I found the movie online and went to the end to see Nicholson's gun closer up if possible and it sure does look like a 4" RM era gun and definitely a patridge front sight.
In the 80s all bunched up pretty close together were three Border Patrol movies where they pack 4" model 28s and shoot them a lot. Here's Jack Nicholson in "The Border" (1982), Charles Bronson in "Borderline" (1980), and Kris Kristofferson in "Flashpoint" (1984). I think Flashpoint was the best and it's on You Tube for free.
Yeah. Valerie Perrine just annoyed me to death in The Border. But I basically just remember it from when I watched it at the show in the 80s. Ed Harris was a pretty good villian in Borderline with Bronson. I liked "Lone Star" better than all three of these. That was Kristofferson, too, but no S&Ws. He packed a colt new Frontier.
I don’t know if they really carried Model 28s or not, but they sure looked good on film. The databases for these films refer to them all as Model 28s though Nicholson upgraded alright. I remember Jovino’s Shotgun News ads of the early 80s selling used but minty 4” Model 28s by the truckload. I got my friend to buy one but I was too enamoured with my 4” 24-3 to get one. They were $189 each!
The model 28-2 was never an issue item, but officers could have their personal handgun approved for carry with the sector chief's approval, after qualifying with it. Ruger Security Sixes were issued, as well as, Colt Troopers (roll stamped Border Patrol IIRC) and (IIRC) 686's before going to the Beretta 96D. The Beretta was pretty decent, as far as, accuracy. It wasn't terribly popular with those who had small hands, but most adapted well.
It would be a rare LEO that gravitated to a Colt Single Action, who would also gravitate towards adjustable sights, IMHO. It wasn't until fairly recently that LEO's accepted adjustable sights to be durable enough for law enforcement duty. Most departments today that issue semi-autos, still don't issue adjustable sights on their duty handguns. I would think that the average law enforcement officer couldn't shoot a good enough group at distance to appreciate adjustable sights, and actually might be hindered by them, because the average officer might keep blaming the sights for erratic shots, rather than try to correct bad technique, therefore adjusting the sights the wrong way.
The funny thing about Kristofferson using a Colt New Frontier in Lone Star is, he was shown in flashbacks in the film I think predating him to 1961 or 62 meaning he was packing a gun that didn't exist. But who cares. It was interesting to see that gun in a movie. Matthew McConnaughey carries a well worn short Colt SAA in it.
