Smith & Wesson 68-2 California Highway Patrol CHP .38 Special 6″ Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,436.00
LSB#: LSB251006VN047
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 68-2 CHP California Highway Patrol (Modified 66-2)
Serial Number: AFY0187
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1984
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot Double-Action Revolver with Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The left side of the frame is marked “CHP” with a S&W Monogram. The left side of the frame has a Marcas Registradas. The right side of the barrel is marked “38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.”. The yoke cut is marked “AFY0187 / MOD. 68-2” (the 8 is stamped over a 6). The yoke is marked “E16” over an “S” and “32667”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “V”.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert set on a serrated elevated base that is integral to the rib, which is serrated for glare reduction. The rear sight is a square-notched S&W micrometer sight that is adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered Goncolo Alves target stocks with smooth borders and S&W medallions. The left grip has a speedloader cut. There are some scattered handling marks. The checkering is crisp with a few blunted peaks, primarily on the right side. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is strong. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore is a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The balance of the stainless shows mild handling and operational wear. There are scuffs and draglines typical of stainless guns. There is a crisp turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are tool marked to disfigured with serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup produces minimal side-to-side movement. 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 Smith & Wesson Model 68-2 occupies a distinctive place in American law-enforcement history, built specifically to meet the California Highway Patrol’s service requirements during the 1970s and 1980s. Essentially a stainless adaptation of the .38 Special Combat Magnum lineage, the Model 68 was derived from the Model 66 but chambered exclusively in .38 Special to align with CHP ammunition policy. These revolvers were purpose-built duty guns, combining the strength of the K-frame, a full-length 6-inch barrel, and adjustable target sights to deliver accuracy, durability, and controllability for highway patrol service across California’s vast road system.
This example dates to approximately 1984 and remains a strong representative of the type, showing honest service wear consistent with duty use. The bore is bright with strong rifling, the action is smooth in double action with a crisp single-action break, and lockup remains tight. The stainless finish displays typical handling marks and a defined cylinder turn line, while the factory target stocks retain sharp checkering with only minor wear. As a marked CHP revolver with correct configuration and solid mechanical condition, this Model 68-2 stands as an increasingly collectible law-enforcement revolver from the final era of widespread police wheelgun service. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
