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

[rubiranch]

I'd like to clean this one.

[LPD256]

Just got this 28-2 from member “moosedog” yesterday N545291. Only number on the inside of the grips is Sharpie “681”. Probably someone’s badge number so his gun would come back from an armorer with his nice grips. Just a guess. Great gun. It has the red ramp/white outline sights. It also has a wide target trigger, not the smooth “ranger” trigger. I’m having it lettered. That should tell if that trigger came with the gun or if someone substituted a serrated trigger for the smooth one. In any event, this old girl and I will spend some range time together soon. Thanks again Leonard.

[Teufelhunden82]

Well, I brought home my first Highway Patrolman, Model 28. SN 200930, which makes it late ‘59 or early ‘60. A little holster wear at the muzzle and a bit of a turn line, which doesn’t bother me because I plan to use it as God intended! It came with the matching magnas, but while they actually felt pretty good in my hand (most magnas don’t- I’m a Tyler T guy), the 28 felt a little muzzle heavy. For the range I have a set of Nill “cokes”. I paid $700, which I figure isn’t great but isn’t bad either. The single action is fantastic and double action is heavy but VERY smooth. Anyway, I’ve read every page of this thread and am proud to be a member of the Highway Patrol club!

[Teufelhunden82]

More pics.

[oldman10mm]

^^^ no picture.

[reccpd101]

When the Trooper is a Colt !!!

[reccpd101]

thanks Old man 10mm, hopefully I fixed it and deleted the one wth no photo

[oldman10mm]

I guess a 'blurry' pic is better than 'no' pic.

[Neal]

Bought this 28-2 with target hammer and trigger on Gunbroker for around $450 several years ago. Don't recall what grips it had on it, but I installed my Herrett Jordon Troopers. Back in the mid 1980s, a detective I worked with at the Sheriffs Department had a 4 inch model 66 with Jordon Troopers and they felt so good in my hand I just had to order a set. Sent in my hand print and a few weeks later they arrived. Steve Herrett was still running the company back then. Put those grips on my 4 inch model 29 and found out no matter how good they felt in my hand, they beat the bone at the base of my thumb without mercy. These grips now reside on 357 caliber guns only.

[DR505]

Haven't shot this yet, but I will. It is a 28-2 with an early N serial number. looks to be unfired outside of the factory.

[Hair Trigger]

Talk about impulse buys--- a buddy and I stopped by an area pawn shop today, it has a great reputation for finding great guns. he was looking for a 10mm pistol, I was just there to window shop and maybe look for a Walther P-38. There were two P-38's there, one had no armory markings, the other was a Walther but had a super-short barrel. Anyway, next to the case with the Walther was another case full of wheel guns, and two immediately caught my attention. The first one was a Model 66-2 with a 6" barrel. It must have been a late -2 model, it had neither a pinned barrel or recessed cylinder, but otherwise was a beautiful pistol. I wanted a pinned/recessed example of any S&W I might find. So, I looked at the second gun; it was a Model 28-2 and the only marks on it are the line on the cylinder from the locking lug rubbing it. It is also a 6" barrel, and has the target trigger and target hammer, but had the smaller grips, which look kind of funny on such a large revolver.

I have a really nice M19-3 with a 4" barrel, so either revolver would make a great companion for it. I used to have a M66-1, sold it years ago, so I was tempted to replace it with this 66-2, but then I thought, why not get a larger frame model to use my full-magnum handloads for. Time to dicker. The store owner did come down some on price, not as much as I wanted, but I took the M28-2 anyway. No box. I won't say what I gave just yet, but I'd like to hear what you guys think. I'd also like to know as close as possible to when this gun was made. The SN is N1892--.
Pictures aren't the clearest, I'll get better ones.

Late edit: I was reading the first post on the thread, and if correct, the listed serial number ranges put the MFG date of my new toy in the year 1973. That makes it older than my 19-3 by three years or so. Sure would like to know its history, if a Statie actually carried it, how many bad guys bit the dust in front of it, etc., etc.

[JMV366]

When did S&W stop stamping serial number on inside grip panel of Highway Patrolman Model 28-2 ?

Thanks
JMV366

[RGNewell]

I have had a lot of excitement in the last 7 decades, but this as excited as I have ever been about a gun.
"Robert if you love smith & Wesson you will want to letter this Pre-Model 28 serial S104758 shipped in May 1954 as it is a very important gun. Roy"

[LPD256]

Originally Posted by RGNewell

I have had a lot of excitement in the last 7 decades, but this as excited as I have ever been about a gun.
"Robert if you love smith & Wesson you will want to letter this Pre-Model 28 serial S104758 shipped in May 1954 as it is a very important gun. Roy"

.

