John Taffin’s Smith & Wesson Mod. 28-2 Highway Patrolman .357 Mag Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: LSB260521SS015
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 28-2, Highway Patrolman
Serial Number: N287891
Year of Manufacture: 1974-1977 (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)
Caliber: .357 S&W Magnum / .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single/Double Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver with Ejector.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The right side of the barrel is marked “.357” / “CTG.” / “HIGHWAY” / “PATROLMAN”. The crane cut is marked “N287891” / “MOD. 28-2”. The right side of the frame is marked with a large S&W monogram and the four-line Marcas Registradas. The frame butt in marked “N287891”.
Barrel Length: 4″, Pinned and Full-Rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed serrated blade integral to a ramp in the barrel rib. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch screwed to the top strap. The top of the revolver has a matte finish.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut target-style grips with silver S&W medallions at the top. There are scattered minor scratches and compression marks. These grips are not original to this revolver. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color Hammer and Trigger
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are scattered handling scratches and compression dings. There is finish wear at the muzzle. The cylinder has carbon rings, residue in the flutes, and a turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall this revolver is in Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight with minor play at each chamber. The single action is crisp, and the double action is smooth. 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: John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 28 Highway Patrolman was introduced as a more utilitarian counterpart to the highly polished Model 27, retaining the same robust N-frame, .357 Magnum chambering, six-shot cylinder, and adjustable sights while using a matte blue finish intended for hard service use. The Model 28 became especially popular with law-enforcement officers who wanted the strength and handling of Smith & Wesson’s large-frame Magnum revolvers without the premium finish and cost of the Model 27. This 4″ Model 28-2 represents one of the classic service configurations and carries provenance to the John Taffin Collection, adding collector interest given Taffin’s extensive writing on big-bore and magnum revolvers.
This Model 28-2 retains approximately 95% of its original blue finish, with scattered handling scratches, compression marks, muzzle wear, carbon rings and residue on the cylinder, and a visible turn line. The replacement smooth walnut target-style stocks remain in Fine condition, while the bright 9/10 bore has sharp rifling, fouling in the grooves, and no visible erosion. The action functions correctly with tight lockup, minor play at each chamber, a crisp single-action pull, and smooth double-action operation. The included John Taffin Collection Certificate of Authenticity provides desirable provenance. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY