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

[MP1983]

p.s. again...how'd you acquire it?

[revo38sup]

thanks for the info! can hardly wait to get it cleaned up and take it to the range. bought it from a friend. where can i get a copy of roy jenks book on S&W's?

[MP1983]

did he know any of it's history, etc.?

I got my Roy Jinks book at a gunshop in Houston in the 90's, might check Amazon for new or used copies...

[ColdBlueSteel]

Thanks for the thread, very informative.

[jdsumner6262]

I hope I get these pics right. This is following today's range session. 100rds .38spl +p and 50 158gr sjsp .357's.

[stevieboy]

Ok, I've held off contributing to this thread because I figured that there isn't anything worth saying after 600+ posts. I've changed my mind. About a month ago I purchased a 28-2 6" online, for $500. I already own a 4" 27 and I am really not sure what motivated me to buy the 28 except, perhaps, it just seemed like a good thing to do.

Well, it has become my favorite handgun -- by far. Nothing that I've owned shoots so accurately. At 10 yards, 1" groups are almost a given. At 25, the only bar to equally tiny groups is the fading vision and unsteady hands of this shooter. It has an almost incredibly smooth double action trigger and it also has the lightest single action trigger I've ever experienced on a revolver.

So, hats off to you, Plain Jane 28. You are the finest thing that Smith has ever produced!

[blujax01]

I found this '55 Highway Patrolman in Indy last month. Whoever owned it previously made it into quite the target pistol. It has been chromed, and provided with a trigger shoe. The cylinder has been tapered and the single action pull is so light it's scary.
It came home with Pach's but thanks to "Shooting4life" she now sports a pair of 60's era Eagle scroll stocks.





Major props to Shooting4life. I paid him Saturday morning and they were in my mailbox this afternoon. Cross country in three days, including the Monday holiday! That's above-and-beyond ...

Correction. I confirmed through a phone call to S&W mine is a 1954. I gotta get this thing lettered!

[hankhill33]

Just came home from the range with my{new to me}
HP 4 inch . It came out of Florida .cost me a pretty penny
But I had to have it.
Shoots Great... Trigger very smooth.
I make Leather Holsters for all my Weapons. but I really do not.. want to ruin the Finish on this one
Does any one know of, a poly holster
Concealment Type Like a Barrio from Triple K
High and tight over your hip?
Thanks
Hank

[TAROMAN]

The magnas that came on my HP had upper rear corner broken off of the left one. So, finally sucked it up and did my first stock resto job. Found a piece of walnut with closely matching color and grain. Then carved out the cavity sort of like the dentist for a filling. Epoxied in the patch then shaped and sanded smooth. Did a bit of touchup with shoe dye and finished with several coats of Varathane, sanding between coats. Let them bake on the dash of my truck between coats and after.

[IanNersesian]

[kingwc]

It is a 28-2 Ser# N518***

[stu1ritter]

28 no dash bought from a forum member, S18217x dates 1958 and right at the change over to model number. Came with Magna's but since I'm shooting it at little round circles, I put on a set of Targets I had left over from a 29 some years ago. Virtually unshot when I bought it. I also have a 686 and a 15 and this 28 is rapidly becoming my favorite. Took it apart, cleaned and lubed and polished and a wonderful trigger.
Stu

[Ken NC]

1955 Highway Patrolman that had plenty of use. Did some repairs (including replacing Goodyears with some diamond target stocks that needed their own repair) that I posted and talked about elsewhere. Thought I'd add these pics to this great thread.

[lagavulin62]

Originally Posted by Ken NC

1955 Highway Patrolman that had plenty of use. Did some repairs (including replacing Goodyears with some diamond target stocks that needed their own repair) that I posted and talked about elsewhere. Thought I'd add these pics to this great thread.

it does look like it's had some use but then again if it still operates mechanically for a 28 I think it's a good thing. I have always envisioned my 28(when I get one) to show honest use. unlike my sissy 27 that just doesn't want to get dirt under her nails.

those diamonds look like they would feel great. I love the target stocks. I didn't realize the diamonds were that much thinner? at least it looks thinner in the picture compared to the plain targets. is that just the photo?

[lagavulin62]

yeah I tried searching but came up with nothing. on a recent auction listing a user inquired about the gun going on the c&r list sometime next year. is there any truth to this?

