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

[Allen-frame]

,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"

[Vanilla Gorilla]

This oughta be good. I'll add info when I get home.

[topbreak]

Sounds like a good idea. I only have one HP, but enjoy reading anything S&W. Ive been collecting Smiths for a long time and ive found there is always something to learn.
Topbeak

[Allen-frame]

4" 4 screw ,non model marked H.P. 51 years old.






6" 4 screw non model marked H.P.




Adding in here to this original post, A pretty neat project I finally had the opportunity to undertake.
I bought a scratched and rusty 28-2 at a local shop for $217.
I cut and crowned the barrel ,round butted it ,and made it into a fixed sight gun,

Here are the pictures.,,,I call it a model 528.





































Regards ,,,Al

Not much to offer here except this pic of one of the nickel "salesman sample" guns that I used to own....



Oh yeah, how about an early sales flyer:

[s&wchad]

Just one, a Model 28-2 4", N 228,XXX.

[diamonback68]

Al, I have posted this before. I own a model marked 28 4" 4 screw with serial number S18217X.
I know Smith didn't always ship in s/n sequence order, but it is slightly lower than the s/n you posted.

[sabre]

Here's a 4" 28-3 with a pretty late "N" S/N, N959XXX:


Bill

[Onomea]

Check out this thread that includes the following comment by hsguy on the origin of the name, “Highway Patrolman.”

If I recall Evaluators was a dealer. Interesting side note is that Florence Van Orden of Evaluators suggested to S&W president Carl Hellstrom that the Model 28 be named "Highway Patrolman", he liked the idea and name was adopted. John

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5201039...711050962#1711050962

[Jellybean]

N5350XX

N5279XX

[VM]

Smithnut, why did that one go away?

Ever seen that pretty picture of all the K frame 3"ers Rob has?

[mkk41]

My 6in , 5-screw Highway Patrolman , ser.no. S1650xx

Originally posted by Allen-frame:
AAAAaaaaahhhhh, the salesmans sample!

Smithnut, why did that one go away? And where is it today??

What would the value be?
Do you remember the ser.# ?

Thanks ,,Al

Allen-frame,
That gun was one of two that I had and let go about 3 years ago when I was changing directions....

I know, sad reason, but it's true.

The known nickel 4" guns are in the N40xxx and N43xxx serial number ranges, give or take a few #'s.

Value (after I sold mine off ) climbed to $2k plus, but that's what happens....

Never look back, just enjoy the hardware that we have and be happy

[gizamo]

SmithNut,

Rob ~ a couple of years ago I posted a Variant thread on the Highway Patrolman. Listed every variant and every forum member contributed that had a unusual Model 28 or HP....

Could you look in the archives and resurrect the thread? It was the most in depth thread on HP's that we've done....

Giz

Originally posted by gizamo:
SmithNut,

Rob ~ a couple of years ago I posted a Variant thread on the Highway Patrolman. Listed every variant and every forum member contributed that had a unusual Model 28 or HP....

Could you look in the archives and resurrect the thread? It was the most in depth thread on HP's that we've done....

Giz

Is this it?

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/for...6131026471/p/1

[guy sajer]

S104600

[Poohgyrr]

I don't have a HP, but I sure enjoy all this. And that thread is next..

[RKmesa]

A few of mine:

5-Screw With Stags - SN: S1269XX






4-Screw 28 (NoDash) - SN: S1926XX





4-Screw 28 (NoDash) Working Gun - SN: S2035XX






28-2 N284XXX:






28-2 (Refinished High Gloss) SN: N5610XX





Small and humble contribution.

[Richard Simmons]

28-2, N575656, 4" bbl
28-2, S264774, 6" bbl

[rm06]

This one is my only claim to fame which I've posted previously; here's another view:



Pre-model, 5 screw Highway Patrolman, S1343xx.

[rayb]

28-2; 4"; SN S 332267: DOB 1969/1970 (I think)

Working gun

rayb

[Deacon KC]

4" 28-3 N9574xx

[SWID]

I have but two,

28 no dash four screw, S194XXX
28-2 purchased by me from F.Morton Pitt in LA in 1968 S294XXX

Both Diamonds of course, the 28-2 large grips.

Note the serial #s, I didn't plan that, it just happened.

(embarrased, can somebody point me to one of the "how to post a picture thread)

[hsguy]

Here is an interesting HP.
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/content/community/gun...sp?hierarchyId=11647

[gizamo]

Originally posted by SmithNut:

Is this it?

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/for...6131026471/p/1

Bingo

Rob,

Thanks so much for digging that one back up, thought it was archived forever....

Giz

[deanodog]

Three N prefixs all shooters

[VM]

(embarrased, can somebody point me to one of the "how to post a picture thread)

No need to be embarrassed - bdGreen tells it best:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/for...4/m/8311066552

[mkk41]

Anyone notice that the later HPs had almost as glossy a finish as other S&Ws of the day?

The original HPs and older 28s still had a fairly matte satin blue finish.

[ladder13]

Couple of N's

[Dragonfly]

N5006XX, from 1977 or 1978 I think.

[Allen-frame]

rm06 , that is possibly one of the finest photographs of a H.P. ,or any gun for that matter,,I have ever seen, ( applause,.....).

Regarding the finish variations on H.P.'s the most popular theory is what day of the week a gun was polished (how good the polisher felt at the time) would make one or another shinier than the rest.
But having seen examples across the 29 years they were produced I cannot say I've noticed
any particular timeframe where they were shinier than most.

