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

MissouriCrowinMass · #**551** 08-02-2010, 09:49 PM

I love shooting my 28-2 in 6".

I have a 28-2 in 4" with a target hammer & trigger. Both are examples of mechanical perfection. Bought them both used.

I'm starting to get almost as good in double-action as I am in SA. I have a Ruger GP-100 which has a fine SA trigger. But nothing beats these 28-2's in double-action. The Ruger is not even close.

I reload and shoot mostly 158 gr. LSWC behind mild loads of Win 231, Universal or Bullseye.

Snuffy2 · #**552** 08-02-2010, 09:53 PM

Just got around to reading this thread. I have one to contribute _ a 28-2, s/n N5928xx,4-inch. 3-screw, of course, I'm guessing from 1978-79. I bought it about 1997 at a pawnshop in Middle Tennessee, and quickly discovered why the price was so reasonable. The gun was like new, but the cylinder gap measured about .014, and shooting magnum loads felt like getting hit in the face with a broom. That gun was obviously from the period when their quality control went to pot.

I called the repair center, and a very nice lady whose name I unfortunately cannot recall told me that that gun should have never made it out the door in that condition no matter when it was produced. She told me to ship it to them and they would fix it. I did so, and when it came back it had had the barrel set back, the forcing cone recut, and the gap set at .004 with NO cylinder play. A shootin' machine if ever there was one.

It now wears a reworked set of dark red walnut targets and looks quite similar to nostraDONus' fine specimen shown in the post above, and it ain't for sale!

Snuffy2

Xfuzz · #**553** 08-03-2010, 10:02 PM

MP1983....
90% sure yours is an Old DPS troopers revolver.
All the ones I have come across had the same markings.
Local Trooper caught me at my shop this weekend he is looking
the same model.
His Granddad was a Ranger and he has inherited a neat collection of handguns.

MP1983 · #**554** 08-03-2010, 10:25 PM

Quote:

MP1983....
90% sure yours is an Old DPS troopers revolver.
All the ones I have come across had the same markings.

thanks, Xfuzz. Do you have any idea what years DPS issued these?

Any idea on the first year they used them. I know Roy Jinks' book notes that Texas Highway Patrol in the 1950's was one of the original agencies requesting the Model 28. Also, any idea when they did away with them?

UPDATE: Mr. Jinks has confirmed mine is a Texas DPS issue revolver, stamped DPS at the factory, sent to DPS in Austin on June 30, 1972. Also shared they bought their first Highway Patrolmans in 1954.

A10 · #**555** 08-06-2010, 12:12 PM

I found two Model 28's at a pawn shop yesterday, both in the $550.00 range. One is a 4 screw, S203XXX 6 inch no dash, probably 95% , the other a 4" 28-2, S304XXX, probably 90%+, neither have original grips. Fair price these days? I didn't get either, but they have both been sitting on the shelf for a while

Neal · #**556** 08-06-2010, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A10

I found two Model 28's at a pawn shop yesterday, both in the $550.00 range. One is a 4 screw, S203XXX 6 inch no dash, probably 95% , the other a 4" 28-2, S304XXX, probably 90%+, neither have original grips. Fair price these days? I didn't get either, but they have both been sitting on the shelf for a while

You will probably get different opinions on pricing, but I would pay $550 for a 28 only if it was in 99% or better condition. However, especially in some parts of the country, demand drives up prices to outrageous and beyond. I have seen mint or unfired 28s listed in the $600 plus range.

A10 · #**557** 08-09-2010, 11:45 AM

Thanks Neal, I don't think the Seattle area has a particular demand that would drive up the prices, and I think there may be some negotiating room since they have been around for a bit. I'll keep the forum posted.

Timber Wolf · #**558** 08-09-2010, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A10

I found two Model 28's at a pawn shop yesterday, both in the $550.00 range. One is a 4 screw, S203XXX 6 inch no dash, probably 95% , the other a 4" 28-2, S304XXX, probably 90%+, neither have original grips. Fair price these days? I didn't get either, but they have both been sitting on the shelf for a while

I just got a 6" 28 no-dash w/original grips in 85%, maybe clean up to 90%, condition for $366 + $20 shipping off an auction board two weeks ago. I think that was a good price and I (and a lot of guys) would pay a premium for a 4". Although I would rather have a 6" for shooting to be honest. Same seller had a like new no-box 6" 28 dash-unknown that went for $500 + shipping with only one bidder (starting bid) and original grips. It was easily worth $134 more then the one I got but I only buy shooters, unless a safe-queen is real cheap of course!

