My son picked up this model 27-2 (on frame) and Highway Patrolman stamped on the barrel...20180918_142844[1].jpg

20180918_113848[1].jpg

Likely the barrel was switched out after it left the factory.

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Five screws and 3-1/2 inches.

^^This.^^

Also , I don't think that front sight orange insert is a factory install.

A little bit more and the dovetail would have wiped out the front sight! Years ago, I did a lot of red, white, orange, green inserts. The plastic from a tooth brush handle works fine!

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

My guess is the M27 originally had a much longer barrel. Somewhere along the line, one of its owners wanted a 4" barrel, and found that length barrel marked for an M27 was hard to find. So decided what the heck and had a 4" M28 barrel installed since they are much easier to come by (and cheaper no doubt).

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You're shy a few manners.

It is red..just a bad camera shot..
also, I have a Model 57 that is actually stamped 57-0 and upon closer inspection found that the frame was actually a 29-2..Smith & Wesson stated that by serial number it is a 57. Someone suggested that they ran out of 57 frames that day and borrowed one off another bench..was wondering if this is the same issue here, will be calling them tomorrow!

Likely the HP barrel took on a bit of a polish job?

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Retired trap shooter

To me, its a great combination. Mixing the beauty of the Mod. 27 and the practically of the Mod. 28. A 27.5, 2.0!

It is possible, but unlikely. The M27 uses a checkered top frame, while the Highway Patrolman uses a matte top strap. I really doubt S&W would allow such a mismatch leave the factory, at least back then.

Nowadays, with quality control issues, who knows?

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

The barrel looks a bit shiny for a M28 bbl. Was the gun refinished?