The ultimate Highway Patrolman thread.including N frame ser# ranges

[Doug.38PR]

Somehow, to my eye, the 6 inch Highway Patrolmans just look incomplete or funny with the magna/service grips instead of the beefier looking Target Grips. I got a pair of service grips for mine a while back and they just didn't look right.

[shadowbull]

This is my M28-2. It was purchased new from a gun shop by my Dad in 1977 for approx $155 plus $20 for the oversize smooth grips. It is the 6" model with the original Satin Blue finish. Serial number is N2834XX. I have the original service grips numbered 282067, only the first two numbers match the gun serial. How close do grip numbers usually match? Smooth grips have a circled letter "P" stamped on the inside and that is the only marking on them. Anybody know what kind of wood the smoothies are made out of? Or any other info on them?

[GregG]

I'm getting a Highway Patrolman!

Made a trade for one today. A four incher.

I can hardly wait to see it.

[snw19_357]

Welcome to the forum shadowbull! Nice HP you have there.

Originally Posted by shadowbull

How close do grip numbers usually match?

Usually they would match exactly but by the mid to late 1970’s they stopped numbering them so, there is a good possibility that they paid less attention to which grips they shipped yours with.

Originally Posted by shadowbull

Anybody know what kind of wood the smoothies are made out of?

They were made out of Rosewood or Goncalo Alves.
Yours are made out of Goncalo Alves with the extractor (football) relief.

Originally Posted by GregG

I'm getting a Highway Patrolman!...I can hardly wait to see it.

Nice!!...Neither can we.

[shadowbull]

Thank You, snw19_357 for the Welcome, and the info! What a great forum this is!

[cooperduper]

This is SN#N97xxx. Pinned and recessed. 1972????





Now, 5/27 and I shot it some. Very accurate, but not as nice a trigger as my 1913 M&P. I like the narrow trigger better than the target on my 1983 629. Overall, I'm stoked for $350!


Take care,
Rich

[Gary7]

Here's my 4" Highway Patrolman. S/N N510xxx.







And here's my 6" Highway Patrolman. S/N N532xxx

[andy*]

First off, WOW lot's o' nice revolvers here. I just got a pre-28 in a trade.
Serial # S 121XXX,I was told this was made in 1955. This revolver has a 4 inch barrel, is blued and wood grips. The finish is nice with just a bit of a drag line on the cylinder.
This is my first Smith and Wesson gun. Sorry no pictures, no camera.
I sighted in this weekend at 25 yards and was very impressed, as I am no handgun shot. I hope to learn to be one , with this gun however.
Please add my serial # to the list, and thank you for the info in this thread. Andy

[TIMETRIPPER]

Here's another 28 for the database, a no-dash 4 screw I picked up two weeks ago. Ser# S189XXX, 6" barrel. Used but not abused.
John

[-db-]

I suppose I've joined the N-frame club. A pinned and recessed 28-2 I traded a commie rifle for yesterday, # N5811XX.

[MP1983]

Hello gang, I'm new to all this online forum stuff, but I've been shooting S&W revolvers since 1983 & have owned my fair share over the years (I, J, K, L, N frames). I caught wind of this site while researching for details about an old Model 28 Highway Patrolman I picked up last month. It's unique in that it's marked DPS on the frame where I've seen others marked NYSP (which I understand means New York State Police). I'm 99% certain it stands for Department of Public Safety (the Texas Highway Patrol), but am waiting for my letter from Mr. Jinks to confirm. I just got a set of Pat Grashorn bone (smoothed elk) grips in the mail today to replace the bulky and plane looking Pachmayrs it had on it when I bought it, and let me tell you they really make it pop. I do hope to have photos towards the end of the month (sorry guys, I have to rely on a friend to come over w/ his digital camera & then figure out how to post them, I still own a 35mm!) Anyway, happy to be aboard.

BTW, who keeps track of the serial numbers, and if I post it w/ the last 2 or 3 digits xx'd out, how does the serial # tracker figure out the missing numbers? Mine is N562XX.

[Allen-frame]

MP1983 Welcome to the forum!
Congrats on the H.P.and the Executioner stags. I'll bet it's a
cool combination.

My compadre SNW19 357 is keeping track of numbers in this thread
now, using some kind of spread sheet thingy.
The task became far too daunting for a guy with a pencil and paper
who started this thread 3 years ago.

