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

[Blitz357]

Originally Posted by 19leben

Blitz, if your Highway Patrolman is an N prefix, 5 digit serial beginning with 97, it's in a completely different time frame from a N97 with 6 digits:
Yours N97xxx would be at the beginning of N production, probably 1971 or '72.
A 6 digit N97xxxx was manufactured circa 1985.

Ok I get it now. I was being a fool. The numbers are just flat sequential after the "N". I was thinking N97 meant something and the numbers after that were the sequence. Yep, now that I look at it in a new light it was made between 69-72. Thanks.

[Ron M.]

Originally Posted by Ron M.

I just purchased a HP, S/N 5XX911 (funny, those last three digits) for $550 plus the usual DROS/tax. Six inch barrel, original grips. Finish probably better than 90%, only noticeable wear on the right side of the frame near the grip (fellow must have rested his hand on his holster a lot). Nine more days before it's released to me (waiting period). I had been to the Chico, CA gun show earlier that day, prices were pretty outrageous for a decent used S&W .357...found this one on consignment two blocks from the show. Hope it's worth what I paid.

Since I posted this, I went back to the local sporting goods store and picked up my 28-2's little brother, a 28-3 in absolutely new condition...bluing at 99% or better, no holster wear, 6 inch non-pinned barrel, original grips, S/N N9606XX for $600 plus tax and the usual DROS fee. Not sure where this S/N places the manufacture of this revolver, but it's a pretty high one.

[Raystown]

Just picked up this Model 28-2 .. S/N # N183XXX .. Have not shoot it yet, going to clean her up and hit the range.

[Texasgordo]

Nice find.

[brainflood]

Originally Posted by Deftone

Finally got my letter from Roy Jinks. "...shipped from the factory on January 20, 1971, and delivered to Hall of Justice, San Francisco, CA. "

I also have a SFPD-marked 4". Mine has a serial of N171xx. Guess I'll have to look into its history too!

Thanks for sharing.

[Flesh Wound]

N171xx = 1973 production.
N183XXX Also 1973
N9606XX = 1985 or maybe 86

[Flesh Wound]

Originally Posted by Blitz357

Ok I get it now. I was being a fool. The numbers are just flat sequential after the "N". I was thinking N97 meant something and the numbers after that were the sequence. Yep, now that I look at it in a new light it was made between 69-72. Thanks.

waitaminute.... You have N97?

I have N96. Model 28-2. Does your gun have a DPS serial number engraved on the left side of the frame?

[HBwadcutter]

This is my 28-2.A gift from a friend.Serial # S2473XX. Grips are numbered but to a different revolver. #239396.

When I got this a little over a week ago it looked to my untrained eye as have never been fired.I now have about 200 to 300 rounds through it and it shoots great. It would shoot better if I could see the front sight better.I did replace the grips and I am thinking about having it drilled and tapped for a factory scope mount so that I can put a red dot sight on it

The gun came in the original box with tools and a invoice from Badger shooting supply dated 7-7-64

[petersn]

Gents,

I just picked this up 3 weeks ago can you shed some light on production dates this M 28 6' was not factory Nickel - but person who sold it to me said he got it that way .

Thanks

Petersn







Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[NoFear37]

Hey all, I have been looking to find out when this was mfg. and ran across this forum today. If I am right it is a 1957/58 HP 6". This belonged to my Grandfather and then my Father. It was given to me many years ago after it was being played with by my step brother who accidently shot himself. That was in the 70's and has not been fired since.

Dad used it when Bear hunting. So he removed the rear sight and over the years has been lost. He installed a pistol sight which I think is a Bushnell.

Any additional info is appreciated.

John

[mr.jbk79]

Here's a model 28 no dash from '59.

[Matt_G]

NoFear37:
According to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, S194201 was made in 1958/59.
Regarding your step brother, I sure hope he survived that incident.

[dwpmusic]

As I said in another post, I have wanted a 28-2 4' barrel for the longest. I finally scored one off Gunbroker. Made it to the range this past Friday for my first outing with it. Fell in love with it as I knew I would. Just knew I'd come across one if I persevered long enough. Serial #N5562XX. I'll post these pics along with it.

