Gun Show Find LAPD 68-2

[Texas Star]

Saw one priced reasonably in a Georgia gun store a few years back but the Model 68 wasnt on my short list.

IIRC the Model 68 uses the shorter K-38 cylinder (from a Model 67 or Model 64) instead of using a longer Magnum cylinder with .38 bores.

This means the barrel forcing cone protrusion into the frame window is longer like the K-38 and would prevent fitting a .357 cylinder.

Makes sense they would call it a Model 68 since it is a different model and came after the Model 67,
likely the Model 68 is the closest S&W ever came to producing a 6" version of the Model 14 albeit with shrouded ejector rod (normally reserved for Magnum revolvers until years later).

In view of this, I'd hesitate to load any very hot ammo, assuming that it had the same heat treatment and special steel of Model 66.

But if you carry one where you might need the most power a .38 Special provides, I think Buffalo Bore's hot round, about the velocity of the old .38-44 ammo, but with a more effective bullet, might make sense. I think it'd stop most animals you'd need a handgun for.

The Model 19 or 66 with six-inch barrel in the usual .357 chambering is an exceptional outdoorsman's gun: full Magnum power when needed, plus lighter to carry than larger .357's.

Even Jeff Cooper noted that, .45 auto fan that he was. He felt that the M-19 with six-inch barrel was an exceptional trail gun for the hiker or backpacker. At the time, M-66 hadn't appeared. When it did, it just made choices even better.

LAPD guns towards the end of revolver service had to be DA only. What about M-68's carried by CHP officers?

Why not just carry normal M-66's? The reason is that officers were banned from using .357's, by admin. decree. CA is a very liberal state, and "community leaders" didn't want cops carrying Magnum guns. The politicians caved, so no M-66's for police there. Other cities probably differed. In fact, one of our members now retired in another state used to wear a snub M-19 on duty. I forgot which city he was a detective in, though.

 

[CALREB]

Hi Guys ,as for a 4" model 68, I know a few were converted with 4" 67 barrels in the armory, for officers that for whatever reason wanted a 4 ", those barrels were not marked LAPD , just plain red ramped barrels.


Hey Schultz , About the Ithaca shotguns there was a real nice commemorative from the revolver club. I don't have one of those but had these laying around, right before retirement the city decided to auction off the old Ithacas , only if you were trained with one. I got one and wife got one .One of a few times being an armorer had its advantage. Wife's had literally sat in a closet at personel for over 25 years.
Model 37 and 87

 

[OIF2]

I used my 68 to get NRA revolver distinguished. A superb target revolver. Badge and initials were engraved at the LAPD Revolver Club store.
Bob

 

[fuzzymcnab]

I can toss in a bit more. I have the other 68 commemorative which is the CHP version. Came in a nice wooden display case with a brass plaque. As I recall, they were for officer purchase only. There were also issued 68's for CHP. They are easy to identify. They were stamped "CHP" originally, but the ones that were sold surplus were over-stamped so they read "OHB'.
Cut down and converted LAPD revolvers seem to come in all flavors. I worked with a female sergeant who was originally issued a new 6" model 14, that she immediately had cut to 4". You can always tell because the factory stampings on the barrel were not aligned for the shorter barrel.
Someone with greater knowledge than I should write a book on the history of LAPD guns.
God bless y'all, fuzzy

 

[RMFnLA]

I'd never seen one of these before; that engraving sure looks better than the sloppy BPD stamp on my Boston issue Model 64.

Always had a soft spot for Ithaca 37s since I shoot long guns lefty due to dominant eye.

Bought my first 37 in college when some guy came into a bar I was in and offered it for the first $40.

I'm surprised my wallet didn't burst into flames considering how fast I whipped it out!

 

[adrianolsen]

The model 68's/68-2's are unique and very cool. Their were only 8,055 of this model made. There is not a breakdown of how many went to the CHP or LAPD. You did well in getting it.

2500 original model 68 were made for CHP in 1977

 

[fuzzymcnab]

Adrian,
Are you speaking of issued duty weapons? My commemorative dates to 1984 as does the issue of the CHP magazine which has the original article on the gun. Please clarify for my interest.
Thanks, fuzzy

 

[usmc2427765]

1Adam 12...respond to the 211 at 4100 Wilshire..Visions of the old time cop shows. Wait a minute, I am an old time cop.