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

[Tundra]

Other side

[Tundra]

Thanks! I'm going to trade a Remington model 770 instead. I'll hold onto the H.P. unless someone wants to offer me a great price. Thanks again.

[Trooperdan]

I've wanted a N-frame .357 Smith for a while now so recently on a whim, I looked at an auction site and found a S&W 28-2 6" listed without much action. Reading the description, I saw why, the seller mentioned there was a very slight bulge 1.5" from the muzzle. Reading further, I saw the location was only 12 miles off a planned trip route so I took a plunge, bid and won it for $367. I picked it up yesterday and it is in what I'd call 95% + condition. Barely a turn line, very little blue wear, even the faces of the cylinders aren't powder caked. The recoil shield is well marked though. As for the bulge, well if there is one, it is darned slight! No box or papers and it is wearing Goodyears but I am happy! Darned, I hope it shoots! So here is N189177:

[Sir Geoff]

Originally Posted by walter o

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

Nice! Thanks for sharing. The 4 inch has a great look to it!

[S&WIowegan]

Originally Posted by Trooperdan

I've wanted a N-frame .357 Smith for a while now so recently on a whim, I looked at an auction site and found a S&W 28-2 6" listed without much action. Reading the description, I saw why, the seller mentioned there was a very slight bulge 1.5" from the muzzle. Reading further, I saw the location was only 12 miles off a planned trip route so I took a plunge, bid and won it for $367. I picked it up yesterday and it is in what I'd call 95% + condition. Barely a turn line, very little blue wear, even the faces of the cylinders aren't powder caked. The recoil shield is well marked though. As for the bulge, well if there is one, it is darned slight! No box or papers and it is wearing Goodyears but I am happy! Darned, I hope it shoots! So here is N189177:

Good buy! Just FY...I have a revolver with a bulge on the outside of the barrel that can be felt if you run a finger there. However, neither a gunsmith nor I can see any trace of a bulge on the inside. We think it's just a slight manufacturing glitch.

[Big Cholla]

Great Buy! Never be worried about a problem S&W barrel again. With all the de-miled parts showing up on the auction sites, one can pick and choose a replacement barrel at a reasonable price. Barrels are very easy for the informed DIYer or the local Armorer to replace.

If you can't see or feel a bulge, it is probably the result of an over active imagination by a fussy owner. The proof of the pudding will be "how does it shoot?". IMHO try a mild mid-range 38 Special first and then a mid level 357 M load, both in jacketed bullets. If one of them shoots well, I don't think that you will have any problem at all. Lead bullets could shoot well even with a bulged barrel.

Given the opportunity, I would have paid $100 more than you did for that Highway Patrolman. ............... Big Cholla

[docbrazos]

Waited a long time. Picked up a 28-2 S/N N159XXX Pinned 4" Barrel Recessed . Guessing 1973?

[Gripgrabber]

I recently found a 28-2 4" in excellent sn n 5841xx p&r with no holster wear for 500 out td at a gunshow! I love those N frames!

[Matt_G]

Originally Posted by Gripgrabber

I recently found a 28-2 4" in excellent sn n 5841xx p&r with no holster wear for 500 out td at a gunshow! I love those N frames!

Picture or it didn't happen.

[jframe]

Ok, I am now officially a member of the Highway Patrolman club. 28-2 I picked up at a local gun show this past Sunday. The grips aren't right, but are surprisingly comfortable. I've got some Grashorns on the way, though; felt the old girl deserves a nice pair of shoes. I want a short barreled 27 so bad I can taste it, but I just can't really afford the coins, so I think this is a great alternative.

[younggun22]

Just picked this up a couple weeks ago. It was a duty gun and came with some beat up targets on it. It's got alittle honest finish wear to it but mechanically is perfect. I cleaned it and waxed it and now I need to talk to ray and get a holster for it!