[blujax01]

Nothing spectacular. I secretly hoped it had been sold to someone famous, (or infamous) but my Highway Patrolman, Serial Number S114306 was shipped from the factory on July 7, 1954 and delivered to Em Roe Sporting Goods 209-211 Washington Street in Indianapolis. 4 inch barrel, brush blue finish and checkered walnut grips.
I looked up Em Roe Sporting Goods and found that they were a family owned firm that started as a gun store in 1864! Currently they are a wholesale only team and school sporting goods supplier. Neat ...

Obviously an aftermarket chrome job as was often done in the 50's. I added the Eagle Stocks.


A period photo of the display window at Em Roe.

[maximvs]

Hello all, this is my very first post on this site.. hope I'm doing it right! I just purchased a model 28 Highway Patrolman with serial numbers giving it a date of manufacture between 1960 and 1961. Even though it will be first and foremost a shooter; I would like to do whatever I can to enhance it's value also as a collectible. It has pachmayer grips with no originals or box or papers of any kind. The finish is in good condition and when I figure out how to post a pic I will do so. My biggest concern I guess is that the sideplate screws have some minor buggering but the weapon seems to function fine. Haven't fired it yet. I had a HP I bought in 1990 and carried on duty but sold it soon after.. regretted it ever since and am trying to atone for that now... : ) Any thoughts or advice on anything is very appreciated!

[TAROMAN]

Congratulations and welcome to the site.
As for your sideplate screws, new ones are available for very little $. I have also had good luck carefully dressing buggered screwheads with a needle file and finishing off with very fine sandpaper then using Brownell's cold blue (!) on them. The purists will scream, but it's worked fine for me, as my S&Ws are "shooters" not "safe queens"

[keithherrington]

The first one is a 4" I recently purchased for the lofty sum of $350. The Spegel grips cost me another $100. It's serial number is S3061XX. The only mark on the gun is a turn line. It also has one of the finest actions I've ever felt on an untouched factory gun. Just superb.





The other Model 28 I bought several years ago with a bulged barrel. I used it to build a target 45ACP. Since I wanted to correct the cronic throat size dilemma found on 1955s I had John Gallagher in Jasper, AL install a Model 625 rachet, and then install a spare target barrel off of an old Cloward built pin gun. Using a late model rear sight with a Weigand blade and a Weigand front sight block, it came out with a nice balance and a nice sight picture. the grips are highly modified (internally) Nill PPC grips. The gun is exceptionally accurate but gives me a real workout in Bullseye due to its weight.

[cjwils]

I just inherited a 6-inch Highway Patrolman purchased new by my dad in the mid 1950's. Serial # S111xxx. According to the serial number data at the very beginning of this thread, that seems to put in the first year of manufacturing the HP. I have the original grips plus Pachmayr grips. I don't have a photo of it yet, but I think it is in excellent condition, with some holster wear at the end of the barrel and on top of the front sight. It shoots well with a nice trigger pull. Can anyone tell me if the first year serial number gives this gun extra value? Any estimates of it value?

[MP1983]

Maybe $600-$700. The fact that it's a 5 screw S&W N-frame is likely as significant as it being the first year of production, but I'm no expert.

The fact that it was your Dad's & that he bought it new in the mid-50's makes it a priceless heirloom (to you).

I'd be eager to hear the thoughts of some other forum members.

[cjwils]

Here are a couple photos of my dad's old 6" HP, # S111xxx, which I mentioned above two days ago. I don't have great equipment or know-how for taking close-up photos, like some people in this forum seem to have. The photos have some glare that makes the bluing seem off, but in reality the bluing is not bad for the gun's age and given that it was carried in a holster a fair amount.

[mrblond]

I found a serial number S1177! Its a 6".

[hiram2005]

Originally Posted by blujax01

Nothing spectacular. I secretly hoped it had been sold to someone famous, (or infamous) but my Highway Patrolman, Serial Number S114306 was shipped from the factory on July 7, 1954 and delivered to Em Roe Sporting Goods 209-211 Washington Street in Indianapolis. 4 inch barrel, brush blue finish and checkered walnut grips.
I looked up Em Roe Sporting Goods and found that they were a family owned firm that started as a gun store in 1864! Currently they are a wholesale only team and school sporting goods supplier. Neat ...

