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

[MDB1056]

Just today picked up a gorgeous 28-2 (N262XXX). Grips are a little dark but there's barely a mark on this gun anywhere. Private owner distress sale for $450. No box or papers. I'm still new to the older Smith revolver world but have quickly learned to love them. Barely a turn ring on this and timing and lockup are perfect and super tight. Smith CS says 1976 is closest they can ID but this thread info up front ID's as 1974. I'm curious why this one has larger square but target grips with speedloader cut out but other 28-2's I see have smaller almost K frame looking round grips. OK on second look they're square butt but they look smaller than the targets and they don't have the cut out. We're they mfg'd at the same time or did they change the grip styles per year? This gun will be used and be in good company with a pair of early 586's, model 10-10, a pre model snub (very cool piece), and a few others. Somehow I'm up to 7 revolvers now - which I still see as a very reasonable number (under 50). This one is a keeper

[Jack71]

Whew! I finally finished reading this thread - all 40 pages! I've learned a lot about these wonderful revolvers. My thanks to everyone who posted here, it's been a great education.

I've recently acquired two Model 28s: a 6", serial# S226xxx from 1962 and a 4", serial#N38xxx from about 1971. Both are in good shape, and I'm blown away with how well they perform at the range. I've got quite a collection of handguns: 1911s, Glocks, Sigs, a CZ and a Browning High Power, but I can't shoot any of them as well as these Model 28s.

I'll post pics later of my two 28s, not that they are anything better than what can be seen here.

[les.b]

Originally Posted by Jack71

Whew! I finally finished reading this thread - all 40 pages! I've learned a lot about these wonderful revolvers. My thanks to everyone who posted here, it's been a great education.

I've recently acquired two Model 28s: a 6", serial# S226xxx from 1962 and a 4", serial#N38xxx from about 1971. Both are in good shape, and I'm blown away with how well they perform at the range. I've got quite a collection of handguns: 1911s, Glocks, Sigs, a CZ and a Browning High Power, but I can't shoot any of them as well as these Model 28s.

I'll post pics later of my two 28s, not that they are anything better than what can be seen here.

Jack:

Welcome to the forum!! As you have just noted, this is the graduate school for Smith lovers and enthusiasts!!! We all share and learn from one another, and there are real experts (not me) here who are willing to help those with new interests, or problems, or who just want to learn more about their particular gun.

Best Regards, Les

[Jack71]

Here's my 4" 28-2, serial# N38xxx. Probably made about 1971.

Pics of my 6" version will follow.

[7539]

Just picked this one up in a trade. Serial S115xxx which should be a late 1954 model. Has been hard chromed sometime in the past 62 years. Nice little gun, locks up pretty tight. Marked "S" on the cylinder. Non-original grips...wish I had the originals!

[A10]

Originally Posted by Fredo Batali

I picked up this nice five screw "Highway Patrolman" at a recent gun show. serial number dates it in 1955. It's been autographed by Mr. P.J. Anderson, but otherwise it's been used but not abused. I've been looking for a four-inch shooter and I found it. I got it from fellow board member A10 (thanks Ron). Here are a couple of pics.

De Oppresso Liber

I'm glad you're liking it Tony. Them there named models are rare!

EDIT: Hadn't we actually decided it had belonged to Pope John Anderson???

[weatherby]

4 MOD 28 4 screw S# range S1926** to S205*** 4 4" 2 6"

Alan I don't know if you want to add this one.
It is a 6" 4 screw model marked 28 at serial 188860

[tarheelbball]

Hard chromed 28-2. Why?? I don't know why but it's a great shooter. 6" N28XXXX Probably try to find some nice wood and watched a couple videos on how to repair the red insert.

[beardeddog]

Any ideas on this one with the red ramp front and the white outline rear sites? Not a NYSP version. Pinned barrel PRE 1982 Serial 546xxx from around 1978. It was a former duty weapon

[sprscientist]

I finally got one. N550XXX. Wearing Herrett walnut grips. Have a six incher on the way too.

[Texasgordo]

28-2 #S323××× that I bought from my brother. He got it from his wife's grandpa and it was nearly rusted shut. The finish and grips are rough but I like the gun anyways. It's probably the most accurate revolver I've ever shot.

[S.B.]

