Smith & Wesson Washington State Police Model 28-2 .357 Mag 6″ Revolver 1981
SOLD FOR: $1,446.99
LSB#: LSB251029CW028
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 28-2 Highway Patrolman
Serial Number: N594938
Year of Manufacture: 1878-1981 / Modern (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson Section three, Appendix A,)
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single/Double Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver with Ejector.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked, “SMITH & WESSON” / .357 MAGNUM”, The right side of the barrel is marked in gold “WASHINGTON STATE PATROL / 1921–60TH ANNIV.—1981”. The right side of the frame is marked with Washington State Patrol shield and the four line Marcas Registradas address. The left side of the frame has the S&W monogram logo. The inside of the crane cut is marked “ N594938” / “MOD 28-2”. The butt of the frame is marked with the serial number “N594938”.
Barrel Length: 6” Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed serrated blade with an orange insert, integral to a ramp base on the barrel rib. The rear sight is an adjustable square notch screwed to the top strap. The top of the revolver has a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth Goncalo Alves Target stocks with the football thumb rest and S&W medallions. There are minimal handling marks on the grips. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Hardened Hammer and Trigger
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its metal finish. There is a very faint turn line through the finish and no carbon rings on the face of the cylinder. The trigger serrations are sharp and the hammer knurling is still very sharp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly with a very limited of side-to-side play in lockup. The cylinder release is sticky and can be difficult to catch. This pistol has excellent lock up and an extremely crisp, smooth, trigger pull and action especially in single action. 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: This revolver comes in a wooden presentation case with blue felt interior and 60th WSP anniversary belt buckle. The exterior of the case is marked “WASHINGTON STATE PATROL” and has scattered light compressions, scuffs and storage marks on the exterior. The interior has light wear from the contents, in about Fine condition. The belt buckle is in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: This Smith & Wesson Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman was produced as a Washington State Patrol commemorative, marking the agency’s 60th anniversary in 1981 and pairing institutional history with one of Smith & Wesson’s most respected service revolvers. According to the Standard Catalog of Smith, 5th Edition (page 278), there were only 762 of these Commemorative revolvers produced. The Model 28 lineage traces directly to the famed N-frame .357 Magnum platform, engineered to deliver durability and controllability under hard duty use. By the time this commemorative was issued, the Highway Patrolman had long proven itself in the hands of state police agencies nationwide, valued for strength, balance, and reliability rather than cosmetic excess.
Chambered in .357 Magnum and fitted with a 6-inch pinned barrel, this revolver reflects the classic highway patrol configuration favored for accuracy and recoil control. The matte-finished topstrap, adjustable rear sight, and serrated front blade with orange insert underscore its service-oriented design, while the N-frame mass tames full-power magnum loads with ease. The gold barrel legend and Washington State Patrol shield elevate the presentation beyond a standard duty revolver, anchoring it firmly as a commemorative piece tied to a specific agency and milestone.
This example retains approximately 95 percent of its original finish and presents in Very Good overall condition, with a bright 10/10 bore, sharp markings, and excellent mechanical feel. The smooth Goncalo Alves target stocks, crisp trigger characteristics, and strong lockup reinforce the revolver’s quality, while the inclusion of the original presentation case and anniversary belt buckle completes the package. Taken together, this Washington State Patrol Model 28-2 stands as a compelling blend of commemorative significance and classic Smith & Wesson service revolver craftsmanship. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!!
BF
