Smith & Wesson S&W Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman .357 Mag 4″ Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 210419MB78
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 28-2, The Highway Patrolman
Serial Number: S279006
Year of Manufacture: 1966-1967
Caliber: .357 Magnum/ .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Cylinder Hand Ejector Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model number “S279006 / MOD. 28-2” and the yoke is marked with inspection marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “.357 / CTG.” and “HIGHWAY / PATROLMAN”. The sideplate is marked with the “S&W” trademark logo. The right side of the frame, below the cylinder, is marked with the four line “Marcas Registradas” address. The rear of the cylinder is marked “H”. The butt is marked “S279006”, the sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The right grip panel is stamped “279006”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade set on a serrated riser on the solid rib (Baughman Quick Draw Sight). 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 and smooth diamonds around the grip screw. There is a scratch along the back of the right panel that has darkened with age. There are some infrequently scattered light compressions. There are a few little nicks, most noticeable on the bottom faces. The majority of the defects are on the right panel. The checkering is strong. There are no chips or cracks. These grips rate about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Satin Blue
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 98% of its metal finish. There is some thinning on the front edges of the barrel and underlug. There is a little finish loss on the right side of the muzzle. There are some little marks from handling and storage. The hammer and trigger have some operational wear and there is some spots of oxidation, mostly on the hammer. The sideplate has oil staining under the grip. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup produces very little play on each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double-action trigger is smooth. 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 4″ example is in about Fine-plus condition and would make a great shooter or addition to a Smith & Wesson collection. Please see our photos and good luck!