I, recently, traded for a four inch, blue 28-2, serial numbered N160974. It had some red material on front sight ramp that I managed to remove and a chip out of right grip that I filled but, is in pretty good shape now.


Steve

[Texasgordo]

What is that between the trigger guard and grips?

I have seen it before on other Smiths and am curious about it's purpose.

[S.B.]

Period correct Tyler TGrip or as close as I had in my wood box, it improves grip on handgun without adding bulk or length to grip.
Steve

[glass3222]

I am looking at a Model 28-2 that I found on locally.

It is described as:

Smith & Wesson model 28-2 .357 magnum 6" barrel for sale. Pinned and recessed.Target grips and the smaller original grips included. Locks up tight and is a good shooter $575

I contacted the seller and he says he will send pictures, the one in the add is not very clear. He says it is in good condition with little a blueing loss around the muzzle. Functions and shoots fine.

I am hoping to look at it tomorrow. Is $575 a fair price as described? My initial thought is to offer closer to $500.

This will be a shooter as my dad's 6" model 27-2 is in LNIB condition and only gets shot occasionally. the 27-2 shoots so well, but I worry about keeping it in the condition that it is in.

[Texasgordo]

I'm no expert but anywhere between $500-$575 is fair with 2 sets of grips. If it's in good condition and you like it go for it.

[CA Escapee]

Here are my 28's. A 4" 28 dash nothing, S182XXX, and a rough 4" 28-2, NYSP, N545XXX.

[Jimmyjones]

Picked up 28-2 as a shooter to go with my no dash safe queen. Only N frame I own with numbered stocks, and I'll probably slap goodyears on it.

N1017xx

[Redeker]

My shooter 28, in the late model -3. Wanted a "highway patrolman" since I started accumulating S&W revolvers. One landed in my lap this year. Got a set of magna's from a forum member, threw an extra Tyler T on it...... I like seeing the rounds in the non recessed cylinder. 20161120_162623.jpg20161120_162543.jpg20161120_162102.jpg

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[rolandbr]

Found a mod 28 4 screw 4" ser no 2026XX with cokes on is that possible, dont know how to post pics but can email some to somone to post.

[BC38]

I'm looking at buying a Highway Patrolman.

Anybody got one close to the N284xxx serial number?
The serial number ranges in the first post indicate N200000 serial numbers shipping in 1974-77, and the N300000 SN range starting to be shipped in 1975. So what does that mean for one in the N284xxx range? Most likely in the 1975-77 time frame?

It has target stocks on it, but I'm also wondering what the period correct magna stocks for a 74-77 N-frame look like...

[BC38]

Originally Posted by GA 1911

I have a 1973 N-prefix almost identical to your nice Model 28-2 with Magna stocks:

Cool, what is the S/N on yours?

[BC38]

What do you guys think, does this look like it would be worth around $450 OTD? It's biggest flaws are that the target stocks are a little dinged up, and the rear sight leaf is broken. Light turn line, no other significant handling marks, pristine bore, mechanicals all spot on...

[19leben]

Originally Posted by BC38

What do you guys think, does this look like it would be worth around $450 OTD? It's biggest flaws are that the target stocks are a little dinged up, and the rear sight leaf is broken. Light turn line, no other significant handling marks, pristine bore, mechanicals all spot on...

This is just me, but yes I'd go $450 OTD on this one. Sight blade is easy to replace, and the grips are fine for shooting.

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[BC38]

Yeah, I think I'll get it. Numrich has the sight blade for $12, and I think a quick acetone strip and tung oil or boiled linseed oil refinish ought to fix the finish on the grips.

I seriously doubt that I'm ever going to find a nicer one for $420 + tax.

I'll post some better photos once I get it and clean it up....

[Texasgordo]

Nice find BC38 and a great price.

[Wise_A]

Not bad, I'd go for it. I've been thinking about adding a Highway Patrolman to The List. I've decided I've got a certain affinity for LEO specials.

[BC38]

Originally Posted by Wise_A

Not bad, I'd go for it. I've been thinking about adding a Highway Patrolman to The List. I've decided I've got a certain affinity for LEO specials.

Yeah, I've read so many threads by the folks around here raving about how great they are, that I finally decided I had to try one and see for myself. Having seen them in a lot worse shape for $100 more I figured I can't get hurt on it.