Obviously an aftermarket chrome job as was often done in the 50's. I added the Eagle Stocks.


A period photo of the display window at Em Roe.

Em Roes was well known to anyone into guns, who lived around Indy. My dad bought a Colt Official Police which was a trade in from Indiana State Prison for the sum of 85 bucks in 1978. And I got my model 18 new from them in '78 for $205. Still have both of them. Em roes was a great store, lots of stuff. Oh, and can't you just see this display window being on Washington Street today???

[Tommezgun]

I have 3 28-2s all 6" and one 4" Barrel that I want put on one of the actions. Any suggestions on a competent gunsmith to do this? Prefer near Bangor Maine but I will send it if I have to. One problem with the 4" bbl is a yellow insert that was done rather poorly. How easy would that be to correct?

[bamabiker]

Originally Posted by cjwils

Here are a couple photos of my dad's old 6" HP, # S111574, which I mentioned above two days ago. I don't have great equipment or know-how for taking close-up photos, like some people in this forum seem to have. The photos have some glare that makes the bluing seem off, but in reality the bluing is not bad for the gun's age and given that it was carried in a holster a fair amount.

Hey cj, I think that's a great looking HP and the fact that it was your Dad's should make it priceless for you. I have a 4" HP with serial number S1113xx so they were pretty close. Great old guns.

Tommezgun, I would probably contact S&W for the barrel change unless I knew a local gunsmith that I trusted to do the work. As for the sight I think Brownells sells a kit for putting those sights in and you can pick the color. If it's not Brownells maybe one of the members will correct me.

[mrblond]

So what is the going price range for the 6" 5 screw HP. I didn't see any on the for sale forum?

[PRK 25-5]

Just bought my first Model 28-2..Serial number shows it was made between 1978 and 1980. Only wear on gun is slight mark on muzzle edge from holster wear. Paid $400. Gun had target trigger installed, lock up and timing are good. Snow and 30 deg. in Clinton Co., Pa. today. Will have to wait for a nicer day to play with my new toy.

[Mr Pokeyman]

I bought a 28-2 from a fellow forum member not long ago and finally got to shoot it. I bought some 125 gr from Walmart which is way too much for my old fingers so I plan to put some rubber grips on because my 686 (which has the rubber) shoots those same bullets and I hardly feel it. I found some numbers stamped inside the right grip and wonder what it mean. They are - 541074. Anyone have an idea. The serial no. is on both the grip frame and inside the cylinder frame??? It is N574xxx and according to chart on page 1 it was made between 1978 & 80. But, the N600000 serial nos. started in 1979. How can that be? Thanks.

[imashooter2]

Model 28-2, SN = S2345XX

[bamabiker]

iamshooter2, that's a beauty. What's the story on that one? Did you get it with the Coke grips on it?

[imashooter2]

Originally Posted by bamabiker

iamshooter2, that's a beauty. What's the story on that one? Did you get it with the Coke grips on it?

Thanks! I picked it up in May of 2009 after pursuing it for a few months. Paid $450 for it wearing Pachmayr Signature grips. After the deal was sealed, the guy threw in a set of take off grips that he had no use for. I think it sweetened the deal considerably...

[scout II]

Here is my 4" model 28 no dash,serial #s184xxx.It looks to be unfired.

[TAROMAN]

Very nice! Gun and photography. And, where do you guys get those spiffy blue S&W props?

[MP1983]

Thanks! I picked it up in May of 2009 after pursuing it for a few months. Paid $450 for it wearing Pachmayr Signature grips. After the deal was sealed, the guy threw in a set of take off grips that he had no use for. I think it sweetened the deal considerably... (from imashooter2)

those stocks are worth about what the gun is!! be careful w/ them...

p.s. you did real good!!

[S&W_aussie]

Hi

I have just purchased my first 28-2. I have a 27-2 6" which I love but I have always wanted a 4" 28...just like the look of them...really tough little (big) guns.

The pic is not the best...just the dealers pic. I will post a better one when I get the permit papers and can actually take him home.

This one is mis-stamped as a model 26 (but I already have a thread going here about that! ). I think it is great even with that small defect. Serial N221XXX.

Cheers

Mike
PS - Like I said...better pics to come!

