The ultimate Highway Patrolman thread.including N frame ser# ranges
- Thread starter Allen-frame
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Just received this 28-2 tonight. Serial number N542XXX. LNIB with papers and tools. Seller claims that it came from the factory as pictured with target hammer, target trigger, target stocks, red ramp from sight, and w/o rear sight.
I just received my father-in-law's Model 28-2 he bought in the mid 1970's from a pawn shop. Someone since that time had taken it apart and put the screws in the wrong positions, to where the cylinder hanging assembly(?) would keep falling out of the gun if the cylinder was open and pointed down. Since I do some amateur gunsmithing (a.k.a no mods that would kill you), he gave it to me to fix.
Since it was the screws in the wrong locations it was a very easy fix, plus I went ahead and took all the trigger assemblies, hammer, etc. out and cleaned it since it was all gunked up and hadn't been cleaned since the 1970's. I cleaned the heck out of it and frog lubed it up and reassembled. Everything is working phenomenally well now.
Here's the question I have...
The grips and overall finish of the gun are in terrible condition as my father-in-law doesn't really know how to take care of firearms. The nickle is flaking off and is tarnished in some places. Also, there are several scratches on the gun. Keep in mind, this is a ranch gun and is used to put down cattle that would otherwise suffer, aka broken bones, disease, etc.
Now, I want to refinish the gun as a gift for my father-in-law, but I have heard this gun in nickle is "rare". I don't know if that is true or not, but would I hurt the value of the gun to have it refinished and brought back up to a like new condition?
How about changing the finish to something more durable for ranch life, like CeraKote, etc. Would that hurt the value?
I hesitate to re-nickle the gun because of the high cost and my father-in-law's lack of maintenance would probably just let it deteriorate to its current condition again. Any feedback would be helpful.
Thanks in advance!
Since it was the screws in the wrong locations it was a very easy fix, plus I went ahead and took all the trigger assemblies, hammer, etc. out and cleaned it since it was all gunked up and hadn't been cleaned since the 1970's. I cleaned the heck out of it and frog lubed it up and reassembled. Everything is working phenomenally well now.
Here's the question I have...
The grips and overall finish of the gun are in terrible condition as my father-in-law doesn't really know how to take care of firearms. The nickle is flaking off and is tarnished in some places. Also, there are several scratches on the gun. Keep in mind, this is a ranch gun and is used to put down cattle that would otherwise suffer, aka broken bones, disease, etc.
Now, I want to refinish the gun as a gift for my father-in-law, but I have heard this gun in nickle is "rare". I don't know if that is true or not, but would I hurt the value of the gun to have it refinished and brought back up to a like new condition?
How about changing the finish to something more durable for ranch life, like CeraKote, etc. Would that hurt the value?
I hesitate to re-nickle the gun because of the high cost and my father-in-law's lack of maintenance would probably just let it deteriorate to its current condition again. Any feedback would be helpful.
Thanks in advance!
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Welcome to the forum! If your father in laws gun is originally nickel, it is kind of a rare bird. You can find out through Roy Jinks at Smith and Wesson. Either a 50 dollar factory letter, or I have heard you can call and ask to speak to him directly. Have the complete serial number, found on the butt of the gun, handy.
If the finish is not factory, whatever you do will not affect the value. I'd probably have it Cerakoted for durability. If it is factory original, and it were mine, I'd clean it up the best I could and put it away.
Charlie Foxtrott
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If the gun is in as poor of condition as you decribe.
You are not really going to hurt the value of it by refinishing it. If it essentially is now and will be a working gun in the future. I would tell you to go ahead and do it in something durable. My two cents.
You are not really going to hurt the value of it by refinishing it. If it essentially is now and will be a working gun in the future. I would tell you to go ahead and do it in something durable. My two cents.
Just found this forum today.....It's great. I've had my 28-2, 4",
SR# 48xxx for a few years now. Picked it up when I decided I was going to carry (concealed) a sidearm. I had a Mod. 57 in .41 Mag. but decided it was to much (if there is such a thing). It's an old one but shoots great. I don't collect firearms as all mine are shooters (good shape and accurate). I put about 200 rds a month through it (150 .38's and 50 357's).
SR# 48xxx for a few years now. Picked it up when I decided I was going to carry (concealed) a sidearm. I had a Mod. 57 in .41 Mag. but decided it was to much (if there is such a thing). It's an old one but shoots great. I don't collect firearms as all mine are shooters (good shape and accurate). I put about 200 rds a month through it (150 .38's and 50 357's).
