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

[A10]

Originally Posted by BAM-BAM

I think those Pachy's were the ultimate HP duty grips .....back in the day

Had them on every Smith I carried.

[Mod28]

Originally Posted by BC38

Post pictures or it never happened
And since you mention getting it for a great price, you need to tell us how much - don't be a tease

$580. I don't care what the books says, I know when I got a deal. Light marking on the grips and just the smallest wear at the end of the end of the barrel. Otherwise I can't find a thing wrong with it.

[19leben]

All the books are behind reality when it comes to gun values. We'd all love to buy our guns for most listed book prices.
You got a great deal on your new 28. Looks good too.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

[Mod28]

I've heard of people finding great deals at local gun shops, but that doesn't happen for me. There's one local gun pawn shop that has a lot of rough looking guns at new gun prices. Among these is a Model 28-2 6". Actually this gun doesn't look too bad, but the grip sides aren't matching. One sides is the Magna, the other is like the Magna but slimmer. The cash price is $775 and the card/trade price is $980! Taking sales tax into consideration it would be like $1,053.

I've been stopping in there every few months for a couple years, and that gun is always on the shelf. I know it will never sell at that price. I don't know if you're supposed to haggle or what.

[GWW]

Originally Posted by Mod28

I've heard of people finding great deals at local gun shops, but that doesn't happen for me. There's one local gun pawn shop that has a lot of rough looking guns at new gun prices. Among these is a Model 28-2 6". Actually this gun doesn't look too bad, but the grip sides aren't matching. One sides is the Magna, the other is like the Magna but slimmer. The cash price is $775 and the card/trade price is $980! Taking sales tax into consideration it would be like $1,053.

I've been stopping in there every few months for a couple years, and that gun is always on the shelf. I know it will never sell at that price. I don't know if you're supposed to haggle or what.

All I can say is around here it's common to haggle just about everything! I've haggled in dept stores and gotten discounts, in a pawn shop, the owners expect a haggle. Worse they can do is say no to your offer. Good luck!

[cmansguns]

My 28-2 Hp.....circa 1973-1974 (esteemed guessing via SCSW) agreed.....sure is a sweet shooter. Mine gets exercised on what I call "4 inch day" along with my Model 15-3.

The 15-3 goes first.......then the HP.

Kinda like eating some good wings.....then eating more but with Hungarian Red Pepper, or Kick-Butt Habanero sauce!

Like always..............worst day at the range beats the best day at work!

[Swissfan]

I've posted this on a couple other threads, but thought I should post in the "Ultimate" thread. Bought this last week at LGS, walked in to ask about doing a transfer and the clerk pointed out that there was a "new" S&W in the cabinet and I could take it out and look at it. Knew it was going home with me as soon as I saw it, especially for the $400 price tag on it. Serial (S115xxx) dates it late '54 or early '55. Very little wear and one spot on the cylinder from being left in a holster.

[Texasgordo]

Nice find and great price.

[oysterer]

I am excited to be joining the group. Never posted before but now it's time. After years of shooting sports, collecting/appreciating a wide variety of handguns, rifles etc, I finally have developed an addiction to the model 28. I was looking for a good vintage N-frame for target shooting, stopped by a few gun stores and saw this: A 6'' 28-3, serial number N957xxx, sold in July 1983 at Ray's Sport Shop in NJ. Complete with all papers it came with, box, tool kit, rod and original unused condition magna? grips. It showed a faint turn line and I think one box was shot through it after purchase, it was cleaned and put away. I had to have it, took it to the range and got an amazingly tight group. I love the utilitarian bare bones aesthetic of the gun, the blasted top strap and front frame, the pragmatic brushed finish that shows no finger prints and which can as easily be fixed if necessary. It has a nice heft, it points well, great balance and feels rock solid, tight and really well fitted together. For my personal taste I dare say I'd pick it over the 27 models every time. About the addiction: I just bought a second one, an unfired 28-2. It seems that whenever I am going to see an outstanding condition model 28 at a good deal, I won't be able to resist. Never had that before.

[97semo]

Bought in 1986. 28-2 4" nickel S# N86xxx should be around late 1970, to mid 1971 . A safe queen. Looks like the one in post #5

[strider007]

Originally Posted by paddywonka

My dad's 28-2 pinned and recessed,N7344 he bought new in 69 or 70.He used it to take a black bear.It fell overboard in Lake Michigan in 1971,with out blinking an eye,he dove in,and did not come out till he had retrieved it.After he passed on,I sold it to pay the bills in 1980.Bought it back from the same fellow in 1991(for 3 times what I sold it for),sat in the holster loaded in his closet untouched for 11 years.This pistol,like most my Smiths can out shoot me.My son is going to try and take a deer with it this season.Used but not abused,a fine revolver!