Good Luck ,and God bless, Allen Frame

[snw19_357]

Originally Posted by MP1983

BTW, who keeps track of the serial numbers, and if I post it w/ the last 2 or 3 digits xx'd out, how does the serial # tracker figure out the missing numbers? Mine is N562XX.

Originally Posted by Allen-frame

My compadre SNW19 357 is keeping track of numbers in this thread...

Welcome to the forum!!

It's a daunting task with a spreadsheet.
Some of my S&W twitches I blame on you and this thread Allen Frame

The last few digits of the serial number are not recorded, tracked, or really that important. It is more the first part of the serial number that gives us an idea of when it was from. Then, adding that to number of screws, barrel length, etc..

[MP1983]

Thanks for the intel Allen-frame, and thanks for the further explanation & your dedication to the cause snw19_357 (those spreadsheets can be slippery).

BTW, mine's a 4 inch, and has a surprisingly nice bluing. I don't think it was re-blued, because it has strong holster wear on the muzzle, front of clylinder & on trigger guard, at all the spots you'd expect for a carry gun. Also, the lettering is very sharp and there are no signs of pitting at all under any of the blue - and it has the sandblasting on top as would be expected. I know from reading & viewing this thread that the extent of bluing can vary considerably.

As a sidenote, snw19_357, as a moderator if you can get that "junior member" nonsense changed to US Veteran (as I've seen on many others) on my ID where I post, I'd appreciate it. I haven't been a junior anything for a long time. I was active duty under Ronald Reagan for 3 years from Feb 83 to Feb 86.

[-db-]

Originally Posted by MP1983

Hello gang, I'm new to all this online forum stuff, but I've been shooting S&W revolvers since 1983 & have owned my fair share over the years (I, J, K, L, N frames). I caught wind of this site while researching for details about an old Model 28 Highway Patrolman I picked up last month. It's unique in that it's marked DPS on the frame where I've seen others marked NYSP (which I understand means New York State Police). I'm 99% certain it stands for Department of Public Safety (the Texas Highway Patrol), but am waiting for my letter from Mr. Jinks to confirm. I just got a set of Pat Grashorn bone (smoothed elk) grips in the mail today to replace the bulky and plane looking Pachmayrs it had on it when I bought it, and let me tell you they really make it pop. I do hope to have photos towards the end of the month (sorry guys, I have to rely on a friend to come over w/ his digital camera & then figure out how to post them, I still own a 35mm!) Anyway, happy to be aboard.

BTW, who keeps track of the serial numbers, and if I post it w/ the last 2 or 3 digits xx'd out, how does the serial # tracker figure out the missing numbers? Mine is N562XX.

Welcome aboard. Great minds must think alike- I, too, recently ordered a set of Grashorn stags for my 28. Be sure to share some photos once you're all set.

[nostraDONus]

I've been enjoying this thread for a while and thought I'd add mine. Purchased last year. Could anyone give me a year for it (N268XXX). Thanks.

[AirCommando]

Originally Posted by MP1983

As a sidenote, snw19_357, as a moderator if you can get that "junior member" nonsense changed to US Veteran (as I've seen on many others) on my ID where I post, I'd appreciate it. I haven't been a junior anything for a long time. I was active duty under Ronald Reagan for 3 years from Feb 83 to Feb 86.

I know how you feel, MP, I guess I'm a Senior!
You have to go to the US Veteran's Group and ask to join.

AC

[MP1983]

-db-, thanks for the welcome. I will get some pics as soon as I can. I ordered some Eagle Heritage grips for it at first, but they were kinda big (not that anyone's ever accused me of being small at 6' and 255 lbs) and they didn't even fit right on the frame. I've been dealing w/ Eagle grips since 1986, and have always been pleased before this, but can't say I'm a big fan of the Heritage grips. I've seen at least one HP in this thread with some, and as an aftermarket grip they look okay, but I think for the money the Executioner is the way to go. His grips add a custom look and only increase the value (IMO).

[MP1983]

thanks AirCommando...I see the ribbons and have nothing but respect!

[AirCommando]

Thank you for your service. If you have any problems figuring out how to join, PM me and I'll see if I can help.

AC

[srsmyth]

MP1983
I just attended a wedding in Colorado and was able to stop in to meet Patrick Grashorn and purchase some stag grips to put on my HP while DWFAN is restoring the originals. I'm sure you will be happy with the stags, I sure like them. There are a lot of opportunities to get grips here.
Steve

[MP1983]

I've been enjoying this thread for a while and thought I'd add mine. Purchased last year. Could anyone give me a year for it (N268XXX).