[keithherrington]

Spegel Extended Boot Grips on N522146. Please add to the list.




Keith

[combat66]

newly acquired M28-2 4in bl sn# n189944 please add the list Thanks.

[H P Bushrod]

I traded for a 4" M-28 yesterday. It's a old S-prefix gun (S222XXX). That should put it as being built between 1961 and 1962. Has a couple of rough spots on it, but she cleaned up pretty good. This one is a keeper!

[19leben]

Originally Posted by H P Bushrod

I traded for a 4" M-28 yesterday. It's a old S-prefix gun (S222XXX). That should put it as being built between 1961 and 1962. Has a couple of rough spots on it, but she cleaned up pretty good. This one is a keeper!

Pictures required you know!

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[j a]

That is a beautiful gun and package of factory items. If it were mine I would not have it drilled and tapped. It will lose collector value if you do. And that is fairly valuable package you have.
There are many newer guns you could buy that are already drilled and tapped for aftermarket sights. That way you save the collector value and add another gun to the stable. Win Win. JA

[raisedin99]

Originally Posted by j a

That is a beautiful gun and package of factory items. If it were mine I would not have it drilled and tapped. It will lose collector value if you do. And that is fairly valuable package you have.

I concur, you should always get premium money for that gun if you keep it in the condition as viewed.

terry

[fkienast]

Just wanted to share my new acquisition to the thread. Serial Number N252887.

[uberschlager]

Serial Number: S264136

It looks to be in excellent condition.

[kmesr9]

HBwadcutter, I really like those grips. Can you share where you sourced them? Also on the front sight issue I use a hi vis nail polish (borrowed fair and square from my wife) to enhance the tip of the sight and gain a faster bead on the target. Pretty sure there are others out there that do this as well...

[HBwadcutter]

kmesr9
I bought the grips for my 28-2 from here

Handgun Grips | NFrame Square Butt = Smith Wesson

Engineered Accessories | PO Box 215 | Altamont, IL 62411

As for the sights I have not drill and tapped yet. Still thinking about it. I have painted the front sight and that helps some.

[Texasgordo]

Thanks for the link HB.

[Jackcpat]

Model 28-2 profile.jpg

Model 28-2 Demooner.jpg
Here's a 28-2 inch I picked up that was badly refinished with something shiny bluish. Previous owner had destroyed the ejector rod with vice grips, that was replaced first. Since it is only a shooter (lock-up and timing are spot on) I had the cylinder cut for full moon clips by Pinnacle High Performance. Replaced period targets with Rubber Hogue Monos. Next is to have it sent to Fords for a matte blue finish.I've got way more in the gun than its worth, but man does it shoot.

[BaldEagle1313]

I picked up two HP's today - one is 4" the other 6". The four inch is going to be the shooter - it has a few spots on the cylinder. The six inch is pristine - came with the correct box (with no blown corners), unopened tool kit, the usual paperwork - warranty card, holster booklet, parts description and diagram, caution card with warranty center info on the back. Even a S&W ammo booklet. The original heavy waxed paper, which does have a couple of holes in it. The gun doesn't have a turn line on it.

4" S/N is N42340

6" S/N is N566549

[texagun]

Found an interesting 28-2 at the Dallas Gun Show today. It's a DPS gun (Department of Public Safety) that was issued to the Texas Highway Patrol in the late 70's. The gun is from 1978 with the serial number N523XXX. The gun is in excellent condition with a very faint turn line and has obviously had very light use. It's pinned and recessed as would be expected for this vintage and it has a Target Trigger and Red Ramp front sight. Barrel and chambers are pristine and look new with no signs of leading or use. it's the cleanest Model 28 I've seen in a long time. It came with the box with the manual and S&W literature inside.

[vetjay815]

I have seen other Texas DPS 28-2 my question is, above is a 28-2 DPS #114xxx from 1978 and I have a 28-2 DPS #23xxx from 1968\69 sn# S332xxx what year did Texas start to use the 28 model.

