LAPD Smith & Wesson S&W Model 68-2 CHP .38 Spl 6″ DAO Revolver, MFD 1984
SOLD FOR: $2650
LSB#: 221205RS003
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Los Angeles Police Department 68-2, “The .38 Special California Highway Patrol”. DAO Conversion.
Serial Number: AET0857
Year of Manufacture: 1984
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Double Action ONLY 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 yoke 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 serrated rib. The rear sight is an S&W Micrometer Click square notch adjustable for windage & elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a black polymer Hogue Monogrip with finger grooves and their pebble texture. There are some little nicks and scuffs, most noticeable on the bottom faces. There are some scattered minor nicks and scuffs. There are no chips or cracks. The texturing is strong. Overall, the grips are in about Fine 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. In my opinion, this bore is a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The action has been converted to double action only. The trigger has been polished. The original grip indexing pin is missing from the grip frame. There are some scattered little draglines and light scuffs which have caused smooth spots. There are a few little nicks and dings, some of the most noticeable are on the cylinder and trigger guard. The trigger guard also has a few light scratches. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action has been converted to DOUBLE ACTION ONLY. An action job has been done. The action functions correctly. The double-action trigger is smooth. The cylinder lockup has hardly any play. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The .38 Special California Highway Patrol (CHP) Model 68 is a traditional double action revolver built on the Square Butt K Target Frame and is rated for +P ammunition. 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”. The revolver is in Fine condition with about 95% of its finish, a bright bore with sharp rifling, and a tight lockup on the cylinder. It has a great bore and has been converted to Double Action Only, it would make a great shooter, but it may also get the Smith & Wesson collectors interested. Please see our photos and good luck!
Some are hot, some are not, but thankfully most can be shot!
-Red