Maybe others can add their opinions

Regards ,,Al

[Odinkar]

I have a sad story about a model 28 my dad had. He was a sheriff deputy in Barton county Kansas in the early 70’s and had a 4 inch 28 that he had hard chromed by someone named “Tiny” in SE Kansas. It was a beautiful gun. It had a great trigger and a lot of good memories with it. I carried it when I was in college while working security. Now the sad part. My dad and his wife had a major house fire in September. Everyone but the dog made it out, but the top floor of the house was gone. While visiting at Christmas I asked my dad about the gun. He said the rubber grip had milted to the frame and the cylinder was welded to the frame as well. I thought that I could get it and put it on a plaque for him and my kids when I got it. He told me that when the house was being cleaned up it was thrown away. So now it’s gone. I have plans to find another 28 and try to make it look like his, but it won’t be. Sorry for the *** story, but it feels good to vent to people that understand.

[Ron H.]

Sir, mine is hardly an "ultimate" Highway Patrolman, being somewhat worn, but it still functions just fine. S293xxx.

Single-action:


Double-action:


Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

[gizamo]

All different Variants....



Giz

[PZ93C]

28-2 I put in layaway.

A 4 inch, three screw, S223xxx. I'd give you the last three, but I can't remember them.

What's the earliest known 3 screw?

[cush]

Giz, here's the only HP in my safe. It's actually my 5 year old son's gun given to him by his grandfather when he turned two. Every time I ask my son if I can shoot it, he's says "No, I want to shoot it first."

It's a 28-2 N5156XX from 1978 or 1978 I presume.

[haggis]

This is my 4" M28-3, non-pinned, non-recessed, smooth combat trigger, SN N9562XX, date 1985-1986?



When was the transition from "N"-prefix to the three-letter-prefix done for the Model 28-3's?

Buck

[guy sajer]

Great looking HP's

Any numbers reported under S104600 ?

Highest number reported ?

Thanks !

[azmick]

When was the transition from "S"-prefix to the three-letter-prefix done for the Model 28-3's?

the "N" prefix started about 1969,that would be a 28-2. 28-3 started about 1982. the "N" prefix ended about 1986. the HP was discontinued in 1986 but there are some with a 3 letter prefix

[jpmccr]

My 28-2: S/N# N539XXX. DOB: 1978. From my father's estate. Not sure if it is a 3 or 4 screw. Too lazy to go look . . .

[Lenshappy]

Nice 28's you guys, dang, some great photos too! Had a HP in '78 when I worked for an armored car service in the five boroughs in NY - yeah, dumb. Sold it in 1980 - dumber.

Odinkar - truly a sad story

[PZ93C]

jpmccr- Yours is a 3 screw.

4 screw revolvers ended in 1961-62, maybe 1963 or so. Well before the "N" prefix began.

[Blackcloud2]

Posted 31 December 2007 09:37 AM Hide Post
I have a sad story about a model 28 my dad had. He was a sheriff deputy in Barton county Kansas in the early 70’s and had a 4 inch 28 that he had hard chromed by someone named “Tiny” in SE Kansas. It was a beautiful gun. It had a great trigger and a lot of good memories with it. I carried it when I was in college while working security. Now the sad part. My dad and his wife had a major house fire in September. Everyone but the dog made it out, but the top floor of the house was gone. While visiting at Christmas I asked my dad about the gun. He said the rubber grip had milted to the frame and the cylinder was welded to the frame as well. I thought that I could get it and put it on a plaque for him and my kids when I got it. He told me that when the house was being cleaned up it was thrown away. So now it’s gone. I have plans to find another 28 and try to make it look like his, but it won’t be. Sorry for the *** story, but it feels good to vent to people that understand.

Odinkar, sorry to here of this loss. I'm glad that your kinfolk got out safe. Too bad for the pet, but guns are definitely replaceable.

[jpmccr]

PZ93C, thanks. I was all comfortable downstairs surfing last night and I just didn't want to go get my keys, go upstairs, unlock my cabinet, pull it out of it holster, look at it, put it back, lock it back up, and come back downstairs. (It is going to be hard getting started this new year ).

[kwbikr]

My S-serial HP that taught me trigger work, tuning(and came out well), got a bit of a cold blue makeover (it was already re-blued, just tired)and makes me a better shooter...

[l1011graham]

Just joined
My 28-2 Highway Patrolman has three screws recessed and pinned.
The Serial # is S271xxx.
How does one post photo's.
Thanks

[Jebus35745]

I have a 28-2 ser no S-250,000. It has a target hammer and trigger with a 4" bbl. It appears to be unfired. The letter from Roy says it went to an employee who picked it up at Camfour. I believe it was Dave Baker which was a code name at Camfour for employee. Havn't found out who the real Dave is yet! Larry

[Allen-frame]

Great H.P.'s everybody. I promise to update the original post with all pertinent info,including N-prefix Ser.# rarges.

Please remember if you have a letter,post the ship date along with the Ser.# so others can use as a reference.

Thanks ,,,Al

[Allen-frame]

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"



Please add your own Ser.#'s to the mix , don't you find it interesting to see them broken down this way?
Thanks for your contributions, keep it up , ,,,Al

[guy sajer]

Originally posted by Allen-frame:

Please add your own Ser.#'s to the mix , don't you find it interesting to see them broken down this way?
Thanks for your contributions, keep it up , ,,,Al

Absolutely ! Thanks Al