[les.b]

Just found this thread, have been mining for Highway Patrolman lore. I know, new guy, new HP owner, hope Lee and the Mods will forgive me for bumping this wonderful thread to the top!

It'll take me days to read it... I know, it was there for years, but I'm just getting my feet on the ground navigating the forum...

Anyway, what a gold mine of cool specimens. I've only started reading and looking, but am learning as I go along.

Best Regards, Les

[gmborkovic]

Is the HP just about the greatest N frame S&W ever made? I will add my latest to the list. S278553, Sept. 1966. 6" mint condition. Im into it for $600 cash , back in June 2016. When I was a dealer, I sold them all day, $120. They remind me of my old 1956 Bel Air. Just ran all day.

[A10]

Originally Posted by H P Bushrod

I traded for a 4" M-28 yesterday. It's a old S-prefix gun (S222XXX). That should put it as being built between 1961 and 1962. Has a couple of rough spots on it, but she cleaned up pretty good. This one is a keeper!

Howdy HP! Could you double check the dash number on that one? It's right around when the 28-1 came out.

Have a great day!

[les.b]

Well, since I've been reading this thread, I might as well post a picture of my humble recent aquision, a 28-2, serial N7954. Nothing special about it other than its my first Highway Patrolman. Please forgive the ****** iPad photo:



I started a thread on it before I found this one. It has become a little project gun. If you're interested, here is a link to the thread: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-rev...14-2016-a.html anyway, I have been mostly interested in "I" and "J" frame guns recently, and when I had a chance to pick this HP up for $475 including cartridge belt, holster, some ammo, and a cleaning kit (oh, yeah, and the dealer paid the tax too!), I couldn't pass it up.

Best Regards, Les

[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

[schutz5]

28-2 introduced earlier in this thread....

[gunsnrovers]

Got this beat up M28, #S2150XX, a while back.

Left in a sock drawer for years, it was badly rusted and pitted all along the left side. Bead blasting hid the damage and it's mechanically tight.

Some Fitz Gunfighters from John Paul make it handy and it rides in a Tom Threepersons holster from El Paso Saddlery.

It's a bit oily in this pic

[19leben]

Originally Posted by gunsnrovers

Got this beat up M28, #S2150XX, a while back.

Left in a sock drawer for years, it was badly rusted and pitted all along the left side. Bead blasting hid the damage and it's mechanically tight.

Some Fitz Gunfighters from John Paul make it handy and it rides in a Tom Threepersons holster from El Paso Saddlery.

Nice save!

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[1backdraft1]

I’ve got an S265xxx so 1966-1967 time frame. She’s seen some rough times. We found her cleaning out a family Friends storage unit after her husband died. Sitting on the bare Concrete floor.  The wife had no need for it so she sold it to me. It has a bit of pitting and ain’t the prettiest gun in the cabinet. But it still functions flawlessly. I took it to my gun smith to deep clean. He tore it down and said, for the shape the outside was in the inside if perfect! And still runs as smooth as ever. He cleaned it up so well, although you can still see the pitting, you can’t feel it at all. Maybe someday I will get it refinished. Might put some better condition grips on it. But there she is.

[Texasgordo]

Nice save!

[19leben]

Originally Posted by 1backdraft1

I’ve got an S265xxx so 1966-1967 time frame. She’s seen some rough times. We found her cleaning out a family Friends storage unit after her husband died. Sitting on the bare Concrete floor.  The wife had no need for it so she sold it to me. It has a bit of pitting and ain’t the prettiest gun in the cabinet. But it still functions flawlessly. I took it to my gun smith to deep clean. He tore it down and said, for the shape the outside was in the inside if perfect! And still runs as smooth as ever. He cleaned it up so well, although you can still see the pitting, you can’t feel it at all. Maybe someday I will get it refinished. Might put some better condition grips on it. But there she is.

Another great save. Were it mine I'd just keep her oiled and shoot it often as possible. In my opinion a refinish would look worse than the pits.

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[Maximumbob54]

Originally Posted by petersn

Gents,

I just picked this up 3 weeks ago can you shed some light on production dates this M 28 6' was not factory Nickel - but person who sold it to me said he got it that way .