At something like 44 ounces they always seemed like a heck of a lot of iron for slinging 6 rounds of .357 lead. Especially since a K-snubby will do it for roughly half the weight.

I figured that if I try it and don't like it I've got nothing to lose - I can always sell it (yeah, riiiiiight, like that's really gonna' happen)....

[les.b]

BC38:

I felt the same way, until I had a chance to get one for a reasonable price. I really like mine, and you're right, it is heavy for what it does, but on the other hand, all that mass means you can shoot full power 357s all day without much fatigue, because the weight tames the recoil. And there is just something cool about them. All of my law enforcement career, before we went to semis, I carried a K frame 357, and I'm glad I did. An officer carries a lot of stuff besides the gun, so the weight savings is appreciated. But for just shooting, the big N frame is a real pleasure!! I don't think you'll regret buying it!!

Best Regards, Les

[gmborkovic]

Well we have hit 2000 posts and not one was a 28-1. If they are out there, they are hiding deep, somewhere. Lastly, a big thank you to Allen for starting this thread. Best

[19leben]

Originally Posted by BC38

Yeah, I think I'll get it. Numrich has the sight blade for $12, and I think a quick acetone strip and tung oil or boiled linseed oil refinish ought to fix the finish on the grips.

I seriously doubt that I'm ever going to find a nicer one for $420 + tax.

I'll post some better photos once I get it and clean it up....

Remember to also order the windage screw and nut. When replacing the blade, you'll have to snap the windage screw to remove it. There's a good video on midwayusa.com that shows start to finish.

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[BC38]

Originally Posted by 19leben

Remember to also order the windage screw and nut. When replacing the blade, you'll have to snap the windage screw to remove it. There's a good video on midwayusa.com that shows start to finish.

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Really? Man I wish I had known that before I ordered JUST the blade from Numrich.

I could have got the whole kit (blade, screw & nut) for just $5 more off eBay!

You're sure about that? It can't be taken apart without breaking the screw? That seems like a pretty poor design...

[les.b]

Well, the screw is staked in... Sometimes you can get the nut off without it breaking, but usually not. And even if you do, getting the once staked screw back into the nut is problematic, so usiually the whole set are replaced at the same time.

I think there is a thread on here somewhere in the gunsmithing section that will give more comprehensive instructions. I'm on the run right now, but if I can find it after while, I'll post the link.

Best Regards, Les

[19leben]

Originally Posted by BC38

Really? Man I wish I had known that before I ordered JUST the blade from Numrich.

I could have got the whole kit (blade, screw & nut) for just $5 more off eBay!

You're sure about that? It can't be taken apart without breaking the screw? That seems like a pretty poor design...

YouTube "replace rear sight blade on Smith & Wesson revolver" the first video should be the Midway USA video.

The windage screw is staked because if not, you cannot actually adjust windage as the screw will just thread in or out of the nut.

Sorry I didn't respond in time, or alert you sooner so you could order the kit. I don't know why they offer just the blade anyway. Makes no sense.

Do watch the video though, as it explains a lot.

Good luck! Not that you need it.

Hugh

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[BC38]

Originally Posted by 19leben

YouTube "replace rear sight blade on Smith & Wesson revolver" the first video should be the Midway USA video.

The windage screw is staked because if not, you cannot actually adjust windage as the screw will just thread in or out of the nut.

Sorry I didn't respond in time, or alert you sooner so you could order the kit. I don't know why they offer just the blade anyway. Makes no sense.

Do watch the video though, as it explains a lot.

Good luck! Not that you need it.

Hugh

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No need to apologize - not your fault or responsibility. I think I was able to catch it in time and cancel the Numrich order.

Thanks for the heads up. I watched the video and have a much better understanding of how it goes together now. I think I'll at least try taking it apart without breaking the screw - what have I got to lose? We'll see what happens. Worst case it breaks and I order the kit off eBay.

I still have to wonder why they stake the nut instead of using a little red locktite...

