Model 28 question.

[Genetically Swiss]

Guys,

I am looking at an original 4” S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman. Diamond grips are serial matching to the gun and the serial number is S116642. It is a five screw and all components that are serialed, match. Box is present too. For lack of a better term, is this a pre-model 28? The inside of the crane says K03407, as best I can tell. It absolutely does not say Mod 28. Medallions are silver.
Thanks.



GS

 

[Jack Flash]

That serial number puts it in the 1954 - 1955 range for shipping date, well before model numbers were designated.

So strictly speaking, you have a Highway Patrolman. Most of us are comfortable saying "pre-28" but don't say it too loudly unless you want a lecture from a strict S&W Terminology Enforcer!

 

[Genetically Swiss]

Yes, it says highway patrolman. Why don’t we say pre-28? Box had no identification as to model, it is cardboard, blue and faded. I will post photos later. Is there some specific value in being a highway patrolman prior to model designation? I know they made a butt ton of model 28 highway patrolmans.

GS

 

[Jack Flash]

Before going to model numbers, S&W gave names to their revolvers. Yours of course is the Highway Patrolman, which is marked on the barrel. Later on, S&W came up with Model Numbers, and the HP became the M28. So the term "pre-28" was coined and is used informally to reference HPs made before Model Numbers were assigned. The "pre-xx" terms were not officially used by S&W so some folks dislike using "pre-xx". Others like it. One of those things not worth worrying about, if you ask me.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Folks like early/older guns..... most or all of the pre-model number revolvers had
real "names"*....................... most still do but folks just use the #s........ to eliminate confusion..... the Models 13, 19,27,28,65,66 are all .357 magnums but have different frame sizes,steel and features...... in 1935 to 1955 (?) there was only one ".357 magnum" built on the N-frame..... then Smith introduced the Highway Patrolman as a more affordable "economy" version for Police officers.... and added the Combat Magnum in 1954/55; a .357 on the K-frame.......

Some examples:

Highway Patrolman 28
Registered Magnum Later the .357 Magnum
.357 Magnum 27
K22 Masterpiece 17
Combat Magnum 19
K38 Combat Masterpiece 15
M&P ( Military & Police) 10
Chiefs Special 36


Now some of the really old guns ....."Pre-1899" had numbers like Number 1, Number 3


*As a footnote; the model 13 and 65 were not around prior to the Model #s and to the best of my knowledge never were given "names"

 

[Genetically Swiss]

What year did S&W stop using 5 screws on the N-frame?

GS

 

[BAM-BAM]

What year did S&W stop using 5 screws on the N-frame?

GS

About 1959 IIRC................sorry 1961 on the 27-2 per SCS&W

 

[DWalt]

S116642: I list S1164xx as shipping in 9/54. Yours probably shipped close to that date. Model numbering began in the late 1950s, so you could legitimately say it is a pre-Model 28. But S&W called a Highway Patrolman, and so should you. The upper sideplate screw was eliminated in 1956. So yours should still be a 5-screw. As previously said, the HP was sort of the economy-grade version of the .357 Magnum, made to sell at a lower price. But mechanically, nearly identical.

 

[JP@AK]

About 1959 IIRC................sorry 1961 on the 27-2 per SCS&W

Right answer to the wrong question. That is when the fourth screw went away. The fifth screw was eliminated c. 1956, before any guns had model numbers.

 

[Genetically Swiss]

Here are some photos now that I am home.

I think it’s going to Gun Broker.


GS

 

[jeeps]

Pre 28, 1954

Mine is first year production,carry now and then,but use as house gun,it shoots great,butter smooth! I do not like the latter ones there not made as well.there worth about $800.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Nice.................... great score

 

[lonegunman762x51]

Why send it to Gun Broker? They are a nice catch when you find them.
It looks like a pretty nice pre-28.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Right answer to the wrong question. That is when the fourth screw went away. The fifth screw was eliminated c. 1956, before any guns had model numbers.

Head slap........ forgot about that pesky "little" bugger. Only have a couple of 5 screw guns

 

[markeb]

Oh that is a nice one. We love those old PRE Smith Revolvers.

Thanks for sharing.

I just checked the number on mine, we are very close, S112380.

 

[SRT]

A first year 4" Highway Patrolman in excellent condition with box is about as rare as hens' teeth. A great many of these were police working guns, and as such, were well used.

The Blue Book lists them as N/A for 100%, indicating that they are few and far between, and $1,000 @ 98%. The Standard Catalogue of S&W says $1250 for ANIB, with no premium for the 4" barrel.

Pictured below is S1068XX, shipped in May of 1954. It is NIB, unfired, and my photography skills (or lack thereof) don't do it justice.

If anyone on the Forum has any first year 4" models NIB or ANIB that they would like to sell for $1250, let me know and I'll get a check and my C&R in the mail to you ASAP if not sooner.

 

[Dave T]

I'm confused. The OP was looking at this gun, then got it home (indicating he liked it enough to buy it). Now he's sending it to GunBroker. What the heck?

Dave