Smith & Wesson 68-2 California Highway Patrol CHP .38 Spl 6″ Revolver 1984
SOLD FOR: $1,054.00
LSB#: LSB251206HR007
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 68-2 CHP California Highway Patrol (Modified 66-2)
Serial Number: AEU3419
Year of Manufacture: 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 / .38 S.&.W. SPECIAL CTG.” The right side of the frame has a Marcas Registradas. The sideplate has the CHP “Winged Wheel” engraved. The right side of the barrel is marked “CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL”. The yoke cut is marked “AEU3419 / MOD. 68-2” (the 8 is stamped over a 6). The yoke is marked “33027”. 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 itself 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 smooth Goncalvo Alves target stocks with a speed loader cut and S&W medallions. There are a few scattered handling marks and tiny areas of finish loss. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate an Excellent 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 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The balance of the stainless shows moderate 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 lightly tooled with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates a Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup produces almost no 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: Original S&W box, paperwork, CHP Association belt buckle..
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 from 1977 to 1988. Essentially a stainless adaptation of the .38 Special Combat Magnum lineage, the Model 68 was derived from the Model 66 .357 Combat Magnum Stainless. The Model 68 was chambered in .38 Special because CHP policy did not authorize issue of the .357 at the time. 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 1984 and remains a strong representative of the type, showing honest service wear consistent with duty use. It is a limited edition commemorative version of the CHP Model 68 and is engraved in the CHP “Winged Wheel” on the sideplate. 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 show only very minor wear. This Model 68-2 stands as an increasingly collectible law-enforcement revolver from the final era of widespread police wheelgun service.
-C.B.