIGHWAY PATROLMAN. Perhaps a prototype was stamped differently?

Bill

Doc44,

I don't know if the M-28's were stamped.

I have a buddy in Augusta, Ga. that bought a police surplus nickel plated .38 special
Colt Offical Police.

It has the slickest "Colt" action outside of a tuned Python that I've felt.

It's stamped F.H.P., I prefer Smiths, but I've tried to buy his gun since 1975 without success.

MOONDAWG

Bill,

Thanks so much for the input in a very foggy area. There seems to be some smoke and mirrors involved with the Highway Patrolman and I hope to put some of the urban myths to bed or verify their authenticity. Somewhere I have read that it was a marketing decision at S&W to change the name from Highway Patrol to Patrolman after initial production started. Can anyone chime in here with the facts? I firmly believe that the 28's are going to be one of the more sought after N-frames down the road. Call me silly, but as DWfan once said "even ugly girls need love"

There is so much collective grey matter here at this forum. It would be nice for us to apply all that accumulated (school of hard knocks) information together on a single subject.

Giz

My M-28-2, #S320***, is a 3-screw with a 6' pinned bbl and recessed cylinder. It is marked "Highway Patrolman". Bought it new in 1968 for $85 with both sets of wooden grips. I'll bet I've shot at least a zillion rounds through it with no problems. Very early on I had to return it to S&W to have them equalize the chamber dimensions because when I began reloading with a second-hand Lyman 310 Tool, I couldn't full lenght resize the cases. It was a pain having some cases fit and others not into various chambers. After S&W did their work at no charge all worked well.

Anyone wanting to post pictures of a unusual or scarce Highway Patrol or Patrolman please feel free. Here is my S prefix Pre Model Number 28 6" 4 screw

Note the top screw in the sideplate is no longer used on this model.



Giz