You sure that's the serial number? I think that may be the work number? If I am not mistaken, and I usually am wrong since I just got into S&W revolvers, but I believe the serial number should start with either an S or an N for Highway Patrolman Model 28's.
If I am wrong please correct me.
Regards,
jjardina
Thanks for the reply. A little more information on this piece now..
On the bottom grip rail, it is stamped with an S in a diamond, which I assume means steel? Beside that mark, it is stamped with a C in a circle, which I am also assuming means chrome. Is that correct?
Another weird thing, is that my serial number only has five digits behind the N on the butt of the revolver. All the threads I have seen show that the serial should have six digits. The work order number that is stamped on each part is 53277. The serial number on the butt and inside the frame, where the cylinder closes is N592XX.
I have looked all over the piece and cannot find a six digit number anywhere. In fact, those are the only two numbers on the weapon.
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Ah, I get it now. So I am looking at a 69-72 time frame for manufacture.
Thank you so much!!
Sorry...left off the "N"....and looking on the butt it's N43XXX not 48.....It's a lot easier to read on the butt.....I "refuse" to wear bifocals.
Haha, I hear ya.
Here it is disassembled for a thorough cleaning. My father-in-law said he hadn't cleaned the piece... ever... and he bought it in '75.
This is the after photo, it was a damn mess.
I sanded the grips and I am on my second coat of poly now. They are looking very sweet. I think about 6-10 coats and at least the grips will be a show stopper.
As far as the finish on the gun, I am split between having it stripped and re-chromed or just leaving it as is. It is pretty damn bad around the grip, trigger guard and cylinder, but the barrel shines like new money.
Hi guys. I started another thread but thought I would toss some better pics in here. This is a 1975-77 28-2, serial # N2300XX that I picked up from the local pawn shop yesterday. The name Jim Knora is written in pencil inside the left grip panel. It is also stamped 101 and the butt has 4 metal posts inserted vertically -- 2 on each panel. It is in pretty good shape with some white showing at the muzzle and some small pitting on the cylinder & the right top frame. The rear leaf sight appears to be cracked and it is bent (dropped?). The action is smooth as silk and the barrel is clean. I hope to shoot it as soon as the rain stops long enough for me to get to the range. 
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I just picked up my first Highway Patrolman the other day at the pawn shop for $400 out the door. It is a model 28-2 Serial Number: S2222xx I have traced to roughly 1961 through the records at the beginning of this forum (If anyone can confirm this that would be great). It is a 6" and has Pachmayr Presentation Grips. It has some holster wear so hopefully it was an actual service gun. I am really pleased and excited to own this gun and I thank every one of you for contributing to this forum for me and others to learn from and marvel at. Long live the H.P.!
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C Broad Arrow
Member
Model 27 8 3/8 4 Screw
Well today started out like any. I woke up, read my emails, and started work. The weather was wonderful, and one of the best days this summer. So I thought I might take a drive to a LGS to see a Model 28 that had been bubba'd. On a whim I checked my favourite gun store's on-line inventory. I had done so the night before and there had been no new additions. However, this morning, much to my pleasure, there was a Model 27 (no dash) nickle 8 3/8 that must have just been listed(I was told later it had only been up for 10 minutes before I called) . My hands were shaking as I dialed. "Is the Model 27 still available" I asked?
"Yes", came the reply.
When I heard that it was still available I asked it to be placed on hold pending my inspection later that day.
I called my best friend who is a gunsmith, and his only advice was to make sure the nickle finish was not scratched or flaking, as refinishing would be difficult, and if rquired, would lessent eh value fo the gun.
Within the hour I entered the shop. In the case was a near mint 4 screw, 8 3/8 inch nickle Model 27. No box, no papers.
The Model 27 was actually better in person than in the pictures.
I had actually brought my tool kit with me. Bore light, magnifying glass, and screw driver set. Even though I used them, I felt foolish given the factory like condition of the gun. "Would I use them if this were a gun coming from the Custom Shop"? That was the thought running through my head at least...but I still went through my inspection checklist
.
First thing I noticed, was that the nickle finish was like a mirror. It was flawless. There were no scratches. I was later to find out that the gun was always wiped and placed in a protective sock each time it was handled.
