My First N-Frame...a Model 28-2! Recessed, but Not Pinned?

[Robinett_11B]

Hey, everyone. I just picked up my first, and definitely not last, N-frame S&W...a Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman I have been wanting one of these for a little while now, and I'm happy to finally own one. I have to say, I was a little unsure of how the reputedly large N-frame would fit in my hands...but it feels great, better than a K-frame with standard SB magnas. I think a T-grip might just take it to perfection though Everything about this gun has appealed to me since I first learned of it...it's size, power, weight, reputation, use in law enforcement, and no-frills utilitity. I plan on owning more, and definitely a Model 27 or two...but I'm happy to have my first N-frame in the collection now.

I do have a question though. I noticed when I was doing the usual used-gun-check that it had recessed chambers, but no barrel pin. Okay, I figured it was just a 1980 or so example, that was made while they were doing away with the P&R features...but a post over at another forum has got me wondering now. I posted the S/N over at THR and I was told this by a user there when I asked about the lack of a pin:

The N900000 to N97xxxx serial range was used from 1982 to 1986. The 28-3 was introduced in 1982, eliminating both the recessed cylinder and pinned barrel,so theoretically yours is a 1980 to 1982 gun, but it should have a pinned barrel. According to the Standard Catalog of S&W in 2000 the Performance Center stamped five model 28-2s with their logo, these were fitted with recessed cylinders and red ramp front sights. Serial numebr for one of these was N951647. With the serial number being so close and sharing the recessed cylinder of the PC guns, I'm wondering if your gun actually left the factory over a decade after it was theoretically discontinued. If you have the cash to spare and the curiosity this one may be worth getting a factory letter from Roy Jinks at S&W.

What do you gentlemen make of it? I don't think I have some super rare gem here, but this user over at THR (Radagast) seems pretty knowledgeable and he's pointed out that it could be something a little different from usual...although, I've already learned that S&W didn't always adhere to a strict SOP I just thought it was interesting and wanted to see if anyone here had any thoughts on the matter.....and of course, I wanted to show off my newest S&W

My acquisitions over the last 9 months...I think it was about time for an N-frame

Thanks for looking

-Rob

 

[davegarage]

Could be but...

There is always a transition period with S & W .

Not saying it is not rare, but if you have been around a few of these different occurrences, you would know. Never say never on a transitional Smith. Your find may be rare. And again, it may not be.
My two -2's are pinned. Middle serial #'s.

That is all I can tell you.

Dave

 

[fyimo]

When S&W went though a change like dropping pinned barrels and recessed cylinders they used up all of the parts they had on hand so there were what we call transition revolvers. These could have a pinned barrel but not recessed chambers in the cylinder or the opposite as you revolver is. Are they rare ? well transition revolvers are certainly rarer then the models on both sides of the change but so far I have not seen a big premium on them when it comes to pricing.

 

[DCWilson]

That serial number is right on the edge of the -2 to -3 change. As others have said, characteristics of one variety can show up early in the last units of the prior configuration, or survive a bit into the early production of the new configuration. In my eyes, minor anticipations or lags in production design don't alter a gun's value.

That's a fine-looking HP, by the way.

 

[Art Doc]

Quite a few guns made right at the end of the P&R period are noted to have either unpinned barrels or non-recessed cylinders. If you have a Model 27-2 with a 4" barrel made 1980-1982 you have about a 50/50 chance of having an unpinned barrel despite the fact that theoretically all -2s should be pinned.

My theory is that S&W started using up some -2 parts and began using the new -3 parts on -2 frames. This mostly seems to affect the 27s but numerous mismatched 28s have also been noted. Maybe 50 years from now collectors will treasure these transition guns.

 

[bamabiker]

That M28 looks very good. And congrats on the 9 month's acquisitions, you're doing well.

 

[tops]

I have a 28-2, 6 in. blue that is recessed but not pinned. Serial # N951XXX so they were still doing that about 1000 guns after yours. Larry

Just had the thought. It is probably after 1980 so this is in the wrong section. Will we get our legs switched? Larry

 

[Robinett_11B]

Thanks for all the responses, guys. I figured it was just a transitional gun...inbetween the whole dropping of the P&R features. Now I have an excuse to pick another one up, with this one being sans pin it needs a P&R brother

 

[toddimusnimski]

Hey Tacoma, nice pick up. Less than an hour after posting and you already have a handful of responses. Just goes to show what having "28-2" or "Highway Patrolman" in the thread title will do. Definitely a strong following here.

My vote is also for a transition gun. Well done and nice collection.

Todd

 

[Engine49guy]

My Model 27-2 is also recessed but not pinned .
serial N941000 some 10,000 units earlier.

I have seen the same transitional practice in Model 66's and Model 19-s.

BTW Im drooling on that little SS J frame Model 63 .22 hiding at the bottom....
And could that be a diamond grip Model 60 in the shadows?

 

[Robinett_11B]

My Model 27-2 is also recessed but not pinned .
serial N941000 some 10,000 units earlier.

I have seen the same transitional practice in Model 66's and Model 19-s.

BTW Im drooling on that little SS J frame Model 63 .22 hiding at the bottom....
And could that be a diamond grip Model 60 in the shadows?

I probably wouldn't of picked this Highway Patrolman up if it was missing both the pin and the recessed chambers, but I was happy with one or the other....I am still looking for a 60's or early 70's example next though.

That little Model 63 is my baby For a 2" barrel, that thing sure can shoot! I wouldn't sell it for twice what I paid

I wish the Model 60 was from when they were still offering diamond magnas, but unfortunately I had to buy those grips separately...that's a mid-70's example. I just like the way the diamonds look on it

 

[haggis]

Rob,

FWIW, my 28-3 (not-pinned, not-recessed) is serial number N956xxx.

Buck

 

[Dot_mdb]

My model 28-2 with a six inch barrel is the real freak. It does not have the recessed chambers and doesn't have the pinned barrel either. The serial number is N9514XX, within 1,000 of yours but a higher number. Apparently they ran out of the cylinders but had the frames already stamped? Not sure when the frame gets drilled for the barrel pin but it most be when the gun is assemble.

Bill

 

[TAROMAN]

Very nice HP and an interesting thread. Confirms my suspicions about "transitional" models.
Like my 15-4 that's not pinned where the SCSW seems to indicate that it should be.

 

[deanodog]

Another 28-3 non P&R with serial no.AJK36XX. It must have been close to the end of the line for the 28s.

With factory target grips.

 

[Bill Douglas]

Another 28-3 non P&R with serial no.AJK36XX. It must have been close to the end of the line for the 28s.

Deanodog, you dog Yours in newer than mine. My 28-3 is AHZ287X