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

[girvin02]

Agreed, those are definately K frame grips on Tom_R's gun.

[AJMBLAZER]

Learn something new...

[Tom_R]

Originally Posted by girvin02

Agreed, those are definately K frame grips on Tom_R's gun.

Well, it looks like that is correct. Those are definitely k frame grips. The guy I bought them from said they were NFrame grips.

I had to "hand fit" them to my 28.

I just took them off and put them on my model 19. Yup they go right on, and once I lined them up, they fit perfectly on the Model 19.

[girvin02]

I had the same thing happen to me with a set of "N Frame" target grips I purchased on eBay. After I sent pictures of the ill-fitting grips on a model 629 and a picture of them fitting perfectly on a model 19, the seller agreed to refund half of my purchase price.

[Tom_R]

Originally Posted by girvin02

I had the same thing happen to me with a set of "N Frame" target grips I purchased on eBay. After I sent pictures of the ill-fitting grips on a model 629 and a picture of them fitting perfectly on a model 19, the seller agreed to refund half of my purchase price.

And here I was taking a file, and "Hand-Fitting" them to my Patrolman.

The good news is that even though I removed some material, I was able to get them on my Model 19.

My Model 19 was wearing Pachs, now it has these.

[Leatherhead23]

My 4" HP

Shipped Oct. 1966

[Flesh Wound]

I picked up the Model 28-2 today. They have a range at the gunshop so I got a free session to test the new pistolo.

Oh my this is a joy to shoot.

Now a question about the serial number. In low digit counts does S&W pad the front of the number? For example, my 28 says Nxx on the butt. Would that be correct or would it read N000xx etc? the Nxx serial is also on the frame next to the model number.

If the three digits including the N is correct then I have a 1969 model 28-2 sold to the Texas Dept. of Public Safety.

As I alluded to in a previous post there is a 5 digit number in both the yoke and on the left side of the grip frame. I really do not believe that is the serial number.

Enough yabber...

A couple of pics. This gun was presumably carried by a Texas State Trooper so it's gonna show all the holster wear it has.

Otherwise the gun shoots great and I am happy as a clam to have it.

[weatherby]

The NXX would be correct....no padding necessary

[Flesh Wound]

Great! Thank you Paul.

[dpast32]

Hi Guys, I can still recall the serial # of my very 1st Model 28 "Highway Patrolman". I wasn't of age yet, so I had to have my Father make the actual purchase for me, so many years ago. I chose the 6" bbl version, as I was doing a bit of handloading at the time. The SERIAL # was N272180, & it was purchased in 1976. Like sooooo many other guns I've had & later sold, I really wish I still had it !!

dpast32

[K W C]

Just got another. 28-2 6" serial # n5884xx
Looks like it was made @1978- 1980
No grips.... Anybody got any magnas?

[PALADIN85020]

Some will tell you that the Highway Patrolman / Model 28 was never shipped from the factory with target stocks - any so-equipped were done by the owner.

Others will tell you that the factory did indeed optionally ship 'em from the factory equipped with target stocks. I'm one of them. Here's proof.

John

[rock doc]

^^^ Bazinga

[Doran4x]

My 1954 HP pre 28 has factory unrelieved target stocks serial numbered to gun.


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[Leatherhead23]

Originally Posted by Doran4x

My 1954 HP pre 28 has factory unrelieved target stocks serial numbered to gun.


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Can you post a pic of the serial number stamping on the target stocks please? Id love to see it!

[Doran4x]

Unrelieved targets. Original to gun. 1954 H.P.

[MrTrolleyguy]

Originally Posted by Leatherhead23

My 4" HP
Shipped Oct. 1966

I do not not like knit pickers but just this one time time I'll be picky picky. BTW Leatherhead, That is a grand looking Highway Patrolman.

The strain screw on the grip frame? Is it backing out or did some one put a wrong length screw in that....dare I say it.....screwin' up the revolver?

[Leatherhead23]

Originally Posted by Doran4x

Unrelieved targets. Original to gun. 1954 H.P.

Wow! Fantastic!

Thank you very much for posting the pic!

Originally Posted by MrTrolleyguy

I do not not like knit pickers but just this one time time I'll be picky picky. BTW Leatherhead, That is a grand looking Highway Patrolman.

The strain screw on the grip frame? Is it backing out or did some one put a wrong length screw in that....dare I say it.....screwin' up the revolver?

Lol...good eye Trolley!



The story is when I got the revolver I was so excited to clean her up and get show off pics before I adjusted the improperly adjusted screw. The seller was not a Smith enthusiast and adjusted it way out to improperly make the trigger lighter.

So after I got the pics, I put it back where it needs to be.

[Doran4x]

Leatherhead,

I recently acquired this gun. It had been in a dresser drawer with a couple other Smiths and a Colt for the past 35 years or so after the husband died. A nice find. I have yet to shoot it though.