Awesome story...bit of a thread/post revival, but I couldn't help not commenting on that. That 28 has definitely become a family heirloom.

[scooterfiend]

I'm fortunate enough to have (at the moment) a couple of 28- 2's.
6 in. bbl, original box, docs, & a SAT. ( I don't think the SAT is original) Stocks are numbered to the gun.
SN: N1256X

4 in. BBL, no box etc. I'm guessing the stocks aren't original as they are stamped (in ink) July 1985
I carry the 4 in. occasionally, 6 in. just back and forth to the range.
SN: N17165X

[kmesr9]

Originally Posted by 19leben

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.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

Here are 2 pics I have here. The one in the box shows the loading side and the thumb area on the grip. I posted the pic of the other side to show they are in fact in very good condition. What about the barrel to cylinder clearance?

[olskool]

I just bought another pre model 5 screw highway patrol, and from the sel. number it is a first year! I have another first year 4in posted in this thread somewhere. the one I got today is a 6in I an not into the 6in but a first year? no why I was going to pass it up. the real negative is someone had the brilliant insight to change the grips and put on some beautiful rubber Hogue's on it. I will post some photos in the morning.........

[19leben]

Originally Posted by kmesr9

Here are 2 pics I have here. The one in the box shows the loading side and the thumb area on the grip. I posted the pic of the other side to show they are in fact in very good condition. What about the barrel to cylinder clearance?

I had to look back at older post to see your original questions; I don't think you'd want to modify those stocks for speedloader clearance. They're probably worth at least $200.
You should be able to find the proper N Frame Speedloader Target grips for about the same, maybe less.
If you don't want to buy another set, you may be able to swap someone for them. I think I have some available, although they're packed up right now because I'm waiting on my house to be completed.

As for the B/C gap; I think it should be between like .004" to .008". Have you measured yours? If so, what is it?

[les.b]

GA 1911:

Very nice. Thank you for sharing. First year production, and they look like new!! Good grief!!! With the poster, a very powerful, but restrained presentation. I have two also, but they are well worn shooters. Those are two beauty queens (well, maybe a little on the beefy side for beauty queens, but you know what I mean)!!!

Best Regards, Les

[olskool]

here is the photos I promised of the first year highway patrol I picked up yesterday. I cleaned it up and it came out nice. and it shoots great. now I need to find the correct grips.

[olskool]

here is my other first year wearing grasshorn grips and a tyler T grip......

[Telecaster]

I don't think I've posted mine here. I was looking for a K-frame one day and saw this in the used case, and knew I had to have it. I should have talked them down in price, but I had buy-it-itis. I think I paid $650 for it. It sleeps in my nightstand.

The s/n puts it at 1978, in the disco era. It came with Pachmayr grips, but I found some aftermarket wood grips to improve the looks.

[fyimo]

This is my S serial number Model 28-2 with 4 inch barrel and John Culina maple grips

[MikeLeitner]

I just put this on another thread, but here is # S222652 with maple Ahrends

[Pocketrocket]

Just brought home a Highway Patrolman! It says so right on the barrel.
I was hoping to find out what year it is.
Ser#S309260
It has some Italian thumbrest stocks on it but I'd like to find some original s. I'll try to get some pictures tomorrow.

[bigchuck83]

Originally Posted by Pocketrocket

Just brought home a Highway Patrolman! It says so right on the barrel.
I was hoping to find out what year it is.
Ser#S309260
It has some Italian thumbrest stocks on it but I'd like to find some original s. I'll try to get some pictures tomorrow.

From what i can tell in the SCSW 3rd edition it would have been made in either 1968 or 1969 my guess is late 1968. We all love pictures of S&W revolvers.

[Pocketrocket]

Thanks BigChuck! I'll work on some pictures.

[Jst1mr]

Information for the Database & Questions

I have two "S" serial 28-2's...I don't think either will expand any important
knowledge or category...(I have posted pic's previously), they are:

S 272878: I had seen some info much earlier in this thread where someone (now a banned member) had one only 37 numbers different than this one. They claimed that one was part of a purchase by Wisconsin Highway Patrol. There are no extra or special markings of any sort on this one (found LNIB in Northern WI), so I wonder could it have been originally purchased as a WI HP Highway Patrolman(I would like that!)- may pursue a S&W letter eventually. (4" barrel, numbered Magnas, plain black ramp FS)

S 302980 This one looks pretty high along in the "S" range for those I see documented in this thread. Also 4" barrel, Magnas, plain black ramp.