Thanks

Petersn







Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looks a heck of a lot like it might be hard chrome plated rather than nickel.

[Styrian]

My first, one and only gun purchased ever and it's the only gun i own.
Got it over an an online auction at around 500$ (euros to be exact) in mint condition. It looked like it never has been shot. Original grips.

Due to the fact we are only allowed to posess 2 guns this kind here in this part of europe I had to choose well which one will be the handgun of my choice.
I'm new into handguns and shooting, so it was not that simple to come to the decision choosing this kind and model for my first experience and learning process in shooting.
And despite it could be a pity to alter the good condition of this 50 year old thing (serial number S275xxx) I think this workhorse will bear it and SHOULD be used.

Greetings from Austria.

[texagun]

I bought a LNIB Model 28-2 from one of my best friends yesterday. He bought it from a collector who had never fired it, and my friend has never fired it, so it is unfired since leaving the factory. It came in the original box, with manual and paperwork, and a tool kit (cleaning rod, brush, cotton swab, screwdriver for sights) still sealed in the plastic bag. The grips are numbered to the gun. This is one pristine Model 28.

[gmborkovic]

Hello Dog, that is a superlative find. Reminds me of when I use to check in guns at the shop from the factory, just to check the Sn. and model. Great snag. Best

[19leben]

Originally Posted by texagun

I bought a LNIB Model 28-2 from one of my best friends yesterday. He bought it from a collector who had never fired it, and my friend has never fired it, so it is unfired since leaving the factory. It came in the original box, with manual and paperwork, and a tool kit (cleaning rod, brush, cotton swab, screwdriver for sights) still sealed in the plastic bag. The grips are numbered to the gun. This is one pristine Model 28.

Holy cow that's a beauty! You need to take her out to the range and shoot the heck out of her!

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[les.b]

Originally Posted by Styrian

My first, one and only gun purchased ever and it's the only gun i own.
Got it over an an online auction at around 500$ (euros to be exact) in mint condition. It looked like it never has been shot. Original grips.

Due to the fact we are only allowed to posess 2 guns this kind here in this part of europe I had to choose well which one will be the handgun of my choice.
I'm new into handguns and shooting, so it was not that simple to come to the decision choosing this kind and model for my first experience and learning process in shooting.
And despite it could be a pity to alter the good condition of this 50 year old thing (serial number S275xxx) I think this workhorse will bear it and SHOULD be used.

Greetings from Austria.

Styrian:

Welcome to the forum. Congratulations on your great find. I'm glad to see that you are able to own a handgun in Europe today. I have visited your country a number of times, and enjoyed being there. Hope that you return to the forum often. We are a diverse and very welcoming group here, and I think you will enjoy being here.

Best Regards, Les

[Styrian]

Tanks on Your warm welcome. And yes - I'll return frequently to this forum.

Greetings

[fyimo]

I have a Model 28-2 with 4 inch barrel that is Serial Number S270928 made in 1967 and it has a set of Custom John Culina maple grips on it.

[Jdavis]

My 1964 "S" serial model 28-2 with original diamond magnas

[/IMG]

Same 28-2 with target grips

[IMG][/IMG]

[C Broad Arrow]

Is there still a source for replacement barrels for the 28-2's? I would like to upgrade one of my 4 inch barrels where the rifling is wearing to a 6 in.

[ddraper]

I own a model 28 I bought new in 1986. For some reason I always thought it was a 28-3 however more investigation shows that it is 28-2 manufactured between 78-80. The serial # is N955xxx . Must have been sitting in the shop for a while before I bought it.

To further mess me up when I was researching it, the box is a plain S&W box with a date of 10-88 on it. I knew I had the original box but I was trying to figure out how come I had this box when it occurred to me that I sent the gun to S&W performance shop to get a different rear sight and a trigger/spring job and they must have sent it back in a new box instead of the original.

Regardless is in 95%+ condition with 1700 rounds through it. It has a 6" barrel. I have the original grips and rear sight. I am wishing I still had the original box.