Snuffy2 · #**559** 08-09-2010, 11:58 PM

Quote:

I have one to contribute _ a 28-2, s/n N5928xx,4-inch. 3-screw, of course, I'm guessing from 1978-79.

From my earlier post. I forgot to mention that it is also both pinned and recessed. I see from other posts that this one is more likely from 1980 or so, and that S/Ns right after mine have one or the other feature, but not both. Would my gun perhaps be one of the last p&r Model 28-2s?

Thanks,
Snuffy2

keithherrington · #**560** 08-10-2010, 07:54 AM

I picked up a Model 28 several years ago with almost no wear on it at all. It had a damaged barrel and had not been shot at all since. I picked it up for a song and was halfway through a custom 45ACP build when I stopped. All the action/trigger/cylinder work is done and now I've decided to install a new Model 1955 barrel instead of a heavy custom barrel. It's now a round butt so I can use my Nill target grips that came off of the 625 when it sold. It's going to end up looking like a standard Model 1955 target revolver except it will have a Weigand rear sight blade, Nill PPC Hemphill grips, a narrow serrated service trigger and a pinned front sight. The 28 cylinder was used so the throats all match at .452". It may not look exciting when I get done but it sure should shoot. Pics will be posted when done.
Keith

TAROMAN · #**561** 09-01-2010, 05:53 PM

Been shooting S&W revolvers since the early 1970s but never actually saw a Model 28 until last week.
Stopped in the LGS for primers and there's a nice 6" model in on consignment. Handled it and it just "spoke" to me. Only problem was that it was wearing Pachmayrs.
The asking price was pretty steep, however (there being NO bargains on nice S&Ws around here).
Anyhow, I made an offer and Friday night the shop called that it was accepted. Picked it up today, and I asked if they had any Magnas. Dug through their junk box and found a somewhat presentable pair (1 small chip) that they threw in. I'd like to add a T-Grip, maybe a bronze one.
Unfortunately, we're flying out to a funeral in the AM, so there will be no chance to get to the range until next week.

Any thoughts if I should try to fix the chipped stock, or just shop for another pair (or left one)?

Note: Its a 1973 build (S/N N1009XX)

ElmerKeith · #**562** 09-03-2010, 06:20 PM

Congrats to this nice gun and the almost matching grips.

Sorry for the one who left this earth and you have to go his last way with him/her.

But when you are back please let us know about your experiences on the range with your new tool!

SAFireman · #**563** 09-03-2010, 07:19 PM

I guess that I have been here long enough that is well past time for me to post this here.

I got this from my grandfather when I got accepted into the Police Academy. He insisted that I not carry it until I graduated.

The back story for this one:

My grandfather was a Provost Marshal. He and some of the local LEO's that had all served together during WWII routinely got together to play cards in the evenings. During one of their regular sessions, a young State Trooper who had 'redeemed himself' was invited to join the group. His very first night, he ran short on cash during the game, he thought that he had a winning hand, and foolishly placed his duty weapon, this very pre-28 on top of the table. Needless to say, he had a lot of explaining to do the next morning when he reported for duty.

My grandfather carried it for the rest of his days, and on into retirement from the military and into service with some larger cities. He later carried it during his real retirement (as a part time security guard for a local market). The holster that you see was made for him by a long time resident of the brig.

This is S1266xx the diamond magnas are marked with the matching serial number.

stevieboy · #**564** 09-03-2010, 08:21 PM

I agree, Pachmayrs are not pretty, but they tame recoil for me better than anything else. I have a set of finger groved Pachmayrs on my 28-2 6". They definitely do nothing for the gun's appearance but, for function? They are extremely comfortable, thin, yet covering the gun's backstrap. As for performance, Fuggedaboudit, the gun shoots like a laser with those grips and I can shoot it all day long with even 125 gr. magnums.

snw19_357 · #**565** 09-03-2010, 08:38 PM

Nice HP SAFireman, and great story!

bamabiker · #**566** 09-03-2010, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAFireman

I guess that I have been here long enough that is well past time for me to post this here.

I got this from my grandfather when I got accepted into the Police Academy. He insisted that I not carry it until I graduated.

The back story for this one:

My grandfather was a Provost Marshal. He and some of the local LEO's that had all served together during WWII routinely got together to play cards in the evenings. During one of their regular sessions, a young State Trooper who had 'redeemed himself' was invited to join the group. His very first night, he ran short on cash during the game, he thought that he had a winning hand, and foolishly placed his duty weapon, this very pre-28 on top of the table. Needless to say, he had a lot of explaining to do the next morning when he reported for duty.

