LAPD Smith & Wesson S&W Model 68-2 .38 Spl 6″ Double Action Only Revolver
SOLD FOR: $4775.99
LSB#: 210811MT02
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Los Angeles Police Department 68-2, The “.38 Special California Highway Patrol”, No. 102891
Serial Number: AET5338
Year of Manufacture: 1982-1988
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Double Action Only DAO Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON / .38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.”, the right is marked “LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT”. The left side of the frame is marked with the S&W logo, the right is marked with the four-line marcas registradas address. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “V” and the inside of the ejector rod shroud is marked “S”. The crane cut is marked with the serial number and “MOD. 66-2” with “8” stamped over the second “6” (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition notes on page 272 under Variations: “Prototype Model 66-2 with overstamp serial number AES0001 with ‘Los Angeles Police Department’ on the right side of the barrel with maple stocks in 6″ barrel configuration in .38 Special.”). The yoke and sides of the grip frame are marked with inspection marks.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert, set on an elevated base integral to the serrated rib. The rear sight is an S&W white outlined square notch that is micrometer click adjustable for windage & elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a black checkered rubber Pachmayr Presentation grip. There are some scattered scuffs and light marks. There are some light hairline scratches. There is a tear on the right side up at the top edge. The checkering is strong. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are some scattered scuffs, draglines, and swirl marks, some have caused smooth spots. There are some nicks and hairline scratches, the most noticeable are on the trigger guard and there are some more on the sides of the frame. There is a little ding on the rib on the left side of the barrel at the muzzle. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. Other DAO examples have been reported by not confirmed by S&W (page 272 Standard Catalog). The cylinder lockup has light side to side play with the trigger is depressed on all chambers. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a black leather Bianchi No. 2800 Judge holster.
Our Assessment: The .38 Special California Highway Patrol (CHP) Model 68 is a double-action revolver built on the Square Butt K Target Frame and is rated for +P ammunition. This one is a double-action only, other examples are reported and mentioned in the Standard Catalog but has not been confirmed by Smith & Wesson. These were manufactured for the CHP and later for the Los Angeles Police Department in 1983 when the California Highway Patrol was not permitted to carry .357 Magnum sidearms. This revolver is marked “LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT” on the right side of the barrel. Interestingly, the frame is also over-stamped on the model marking changing from “66-2” to “68-2”, we have seen this before and it is also mentioned in the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. The revolver is in Fine condition with about 96% of its finish, a bright bore with sharp rifling, and a good lockup on the cylinder. This would make a great shooter, but the intriguing markings may also get the dedicated Smith & Wesson collectors interested. Please see our photos and good luck!