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

[les.b]

Originally Posted by Dozie

Just wanted to add my HP info.

4" 5 screws S1196xx

Dozie:

Welcome to the forum!! If you like S&W, you will love it here.

Best Regards, Les

[TNZ71]

Originally Posted by Dozie

Just wanted to add my HP info.

4" 5 screws S1196xx

Welcome. And pictures please!

[donadler]

Here are the ones I have so far.


NYSP marked 28-2
S serial 28 no dash
28-2 6 inch

[GWW]

Originally Posted by donadler

Here are the ones I have so far.


NYSP marked 28-2
S serial 28 no dash
28-2 6 inch

I remember one day as I was a young lad here in NY being eye level and two feet from the grips of on of those, it was in the holster of a Trooper who held to door for us as we entered a store. I remember looking at the nickle plated rounds in his belt and wondering if the were silver bullets like the Lone Ranger had. I was awestruck by the gun, enough so that I remember it clearly almost sixty years later.

[Texasgordo]

Nice collection donadler.

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[Monty05]

Hi, not sure if this thread is still active and accepting more HPs. But...
I have two of them.
First is a Model 28 No Dash Serial S183841 6" 4-Screw
Looks like 1958 (?) Virtually mint but for cylinder line. Grips match serial number. Finish is better than the 28-2 and action smoother with excellent trigger. Not that the young gal is any slouch!
SmithM280RY.jpg

Next is a Model 28-2 Serial N118708 6" 3-Screw. 1973(?) It has the original blue box. VG+ condition.
SmithM282HWPR.jpg

[TNZ71]

Nice example. Less than $600 and I really like the smooth targets. Not perfect has honest wear but in great condition. Serial # N2698XX.

[Amityslim]

Adding my HP info (sorry, no pics ATT):
6" S120108, diamond walnut targets

[Leatherhead23]

Originally Posted by Amityslim

Adding my HP info (sorry, no pics ATT):
6" S120108, diamond walnut targets

Do those diamond targets have the serial number stamped into them?

I love hearing of numbered Target stocks...and they usually show up with the early HP's

[Tyree1867]

A recent HP purchase: 4", 5 screw, original numbered grips, S1145xx. 1954-55, I believe.

[richiecotite]

Before pics:












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[BAM-BAM]

Picture #1-4 = O........M........G.. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#5 Thank G--!!!!!!!!!!! A nice ...... "27 1/2".... 4 inch....... shooter grade

[costabro]

I've just put what I thought was a 28-2 on layaway and the gun just seems flawless, apart from a rather dull finish which I expected on the 28. After rolling the cylinder out and verifying it's a 28-2 I noticed that there seems to be no pin for the barrel, yet it DOES say 28-2 on the frame. Also, the serial # is N95xxxx. What am I supposed to make of this?

[les.b]

Costabro:

Welcome to the Forum. One thing you will hear a lot on the forum is "that with S&W, there are no absolutes". The 28-2 ran from 1961 to 1982, and while theoretically the 28-2s were all "pinned and recessed", and the pin didn't go away til the 28-3s, it would not surprise me to see one with out the pin, especially near the time that the change was going to occur.

We love pictures...perhaps you can post a couple of photos for us to examine. Is the cylinder counter bored? (Recessed)....

By the way, I am no expert, but there are many on the forum, and someone who knows much more than I do will be along soon, I'll bet!!

Best Regards, Les

[oysterer]

I have a 6' 28-3, no recesses and no pin, serial number N957xxx, sold to the first owner in NJ July 23 1983. I will post a picture just below. It is one of 4 I have and the best shooter. Incredibly accurate. I think there are fewer of the non pinned around and they are found to shoot very well. Your is from the same year and smack in the transition.