The S/N is N106xxx

[srsmyth]

Originally Posted by younggun22

Just picked this up a couple weeks ago. It's got a little honest finish wear to it but mechanically is perfect.
The S/N is N106xxx

That is a beauty, looks like VERY little honest wear. That is a pretty early S/N on this thread as well. Congratulations on a nice HP.
Steve

[younggun22]

Originally Posted by srsmyth

That is a beauty, looks like VERY little honest wear. That is a pretty early S/N on this thread as well. Congratulations on a nice HP.
Steve

Yes I am very happy with it, holster wear is slightly more prominent that the pictures show, it is just hard to photograph.

[jggaffney]

My 28-2, Ser # S-292XXX, early 1967. I bought this at Sportsman's gun Room east of Sacramento. The owner had 2 in the case, and I picked this one. He said he gets Model 28s in frequently because Calif CHP officers retire, move to the mountains, then eventually sell their service revolver. If you live in NoCal and are in the market for a Model 28, check it out.

[kcphelps]

This will have to do until I get some real grips and a better camera, just had to show it.
28-2 N286xxx

[scotchblade]

I recently came across a 28-2 with a 6" barrel. Serial number indicates a later manufacturing date of 1979. It did not come with original grips, so I am going to start searching.

Were the magnas the standard issue during this time period? My dad bought a 4" back in 1974 and it had the magnas, but I remember going with him to find the targets. Like an idiot, I sold that gun in the nineties.

With the 6" barrel, I prefer the look of the targets, on the 4" I prefer the magnas. They seem more balanced looking to me that way. But that's me.

As always, I welcome your feedback. I learn something new here everyday.

Happy Thanksgiving

[119dep]

New member. Recently purchased early N serial # HP blue, 4 in barrel pinned, chamfered cylinders, case hardened hammer and trigger, adjustable rear sight. The revolver is missing original grips. Are magnas the historically correct grip style and what is the best sources for them? Frustrated by ebay because of waits and last minute charlies who drive the price beyond reasonable. Will give serial # data in another post.

[PA Guns & Ammo]

Originally Posted by 119dep

New member. Recently purchased early N serial # HP blue, 4 in barrel pinned, chamfered cylinders, case hardened hammer and trigger, adjustable rear sight. The revolver is missing original grips. Are magnas the historically correct grip style and what is the best sources for them? Frustrated by ebay because of waits and last minute charlies who drive the price beyond reasonable. Will give serial # data in another post.

Welcome. How about posting some pictures?

James

[119dep]

[QUOTE=srv1;138247079]Welcome. How about posting some pictures?

James[/QUOTE

I will do once I figure out how to do it. Ignorance is bliss!

[WaywardSon]

I work part time in a LGS...spend some time behind the counter, but mostly in the back taking pictures and getting guns listed on Gunbroker. Yesterday I was walking down the aisle and just happen to notice a revolver on the bottom shelf of one of the cases, kinda hidden really. I get it out & lo and behold it is a very nice 28-2! Lets just say it never went back in the case:-)

A Highway Patrolman was one of the first guns I ever bought with my own money. I remember riding my GS-750 to the guys house, handing over $250 and securing the gun with a bungee cord to the seat for the ride home This was mid to late '70's...later on I sold/traded that gun & have wanted another since. This one ain't going anywhere. N frame Smith's are the best looking revolver ever built IMO.

I'll try and get around to taking a pic....6" bbl.,Target stocks, built about 1976 & only a tiny weak spot in the bluing at the muzzle. Can't wait to shoot it.

[119dep]

Originally Posted by 119dep

New member. Recently purchased early N serial # HP blue, 4 in barrel pinned, chamfered cylinders, case hardened hammer and trigger, adjustable rear sight. The revolver is missing original grips. Are magnas the historically correct grip style and what is the best sources for them? Frustrated by ebay because of waits and last minute charlies who drive the price beyond reasonable. Will give serial # data in another post.

Serial number on the frame under the grips and on the yoke is N8846. The firing pin is on the hammer and appears to have been a duty gun. Blue nearly worn off on the end of the barrel, an area on the cylinder, and the areas where the barrel joins the frame. Can anyone help with history data on this revolver?