[NBink]

I just got my first model 28.
It is a 6" with a pinned barrel, recessed chambers, target hammer, target trigger and outlined sights.
Serial # is S175xxx, so I think that gives it a date-of-birth of 1956. (based in information in this thread.)
It's in very good condition, is very tight and came with the original grips plus aftermarket grips.
Inside the cylinder yoke where I expected to see "Mod. 28" there is only a numeral "1" inside a circle and the single letter "J" stamped below that.
Is this typical for the model 28?

I love this gun!

[snw19_357]

Originally Posted by NBink

Serial # is S175xxx, so I think that gives it a date-of-birth of 1956.

Welcome to the forum!! Congrats on picking up your first Highway Patrolman.

S175xxx is more likely from 1958.

Originally Posted by NBink

Is this typical for the model 28?

It is typical for a Highway Patrolman that was made before they gave them model numbers.
S175xxx is pretty late for a 'pre-28', is there a screw at the top of the sideplate on the right-side (below) or is that a 4-screw HP?

[NBink]

Thanks for the correction on the date.
There is no screw on the upper side plate.
I can't find "28", Mod. 28", "Model 28" or any variation thereof anywhere on it. It does have "Highway Patrolman" stamped on the right side of the barrel, like the one in your pic.

[bobbyjack]

I just bought a HWP 28-2 and it's a 4 screw with a ser# of S237073.

So some of those dates might be a little wiggly!

Bob

[jughed440]

recently purchased my first N frame...a 4" 28-2 HP from an estate sale. box and papers included. looks to be fired very little. the bluing is mint, with a very faint turn line. P&R, has target hammer & trigger but is not marked so on the label. it's the first box i have ever seen with the labels upside down...is that common, or just a fluke?


Ser# N5773**

[AirCommando]

That's how the blue 2 piece boxes are. S&W stocks them in the shelf upside down so when they draw one out, they don't drop the gun out.

AC

[jughed440]

Originally Posted by AirCommando

That's how the blue 2 piece boxes are. S&W stocks them in the shelf upside down so when they draw one out, they don't drop the gun out.

AC

thanks for the explanation....learned something new today

[Enframe]

I'll add this one.

M28, S1943xx, 4" 4 screw from 1958-59. No box, no paper, non-matching magna's. But it is a real 99% gun, and shoots to POA with 158grn magnum loads and no sight adjustment.

It's a keeper.

Enframe

[NBink]

Thanks to forum members for info and interest.
I've recieved a couple of questions since my first post so I'm going to provide some additional info and pics.
It's a 6" with serial number S1755xx.
There is also the number(s) 880 29 stamped on the left side of the grip frame and on the yoke.
Mod. 28 does not appear anywhere on it.
The backstrap has 10 grooves.
There is no number on the ejector rod shroud or the rear of the cylinder.
It is equipped with target hammer, trigger and sights.
The S&W grips are checkered with the center diamond.
+ 2 quick notes:
Forgive the disguised digits in the serial numberand I just discovered I maxed out the upload file size capacity without the yoke number pic but the number is there and it's the same as the LS of the frame (not the serial number on bottom of frame)

I'd very much appreciate any information anyone can provide and I'll do my best to answer all questions. Thanks again.

[Reddog]

I just purchased a 6" Highway Patrolman, serial #13338X. Pictures here Hiway Patrolman find!
Dick

[Big'un]

Until recently most of my pistols were Third Generation semis and my revolvers were all stainless steel Smiths.Because I live in Canada I had never seen a Highway Patrolman much less heard of one until I started visiting this site.Something about it's raw ruggedness and a look that meant all business made me want to get one.On the second day that I started to look for one, I found this 28-2 at a great price for North of the Border at $450. It was as if it was meant to be.It came with the standard black service grips,great trigger and tighter than some of the new guns sold today. I managed to purchase the set of Magna grips thanks to SAFireman a member of this forum.Serial #N557XXX.

[Bill Bates]

You can add one more 6" five screw Highway Patrolman serial number S1291xx. It is in 98% plus condition with all matching serial numbers including the magna stocks.

[big50_1]

Wonder what the pistol count here is compared to the total?

[imashooter2]

Originally Posted by big50_1

Wonder what the pistol count here is compared to the total?

Oh this thread/site is just a small fraction of the total production. That said Allen-frame hasn't updated his first post since July and we were on page 54 then.