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S&W HIGHWAY PATROLMAN, Model 28-2, mfg. ‘69 - ‘71.

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November 20, 2024, 08:50 AM
Trooper Joe
S&W HIGHWAY PATROLMAN, Model 28-2, mfg. ‘69 - ‘71.



Just bought this from a S&W collector in New England. Called S&W this morning and they said it was manufactured between 1969 and 1971.

When I was a state trooper we carried heavy barrel model 10’s which were quite a bit lighter. (25 oz. vs. 30 oz.)





This thing just reeks of quality. I think it has a little glossier finish than some of the 28-2’s I have seen before.

Trooper Joe
November 20, 2024, 09:11 AM
sourdough44
Very nice, seems like it lived a gentle life also.
November 20, 2024, 09:45 AM
Trooper Joe
quote:
Originally posted by sourdough44:
Very nice, seems like it lived a gentle life also.


I think it was waiting for me to buy it.

If I remember correctly, I think the Wisconsin State Patrol carried these back in the day.

Trooper Joe
November 20, 2024, 09:57 AM
k5blazer
Nice Highway Patrolman! Great revolvers. I have one and my wife has one.
November 20, 2024, 10:39 AM
hjs157
Congratulations! That's a gorgeous, classic revolver. Smith & Wesson was indeed manufacturing very fine product in the late 1960's/early 1970's. I have always preferred the abbreviated Magna grips supplied with the Model 28 over the larger Target grips which came with most model 27's. Enjoy.
November 20, 2024, 12:19 PM
1KPerDay
Sweet. Looks brand new. Mine has a few more miles on it. Smile

Every time I shoot full-house .357s in it I'm amazed that so many cops used to carry and shoot them. It's a handful.


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My hovercraft is full of eels.
November 20, 2024, 01:41 PM
got2hav1
Very nice. I had one of those myself at one time. I love the Highway Patrolman roll mark. Classic!


JEREMIAH 33:3
November 20, 2024, 02:54 PM
Trooper Joe
CORRECTION ON WEIGHT

I just weighed mine on a postal scale. (42.5 oz.) Don’t know where the 30 oz information came from.

Just checked Wikipedia again and found the correct weights.

I read somewhere that when the troopers first started using these revolvers, they felt that if the shots fired did not bring down the bad guy, they could always throw the gun at them Smile.

Trooper Joe
November 20, 2024, 03:16 PM
newtoSig765
I bought one in the late 1960's, and the finish was nowhere near as nice as yours appears to be! I don't remember why I sold it, but it was great shooting it, even with full-boat .357 Mag rounds. Cleaning the bore was a bitch, though!


--------------------------
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
-- H L Mencken

I always prefer reality when I can figure out what it is.
-- JALLEN 10/18/18
November 20, 2024, 03:42 PM
TheFrontRange
Congratulations! Great example of the breed there!

I recently traded into a 28-2 myself that I’ve been working with a good bit. I’ve meant to post something out here about it and will do so soon.



"The sea was angry that day, my friends - like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli." - George Costanza
November 20, 2024, 03:42 PM
92fstech
Nice score, and that really is a beauty! I actually got to shoot one of those for the first time today, and man what a sweetheart! It soaks up the .357 recoil like no other, and the action was butter smooth. It rivals my GP100 for "solidness", too. The one I shot belongs to a co-worker and it's kind of a family heirloom, otherwise I'd be all over him to sell it!
November 20, 2024, 03:49 PM
Scoobaru
Congratulations! I really like the lines of that revolver.



November 20, 2024, 04:11 PM
got2hav1
This is the one I had. Yours has definately led a cushy life. You should be proud to have that one. I put target type grips on it, I believe they were Eagle grips.




JEREMIAH 33:3
November 20, 2024, 04:52 PM
94hokie
Holy moly I would love to find one of those in such pristine condition! That is an excellent find, enjoy it for many years.
November 20, 2024, 05:15 PM
captain127
Nice gun and condition. I have tried to like N frames owning several over the years, but always back to the lighter more graceful K frames. However if you want a good solid rugged gun that will tame the hottest 357 loads the highway patrolman is just the ticket
November 20, 2024, 05:19 PM
lot_45
OP,

Is that front sight painted red or red insert from factory?

Most 28-2's 4" have plain black front sight.

Exception; 28-2 stamped "NYSP" having red ramp fron sight and white outline rear sight.

Looks like you got a real nice one!
November 20, 2024, 06:10 PM
Trooper Joe
quote:
Originally posted by lot_45:
OP,

Is that front sight painted red or red insert from factory?

Most 28-2's 4" have plain black front sight.

Exception; 28-2 stamped "NYSP" having red ramp fron sight and white outline rear sight.

Looks like you got a real nice one!


It is a red insert. I don’t know if it is factory or not.
November 20, 2024, 06:21 PM
Oaklane
I have a real love for the 28, I remember when my dad bought his around 1970 or so and it was the first “ big boy” handgun he let me shoot when I 10 in 1972 so I consider it to be one of my favorite S&W revolvers. I had it in my possession until 5 or so years ago when I passed it on to my nephew. I have a step son but no sons of my own and wanted it to go to someone related to my dad. I was about 10 minutes too late about 3 months ago from picking up a not so pristine one locally for 4 bills, would have made a great addition for me but wasn’t meant to be. Some day I’ll come across another, may not be a great deal but I will find one.
November 20, 2024, 08:00 PM
357fuzz
Man… I am not really a revolver guy but, the Highway Patrolman S&W is the sharpest one out there IMHO. Just something about the lines and shaping. Shot one a couple times. Great shooting handgun all around.
November 20, 2024, 08:53 PM
jbourneidentity
Magnificent! Hard to find a better looking revolver. Blued steel and walnut. Congratulations on a fantastic find and purchase.