For general information, and because it is in a very interesting range, I also recently got a Model 27 no dash...it has a 4 screw frame/ 6.5" Barrel/10-groove front and backstraps;RR/WO sights/ and diamond target stocks. This 4 Screw Model 27 Serial is: S 186073

Great Thread!

[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?

[olskool]

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?

I am not for sure what they are but they are dead a ringer for some of the old herrett stocks I remember back in the day. they look to be of good quality.....

[rwt1405]

I picked this up last week.

I put it in another thread, but figured it also belonged here.

Ser. # N1835xx

[aphelion]

S2116XX from 1960 is aging gracefully -

[mhg2tld]

[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

I may have a pre model 28 4-screw that you mention. Actually "did" have but I gave it to one of my sons a couple of years ago for Christmas. I will get him to verify the SN and that it is a 4-screw and get back to you today.

[mhg2tld]

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

[gunnison]

I believe your 4 Screw NMM Highway Patrolman makes a total of 10 so far including both 4 and 6 inch barrels. Has anyone recorded the ones in this thread?

[mhg2tld]

Thanks for that info Gunnison. I did not know these were so rare. I personally have no idea if anyone has recorded the ones on this thread or where they would even be recorded.

[Ole Joe Clark]

I looked at a 28-2 this morning and like a dummy didn't take any photos. It must have been a salesman's sample. It was nickle plated with flats milled on each side of the barrel and in script on the left side it had Smith and Wesson and on the other side the caliber, (I think). There was one on this forum several months ago and I can't find it now. I have searched with no luck. Can anybody put a finger on it and let me know where it's at, or maybe deleted?

Thanks in advance,

Leon

[franzas]

Just picked up a Pre-28 4" S119487 1954-55

20170324_144759[1].jpg

[mhg2tld]

Very nice find franzas. Congrats

[Messer]

Seeing as I just bought one, I can play now!

S&W 28-2
4" barrel
SN - S 243xxx 1964-65




Bob S.

[mhg2tld]

That is a very nice 28.

[RubenZ]

I too can now play Just got it last week from a member on this forum:

Model 28-2

973fd25e309a5ad4883b4573d1c9f741 by Ruben Zamora, on Flickr

N29** serial.

[les.b]

Ruben:

That is a great looking HP!! I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as the rest of us enjoy ours!! Remember, as pretty as these guys are, they were made to be shot!! Solid, heavy, durable, and accurate.

Best Regards, Les

[C Broad Arrow]

And the addiction, I mean collection, continues! A 1975-1980 vintage 28-2. Better pictures are required- next project.

[kleiss1]

Did the 28-2 ever come from factory with rubber/Pacmyer grip? Was there a S&W logo? Thanks

[Leatherhead23]

Originally Posted by kleiss1

Did the 28-2 ever come from factory with rubber/Pacmyer grip? Was there a S&W logo? Thanks

No. Never did.

[TNZ71]

I was hesitant to post my mix master Model 28-2. Finish is challenged, target hammer, target trigger, well worn target stocks. Serial # N981XX

[RubenZ]

Originally Posted by TNZ71

I was hesitant to post my mix master Model 28-2. Finish is challenged, target hammer, target trigger, well worn target stocks. Serial # N981XX

Was that spray painted lol?

[aphelion]

Originally Posted by TNZ71

I was hesitant to post my mix master Model 28-2. Finish is challenged, target hammer, target trigger, well worn target stocks. Serial # N981XX

Firearms that have been carried and fired, basically used for what they are intended, are more interesting than otherwise. Yours fits that category.

[TNZ71]

Originally Posted by RubenZ

Was that spray painted lol?

No not quite. The gun frame was a project a friend of mine never finished before he passed. His family gave it to me. It was parkerized over some pitting. The rest of the revolver I scrounged up to complete it. It shoots good.

[RubenZ]

Originally Posted by TNZ71

No not quite. It shoots good.

That's all that matters

[GWW]

Originally Posted by TNZ71

No not quite. The gun frame was a project a friend of mine never finished before he passed. His family gave it to me. It was parkerized over some pitting. The rest of the revolver I scrounged up to complete it. It shoots good.

I bet it means a lot to you and I'm sure your friend is looking down, happy to know you continued his project and have it in good working order. Cherish and enjoy it.

I have an old .22 and shotgun a buddy of mine owned, his wife gave them to me when he passed. I refinished the stocks, cleaned them up and have them in good working order. They are of little monetary value but I'm happy to have em, every time I look at them or shoot them I think of my good friend Ed and the days we spent plinking on his farm.

[Dozie]

Just wanted to add my HP info.

4" 5 screws S1196xx