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08-15-2022, 07:11 AM
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Differences in my M28's
In an earlier thread about a 3 1/2" Highway Patrolman, I posted a picture of 2 of my HP's, noting the apparent difference in barrel lengths, between the two. Pine_Worker noted that one looked about 1/8'" shorter than the other, and that the front sight looked different.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pine_Worker
The barrel profile at the frame on the top one looks different than the lower one also.
The front sight looks different also, like it has been shortened about 1/8”.
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Out of curiosity, I started examining my three 4"HP's, looking or differences.
The top gun is a 4-screw, lettering to 1959
The one in the middle has a 5 digit N serial number, so late 60's-early 70's.
The last gun is likely from 78-80.
There are several differences, among the 3. Bbl length on the first 2 guns is 3 15/16". The bottom gun measure 4 1/16". Also, all 3 have different front sight profiles. The older 2 show sharper, less rounded profiles, but they are not identical. The 3rd HP has a much more rounded profile.
Another difference is the placement of the SN on the butts. The 4-screw's number is placed to the right of center, while the other two are slightly left.
Finally, while I didn't take pictures, the 2 older guns have chamfered barrel shanks. The 3rd gun is straight at the end of the shank.
They all shoot about the same, which is to say "great". I just find it interesting that there are these differences. I guess it's proof that these guns had a lot of hand work on them, making for differences between individual guns. I welcome any comments.
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08-15-2022, 08:30 AM
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S&W issued Directive #1524 on May 18, 1975 to increase the length of all barrels from 4 inches to 4 1/4 inches. This was done because of a concern that handguns with a barrel length of less than 4 inches would become illegal. The observed length in most of these guns is about 4 1/8 inches. This accounts for the longer barrel length in N537319.
Bill
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08-15-2022, 08:55 AM
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Great photo of the variations through the years. When looking at them together the differences become very apparent. The variation in the profile of the lug in the front of the ejector rod shroud stands out as well. I'm looking at my early HP (shipped to Evaluators Ltd) and will pull my S prefix 28-2 for comparison.
Very enlightening.
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08-15-2022, 09:17 AM
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That is a really good comparison. I have never noticed that in my H.P's before. Now I will have to get them out and look for myself.
I love those dark presentation grips on that first gun on top.
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08-15-2022, 10:04 AM
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Another illustration of what gofors pointed out.
Top: 5 screw from 9 June, 1954
Bottom: 28-2 from Sep 1964.
Both measure 3 15/16"
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08-15-2022, 10:25 AM
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My only current Highway Patrolman , measures 3.895 on the caliper. First year, Ser# S1111xx.
I never would have thought to even measure,,,,
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08-15-2022, 12:16 PM
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Here's a pic of a 28-2 that I bought because it was, according to the end label, factory fit with target stocks. It was unfired, as new in the box.
I have noticed a number of variances from similar 28s I have that were shipped in the middle 1960s.
You might want to check this one out and see if you can spot some differences -
John
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08-15-2022, 01:16 PM
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As with most (if not all) SW revolvers there were small things constantly changed
and thats what makes them so interesting to collect.
If you look closely at retired W4's two pics you will see the early (top) gun has a visibly seperate front site ramp vs the lower gun which is integral,
If you compare the front of the ejector rod shroud the shape of the 50's era is more rounded where later ones have a sharper shape,
On a side note by the 1980's the factory stopped blending that slight raised rib at the front of the shroud altogether.
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08-15-2022, 03:02 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gfors
Another difference is the placement of the SN on the butts. The 4-screw's number is placed to the right of center, while the other two are slightly left.
I welcome any comments. |
I wonder if the offset SN on the earliest gun was in case a lanyard ring was ordered?
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08-15-2022, 07:40 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hair Trigger
I wonder if the offset SN on the earliest gun was in case a lanyard ring was ordered?
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I had the same thought.
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Last edited by gfors; 08-15-2022 at 07:42 PM.
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08-15-2022, 07:58 PM
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Another variation (1954). I think a butt swivel would fit.
Mrs. Van Orden and the folks a Evaluators Ltd. sure took good care of their guns.
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08-15-2022, 08:13 PM
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My first year S 114655 measures 3.99" w/ calipers. Barrel shank is straight. Front sight blade is the more rounded variety. Great thread, makes me want to pick up a couple more just to compare.
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