My grandfather carried it for the rest of his days, and on into retirement from the military and into service with some larger cities. He later carried it during his real retirement (as a part time security guard for a local market). The holster that you see was made for him by a long time resident of the brig.

This is S1266xx the diamond magnas are marked with the matching serial number.

That's a very nice old HP and an even better story. Congrats on getting your grandfather's gun.
Your thread made me realize I had not put my old HP in this thread. It's serial number is S1113xx, just a little earlier. Unfortunately for me it was not a dear relative's gun but just one I traded for at a recent gun show. But I was happy to get it.

railroad · #**567** 09-07-2010, 10:10 PM

just joined,need help locating "good" leather holsters and gunbelts for my 28-2 4".

MP1983 · #**568** 09-07-2010, 10:21 PM

keep an eye in the classifieds of the forum, under "accessories" etc., you'll find a good bargain if you're patient...otherwise, check out El Paso Saddlery, Milt Sparks holsters, or Don Hume holsters, you should find something you like in your price range between those three...

there's lots more though...some other forum members may have some thoughts to share...

P.S. WELCOME ABOARD!

railroad · #**569** 09-07-2010, 10:32 PM

thanks mp1983,will go there and look

ab4ka · #**570** 09-08-2010, 12:57 AM

Got to add my new baby to the thread

Model 28-2, S.N. is 574xxx

kenjen · #**571** 09-17-2010, 06:50 PM

just picked up a very nice 28-2 today sn#n530xxx with a 6'' barrel. about 2 yrs. ago my neighbor was throwing away an old s&w box and asked me if i wanted it, it was for a mod 28 her late husband had, so i took the box hopping to fill it one day,and today is that day.

TAROMAN · #**572** 09-17-2010, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenjen

just picked up a very nice 28-2 today sn#n530xxx with a 6'' barrel. about 2 yrs. ago my neighbor was throwing away an old s&w box and asked me if i wanted it, it was for a mod 28 her late husband had, so i took the box hopping to fill it one day,and today is that day.

Until we see the pictures - "it didn't happen!"

Great find, congratulations and welcome to the club!

Cap'n Jack · #**573** 09-18-2010, 05:16 PM

I picked up this M 28-2 several years ago and have not fired it.
It was manufactured in 1967-1968 S3040xx and appears virtually unfired. It has a 0.500" wide target trigger and hammer. Wondering what it's value might be.

TAROMAN · #**574** 09-18-2010, 05:27 PM

Nice. Very nice. I'd guess that the OO swapped for TT/TH/TS. I did this with several of mine back in the day.

Now, do you plan to fire it?

p.s.: GREAT photography!

Cap'n Jack · #**575** 09-18-2010, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krehmkej

Nice. Very nice. I'd guess that the OO swapped for TT/TH/TS. I did this with several of mine back in the day.

Thanks. I was guessing that too. However it doesn't make too much sense to go to that trouble and not to have shot it (or at most very little). It shows no holster wear.

Quote:

Now, do you plan to fire it?

p.s.: GREAT photography!

I have many pristine S&W revolvers. I can't stand the fact that someone else might buy them when I come across them so I snatch them up. I do have a bunch of S&W shooters as well, but my "rescued" pristine examples just sit in the safe(s) and get fondled periodically. Thanks for the compliment on the photography. That's my other hobby.

MP1983 · #**576** 09-18-2010, 08:10 PM

Cap'n Jack, are the grips numbered to the gun? If so, it may be worth the $50 for a Roy Jinks historical letter to see if it was perhaps a special order. Although my guess is, it was done in the 70's after all the Model 27's came out of the factory that way (someone wanted their 28 to "compete" w/ the Jones').

I've always wondered around what year the 27's started leaving the factory w/ ONLY wide target triggers - even the 3-1/2 inchers (making them nearly useless as a law enforcement gun IMHO). Never understood that. (Just kinda thinkin' out load here.)

MP1983 · #**577** 09-18-2010, 08:14 PM

Quote:

I picked up this M 28-2 several years ago and have not fired it.
It was manufactured in 1967-1968 S3040xx and appears virtually unfired. It has a 0.500" wide target trigger and hammer. Wondering what it's value might be.

My guess, between $500 & $650 depending on the market.

Cap'n Jack · #**578** 09-18-2010, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MP1983

Cap'n Jack, are the grips numbered to the gun? If so, it may be worth the $50 for a Roy Jinks historical letter to see if it was perhaps a special order. Although my guess is, it was done in the 70's after all the Model 27's came out of the factory that way (someone wanted their 28 to "compete" w/ the Jones').