You are in the holding pattern for 8 weeks, but I’m guessing you’ll be happy. Great gun. Go back a few replies. You’ll see mine which I lettered to the NYSP.

Jim

[RGNewell]

Originally Posted by LPD256

.

You are in the holding pattern for 8 weeks, but I’m guessing you’ll be happy. Great gun. Go back a few replies. You’ll see mine which I lettered to the NYSP.

Jim

Very nice NYSP

[LPD256]

Originally Posted by RGNewell

Very nice NYSP

Bobby-I’ll love hearing your letter results. I’m sure we’ll talk again. Wish I could’ve managed buying your 520. Nice one.

Jim

[RGNewell]

Originally Posted by LPD256

Bobby-I’ll love hearing your letter results. I’m sure we’ll talk again. Wish I could’ve managed buying your 520. Nice one.



Jim

I may have a NIB 520 in a couple weeks.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[rustychip]

I stopped by my local gun shop to see if there was anything new, I found this Model 28 in the case, it has some blue wear on the muzzle and a few dings on the rib but other than that it's in pretty good shape. The serial number (S214XXX) puts it somewhere in 1961, it has 4 screws, 3 in the side plate, 1 in front of the trigger guard. I have a few questions. My other N-frame is a Model 28-2, serial number N47XX made around 1969, it has the lazy ampersand stamped on the barrel and address lines, the Model 28 has a standard ampersands on the barrel and address lines, I thought all the older Smiths would have the lazy ampersand. When I got the M28 it was filthy so I did a complete strip, clean and lube. Now all I need is to get to the range and try it out.

[RGNewell]

Originally Posted by LPD256

Bobby-I’ll love hearing your letter results. I’m sure we’ll talk again. Wish I could’ve managed buying your 520. Nice one.

Jim

They received the letter request June 13th. Now they are running 10 weeks. Deadline fast approaching.

[Hair Trigger]

Originally Posted by rustychip

I stopped by my local gun shop to see if there was anything new, I found this Model 28 in the case, it has some blue wear on the muzzle and a few dings on the rib but other than that it's in pretty good shape. The serial number (S214XXX) puts it somewhere in 1961, it has 4 screws, 3 in the side plate, 1 in front of the trigger guard. I have a few questions. My other N-frame is a Model 28-2, serial number N47XX made around 1969, it has the lazy ampersand stamped on the barrel and address lines, the Model 28 has a standard ampersands on the barrel and address lines, I thought all the older Smiths would have the lazy ampersand. When I got the M28 it was filthy so I did a complete strip, clean and lube. Now all I need is to get to the range and try it out.

That is odd that the early M28 you found has the standard ampersands. My M28-2 is slightly earlier than yours, it has a N18xxxx SN: it has the lazy ampersand on the barrel, but has the standard ampersand on the address stamp. My M19-3 has standard ampersands in both places, but it is several years newer than my M28-2. Now, My M57 no dash has the lazy ampersand in both locations, it is an S31xxxx gun and the oldest of the three S&W's I own. I was (am) of your opinion that the older guns would have the lazy ampersands.

[rustychip]

From what I have read on this forum I don't think there is any rhyme or reason to what Smith & Wesson does.

[RGNewell]

Originally Posted by LPD256

Bobby-I’ll love hearing your letter results. I’m sure we’ll talk again. Wish I could’ve managed buying your 520. Nice one.

Jim

I just received the letter on the Highway Patrolman from Roy Jinks.
"Shipped May 10, 1954 and delivered to Major General Julian S. Hatcher, National Rifle Association, Washington, DC. The records indicate that this revolver was shipped with a 4" barrel, brushed blue finish and select checkered target grips"
For those that don't know it, Major General Hatcher was the technical writer for the "American Rifleman."

[Pine_Worker]

Originally Posted by RGNewell

I just received the letter on the Highway Patrolman from Roy Jinks.
"Shipped May 10, 1954 and delivered to Major General Julian S. Hatcher, National Rifle Association, Washington, DC. The records indicate that this revolver was shipped with a 4" barrel, brushed blue finish and select checkered target grips"
For those that don't know it, Major General Hatcher was the technical writer for the "American Rifleman."

Absolutely beautiful with great provenance.

[LPD256]

Originally Posted by RGNewell

I just received the letter on the Highway Patrolman from Roy Jinks.
"Shipped May 10, 1954 and delivered to Major General Julian S. Hatcher, National Rifle Association, Washington, DC. The records indicate that this revolver was shipped with a 4" barrel, brushed blue finish and select checkered target grips"
For those that don't know it, Major General Hatcher was the technical writer for the "American Rifleman."

That’s a great score Bobby. Congrats

[Pine_Worker]

Well, I have to show mine. S serial prefix.

