The ultimate Highway Patrolman thread.including N frame ser# ranges

[Rodan]

Just discovered this thread, so I've added my HP from 1954 below.

I know the HP was introduced as a lower cost option to the .357 Magnum, and from what I have found, the HP was $85 when introduced. Does anyone have the price for a .357 Magnum from the same time period? I haven't been able to find that, and I'm curious as to the actual cost difference...

Anyway, here's some pics:

 

[PeteC]

...I know the HP was introduced as a lower cost option to the .357 Magnum, and from what I have found, the HP was $85 when introduced. Does anyone have the price for a .357 Magnum from the same time period? I haven't been able to find that, and I'm curious as to the actual cost difference...

In 1960, the HP still cost $85 (inflation was running at a whopping 1% per year) In the same catalog, a model 27 was listed at $120. Adjusted for inflation, that would be about $1200 today.

 

[Rodan]

Thank you. Exactly the info I was looking for. About 2 days pay for the average cop at the time!

 

[PeteC]

According to information in this forum, mine dates from about July 1954, s/n 113xxx:

 

[PeteC]

Thank you. Exactly the info I was looking for. About 2 days pay for the average cop at the time!

Do you mean weeks, or days? Average wage was about $1.50~$2/hr for skilled workers in the mid-50's. Minimum wage was 75 cents! Police departments did not have the budgets and toys they have today

 

[Rodan]

~2 days at ~$2/hr. just for the difference between a Highway Patrolman and the 357 Magnum.

Of course, just as today, police wages were all over the map, but that's a rough average for the mid-50s from what I was able to find on the 'net this morning.

 

[PeteC]

~2 days at ~$2/hr. just for the difference between a Highway Patrolman and the 357 Magnum...

You're right, I thought you meant the retail price of the gun, not the difference

 

[bill-in-texas]

Mid-1950s Pricing

Here's something I found in a publication from 1955, the pre- model number years:





from

...the price for a .357 Magnum from the same time period?

$85.00 for the HP versus $109.30 for the .357 Magnum, according to this publication.

-Bill


Prices in 1955



.357 Magnum Clearly Shown with Target Stocks...

 

[pantannojack]

correct grips

I have a 6" n1927xx with lazy ampersand. Looks like 1977 from page one here. If target grips, is football diamond required for correctness? I would love correct Magnas with Tyler T.

 

[PeteC]

I have a 6" n1927xx with lazy ampersand. Looks like 1977 from page one here. If target grips, is football diamond required for correctness? I would love correct Magnas with Tyler T.

The grips with the diamond in the center were discontinued around 1968. The football relief (a.k.a. extractor cut) was discontinued on N-frames around 1980. So, football cut, yes, diamond center, no. (Ref SCSW IV pg 38)
Also according to the SCSW, N100000~N199999 is 1973

 

[sophie]

I just couldn’t stand it any longer and after reading this Highway Patrolman thread for several years now, I just had to get in on it. I purchased this 6” Highway Patrolman, Model 28-2, a little over 3 years ago. It doesn’t show to have been shot very much. It is complete with the correct box, literature, and complete tool kit. The box reflects the target grips and this Highway Patrolman has a .400” smooth face semi-target trigger and a .400” semi-target combat hammer, per the SCSW book, 4th edition. In reading this Ultimate Highway Patrolman thread I haven’t seen many guns with the .400” smooth face trigger. It feels real good when shooting the gun. The serial # is N453XX indicating 1969 to 1972 production. It shoots as good as it looks. Thanks for letting me join this excellent Ultimate Highway Patrolman Thread.

 

[boykinlp]

I just couldn’t stand it any longer and after reading this Highway Patrolman thread for several years now, I just had to get in on it. I purchased this 6” Highway Patrolman a little over 3 years ago. It doesn’t show to have been shot very much. It is complete with the correct box, literature, and complete tool kit. The box reflects the target grips and this Highway Patrolman has a .400” smooth face semi-target trigger and a .400” semi-target combat hammer, per the SCSW book, 4th edition. In reading this Ultimate Highway Patrolman thread I haven’t seen many guns with the .400” smooth face trigger. It feels real good when shooting the gun. The serial # is N453XX indicating 1969 to 1972 production. It shoots as good as it looks. Thanks for letting me join this excellent Ultimate Highway Patrolman Thread.

Sophie, I really like the looks of your smooth trigger. I bet it does feel good when shooting double action. I have one on a 17-3.
Larry

 

[bill-in-texas]

I just couldn’t stand it any longer and after reading this Highway Patrolman thread for several years now, I just had to get in on it...

James,
That’s an excellent example, in a configuration that I wasn’t aware of.
Thanks for sharing!
-Bill

 

[jcs266]

Well it took me DAYS to read this entire thread and admire these beautiful 28’s! By the way I have thoroughly enjoyed this thread! I’ve learned a lot too.

I just found a 6” 28-2 in near-new condition. Not sure if the Target stocks it came with are original because they don’t seem to fit quite right at the web of the hand area. The rear sight also looks like it was swapped out, it has grooves on the top, and a white outline.

I prefer Magna grips so am looking for a pair now. A Tyler T-Grip is also something I want for it.

Here is my one and only Model 28… Ser# N266xxx

These pics were taken at the shop - when I get it cleaned up I will add better pics.

 

[PeteC]

N266 == 1974~1977
The rear sight may be from a different N-frame revolver.
There may be a good reason why the target grips don't fit seamlessly.

If you post your Model 28-2 in the forum in its own thread, you may get more specific answers.
N-frame Tyler adapters can be hard to find, N-frame Magnas are easier.

In any case, the condition of the gun seems to be very good, which is what matters. Enjoy!

 

[spin132]

Not sure if the Target stocks it came with are original because they don’t seem to fit quite right...

That's a very handsome Patrolman you landed, looking forward to more pictures!

Pretty sure those are K/L frame target stocks which is why they don't fit properly.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[jcs266]

Ah!!! YES I bet that's it - K frame Targets.

I'm looking for Magnas now and will swap them out ASAP.

Will try to post more pics this morning after i feed the chickens and pigs and get some more coffee in me.

That's a very handsome Patrolman you landed, looking forward to more pictures!

Pretty sure those are K/L frame target stocks which is why they don't fit properly.

Sent from my SM-G996U using Tapatalk

 

[Vtgw938]

I have N266100 which S&W indicated was made (frame anyway) 1976.

 

[jcs266]

I have N266100 which S&W indicated was made (frame anyway) 1976.

Wow within less than 300 digits of one another! I’ve been watching the thread to find an N266xxx and didn’t see any. Thanks for the input. Yep I figured probably a 1976 shipping date.

 

[jcs266]

A couple more pics. More later after I get it cleaned / oiled and some different grips on it.