The rifling was sharp and shone bright. The barrel looks like it just came off the production line. No buldging, no pitting. Each of the cylinders were in the same condition.
The cylinder was tight, no back and forth or rotatational wiggle. And I mean tight! Custom shop, old world craftsman tight!
The star looked like it has just been cut and polished.
The checkering in the grips are as crisp today as when cut, and they are numbered to the gun. The finish is original and have that "new car feel and look" about them. They are in excellent condition.
The metal checkering on the top strap is perfect. And like the rest of the gun looks as if it were done yesterday.
There is a reason that these old Smiths are valued. They are well built, custom crafted, hand fitted and display excellent fit and finish.
Needless to say, I bought the gun.
In a couple of days I will return to the shop and pick up the Smith to bring it home once the registration certificates have been processed.
The serial number is S188XXX. I have the S&W Catalog but have not been able to determine the age. I think I did well on the price - $750. But can anyone tell me what the market value might be?
I have been looking for a Model 27 for 2 years and this is the first one I have seen. There are very few in my neck of the woods. So I just bit the bullet and made the purchase. Talk about impulse buys!
Your comments are welcome!
So without further ado... here are some pictures.
When I get it home I will take some more pictures.
Well today started out like any. I woke up, read my emails, and started work. The weather was wonderful, and one of the best days this summer. So I thought I might take a drive to a LGS to see a Model 28 that had been bubba'd. On a whim I checked my favourite gun store's on-line inventory. I had done so the night before and there had been no new additions. However, this morning, much to my pleasure, there was a Model 27 (no dash) nickle 8 3/8 that must have just been listed(I was told later it had only been up for 10 minutes before I called) . My hands were shaking as I dialed. "Is the Model 27 still available" I asked?
"Yes", came the reply.
When I heard that it was still available I asked it to be placed on hold pending my inspection later that day.
I called my best friend who is a gunsmith, and his only advice was to make sure the nickle finish was not scratched or flaking, as refinishing would be difficult, and if rquired, would lessent eh value fo the gun.
Within the hour I entered the shop. In the case was a near mint 4 screw, 8 3/8 inch nickle Model 27. No box, no papers.
The Model 27 was actually better in person than in the pictures.
I had actually brought my tool kit with me. Bore light, magnifying glass, and screw driver set. Even though I used them, I felt foolish given the factory like condition of the gun. "Would I use them if this were a gun coming from the Custom Shop"? That was the thought running through my head at least...but I still went through my inspection checklist
.
First thing I noticed, was that the nickle finish was like a mirror. It was flawless. There were no scratches. I was later to find out that the gun was always wiped and placed in a protective sock each time it was handled.
The rifling was sharp and shone bright. The barrel looks like it just came off the production line. No buldging, no pitting. Each of the cylinders were in the same condition.
The cylinder was tight, no back and forth or rotatational wiggle. And I mean tight! Custom shop, old world craftsman tight!
The star looked like it has just been cut and polished.
The checkering in the grips are as crisp today as when cut, and they are numbered to the gun. The finish is original and have that "new car feel and look" about them. They are in excellent condition.
The metal checkering on the top strap is perfect. And like the rest of the gun looks as if it were done yesterday.
There is a reason that these old Smiths are valued. They are well built, custom crafted, hand fitted and display excellent fit and finish.
Needless to say, I bought the gun.
In a couple of days I will return to the shop and pick up the Smith to bring it home once the registration certificates have been processed.
The serial number is S188XXX. I have the S&W Catalog but have not been able to determine the age. I think I did well on the price - $750. But can anyone tell me what the market value might be?
I have been looking for a Model 27 for 2 years and this is the first one I have seen. There are very few in my neck of the woods. So I just bit the bullet and made the purchase. Talk about impulse buys!
Your comments are welcome!
So without further ado... here are some pictures.
When I get it home I will take some more pictures.
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Nice 27. Looks like you got a good deal!
fantomark
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HI!
AT last this morming I purchaseda long desired S&W 28 4" HIGHWAY PATROLMAN .
Serial number is N242076.
From the serial number list you so kindly provided, I see it can be any manufacturing date from 1974-1977.
Is there any chance one could find out actual manufacturing year?
Thanks!
Mark
6" 28 (No dash), 4 screws, S205381
Shipped to Stoegers Arms Co., New York City on February 1, 1961.
Shipped to Stoegers Arms Co., New York City on February 1, 1961.
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