Smith & Wesson S&W Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman .357 Mag 4″ DA/SA Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1375
LSB#: 210514MW66
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 28-2, The Highway Patrolman
Serial Number: N542621
Year of Manufacture: 1978-1980
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 “N542621/ 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 butt is marked “N542621”, the sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The right grip panel is stamped “543495”
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade set on a serrated riser on the solid rib. 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 which leave the serrated backstrap exposed. There are a few light handling marks, no major defects. The checkering is sharp. These grips rate about Excellent overall condition as not original.
Type of Finish: 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 a light scratch on the cylinder. There are a few little spots of frost on the sideplate down towards the bottom. There are a couple tiny rubs and light handling marks. There is a faint turn line on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup produces almost zero 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: Included is a serial matched two-piece box and paperwork including the manual.
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!