S&W 375 CTG Highway Patrolman serial number puzzle

[DLakai53]

I have recently purchased a Smith & Wesson "N" frame hand ejector revolver from a retired LEO. I have been trying to do a little research on this particular model. Information from this forum and the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson I believe this to be a Model 28 Highway Patrolman of early manufacture. The puzzle lies in the serial number of this Model 28 N Frame. The information I see for serial numbers on this model start somewhere in the 103XXX range. This frame is stamped with serial number S 92557. The description of this revolver is as follows:
Smith & Wesson "N" Frame with 4" barrel, blued finish, 5 – screw hand ejector model with post-war adjustable rear sights. The barrel is marked 375 CTG -<>- Highway Patrolman. S/N: S 92557. There is no model number stamped on the yoke or crane, only 4 digit manufacturers' assembly numbers.
Anybody have any ideas about the serial number or if this an actual Model 28?

 

[Buford57]

Is the top of the frame and rib checkered or ribbed?

 

[VM]

You're correct in your thinking - it is NOT an original Highway Patrolman.
The barrel has been installed on another gun. How about a close up picture of the topstrap of the gun?

 

[Art Doc]

Immediate guess is a Highway Patrolman barrel installed on a pre-27 frame. Checkering on top strap would tell.

 

[Göring's S&W]

I think its a model 357 with a later HP barrel. Notice that there's not a SN in the barrel shroud.

 

[VM]

Since the cylinder is not recessed, it can't be a pre 27/28.
Maybe a Heavy Duty with a HP barrel and rear sight installed???

 

[murphydog]

Correct on all the above. Perhaps the original barrel was damaged, or someone wanted a 4" pre-model 27 as that length was not standard until the late 1970s. The frame is from 1953 and the barrel from after 1957.

Also, the barrel should read .357, not .375 . Hope this is helpful.

 

[murphydog]

Since the cylinder is not recessed, it can't be a pre 27/28.
Maybe a Heavy Duty with a HP barrel and rear sight installed???

Good pickup, missed that entirely. The mystery deepens...

 

[jjbrewst1]

The cylinder looks reamed to accept 357. My guess is a 38/44 frame, cylinder, with a 357 HP Barrel

 

[DLakai53]

S&W 357 CTG Highway Patrolman

Thanks for the catch, yes my fingers are dyslexic and it is marked 357 CTG. The frame top strap is ribbed and the barrel flat top is smooth with the exception of the front sight. I suspected that this might be a different frame from the original Model 28's based on the serial number.

I could only post five pictures. I will attempt to attach a few more here hopefully to help identify just what I have.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

Factory .357 revolvers were scarce in the early 1950s and it was not uncommon to see the heavy framed .38 special revolvers rechambered to the Magnum round.

Your gun has also had an adjustable rear sight added to it.

I hope you didn't spend too much on it. I would refrain from shooting .357s in it. Stick to any .38 special loads, including +Ps.

 

[DLakai53]

Thanks For All The Helpful Comments

I believe everyone has helped me understand exactly what I have and suspected this might be the case. Fortunately, I got this for a nominal price as far as used revolvers go. I will refrain from using .357 ammo. I suspect that it has mostly used with .38 spl as that was most of the local LEOs used around here back in the day. May not shoot it much as I have a Model 19 for .357 mag and a newer Model 14 target for .38 spl to use. Thanks again for all the helpful comments.