[oysterer]

Keeping this great thread alive:
Since I found a love for the model 28, here is what I have accumulated recently:
Top to bottom:
N151xxx: 4'' Bought extra mint, no box as Wife's birthday gift, she got into it and loves shooting it on a pachmayr gripper
N294xxx: bought unfired, no box, will keep a collector/backup just in case
N563xxx: Bought unfired, it had no box, but was rather rusty. I bought it as a project gun - soaked it in kroil, flitz and other things, kept a layer of RIG grease on it for a while and it came out great, smoothest action and my weekly shooter, I am loving this one the most.
N957xxx: On the camo grip: Marked 28-3, extra mint when I bought it, all boxes and warranty card filled out June 28 1983 at Ray's Sports Shop in Bound Brook NJ. My first model 28 I bought in Feb this year. A very accurate shooter as they all are.

Last not least the 25-2 wanted to come out and play as well. N458xxx, full boxes papers, 6 1/2'' barrel in presentation case.

[TNZ71]

Another stray followed me home. Seems I've got three Model 28 on this page. A little holster wear but no rust or pitting. Serial #N1894XX

[swrevo]

It must be a late one as the serial number is AJK37xx

[Waveski]

Originally Posted by Pocketrocket

Just got this yesterday. High S Ser#. A couple small dings but otherwise very nice. Except the stocks. I would like to replace them. What should have come on this gun from the factory?

The answer is: Magna grips were standard issue.

PLease check your private messages.

[younggun22]

Just picked up this 28-2. It came with smooth non-relieved targets. Off the top of my head I believe the gun dates to 1961.




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[Texasgordo]

Nice find! I like those grips.

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[Seikosthlm]

Got my 28-2 with N2xxxx serial with rubber grips. The seller sent me "correct walnut grips" but they dont seem to fit very well. To much steel in the rear?
My first post 🙄

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[19leben]

Originally Posted by Seikosthlm

Got my 28-2 with N2xxxx serial with rubber grips. The seller sent me "correct walnut grips" but they dont seem to fit very well. To much steel in the rear?
My first post 🙄

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Those stocks are probably for a K frame gun.

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[Seikosthlm]

Originally Posted by 19leben

Those stocks are probably for a K frame gun.

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Thanks! What I thought.

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[scooterfiend]

Originally Posted by mhg2tld

The Highway Patrolman that I gave my son is a 1957, 4 inch, S1764XX,
NMM, 4-screw.

See post # 2112
Just noticed that the HP stamp on the BBL of my 4" 28-2 (N17165X) is pretty much centered (front to back) as opposed to the one on this pic. I know the S prefix predated mine.
It appears as though the bbl stamp on the older mdl is oriented more toward the front of the bbl.
I'm learning from the fine folks here in this forum that there are a lot of things to learn about S&W revolvers.
Thnx to you all.

[Seikosthlm]

Originally Posted by Seikosthlm

Thanks! What I thought.

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The dealer sent me new ones. Look and feels great. Are These correct for a mid seventies m28 N28077x? Steel colored washers. By the way. Can anyone tell me the year of manufacture. Guessing 76-77 since it has a german proof mark from 77.

[richiecotite]

I thought all HP's came with magnas, but I'm sure someone with more knowledge can correct me


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[103]

I got mine from a friend a few years back because he owed me a small amount of money. Shoots great, but at some point it was nickel plated. The plating was worn out and flaking. It is at Fords being rebuked right now. I can't wait to get it back!

[two-bit cowboy]

Posted elsewhere, but appropriate for this thread.

First year, according to some, HP. It's purdy.

Slàinte,

Bob

[PSTEP]

I have recently inherited a model 28 and I'm trying to find out as much as I can about it. Please help. Thanks

[TNZ71]

Originally Posted by PSTEP

I have recently inherited a model 28 and I'm trying to find out as much as I can about it. Please help. Thanks

Look on the butt and give us the serial number. Photos also help.

[PSTEP]

It was my grandfathers service weapon

[PSTEP]

Here is the bottom

[TNZ71]

Originally Posted by PSTEP

It was my grandfathers service weapon

Looks to be a Factory Nickle 4" made 1960-1961 with imitation stag grips. Nice revolver.