I saw the question above posted yesterday. According to Supica & Nahas, in their 1st Ed. "Standard Catalog of S&W" (1996) it would have been produced around our Nation's Bicentennial, between 1975 & 1977.

For all you regulars, excuse me for breaking protocol in the providing a proper quote box. I tried hitting the "Quote message in reply" bottom, but couldn't get it to work.

[MP1983]

guess it worked, I must be smarter than I thought (lol)

[nostraDONus]

Originally Posted by MP1983

I saw the question above posted yesterday. According to Supica & Nahas, in their 1st Ed. "Standard Catalog of S&W" (1996) it would have been produced around our Nation's Bicentennial, between 1975 & 1977.

For all you regulars, excuse me for breaking protocol in the providing a proper quote box. I tried hitting the "Quote message in reply" bottom, but couldn't get it to work.

Thanks. I graduated High School in 1976 so I'll consider it my graduation present to myself.....a little late.

[MP1983]

Thanks. I graduated High School in 1976 so I'll consider it my graduation present to myself.....a little late.

Don't think of it as belated, just think about how some nice gentleman was kind enough to pick it up for you. He cared for it all those years, and then let go of it when the time was right. I think it was pretty nice of the old guy, even if you don't even know who he was.

I have a 4 inch Model 66 in excellent shape that I picked up cheap at my local pawn shop a couple years back that I think about that way. Roy Jink's shared that it left the factory right when I was in the middle of basic training and I thought, "you know, if I could've bought that gun then I would have - and now I have it."

Thank God for the caretakers.

[stantheman86]

I just bought my first Highway Patrolman, I have many S&W's including an M29, but I'm a .38-.357 fanatic so I had to have one of these. It's a 1981 production, so I was 1 year old when this was made. I have bought about 6 S&W's that hit all around the years before and after I was born,got '78's, '79's, an '82....... but have yet to get a 1980......someday I'll get one that was born the same year I was!

Does anyone know why the 4" 28's bring more than the 6" models? On GB there will be a decent looking 6" for say $500 or so, then a beat up 4" will sell for not much less?? It seems the 4" are a bit more desired, maybe there were more 6" models made? I'll have to check my S&W Digest tomorrow.

I may have overpaid a little, $400 and some change for a pretty well used 4", has a little bit of endshake and it looks like it's seen a few thousand magnums......but I wanted a "shooter grade" piece and it seems like an OK deal. Around where I live finding any older Smith, let alone an N-Frame of any condition, that is in good enough shape to go bang priced for below 5 bills is virtually impossible. Some real basket case M29's go for like $6-700 with ease at gun shows....a guy was buying an M29 for $300 that was shot so loose the cylinder rolled from side to side and you could hear the endshake......he's like "I'll tighten 'er up"

[Gary7]

Originally Posted by stantheman86

Does anyone know why the 4" 28's bring more than the 6" models? On GB there will be a decent looking 6" for say $500 or so, then a beat up 4" will sell for not much less?? It seems the 4" are a bit more desired, maybe there were more 6" models made? I'll have to check my S&W Digest tomorrow.

You just have to be patient. I got this 4" for $350. It's got some holster wear but is tight.

[stantheman86]

That's a steal for that 28! Nice!

I must admit, even though I call myself a S&W fanatic, I have spent years focusing on the K and L frames, only buying one N frame, and that was an early 70's Model 29. I have only educated myself on the N frames since I bought Supica and Nahas's book. I feel kinda dumb now, when I bought my M29 I was like "If only Smith had made these in .357......." I had no idea what a Registered Magnum was until I saw Patton's on display at Ft. Knox, and probably 2 seconds after I discovered the Highway Patrolman existed I decided I needed one.

I may write this one I just bought off as a "shooter", maybe put an endshake bearing in it, and look for a nicer 6" model just as a "keeper". I have a feeling, just like I did with Model 10's, once I develop a "love" for a certain model I end up with several of them.

[MP1983]

Welcome aboard. Great minds must think alike- I, too, recently ordered a set of Grashorn stags for my 28. Be sure to share some photos once you're all set.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last edited by -db-; Yesterday at 04:36 PM. Reason: stocks arrived, photo added

-db-, you got some fine grips from the Executioner. srsmyth has some nice ones too. As soon as I can, I'l share pics of mine. I don't think you can beat Pat Grashorn's elk grips when it come to the beautiful product he provides, in addition to his fair pricing & "down home" personal service. He's the man!