[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

Tom

[DWFAN]

Originally Posted by Doran4x

Unrelieved targets. Original to gun. 1954 H.P.

To have those grips numbered to the gun is most unusual but not unheard of. I have witnessed a K22 SN K81995 with numbered grips also. Most numbered target grips were reserved for the first 100 Pre 19's.
DW

[snapdragon8888]

My new-to-me 1964 28-2. It's in immaculate condition and appears to have rarely been fired or carried.

[PA Guns & Ammo]

Originally Posted by snapdragon8888

My new-to-me 1964 28-2. It's in immaculate condition and appears to have rarely been fired or carried.

Are those aftermarket grips? They do not look like original S&W. The diamond seems kind of big. Other than that, very nice revolver! I have a twin brother but in 6".

James

[snapdragon8888]

The grips are probably not original. They are reddish (rosewood?) and have brass medallions. I really like the darker woods with the blued finish. I put some silverwood (dark grey with silver grain) diamond magnas on my blued model 10 snubby.

[Usmc5811]

Just brought my first 28-2 home the day before yesterday. Serial is N516XXX. I can't wait to get through my shift work so I can shoot this Tuesday. And get some nice stocks other than the pachmeyers that came on it.

[Dawgtraxx]

Hello all,new here..never been much of a wheel gun fan..more milsurps and semi-autos...picked up a 28-2 yesterday.was too pretty to pass up..pinned and recessed..4 screw?..has all paperwork,box and implements...still learning..serial # s2919xx...late 67 I believe..looking forward to spending lots of time here

[j a]

And welcome to the forum. Congrats on a very nice model 28-2.
And having the box and accessories is a nice bonus.
This should be a 3 screw frame. The 4 screw frame was discontinued in the 1961/1962 time frame. 1967 looks right for the ship date. I would guess early to mid 1967.
Now the bad news. You have started down the slippery slope of S&W collecting. One is never enough. The beautiful craftsmanship in one of these fine guns is like a narcotic. You will only crave more.
Enjoy and again congratulations. JA

[greenmachine]

As of today I can add another 4 incher to this list - serial number S33311x from 1970. One of the very last with the S serial number.

[mr-mom]

Here are two Model 28-2s I've recently added. They most likely have been listed here before, but they now reside in my lineup!

Model 28-2, 4", SN S2837XX
Model 28-2, 6", SN N1507XX

Dave
SWCA #2778

[keithherrington]

As I stated in another recent thread I have recently gotten to appreciate the Model 28. I guess I was a bit of a snob about preferring 27s due to their fit, finish and accuracy. However I recently got the gun below, a 28-2 with serial number N5221XX. I bought it and a 6" Model 27-2 at the same time and was very impressed with how similar the two guns were in terms of quality. What impressed me most was the quality of the 28's action which was just as good as the 27's. The only issue I have with the gun is that the blue on the barrel and on the frame don't match perfectly, but then they don't on the 27 either. From threads I've read on this forum this was a chronic problem with many S&Ws in certain times in its production history.





The gun came with an ancient pair of Rogers Combat grips which I upgraded to a set of Nill Classics. I then had David Sams clean up the action just a bit, keeping the springs full weight. I plan on using the gun in IDPA, shooting in the standard revolver class.

I was so impressed with the 28 that I decided to get another, but in as good a condition as possible. I came across the one below, which I just picked up yesterday from a private seller in Virginia where I live. Its serial number is N985XX, made in approximately 1972, about five years earlier than the one above. The finish is a beautiful satin blue with a much more textured blue on the top and bottom surfaces. It wears one of the most interesting set of S&W Target grips I've ever seen. The finish appears original and there is no evidence the grips have been refinished at all. The wood is very dark with a very dense grain, with strong hints of red throughout. To my eye they appear to be Rosewood, but the wood is so dark I really can't be sure. The fit of the grips to the frame is so precise they must have been fit to this gun at the factory. Also, the shape is an interesting cross between a set of cokes and the more current Target grip shape. They feel almost exactly like the Nill Classics that are on the other 28.





I took the following picture in strong sunlight to show off the grip's colors. I hope someone out there can ID the wood.



Hope you enjoyed the post.
Keith

[salt8]

Not the greatest picture, but wanted to share the return of my 28-2 (top) from Smith & Wesson. I shot the picture with a 28-3 for comparison. I had purchased the 28-2 some time ago (for way too much). The gun was absolutely perfect mechanically, but the finish had a "purple hue" on both the barrel and the cylinder. I decided to send it in for a factory refinish. This is what I got back. I'm very happy. Between the finish and the mechanical condition; it's all but new.

[kcphelps]

I bought one (28-2) last night to replace the last one I stupidly sold.
N286359 4" TT, TH, RR, Hogue goodyears. Hasn't been shot much. I feel better now.

[JohnRippert]

I forgot to add mine to this thread when I got it. 1954 or so Highway Patrolman. S 113359.

