In recent weeks and months, there have been some inspiring threads about revolvers in general and the S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman specifically. May I thus add to this ongoing chorus of revolver goodness…

Depicted here is a recent pickup of another S&W Model 28-2. The “newest-to-me” example bears a five-digit s/n (following the “N” prefix) versus the six-digit of my other one. It sports a yellow-insert front sight along with a target trigger and hammer, all of which are atypical to the Highway Patrolman. General fitment of the gun feels right, and the action is smooth.

The “lazy-ish” ampersand on the left side of the barrel is intriguing to me; on the right side of the frame, the ampersand is “normal” if that’s the correct term to use.

I’ve read that the presentation of the subdued blued finish on the 28s could vary from run to run. This example is glossier than my first. I don’t suppose I could rule-out that it could have been refinished at some point along the way.

No original box or papers with this one; in fact, the gun was displayed upon a recent-generation blue plastic S&W case marked for an entirely different model. At first glance from a distance, the case made me think the gun was going to be one of the newer “Classic” line revolvers. I’m glad I took a closer look!

I may send off for “The Letter” on them both just to get the official goods on their origins.

My other 28 wears original Bear Hug Grips and is carried and shot regularly. I’m looking forward to getting them both to the range side-by-side soon, Lord willing, and to ultimately rotating them carry-wise.

Wow, that's a beauty. Thank you for sharing.

I am jealous.

Very, very nice.

Both look fantastic, almost new.

Nice pair!

I've always wanted a 28/Highway Patrolman but never gotten around to it. Those are beautiful.

quote:

Originally posted by TheFrontRange: I’ve read that the presentation of the subdued blued finish on the 28s could vary from run to run. This example is glossier than my first. I don’t suppose I could rule-out that it could have been refinished at some point along the way.

I believe this M28 is a refinish.

I'd guess someone wanted a M27 and refinished their M28 and added the three T's to make one.

I've never seen a M28 with the lazy ampersand on the barrel or frame. Good looking revolver you have there. Well done.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: got2hav1,

The N frame guns have always been my favorites. Although a nice K frame 19/66 is pretty spectacular, the 27/28 is a work of beauty

Beautiful revolvers. Love the N frames. Got two myself.

Looks refinished to me, but whoever did it did a fair job. The medallion logo, and the barrel markings all got polished down a bit compared to your other one. The barrel looks a mite more polished than it should also, though the "budget" M28 finish of yesteryear is often superior to the "polished blued" finishes out there today.

Regardless, it's a beautiful example. I like the target trigger and hammer. Which do you prefer in that regard?

Thanks, all!

@1KPerDay, I’ve tended to prefer the standard (“non-target”) trigger over time. My other 28’s trigger is even smooth, not grooved, and that’s perhaps my ultimate favorite.

That said, I’d decided to not let a target trigger deter me from a good opportunity haha. I’m looking forward to some solid range-time with it and see how it all goes. If push comes to shove, I can send the gun to Nelson Ford for both his famed action-work and a trigger-change.

Refinished or not, that is a good looking gun. That makes for a nice pair of 28s!

Looks like a really nice shooter. How does the trigger compare to your other M28?

My opinion is that a previous caretaker made it "theirs" by adding a yellow insert front sight, Triple T's, and then had it refinished. It really is very cool and unique Highway Patrolman.

Just curious if there are any numbers stamped on the grip frame under the grips like "4.78" That would be a April, 1978 rework date by S&W if it had been sent back to the factory for work.

Congrats on picking up a great S&W!

@blindref - thank you! The trigger on the new one feels good to me, and now that you mention it virtually spot-on to the other one.

I’ve had the grips off of the gun a couple of times now (once to check for any rust and again when giving it a pre-range cleaning) didn’t pay attention to any of the markings. I’ll do so next opportunity and report!