[lanceman193]

My 4 inch pre 28 letters to shipping 8/22/55.The grips are numbered to the gun and if its possible to have a 99% gun from 55 without the box,I think I do.I think about 5 years ago I paid $440 for it,which was a lot at the time.Wouldn't it be great to have your birthday 8/22/55 and a gun that shipped on that day that has held up so well.Plus I'd be 8 years younger.

[dogngun]

Thanks so much for this thread! I have owned three Highway Patrolman revolvers, the one I have now will be the last - I'm taking it with me when I die.

I have a 4" version, SN is S3304xx, placing it in 1969. I have Pachmayr rubbers on it now - I'm getting old and the .357 is pretty hot for me now, but I think the rubbers help.
Mine is in excellent mechanical condition, but has been refinished, so I was able to buy it cheap - around $350.

One of the best revolvers of all time, IMO, the one that led me to love N frames.

Thanks again.

mark

added: I think the 4" HP's are so expensive because some people carry them - the 6" models are a little large - it helps to use a good shoulder holster for them (no longer popular)...but it can be done!

[lebomm]

28-2 4" P&R 3-screw, N8023, altered to .44 Spl.

[JasonV7466]

I just inherited a Highway Patrolman and am trying to find out more information on it, like age and value. All I know is that it's a .357 with a 6 inch barrel and the serial # is N436XX. It appears to be in great condition about 90-95%. I'm just not that familiar with revolvers. I've attached a picture and would appreciate any help I can get. Thanks.

[Hyperion]

My 28-2, 4" barrel, is Serial N5774XX.

[JasonV7466]

Mine is a 28-2 as well just unsure of the year. I see that yours is 6 digits long with the serial number as mine is 5, do you know what year yours is? And the value of yours? They are definately nice revolvers but i'm more interested in semi-autos.

[Hyperion]

Originally Posted by JasonV7466

Mine is a 28-2 as well just unsure of the year. I see that yours is 6 digits long with the serial number as mine is 5, do you know what year yours is? And the value of yours? They are definately nice revolvers but i'm more interested in semi-autos.

If you look in the first post on the first page you will find some serial number ranges and dates. You should be able to look up your approximate date of manufacture there. Values depend on condition, scarcity, location, etc. Mine is a great shooter, but not a collector piece and I don't know its value.

[JasonV7466]

Originally Posted by Hyperion

If you look in the first post on the first page you will find some serial number ranges and dates. You should be able to look up your approximate date of manufacture there. Values depend on condition, scarcity, location, etc. Mine is a great shooter, but not a collector piece and I don't know its value.

Ok thanks, I'll check there and see what I come up with.

[canucksvt]

I purchased a Model 28-2 (SN: N291XX) yesterday for $450.00 ($479.25 with tax). It did not come with a box or paperwork unfortunately, but it is in excellent mechanical condition. I just happened upon it in a gun shop that I had never been in before. This revolver locks up tight and has a little wear on the muzzle and some of the edges. I did not know much about the Highway Patrolman model until I just read through this thread.

I plan on taking her to the range tomorrow to see how she shoots. If you don't mind, I would like to have someone comment on what I have (year of manufacture, condition, price paid) and let me know what kind of deal I got. I realize you only have these two photos to work from at this time. Thanks in advance!

[MP1983]

I just inherited a Highway Patrolman and am trying to find out more information on it, like age and value. All I know is that it's a .357 with a 6 inch barrel and the serial # is N436XX. It appears to be in great condition about 90-95%.

According to SCSW it looks between 1970 & 1972 (my guess is '71). As for value, I'd look through this thread and you'll get a good idea. As low as $350 and as high as $550, depending on where you are located & how motivated you might be to sell (or someone else may be to buy), assuming it's all original.

It will only increase in value. Keep it cleaned & oiled, and enjoy shooting it!

[MP1983]

I purchased a Model 28-2 (SN: N291XX) yesterday for $450.00 ($479.25 with tax). It did not come with a box or paperwork unfortunately, but it is in excellent mechanical condition. I just happened upon it in a gun shop that I had never been in before. This revolver locks up tight and has a little wear on the muzzle and some of the edges. I did not know much about the Highway Patrolman model until I just read through this thread.

I plan on taking her to the range tomorrow to see how she shoots. If you don't mind, I would like to have someone comment on what I have (year of manufacture, condition, price paid) and let me know what kind of deal I got. I realize you only have these two photos to work from at this time. Thanks in advance!