[WaywardSon]

Other, far more knowledgeable folks will likely chime in soon...but it would appear that your gun was built in the early '80's...probably 1983. As far as the stocks go, I have no idea what is "correct". I put Targets or Hogue's on mine...hey, they fit my hand:-) Others here will know what your gun should have. Probably the best source for stocks is right here. Keep your eye on the classified section & you will find what you need.

[Whiteman]

Here is my pair. Love the HPs.

[ibewbull]

28-2WOOD.jpg

28-2SWWOOD.jpg




Two 28-2s and a 3 1/2", 27-2 who slid in to ham it up.

[Trooperdan]

Originally Posted by 119dep

Serial number on the frame under the grips and on the yoke is N8846. The firing pin is on the hammer and appears to have been a duty gun. Blue nearly worn off on the end of the barrel, an area on the cylinder, and the areas where the barrel joins the frame. Can anyone help with history data on this revolver?

I think your serial number is most likely in the 1970-71 time frame. We like pictures here, even poor ones so let's see some pics!

[119dep]

New member. Recently purchased HP blue, 4 in barrel pinned, chamfered cylinders, case hardened hammer and trigger, adjustable rear sight. The revolver is missing original grips. Are magnas the historically correct grip style and what is the best sources for them? Frustrated by ebay because of waits and last minute charlies who drive the price beyond reasonable.

Serial number on the frame under the grips and on the yoke is N8846. The firing pin is on the hammer and appears to have been a duty gun. Blue nearly worn off on the end of the barrel, an area on the cylinder, and the areas where the barrel joins the frame. Can anyone help with history data on this revolver?

[GreatWhiteNorth]

Last week I was driving back home from a meeting in Olympia and I stopped by chance in a small gun shop in Lakewood near the Fort Lewis. They had a 1968 vintage (ser# S293xxx) highway patrolman, with an emphasis on HAD. It now has a new home - mine!



Took it to the range yesterday. At 20 feet it is much more accurate than any of my auto pistols when fired single action, and its pretty good in double action too.

[walter o]

Just picked up another H.P. from a Forest Service Ranger .It has some use wear but is mechanically tight . It was his service arm, He is now retired .
Any help on the date S/N N85330 will post pictures later with the other members of the family.

[Boogsawaste]

How about one of the first "N" prefixes? N12 for this old patrolman. Yeah I need to get some correct magnas for it. Money's tight this time of year so it'll have to wait but it'll look much better then!

[kcphelps]

NICE, not even a turn line.

[GunarSailors]

Concerning the logo on the side plate... Why are some logos higher than others? Mine is able to wear factory targets and all of the logo is visible. Other 28-2s (and other Smiths for that matter) that I have seen have lower logos and would be partially covered if you put target stocks on the gun. Why is that?

[Boogsawaste]

Originally Posted by GunarSailors

Concerning the logo on the side plate... Why are some logos higher than others? Mine is able to wear factory targets and all of the logo is visible. Other 28-2s (and other Smiths for that matter) that I have seen have lower logos and would be partially covered if you put target stocks on the gun. Why is that?

From what I've seen, and I looked at a lot, the lower logo along with the lazy ampersand are on all pre 28's, S prefix 28's, and N prefix from N1-NXXXXX. NXXXXXX+ seem to have the higher logo and newer ampersand.

[DelawareDave]

I was led to believe the higher logos were because the gun left the factory with target grips installed, to ensure the logo was visible. Lower logos were on magna gripped guns.

Can anyone verify this?

[Boogsawaste]

Originally Posted by DelawareDave

I was led to believe the higher logos were because the gun left the factory with target grips installed, to ensure the logo was visible. Lower logos were on magna gripped guns.

Can anyone verify this?

Not sure but if you look at just this thread I believe everyone posted matches the serial numbers like I put above.

[greenmachine]

Four inch 'S' serial from 1970 and six inch 'N' from 1979.

