Purchased this well-used 1955 Highway Patrolman for 365. One wonders about the history! Anyway, replaced the hand to fix timing (with the help of good advice on the gunsmithing forum), added a .004 cylinder endshake bushing, and added a yoke endshake bushing. It had Goodyears on it but found a set of worn diamond target grips for 30 dollars--cleaned up the checkering with a Dembart tool and spliced in a new piece of wood in the lower front corner of the right grip to fix a chunk broken out there (intentionally used a darker piece). Shoots great and I am real happy to have a five-screw. All numbers match (except grips) and bore is in great condition. Now I need to find a good left-hand holster. I noticed the trigger is blued, gun doesn't look reblued to me and the hammer is case colored--I thought about cleaning the blue off the trigger with Birchwood casey blue remover, but figured that would take off any case color underneath. So figure I better leave well enough alone. Comments/suggestions/feedback on any aspect of this project would be most welcome.

Attached Images

	hp1.jpg (78.9 KB, 376 views)
	hp2.jpg (73.2 KB, 352 views)
	hp3.jpg (80.0 KB, 375 views)

That is a GREAT looking revolver. Enjoy it, I think N frame .357s are some of the finest shooting weapons Smith and Wesson ever made.

I really like those stocks. The fact they have been "customized" by sanding and the repair give them character and that fits that "ole boy" fine!

Wonderful looking old HP. It sort of looks like the "antiqued" single actions now being sold for cowboy shooting, made last week and looking like it's 100 years old but well cared for.

I would rather have that HP than a new "classic" S&W any day. The gods would approve.

I like the look a lot! Bet that bad boy spent some time OUT of the holster in it's day.

That is a keeper for sure. I'm sure you will enjoy it since you have given it your personal touch.

Great-looking gun. Everything from the stock fix to the honest wear to the odd-color trigger says utilitarian, just like that gun's supposed to be.

That old boy could probably tell some stories. Those HPs are the best shooting .357s I have ever shot. You will like it a lot.

If you ever get bored with it let me know!

That is a beauty.Now why can't I find one like that.

Thanks! Good to know I am on the right track. Am in the process of purchasing a used holster (that is the theme here) and will ad a picture when that arrives.

The shooters are better than safe queens any day of the week. That gun was made for shooting, looks great!

__________________
Vaya con Dios

I don't think the blue remover will damage any underlying case color.
Bluing is a salt oxidation/rust process ; case coloring is something
else. Case coloring has to be sanded off, with fine emery cloth.

Mike Priwer