Model 28-2's and red ramp front sights

[David LaPell]

I have seen lately three Model 28-2's with 6-inch barrels and all three had red ramp front sights. All three had Highway Patrolman marked barrels and the front sights were identical. All three were also in different gun shops. I know that there were a few 4-inch red ramp 28's that came about, but I wasn't aware of any 6-inch guns out there. If they were redone, who ever did them was very good as they look just like the red ramp on my 27. None had the white outline rear.

 

[Art Doc]

They would have been special order. Most likely a police contract. You decide if they are worth more.

 

[TAROMAN]

Pinned front blades are easy to change. Last I looked, the RR blades wera available from Midway as well as Brownell. In a reverse of this, my 29-2 wears a patridge blade.
I cannot imagine that the blade would make any difference in the value of the weapon. Only a letter would maybe? confirm their originality.

 

[bgrafsr]

Pinned front blades are easy to change. Last I looked, the RR blades wera available from Midway as well as Brownell. In a reverse of this, my 29-2 wears a patridge blade.
I cannot imagine that the blade would make any difference in the value of the weapon. Only a letter would maybe? confirm their originality.

I wasn't aware that the 28-2's had pinned front blades. I thought they were part of the milling process when the barrels were made.

 

[TAROMAN]

I wasn't aware that the 28-2's had pinned front blades. I thought they were part of the milling process when the barrels were made.

I stand corrected. Just pulled my 28-2 out of the safe. Sure enough, cast/milled in place, unlike the 29-2. Wonder why the difference?

 

[A10]

I've seen a few from the early-mid 80's with the RR front sight.

 

[1 old 0311]

I wasn't aware that the 28-2's had pinned front blades. I thought they were part of the milling process when the barrels were made.

You got it

 

[alaskavett]

Just looked at my 28-2 N1008XX and it has the red front insert,white outlined rear sight, 6". There are no special features marked on the box.Looks like it has always been this way. Kyle

 

[.357magger]

I have a NYSP contract 28-2, 4", that bears RR and my understanding is that this was a factory mod. Frame marked as NYSP. As previously noted, there are other police contracts so specified but I've never heard of a 6" before. But...with Smith you never know and a letter is the only way to be 95% sure.

 

[ScottJ]

Mine is red ramp and I mistakenly thought all the late 28-2s came that way. Learned in discussions here they didn't.

Someday I'll talk myself into spending $50 for the letter. I actually have 4 different revolvers I'd like to letter. Gets pricey quick.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Mine has RR/WO plus target hammer and Ranger trigger and presenation smooth target stocks. Didn't come this way........I made it myself.

 

[bgrafsr]

Mine has RR/WO plus target hammer and Ranger trigger and presenation smooth target stocks. Didn't come this way........I made it myself.

Yep, I have one that was originally a 6", and I installed a 4" barrel on it, then sent it to S&W for a re-finish and to have the red insert installed in the ramp. Once I got it back, I put a smooth .400" trigger in it, a target hammer, and a WO rear sight blade. Now it's the way I want it and like it. Shoots great too.

 

[.357magger]

Mine has RR/WO plus target hammer and Ranger trigger and presenation smooth target stocks. Didn't come this way........I made it myself.

LOTS of them were modded when they were LEO issue or purchase guns. Won't say it was extremely common to have TT, TH, RR, WO added to the basic 28 package, but I do recall many that rode in holsters so "upgraded" back in the day. Same thing with 27's too.

 

[ikor]

LOTS of them were modded when they were LEO issue or purchase guns. Won't say it was extremely common to have TT, TH, RR, WO added to the basic 28 package, but I do recall many that rode in holsters so "upgraded" back in the day. Same thing with 27's too.

I had one so-modded. Went to my oldest grandson with a set of Grashorn stags and a Tyler T. He is in hog heaven and I enjoy that.

 

[McPherson]

I have a 1968 Highway Patrolman factory fired with Red Ramp front sight…. With box, tools, papers… installed vintage pearl look alike stocks but still have original factory stocks….absolutely love it!

 

[StrawHat]

And, just like that, a 14 year old thread brought back to life!

Kevin

 

[S-W4EVER]

And, just like that, a 14 year old thread brought back to life!

Kevin

I’ve seen a lot of M28’s (& own three) and I’ve never seen one with RR/WO sights. Learn something new every day.

 

[Retired W4]

And, just like that, a 14 year old thread brought back to life!

Kevin

When ScottJ mentioned a $50 letter I knew it was an old thread.

 

[bill-in-texas]

Uh, yeah…
A 14 year old thread.

I’ve seen a lot of M28’s (& own three) and I’ve never seen one with RR/WO sights. Learn something new every day.

The NYSP-marked 28-2 is the only Highway Patrolman that I know of with RR/WO sights from the factory.

-Bill

 

[Hawg Rider]

Very interesting! I have two minty 6" Model 28-2s and both have the standard ramp front sight (no red insert) and no WO on the rear sight. I also have a first year 4" Highway Patrolman and two 4" Model 28-2s, and none have the red insert or WO rear sight. Kind of coincidental that three different 6" Model 28-2s in three different shops had the red insert.