[rwt1405]

Figured I should add this here, my third 28-2

Serial #: N585**

[Muley Gil]

Originally Posted by TNZ71

Looks to be a Factory Nickle 4" made 1960-1961 with imitation stag grips. Nice revolver.

Very few M28s were made with a nickel finish. At least the hammer and trigger were left alone.

[gmborkovic]

Let us ref. #2165, a Nic. 4" Mod. 28. S212312.
I thought we narrowed Nic. 28s down to two batches. 55 brushed nic made in 1972 and a batch of 25 polished nic. made in 1959 for the FHP?

[Tom S.]

N101235 bought 4/28/1973 by yours truly. Paid $112.72 out the door. Wish I'd had the money to buy more for that price, but at the time, that was nearly a weeks take home pay.





Yes, it's had some miles put on it!

[Texas Star]

Originally Posted by Seikosthlm

Got my 28-2 with N2xxxx serial with rubber grips. The seller sent me "correct walnut grips" but they dont seem to fit very well. To much steel in the rear?
My first post 🙄

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Grips were fitted to individual frames at the factory. Minor frame differences exist due to forging and grinding during manufacture. Aftermarket grips often have to be hand-fitted.

Rubber grips are more forgiving. That's ONE reason why most of my guns have them. They also fit my hand well and ease recoil effects, and are weatherproof.

[EricR]

Added my first N Frame 357 to my meager collection today courtesy forum member Ken L. Sealed the deal with a face to face and talked shop for hours. I consider myself extremely lucky to have met Ken. In our correspondence he'd undersold the condition of the HP at 99%. OK, it's got a turn line, that's it. No glamour shots yet as I've only thoroughly wiped it with CLP. But I did pop the grips for a Ren wax treatment and found them numbered to this 1972 gun. Came with original box and complete tool set.





Now with first coat of wax lol

[

[oysterer]

Congrats, this is a very nice one anyone here would have loved to grab in a heartbeat. I have one for that same period, N151xxx 4'' and it has the smoothest action of all mine. The later guns are great as well but there are a few nice touches on the older ones like chamfered forcing cone and just a super fit finish. You will have a 6'' in absolutely no time and then it goes downhill from there. Suggestion: Same type of gun, similar feel with more bang, model 58...coming your way as well. I am awaiting delivery of mine and can't wait.

[Hoosier45]

For those who keep track of the serial ranges, I can confirm a very early 28-2 serial: S222246...shipped May 1962. 4", 3-Screw, diamond magnas, like new condition.

I will be acquiring this one for my collection. I really thought I had a chance at it being a 28-1 !!!? It's in that very narrow transition time frame and the correct serial range...or at least that's what I was thinking when I open the cylinder to check!

[EricR]

OK Oysterer you're some kind of physic obviously. Seriously though, while I'm not extremely learned on our subject I did notice the chamfered forcing cone. And as for the finish, yeah, it really looks great. It's not polished glossy but it has the quality finish of my 1948 K22. As for the next? Wish me luck. We're older parents and are marrying off our daughter in two months. If it weren't for me bonusing good I wouldn't have been able to buy squat. But yeah I'm in deep.

[oysterer]

yes, utilitarian finish but great fit and action. I never thought that they are a lesser gun than the 27s, just different but top drawer quality.

[WC145]

28-2 converted to .41mag by Mark Hartshorne.

[EricR]

My 28-2's package was completed today when I received the manual off of ebay.

[Winkus]

QUOTE=Allen-frame;776489],Ultimate Highway Patrolman Thread After searching for, and reading almost every Highway Patrolman thread,(there are currently 24 pages when using the search function). I found myself longing for a thread where one could go for all things H.P.

This thread would ideally include serial number ranges, pictures of members guns,including Ser.#s(excluding digits
as preferred) , any info received in letters , and, of course, plenty of opinions.

Kind of a Highway Partolman database, where newbies and all could be directed to, to answer questions.