[pittpa]

Did somebody say they were heavy? This 28-2 comes in just an ounce under 4 lb unloaded. I saw it around the mid-90's in a LGS maybe 60 miles away and passed on it. Unbeknownst to me, a friend bought it and maybe 15 or more years later offered it for sale. I recognized it right away. 4-position rear sight.Don't know who built it. No box. Wichita rib, IIRC.
EDIT-Serial #N580xxx, so around 1978

[gunnison]

Originally Posted by gmborkovic

Well we have hit 2000 posts and not one was a 28-1. If they are out there, they are hiding deep, somewhere. Lastly, a big thank you to Allen for starting this thread. Best

Also after 2000 posts, if I have counted right, only nine 4 screw Non Model Marked Highway Patrolman revolvers have surfaced, which includes both barrel lengths. That seems to make this variation also quite scarce.
I also want to thank Allen for launching this thread as it has been very enlightening to learn so much about the Model 28.

[SLT223]

Originally Posted by gmborkovic

Well we have hit 2000 posts and not one was a 28-1. If they are out there, they are hiding deep, somewhere. Lastly, a big thank you to Allen for starting this thread. Best

There has been one on this site. I think it surfaced two or three years ago. The owner also made a youtube video of it. He has since sold it I think. It was initially offered at $3k, didn't move and then pulled about $1800 on GB. It was in about 90% condition if I remember correctly.

28-1 video:

YouTube

[BC38]

Just a quick update. I bought it so now I'm an official a member of the HP owner's club!

At my first opportunity to shoot it I may also become a card-carrying member of the fan club!

[19leben]

Originally Posted by BC38

Just a quick update. I bought it so now I'm an official a member of the HP owner's club!

At my first opportunity to shoot it I may also become a card-carrying member of the fan club!

Congrats! And welcome to the HP fan club!

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[BC38]

Originally Posted by 19leben

Congrats! And welcome to the HP fan club!

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Thanks!

The sight blade replacement is coming along very nicely as well...
Adjustable sight blade replacement

[Texasgordo]

Congrats bud! You won't regret it.

[kmesr9]

Hi I have a couple questions for the pro's here:
1. What should the clearance be between the cylinder and barrel 6" 28-2?
2. I have target grips on my 28-2 but they don't work well with a speed loader. Is there a template to cut this relief or a mfg that does it or do I have to buy new grips?
Thanks in advance you guys are awesome!

[19leben]

Originally Posted by kmesr9

Hi I have a couple questions for the pro's here:
1. What should the clearance be between the cylinder and barrel 6" 28-2?
2. I have target grips on my 28-2 but they don't work well with a speed loader. Is there a template to cut this relief or a mfg that does it or do I have to buy new grips?
Thanks in advance you guys are awesome!

Please post pictures of your target grips. If they're the non-relieved factory type you won't want to cut on them as they are worth quite a bit if in good condition.

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[samandglove1]

Mike- Check out Post 1419

Originally Posted by gmborkovic

Well we have hit 2000 posts and not one was a 28-1. If they are out there, they are hiding deep, somewhere. Lastly, a big thank you to Allen for starting this thread. Best

[19leben]

Originally Posted by samandglove1

Mike- Check out Post 1419

I didn't see any model marking.

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[samandglove1]

Another Highway Patrolman to the pile, a 28-1

Originally Posted by 19leben

I didn't see any model marking.

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[Targets Guy]

I better get my 28-2 in this thread since it is the ultimate thread.

[19leben]

Originally Posted by samandglove1

Another Highway Patrolman to the pile, a 28-1

THAT is what I was looking for! Thank you sir for the link.
Gonna keep my eye out for one, but not holding out much hope for it.

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[MikeLeitner]

Hello - brand new to forum.
I just bought a 28-2 from my LGS. The first thing that I asked was "is this refinished?' and he said "nope". It looks Parkerized instead of any kind of blue. Held next to my 1911, the finish looks identical. It also appears to be unfired outside of the factory. Chamber faces are pristine as is the forcing cone. When cleaning it, one chamber had residue and the other five were spotless. It is early, yet it has a red insert in the front sight and has Hogue monogrips on it instead of wood.
Now the good part. My researching brought me to this thread and the OP post mentioned that the earliest 28-2 he had seen was serial number S222652. So imagine my surprise when I realized that that was my gun's exact number.
I hope that Allen is still around to shed some light on this or if anyone can educate me on this conundrum.
Do I really have a near-mint 1961 model 28 or has it been refinished? Did they put red inserts in back then? And what is the ty-in with Allen? (hope it wasn't stolen from him!!!!!)