Smith & Wesson S&W Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman 357 6″ DA/SA Revolver NO CA
Sold For: $1050
LSB#: 201019MW30
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 28-2 ‘The Highway Patrolman’, Square Butt N-Frame
Serial Number: N160264
Year of Manufacture: 1973 (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 4th Edition – Supica & Nahas, Page 488)
Caliber: .357 Magnum & .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Hand Ejector Revolver
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “.357 / CTG.”, “HIGHWAY / PATROLMAN”, the side plate is marked with the S&W trade mark monogram, the right side of the frame has the four line Marcas Registradas. The butt is marked with the serial number. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model numbers. The front face of the ejector is marked with the serial number. The crane and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The inside of the right grip panel is marked “160264” and the left “R”.
Barrel Length: Nominal 6”, Pinned. Actual Length 5 ¾”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade set on the solid rib; the rise in the rib is serrated for glare reduction. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut magna stocks with S&W medallions at their tops. There are a few nicks and dings. The most noticeable defects are on the rear of the left panel at the top, bottom edge of the right panel, and on the right panel at the bottom corner formed byt the smooth border. The checkering is strong. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There are what appear to be some infrequent spots of light surface erosion but they are likely just small spots of leading that will be removed upon patient cleaning.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The edges of the topstrap have a tiny mark or two. The cylinder has a very light scratch behind one of the flutes. The cylinder has a light complete turn line. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder has almost no play on each of the six chambers with the trigger depressed. The double action is smooth and the single action is crisp. 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 Model 28, also known as the Highway Patrolman, traces its heritage back to the Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum. The Registered Magnum morphed into the Model 27. The Model 28 is unusual in that Smith & Wesson removed, rather than added, features to the Model 27 to create it, in order to reduce production costs with no reduction in utility. A classic N frame revolver, the Highway Patrolman is blued, but it is not polished, saving labor costs. The top strap and frame rounds are bead blasted to achieve a matte appearance. In the late 1940s and the first part of the 1950s Smith & Wesson was the only American gun company manufacturing a .357 magnum revolver. Since this relatively deluxe model was the only revolver available for this cartridge at the time, police departments, as well as individual officers and private shooters, requested from Smith & Wesson a more strictly utilitarian “budget” .357 magnum revolver. S&W responded with the Highway Patrolman (later renamed the Model 28 in 1957). The manufacturing changes made for a more affordable revolver, though mechanically the Highway Patrolman is the same as the more ornate Model 27. The Model 28 was in production from 1954 through 1986. For most of its production run, it was a steady seller with both police officers and civilian shooters. This 6″ example is in about Excellent condition and would make a great shooter or addition to a Smith & Wesson collection. Please see our photos and good luck!