Yours would be between 1970 & 1972 as well. You got a fine deal, the 4 inch variety can be more desirable in terms of pricing - but of course if you ever wanted to take a deer with it you'd want to go w/ a 6 inch (I know this is a no-brainer fellas). The condition sounds great & looks fine by the pics, should be a real rip-snorter!

I bet the grips have the serial # stamped inside, so don't ever get rid of them if you chose to go w/ Pachmayr's or soemthing else for the range. Plus, it would be good to take them off & oil everything (the frame & leaf spring), and w/ the grips on you can lock the hammer back and put a drop of oil into the hammer well & a drop under the trigger (holding gun upside down). Then dry fire it a few times to work it in. I use Breakfree if it looks a little soiled, if it's clean I just use some Hoppes oil (not solvent).

I have always done this w/ my old revolvers anyway, but I'm open to criticism if any one feels different.

[canucksvt]

Thanks MP1983, I appreciate the information. I don't plan on changing the grips at all and I will take your advice on oiling her up a little bit. I will follow up with a range report in a day or two hopefully!

[JasonV7466]

I appreciate the response MP1983. I am actually looking to sell the gun as I said I'm more interested in semi-autos. I'd like to get $450 out of it which shouldn't be a problem as the gun has only been fired a couple of times. The inside of the barrel is in perfect condition. I would also be interested in trading for a new or newer Taurus TCP and $200 cash if anyone lives near Tampa.

[-db-]

Originally Posted by JasonV7466

I appreciate the response MP1983. I am actually looking to sell the gun as I said I'm more interested in semi-autos. I'd like to get $450 out of it which shouldn't be a problem as the gun has only been fired a couple of times. The inside of the barrel is in perfect condition. I would also be interested in trading for a new or newer Taurus TCP and $200 cash if anyone lives near Tampa.

You should list it for sale or trade in the For Sale forum here. Also post whether the stocks are original or not, if you have the box, documents, etc. Plenty of photos will help, too. I doubt you'll have any problem trading an early '70s Highway Patrolman for a Taurus.

[JasonV7466]

Originally Posted by -db-

You should list it for sale or trade in the For Sale forum here. Also post whether the stocks are original or not, if you have the box, documents, etc. Plenty of photos will help, too. I doubt you'll have any problem trading an early '70s Highway Patrolman for a Taurus.

Cool. Thanks DB. I've already had several offers so far, but I will see if I can find the forsale forum and load up several pics..lol For all those still interested, the gun is all original, with the original wood stocks, it does not have the box or paperwork, but does come with the original holster that it was purchased with and a plastic hard case.

Thanks again DB.

[s3dcor]

Brought home a brother (top) to my old (1954) model 28 (bottom). Found this one at a pawn shop today for $300 and though I didn't need another one I could not pass on it. It is in excellent condition with only a little muzzle wear on the left side and two scratches on the cylinder. It has the original matching number Magna grips. Someone took good care of this one since 1973 when it was made. I can never figure out how people can let these great guns go. SN N1133XX & S1343XX.

[rock doc]

I just couldn't help myself after reading these threads about this great revolver. Found this 28-3 on-line, got her home and shot several rounds. Sweet & smooth. Serial number N9597xx.

[MP1983]

It sports some smooth bone elk thanks to the "Executioner." I'm still waiting on confirmation from Mr. Jinks that it is a Texas Dept of Public Safety service revolver. Will also work to get decent photo of the "DPS" markings.

[MP1983]

Xfuzz...if you happen upon this pic, I'd be interested in your knowledge about the old DPS marked Model 28's in Texas.

UPDATE: Mr. Jinks confirmed that it is a Texas issue DPS gun, sent out June 30, 1972. He also shared that DPS (the Texas Highway Patrol) was indeed one of the first agencies to use the "Highway Patrolman" - they began the first year of production, 1954.

[chadkok]

Originally Posted by Tom Servo

28-3, S/N N578xxx. I'm guessing 1979, the same year Disco died.

I know it's been answered before, but what exactly is the little squiggly glyph stamped on the barrel? I've heard it was a Native American symbol, but I was wondering the context.

I have been wondering what this symbol means as well. Any ideas?

[nostraDONus]

Finished the strip and Tru Oil treatment for my HP a couple weeks ago. It was my first attempt at refinishing grips and I was happy with the results. I posted additional pictures and notes on the Gunsmithing page but thought I'd add one here.