[A10]

That's an early one John, congratulations! It's within 10,000 of the first one produced, and since the company used frames for all calibers (not specific to a particular model) I don't doubt that it's in the first run!

[thomaw01]

I inherited a HP .357 with 6" barrel quite a few years ago and stumbled on this thread in researching it. I have been able to nail down the year thanks to the initial post here (thank you BTW).

So the specs are it is a Model 28-2 S3229xx. It does have the original wood diamond center stock so I am thinking late 1968 based on the fact that stock was eliminated in 1969 per the initial thread. The family friend who owned it was a bush pilot in AK and was killed spotting herring but I do know he spent a good chunk of his life in Florida and Alaska. Any way to determine what state it might have been sold by the MFG without an extensive (and costly) search?

It shoots really accurate at longer distances and is definitely heavier. Has some holster wear but other than that is in excellent shape.

How rare are these becoming in the market and what price do you all think they are bringing? I don't want to sell it necessarily but would be good to value it is so I insure it properly.

[BigBill]

When insuring don't we need to get the guns appraised and documented so it's in writing as the values with pictures? To get the correct amount of gun insurance?

[Tom_R]

i have an earlier post (1609) in this thread showing my HP wearing K Frame Target Stocks. Long story/short, they were sold to me as N frames, and I tried to hand fit them.

Well a few weeks ago, John Culina (kurac) finished up a new batch of N Frame Targets, so I got a set for the HP. Smooth Targets are just awesome on these guns. I wanted to show my HP off now!

They are Signature grade smooth target Cocobolos with Gold Medallions, and I think they came out great.


Right Side:


Back strap, check out the "Coke" Profile/palmswell:


Left Side:



And to close the loop, here are the stocks that were on it, NOW on a Model 19, which is where they belong!

[LOBO]

An updated pic of my 28-2 6" Highway Patrolman,

[walter o]

S/N N239419 with 4' bbl,grips, not numbered

[MrTrolleyguy]

I traded into this stout fellow a couple of weeks ago. He is ready for any inspection he might have to stand.

N948XX

Fall in!

Ready for duty, Sir!

[moralem]

Originally Posted by Reddog

Bill,
I would guess they're getting in short supply. I have several beauties! What do you want to talk about?
Dick

I woukd like to inquire about the market value for these guns. I have the opportunity to acquire a 28-2, not sure of date of manufacture and the owner is asking $550 for an "excellent" condition one. I don't have any pictures yet but hope to get some before making a two hour trip to make the acquisition. I prefer a model 27 but we all know what those are going for now so I thought why not the next best thing.

[snapdragon8888]

I paid $550 on Gunbroker for my 28-2 in excellent condition, if that helps any. I think it was a good price.

Mine does not have the factory grips, but it has nice rosewood magnas with brass medallions, and it also came with a set of Pachmayrs.

It also has the purplish color on the cylinder and barrel that was mentioned upthread. I was wondering if mine had the original bluing, but now I'm pretty sure it does.

[moralem]

Thanks for the reference point. I feel good about the price. Not many of anything, that is decent, can be picked up for around 500 bucks. The serial for the one I am looking is N574834 so I guess from what I have read here dates it to 1979-1980.

I pick it up tomorrow barring any complications and will post up some pictures.

[saemetric]

Originally Posted by snapdragon8888

I paid $550 on Gunbroker for my 28-2 in excellent condition, if that helps any. I think it was a good price.

Mine does not have the factory grips, but it has nice rosewood magnas with brass medallions, and it also came with a set of Pachmayrs.

It also has the purplish color on the cylinder and barrel that was mentioned upthread. I was wondering if mine had the original bluing, but now I'm pretty sure it does.

Looks like a refinish to me.

[GunarSailors]

Originally Posted by saemetric

Looks like a refinish to me.

looks like a refinish to me too... but what do I know

[snapdragon8888]

Out of curiosity, what makes you say it looks like a refinish?

[saemetric]

Originally Posted by snapdragon8888

Out of curiosity, what makes you say it looks like a refinish?

Stamping on bbl looks soft and color is not quite right IMHO

[snapdragon8888]

OK, interesting. Leaving for work now, but will get it out and take another look later. I just thought it was interesting that I have seen more than one person reference the purplish color on the barrel and cylinder of theirs, and mine has that also.

[S&WIowegan]

FWIW the purplish color on Model 28s is a regularly observed trait. There are theories why this happened but I won't try to repeat the ideas. The cylinder on snapdragon's revolver seems to be showing purple tint. That may indicate the finish is original. But we should all remember photos create visual effects too.

[Tundra]

I inherited my stepfathers highway patrolman recently and I have no sentimental attachment. I'm ignorant about value, condition etc. It's serial number is N3546. I'm considering trading it for a Mossberg 500 tactical. I don't want to throw away a classic on a common though. I could hold on to it. Am I a damn fool? I'll attach a picture. Any advice or insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Tundra

[Tundra]

Having trouble with pics.