I've always wondered around what year the 27's started leaving the factory w/ ONLY wide target triggers - even the 3-1/2 inchers (making them nearly useless as a law enforcement gun IMHO). Never understood that. (Just kinda thinkin' out load here.)

Up until several years ago, I kept an Exel spreadsheet with all of my guns listed and included everything (box/papers/tools/etc.) that came with them. Of course the computer eventually gave up the ghost and naturally I had no backup. In my defense it was not one of my two primary computers which were continuously backed up. It was an old one in my gun room/reloading area that other than that file didn't have anything of worth on it other than that file and some reloading data. Anyway I still have all my paperwork involved in each purchase and will reconstruct the spreadsheet eventually. Though I didn't realize it when I started this thread, I thought I'd have a look through all my S&W boxes on the odd chance that I had bought this with a box. Sure enough I have the original box, papers, and the original trigger and hammer plus the original rear sight (black S&W micrometer and original sight screw). Currently the gun has a white outline rear sight.

In answer to you question about the grips, they have no markings and have silver washers on the inside. No "special features" on the end label.

MP1983 · #**579** 09-21-2010, 08:54 PM

Quote:

In answer to you question about the grips, they have no markings and have silver washers on the inside. No "special features" on the end label.

No big deal Cap'n Jack, that just means it wouldn't have any extra collector value. But having the upgraded parts & grips (I'm sure it came w/ magnas numbered to the gun), along w/ box and original parts, and seeing how clean it is, I'm sure in today's market it's worth around $600 there in New England.

It's a beauty! Thanks for sharing.

dacoontz · #**580** 09-22-2010, 08:41 PM

Funny, that this thread reappeared recently. My father just picked up serial number S231,9xx out of a gunshop in Montana. It has a little holster wear but from what I remember seeing last weekend I would rate it at least 95% finish. It has a blue finish, 4 inch barrel, target diamond grips, original box in great shape, tools minus the screwdriver, paperwork, and an old MP holster. The box also has a registration card in it that allowed the original owner to have the gun on a military base in Benning? Georgia. It looks to have been the personal gun of a military police captain stationed there back in the 60's when the gun was shipped. Pretty cool if you ask me. I can't wait for him to hand it over to me for safe keeping. I just have to think of something to trade him. Maybe another visit from the grandkids will butter him up. I'll post some pics when he gets around to sending them to me. And FYI, it is a 3 screw model marked 28-2.

snw19_357 · #**581** 09-23-2010, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cap'n Jack

No "special features" on the end label.

Is there anything in the TH, TT, FRONT SIGHT, and/or WO boxes?

Bill Douglas · #**582** 09-25-2010, 03:51 AM

Hi Guys, new member here. I've just bought this today. It's a model 28-3 serial number AHZ 287x. Nice condition and only scratches and wear seem to be the line around the cylinder. What can you tell me about this and I'm guessing it was made in the early '80s?

MP1983 · #**583** 09-25-2010, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Hi Guys, new member here. I've just bought this today. It's a model 28-3 serial number AHZ 287x. Nice condition and only scratches and wear seem to be the line around the cylinder. What can you tell me about this and I'm guessing it was made in the early '80s?

Welome aboard!! You're a long way away from the states! Great to have you.

Your gun was produced circa 1986. The ring around the cylinder is simply caused by the trigger & hammer being used, whether at the range or by dry firing (or simply working the action manually). It's perfectly normal.

It's a very nice example and certainly looks to be in great shape.

Hope this answers your questions. Again, welcome to the forum!

Bill Douglas · #**584** 09-25-2010, 09:02 PM

Thanks, it seems very tight, well, when compaired with the rental 686s we have at the range haha. It sure looks a wealth of information around here too

michael thornton · #**585** 09-27-2010, 09:16 PM

looks like mine was made in 74

Senor Chisme · #**586** 10-01-2010, 12:38 PM

I just found this thread while trying to research Model 28s.
I have two.
28 no dash - 4 screw, 4", S189XXX
28-2 - 4 inch, N267XXX

rock doc · #**587** 10-01-2010, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Senor Chisme

I just found this thread while trying to research Model 28s.
I have two.
28 no dash - 4 screw, 4", S189XXX
28-2 - 4 inch, N267XXX

Senor Chisme - We want photos!! We are all addicted and crave photos!!