[RGNewell]

Nice

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

[gunnison]

Any new additions to add to the list of Non Model Marked
4 screw Highway Patrolmans?

Gunnison

[Retired W4]

Originally Posted by RGNewell

I just received the letter on the Highway Patrolman from Roy Jinks.
"Shipped May 10, 1954 and delivered to Major General Julian S. Hatcher, National Rifle Association, Washington, DC. The records indicate that this revolver was shipped with a 4" barrel, brushed blue finish and select checkered target grips"
For those that don't know it, Major General Hatcher was the technical writer for the "American Rifleman."

i have one that shipped 30 days later though not to the General. His "Book of the Garrand" is a great reference. Then there's the Hatcher Hole. Too much else to mention.

[D Brown]

Originally Posted by rustychip

I stopped by my local gun shop to see if there was anything new, I found this Model 28 in the case, it has some blue wear on the muzzle and a few dings on the rib but other than that it's in pretty good shape. The serial number (S214XXX) puts it somewhere in 1961, it has 4 screws, 3 in the side plate, 1 in front of the trigger guard. I have a few questions. My other N-frame is a Model 28-2, serial number N47XX made around 1969, it has the lazy ampersand stamped on the barrel and address lines, the Model 28 has a standard ampersands on the barrel and address lines, I thought all the older Smiths would have the lazy ampersand. When I got the M28 it was filthy so I did a complete strip, clean and lube. Now all I need is to get to the range and try it out.

Hi Rusty,

Please take a look at my post one page back on this thread. http://smith-wessonforum.com/140654240-post2328.html

The Model 28-0 Four Screw I posted is S214002 and shipped in February 1962. It has the Lazy Ampersand on the barrel, and standard ampersand on the address line.

[Jason Demond]

Originally Posted by rubiranch

I'd like to clean this one.

Don't.

A lifetime of honest use on a gun is a beautiful thing. It means that the gun's owner loved the gun enough to shoot it often.

[kristop64089]

New member to the Highway Patrolman club. Normally I'm a Ruger guy but have an affinity for the N frame Smiths.
Has a little wear on the cylinder and on the right side frame, plus typical barrel wear, but othe than that she's clean. While I am ok with the grips I have some correct target stocks on order. Near as I can tell the gun may be circa 78. Not real sure.
Just a cool gun, that I bet could tell some stories.
For those curious about price, I traded a Mossberg Shockwave that I had paid $250 for

[BC38]

Originally Posted by kristop64089

New member to the Highway Patrolman club. Normally I'm a Ruger guy but have an affinity for the N frame Smiths.
Has a little wear on the cylinder and on the right side frame, plus typical barrel wear, but othe than that she's clean. While I am ok with the grips I have some correct target stocks on order. Near as I can tell the gun may be circa 78. Not real sure.
Just a cool gun, that I bet could tell some stories.
For those curious about price, I traded a Mossberg Shockwave that I had paid $250 for

VERY nice!
The Jay Scott grips are OK, but a nice set of targets will be just the thing.
You did fantastic on that deal - $250 is about a third of what it is worth, even without original stocks.

[kristop64089]

Originally Posted by BC38

VERY nice!
The Jay Scott grips are OK, but a nice set of targets will be just the thing.
You did fantastic on that deal - $250 is about a third of what it is worth, even without original stocks.

I wasn't sure what grips these were. Not my style for sure. Shooting it was a pure joy. The trigger is incredible and every shot landed on a 2" plate at 15 yards. This gun has opened my eyes to the passion people have for the old Smiths.

[Hair Trigger]

Originally Posted by kristop64089

New member to the Highway Patrolman club. Normally I'm a Ruger guy but have an affinity for the N frame Smiths.
Has a little wear on the cylinder and on the right side frame, plus typical barrel wear, but other than that she's clean. Near as I can tell the gun may be circa 78. Not real sure.

The Standard Catalog lists the 500,000 range of SN from '78-'80, and that most of the 500,000 production range were M28's and M58's.

That spot on the right side, below the cylinder is probably from the metal brad holding a snap in place on the holster it was carried in. My guess is the holster had a long strap that crossed over behind the hammer spur to hold it in place.

Nice revolver, enjoy shooting it.

[kristop64089]

Originally Posted by Hair Trigger

The Standard Catalog lists the 500,000 range of SN from '78-'80, and that most of the 500,000 production range were M28's and M58's.

That spot on the right side, below the cylinder is probably from the metal brad holding a snap in place on the holster it was carried in. My guess is the holster had a long strap that crossed over behind the hammer spur to hold it in place.

Nice revolver, enjoy shooting it.

That's kind of what I was thinking. The cylinder has typical holster wear on it as well. All in all I'm quite happy with it.

[RayRay7]

Finally brought this one home!

N518xxx