April, 1954, Highway Patrolman introduced, Ser.# S103500
,8,427 produced in 1954,

Sometime,late 1956 to 1957 the upper sideplate screw deleted at approx. Ser.# S171584 (earlier 4 screw N frames have been noted,but this is generally conceded to be the dividing line.)_ Al

The time between when the upper sideplate screw was deleted and the model number was stamped is when the
4 screw non-model marked N frames were produced. By my estimate, there were approximately 11,000 n.m.m. 4 screws
produced throughout the various models including ,,357 Magnum ,Highway Patrolman ,38/44 Heavy Duty ,44 hand ejector ,1950 Target models , and 1955 Target models. ,How many of these were Highway Patrolman , who only knows.
But do keep your eye out for this scarce variation and let us know whenever you find one

1957, the Highway Patrolman is model # stamped MOD 28 at approx ser.# S1821xx -

1960, as with all N frames during this timeframe, the extractor rod thread is changed from right hand thread
to left hand thread to prevent unscrewing and binding under recoil.
At this time a model marked , 28-1 , was produced ,but no examples have been found.

(Optimistic Note; to you who read this,If ever you should find a model marked 28-1, do what you must to make the deal and contact us here at this forum. We all would love to see one.

1961, or 1962 the Mod.28-2 is born with the elimination of the triggerguard screw, and a change to the
,cylinder stop.
Note;: The earliest 28-2 I have observed is S222652 AND IS A 3 screw gun.

1968 , Diamond center stocks are deleted

1969 begin N serial # prefix

1982,Model 28-3, cylinder counterbore,pinned barrel deleted , cylinder length shortened to 1.57"

1986 , The Highway Patrolman dies an untimely, buy business wise death.



Would any of you having info to add please post it and I will add it to this original post.

There you are, take care and have a great 2008 , Regards ,,Al



,,S serial prefix , N frames, the Highway Patrolman Years,.

1954--1955 , ,S103500, to S139999

1955--1956, S140000 to S149999

1956--1957, S150000 to S175999

1957--1958 S176000 to S181999

1958--1959 S182000 to S194499

1959--1960 S194500 to S206999

1960--1961 S207000 to S219999,

1961--1962 S220000 to SS227999

1962--1963 S228000 to S231999

1963--1964 S232000 to S235999

1964--1965 S236000 to S257999

1965--1966 S258000 to S261999

1966--1967 S262000 to S289999

1967--1968 S290000 to S304999

1968--1969 S305000 to S329999

1969--1970 S330000 to S333454


1969--1972 N1 to N100000

1973 N1000000 up

1974--1977 N200000

1975--1976 N300000

1977--1978 N400000

1978--1980 N500000

1979--1980 N600000

1980-- N700000

1980--1983 N800000

1982--1986 N900000

N97xxxx being the highest known 1986




Here is the list (breakdown) of members guns by ser.# range and particulars

6 4" 5 screws ,S# range S1046** to S1343**

1 6" 5 screw S# Range S1650**

2 n.m.m. 4 screw S# range S1762** to S1822** 1 4" 1 6"

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

7 28-2 S prefix S#. range S223*** to S294*** 4 4" 3 6"

22 28-2 N prefix S#. range N1141** to N5756** 14 4" , 8 6"

4 28-3 N prefix S# range N9562** to N959*** 3 4" 1 6"[/QUOTE]

[Winkus]

I am new to this forum but this post is one I have been looking for for a long time. I have a pre-28 (1954) 4" that I desperately need diamond Magna grips for and a 6" model 28-2. Both are mint condition. I'll file this post away. Many thanks.

[les.b]

Winkus:

You came to the right place!! Welcome to the forum. There are lots of Model 28 lovers here. You might want to post in the "I want to buy" section of the forum.

Best Regards, Les

[Mdclinks]

I picked up a 4" model 28-2 serial# N511xxx in January of 2017 from the original owner. When I bought it I had little to no knowledge of the value of a 28-2. After a little research I believe I did pretty well when I spent $375 on it. The gun came with the original magna grips but I prefer the pachmayr presentation grips.