BTW, welcome aboard.

dacoontz · #**588** 10-02-2010, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dacoontz

Funny, that this thread reappeared recently. My father just picked up serial number S231,9xx out of a gunshop in Montana. It has a little holster wear but from what I remember seeing last weekend I would rate it at least 95% finish. It has a blue finish, 4 inch barrel, target diamond grips, original box in great shape, tools minus the screwdriver, paperwork, and an old MP holster. The box also has a registration card in it that allowed the original owner to have the gun on a military base in Benning? Georgia. It looks to have been the personal gun of a military police captain stationed there back in the 60's when the gun was shipped. Pretty cool if you ask me. I can't wait for him to hand it over to me for safe keeping. I just have to think of something to trade him. Maybe another visit from the grandkids will butter him up. I'll post some pics when he gets around to sending them to me. And FYI, it is a 3 screw model marked 28-2.

Mine shipped in April 1963, if anyone was interested or has a personal catalog they are trying to develop.

hiram2005 · #**589** 10-03-2010, 06:16 PM

I got my first 28 today. It's a 28-2, serial N582xxx. What DOB am I looking at?

nostraDONus · #**590** 10-03-2010, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hiram2005

I got my first 28 today. It's a 28-2, serial N582xxx. What DOB am I looking at?

Mid to late 1979.

hiram2005 · #**591** 10-03-2010, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nostraDONus

Mid to late 1979.

thank you!

jgreene · #**592** 10-04-2010, 05:15 PM

New to forum, jut got 1st HP, 15th smith, # N9xxx, (1969), but it has diamond target grips (not coke bottle) which should mean pre 1969. Do you think Smith just had some and Smith Wesson was using them up?

MP1983 · #**593** 10-04-2010, 10:21 PM

Quote:

New to forum, jut got 1st HP, 15th smith, # N9xxx, (1969), but it has diamond target grips (not coke bottle) which should mean pre 1969. Do you think Smith just had some and Smith Wesson was using them up?

they should have the gun's serial number inside the grips on the inner surface...it should show the serial number from whatever gun they came from...(they stopped doing that in '74 or so)

BTW..big welcome to the HP thread! it's a wealth of information...

P.S. pics are pretty much obligatory...

deanodog · #**594** 10-08-2010, 09:53 AM

28-3....N9568XX

revo38sup · #**595** 10-09-2010, 05:12 PM

hi all---new to this site and already need info. got a new (to me) 28-2 today S250XXX. it appears to be stainless but could it be the rare brushed nickel? can't post picture at this time. it is 4" 28-2 and the number on the crane (not sn) is 22377. how can i find out what i have? thanks for any info that you may have. revo38sup

MP1983 · #**596** 10-09-2010, 05:24 PM

Quote:

hi all---new to this site and already need info. got a new (to me) 28-2 today S250XXX. it appears to be stainless but could it be the rare brushed nickel? can't post picture at this time. it is 4" 28-2 and the number on the crane (not sn) is 22377. how can i find out what i have? thanks for any info that you may have. revo38sup

first, a big welcome!!

looks like the year would be 1965...are the grips marked w/ the serial number? (just take them off to look on the inside of the grip)

a letter from Roy Jinks would be the most certain way to find out if it's a "sales model"...the letter costs $50...

have you read what others in this thread had to say about the sales models?? I think I recall reading they were more from the early '70s or, but not sure...

revo38sup · #**597** 10-09-2010, 05:28 PM

hi all---new to this site and already have need of your help! got a new (to me) 4" 28-2 S250XXX today and not sure what i have aquired. it appears to be stainless or maybe brushed nickel. is pinned barrel and recessed cylinder and has this number on the crane 22377. can't post pictures at this time but would very much appreciate any info that any of you may. it is w/o rear adjustable sight and no red ramp front. front sight is same finish as frame/cylinder. maybe nickel salesman sample? please give me your thoughts. thanks for your help! revo38sup

revo38sup · #**598** 10-09-2010, 05:32 PM

thanks---does not have the factory grips. has pachmeyer grips

MP1983 · #**599** 10-09-2010, 05:32 PM

p.s. when I first found this thread, I took three days to go through all of it a little at a time...there's a ton of info!

MP1983 · #**600** 10-09-2010, 05:38 PM

Quote:

thanks---does not have the factory grips. has pachmeyer grips

without pics it's hard to just guess, but I'm inclined to assume it's been refinished...if it looks good then it's no big deal..you have one of the finest .357's ever made and it's from the mid-1960's, so who cares!!

shoot it, clean it, and cheerish it...they don't make 'em like that anymore...

enjoy the forum!!