Here is my newest acquisition. A Model 66 re-stamped as a Model 68-2 .38 Special, California Highway Patrol Commemorative. A true safe queen complete with original boxes and paperwork. Circa 1985

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Interesting...didn't know such a creature existed

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17-2, 65-5, 442-2, 10-5

Congratulations on finding the one you wanted!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I never understood why S&W did not make the Model 68, or preferably, a longer barrel as an additional option on the Model 67.

The 68 is, essentially, a 66 chambered in 38 Special.

The 67 is, essentially, a 15 made of stainless. I would have loved a 5 inch 67, and I think it would still sell in small numbers. The balance is noticeably different and the K frames should have had 5 inch either in place of, or in addition to, 6 inch barrels. I like 3 inch 66s better than 2 1/2 inch also.

Indy, those aren't re-stamped. S&W made the Model 68 specifically for CHP. There are a couple threads on this forum about it. Very, very nice revolver you got there!

I'm with shawn mccarver on this one. I've always liked 5" barreled Smiths and much prefer the balance and full ejector rod of a 3" over the stubby 2.5" barrel, on either the K or L frame. I'll go one step farther and say I prefer a 3.5" barrel over even the 3". (smile)

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

Yes, they did make them for the CHP. They apparently also supplied LAPD with the Model 68-2. However, S&W did not design a Model 68-2. Instead, they took a Model 66 frame and chambered it for .38 special. You can clearly see the 66 on the yoke with a 10x loop. The last 6 in "66" has been stamped over with an "8". It is slightly offset and clear as day. The gun shop doing the transfer actually said it looks as though it had been tampered with. They were concerned with this botched looking number when completing the DOJ paperwork. I explained what occurred and also had the original blue box depicting the serial number. Without that I think they would have been reluctant to do the transfer. That's just how obvious the re stamp job is.

Murphydog, thanks..., it worked out perfect. I happened to be in southern California when I received a call from the seller who lived about 20 minutes away from where I was staying. I met him the following day at an FFL and we did the transfer.

Looks like you are on to something, Indy. Here's a quote from the Bible:

"[Model 68] Variations
• California Highway Patrol Commemorative: 1984. Caliber: .38 Special; a limited edition commemorative version of the CHP Model 68 offered in May 1984, engraved with the CHP “Winged Wheel” on the sideplate, with “California Highway Patrol” engraved on the barrel, with belt buckle, laser engraved walnut presentation case.
• “Los Angles Police Department”-marked Model 68-2 , red ramp front sight with black outline rear sight. Chambered in .38 Special, 6" barrel. Product code 102891. Serial number AJH7108 was our example.
• Prototype Model 66-2 with 68-2 overstamp serial number AES0001 with “Los Angeles Police Department” on the right side of the barrel, with maple stocks in 6” barrel configuration in .38 Special."

Supica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2006-12-20). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd (p. 219). F+W Media, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

GerSan69,

Thanks for looking that up in the official book. I happen to know about these as I ordered one new from our association in 1985, and subsequently sold it in the late 80's. This one is a replacement. I was offered a few during my search. One had the wrong presentation case, no belt buckle, and no S&W box. Another one had damage to the presentation case. Then a seller backed out of the deal he made with me prior to shipping. It took awhile, but I finally found exactly what I was searching for.

Very cool! As far as I can tell, there weren't any made available to the public by S&W, so your hunt was doubly tough and doubly rewarding!

Especially in this left west coast California with their crazy gun laws. This is an off list gun. It is not on California's list of guns that can be imported into the State. So it had to be a party to party transfer between two in State residents that meet at a gun store. That just limited the search. Now I read where CA wants to outlaw internet sales of ammo and require people to buy a permit and undergo a background check before you can even buy ammo. Very, very, sad state of affairs.....It gets worse, but I won't go into the details.

Little late on this thread but does anyone know if the LAPD SA/DA revolvers come with a presentation box?

This may not answer your question, but I have a 68 that I believe was carried, has some wear and dings and has been altered to shoot DA only which as I understand was LAPD policy.

Mine has the cardboard box only.

Saw one years ago in a gun shop in northern CA. It had obviously been carried and banged against stuff a lot. The barrel was canted so far I doubted whether it would get on the paper with the sights adjusted all the way over.
Should have bought it anyway.

They certainly did

Smith & Wesson Model 68-2 Los Angeles Police Department Marked Double Action Revolver with Commemorative Case
Estimate Price: $800 - $1,400 rockislandauction.com

Hope they weren't waiting for an answer.

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Psalm 27:2

LOL...thread from the dead. AKA Zombie Thread.