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

[MP1983]

Maybe $600-$700. The fact that it's a 5 screw S&W N-frame is likely as significant as it being the first year of production, but I'm no expert.

The fact that it was your Dad's & that he bought it new in the mid-50's makes it a priceless heirloom (to you).

I'd be eager to hear the thoughts of some other forum members.

 

[cjwils]

Here are a couple photos of my dad's old 6" HP, # S111xxx, which I mentioned above two days ago. I don't have great equipment or know-how for taking close-up photos, like some people in this forum seem to have. The photos have some glare that makes the bluing seem off, but in reality the bluing is not bad for the gun's age and given that it was carried in a holster a fair amount.

 

[mrblond]

I found a serial number S1177! Its a 6".

 

[hiram2005]

Nothing spectacular. I secretly hoped it had been sold to someone famous, (or infamous) but my Highway Patrolman, Serial Number S114306 was shipped from the factory on July 7, 1954 and delivered to Em Roe Sporting Goods 209-211 Washington Street in Indianapolis. 4 inch barrel, brush blue finish and checkered walnut grips.
I looked up Em Roe Sporting Goods and found that they were a family owned firm that started as a gun store in 1864! Currently they are a wholesale only team and school sporting goods supplier. Neat ...

Obviously an aftermarket chrome job as was often done in the 50's. I added the Eagle Stocks.

A period photo of the display window at Em Roe.

Em Roes was well known to anyone into guns, who lived around Indy. My dad bought a Colt Official Police which was a trade in from Indiana State Prison for the sum of 85 bucks in 1978. And I got my model 18 new from them in '78 for $205. Still have both of them. Em roes was a great store, lots of stuff. Oh, and can't you just see this display window being on Washington Street today???

 

[Tommezgun]

I have 3 28-2s all 6" and one 4" Barrel that I want put on one of the actions. Any suggestions on a competent gunsmith to do this? Prefer near Bangor Maine but I will send it if I have to. One problem with the 4" bbl is a yellow insert that was done rather poorly. How easy would that be to correct?

 

[bamabiker]

Here are a couple photos of my dad's old 6" HP, # S111574, which I mentioned above two days ago. I don't have great equipment or know-how for taking close-up photos, like some people in this forum seem to have. The photos have some glare that makes the bluing seem off, but in reality the bluing is not bad for the gun's age and given that it was carried in a holster a fair amount.

Hey cj, I think that's a great looking HP and the fact that it was your Dad's should make it priceless for you. I have a 4" HP with serial number S1113xx so they were pretty close. Great old guns.

Tommezgun, I would probably contact S&W for the barrel change unless I knew a local gunsmith that I trusted to do the work. As for the sight I think Brownells sells a kit for putting those sights in and you can pick the color. If it's not Brownells maybe one of the members will correct me.

 

[mrblond]

So what is the going price range for the 6" 5 screw HP. I didn't see any on the for sale forum?

 

[PRK 25-5]

First 28-2

Just bought my first Model 28-2..Serial number shows it was made between 1978 and 1980. Only wear on gun is slight mark on muzzle edge from holster wear. Paid $400. Gun had target trigger installed, lock up and timing are good. Snow and 30 deg. in Clinton Co., Pa. today. Will have to wait for a nicer day to play with my new toy.

 

[Mr Pokeyman]

I bought a 28-2 from a fellow forum member not long ago and finally got to shoot it. I bought some 125 gr from Walmart which is way too much for my old fingers so I plan to put some rubber grips on because my 686 (which has the rubber) shoots those same bullets and I hardly feel it. I found some numbers stamped inside the right grip and wonder what it mean. They are - 541074. Anyone have an idea. The serial no. is on both the grip frame and inside the cylinder frame??? It is N574xxx and according to chart on page 1 it was made between 1978 & 80. But, the N600000 serial nos. started in 1979. How can that be? Thanks.

 

[imashooter2]

Model 28-2, SN = S2345XX

 

[bamabiker]

iamshooter2, that's a beauty. What's the story on that one? Did you get it with the Coke grips on it?

 

[imashooter2]

iamshooter2, that's a beauty. What's the story on that one? Did you get it with the Coke grips on it?

Thanks! I picked it up in May of 2009 after pursuing it for a few months. Paid $450 for it wearing Pachmayr Signature grips. After the deal was sealed, the guy threw in a set of take off grips that he had no use for. I think it sweetened the deal considerably...

 

[scout II]

Here is my 4" model 28 no dash,serial #s184xxx.It looks to be unfired.

 

[TAROMAN]

Very nice! Gun and photography. And, where do you guys get those spiffy blue S&W props?

 

[MP1983]

Thanks! I picked it up in May of 2009 after pursuing it for a few months. Paid $450 for it wearing Pachmayr Signature grips. After the deal was sealed, the guy threw in a set of take off grips that he had no use for. I think it sweetened the deal considerably... (from imashooter2)

those stocks are worth about what the gun is!! be careful w/ them...

p.s. you did real good!!

 

[S&W_aussie]

First 28

Hi

I have just purchased my first 28-2. I have a 27-2 6" which I love but I have always wanted a 4" 28...just like the look of them...really tough little (big) guns.

The pic is not the best...just the dealers pic. I will post a better one when I get the permit papers and can actually take him home.

This one is mis-stamped as a model 26 (but I already have a thread going here about that! ). I think it is great even with that small defect. Serial N221XXX.

Cheers

Mike
PS - Like I said...better pics to come!

 

[NBink]

My first model 28

I just got my first model 28.
It is a 6" with a pinned barrel, recessed chambers, target hammer, target trigger and outlined sights.
Serial # is S175xxx, so I think that gives it a date-of-birth of 1956. (based in information in this thread.)
It's in very good condition, is very tight and came with the original grips plus aftermarket grips.
Inside the cylinder yoke where I expected to see "Mod. 28" there is only a numeral "1" inside a circle and the single letter "J" stamped below that.
Is this typical for the model 28?

I love this gun!

 

[snw19_357]

Serial # is S175xxx, so I think that gives it a date-of-birth of 1956.

Welcome to the forum!! Congrats on picking up your first Highway Patrolman.

S175xxx is more likely from 1958.

Is this typical for the model 28?

It is typical for a Highway Patrolman that was made before they gave them model numbers.
S175xxx is pretty late for a 'pre-28', is there a screw at the top of the sideplate on the right-side (below) or is that a 4-screw HP?

 

[NBink]

Thanks for the correction on the date.
There is no screw on the upper side plate.
I can't find "28", Mod. 28", "Model 28" or any variation thereof anywhere on it. It does have "Highway Patrolman" stamped on the right side of the barrel, like the one in your pic.

 

[bobbyjack]

HWP 28-2

I just bought a HWP 28-2 and it's a 4 screw with a ser# of S237073.

So some of those dates might be a little wiggly!

Bob