[jim02ss]

A quick question on my 28-2 1973 HP.... what are the options other than 6" or 4" barrel? This one is the 4" barrel version with adjustable rear sight.

The trigger was reworked on this one and its very light and crisp. It snaps like a candy cane.

[bigfreakinrevolver]

Sorry I had to put my highway gun re-chambered in 357-44 Bain and Davis back in the day.

[diggler1833]

Just posted this elsewhere, but wanted to join this thread and share in the awesomeness!

28-2 in near mint condition.

[GunarSailors]

Got some new old factory targets stocks for the 28-2 shooter. New (from 1964) color case hardened Target Trigger & Target Hammer. One of the previous owners had polished both original trigger and hammer. I recently installed the red ramp insert and am very happy how it turned out. It already came with the white outline on the rear sight. It has all the target options now, and it's exactly how I would have ordered it. It may not be factory original and I may have hurt the value... But I really, really like it and will probably never get rid of it.

[kcphelps]

Originally Posted by jim02ss

A quick question on my 28-2 1973 HP.... what are the options other than 6" or 4" barrel? This one is the 4" barrel version with adjustable rear sight.

I lucked into mine which has the red ramp on the front, but no white outline on the rear, TT and semi target hammer.
Congrats on your gun!

[JasonBlaster]

Well, now don't be jealous but I just opened the best Christmas gift ever..... A S&W 28-2! It's a 6" sn 953xx. It's a beautiful gun, and it comes with sentimental value. It was my late uncle Ray's gun. It hung in a holster in the kitchen at his farm, and he called it his "money gun". I was not expecting it at all, and I was literally speechless when I opened the package. I'll clean it up and post pics shortly. Oh, and if you don't think I'm shooting it tomorrow, you're wrong!

[Golphin]

Originally Posted by JasonBlaster

Well, now don't be jealous but I just opened the best Christmas gift ever..... A S&W 28-2! It's a 6" sn 953xx. It's a beautiful gun, and it comes with sentimental value. It was my late uncle Ray's gun. It hung in a holster in the kitchen at his farm, and he called it his "money gun". I was not expecting it at all, and I was literally speechless when I opened the package. I'll clean it up and post pics shortly. Oh, and if you don't think I'm shooting it tomorrow, you're wrong!

Very nice Christmas present. Congratulations on your Highway Patrolman. I have one and I would say I enjoy shooting it more than any of my others. Can't wait to see the pictures.

[ricky_45]

N100xxx

[JasonBlaster]

A little wear, and needs a set of grips. But other than that it's beautiful.

[trashy]

I picked this one up a couple weeks ago. 28-2, N259XXX, shipped August 1976. My first HP.

[TLflag]

Just to let you know they are still out there, I just bought a Pre-28 serial number 104040 which makes it the number 540 Highway Patrol pistol made in 1954. Everything matching and in very good shape.
Don't give up, keep looking. Terry

[walkcubs]

Just bought this Model 28-2 s/n N26XX. All factory original.

[Chukar60]

I have been on the look out for a good clean 4" HP for some time. I have had two 6" HP's and did not care for the longer barrel. I saw this on the local classifieds and wrote it off as another over priced HP. A week later I revisited the ad and noticed for the first time it was a 5 screw. Bought this just before Christmas and posted it on the 1896-61 forum.
SN S114511 places it in the first year of production, 1954. Grips number to the gun and the finish is well above 90%.
I injured my hand and have not been able to shoot it yet.

[mr-mom]

I found a 4" Model 28-2 in excellent condition, Serial #N5204xx. This gun has the wide target trigger and target hammer. According to SCSW the Model 28 never shipped in that configuration. I've seen a lot of 28-2s, but never with TT TH. Anyone ever see one like this? It s possible a former owner sent it back to S&W for modification. W/O a letter I may never know how it shipped.
Dave
SWCA#2778

[A10]

There was recently one shown with the original box here that was marked TT/TH. Never say never with S&W!