A Not-So Unique N Frame

I stumbled across a rather interesting and possibly unique S&W yesterday. From the markings it appeared to be a Highway Patrolman in fairly nice condition.


It was interesting but I was at the store to the consign some guns so I left it there. I had to return to the store today. While I was there one of the guys mentioned the Highway Patrolman and how I had been eyeing it. I told him it was interesting but I didn't have the cash on hand, at which point he suggested a trade - two of my (cheaper) consignment guns for the Highway Patrolman.

It was an intriguing offer so I asked to look at the gun again, thinking it might be a pre-Model 27. What I found was rather interesting - on the inside of the crane it is stamped Model 28, not Model 27. The finish is typical for a Model 27, which is to say not high gloss like a Model 28. On top of that the double action is possibly the smoothest I have ever experienced in a revolver. That piqued my interest enough to do the trade and bring the "Model 28 Highway Patrolman" home with me.


So then, for the S&W experts here, what exactly did I pick up? From the serial number (which can be seen in the above picture) it appears to be a late 1975 or early 1976 production gun. I know S&W is known for cobbling guns together from leftover parts. What I can't figure out in this case is why? Both models were built through that era and stamping the model number on the frame is one of the last things done.

Well it appears I got turned around somewhere. Oh well, it's a nice S&W either way!

I got the Model 28 out to the range today. I brought along my King Cobra (the old version) as a benchmark since that is one of my most accurate revolvers. A distinct lack of practice caused far larger groups than I am pleased to admit. I had other things to focus on so the revolvers were only fired a few cylinders worth each.

The King Cobra honestly made a poor showing with bullet holes seeming to appear at random on the paper. The Model 28 wasnothing short of marvelous and I hope to take it out for some extended shooting soon.

The two guns hanging out together:


10 yards single action (Model 28):


15 yards single action (Model 28 on right, King Cobra left):


7 yards double action (King Cobra left, Model 28 right):

Rock185 said:

Your 28-2 appears to be in very nice condition. I bought a new 4" 28-2 back in the mid '70s. Plainer, but IMHO every bit as good as the 27 and 27-2s I later acquired.

Perhaps POI with your King Cobra would move over toward the center with a few clicks of rear sight right windage?

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Oddly enough that gun is usually dead on. It's possible that the sights drifted out of position (which I will check) but equally likely that I'm just a terrible shot. I used to shoot every week but over the last year or two life has got in the way. I know, the second target shows decent groups, but the Model 28 cheated! It got to go last each time!

Dunross said:

It appears to me you got a straight forward Model 28 Highway Patrolman. Is that a four inch barrel? I have a pair of them in six inch.

The Model 27 is the one S&W really put the nice finish on. The 28's have more of a matte finish.

Given its apparent condition you have a nice pistol there.

Click to expand...

I seem to have missed your question. Yes it appears to be a 4 inch barrel.

I got the Model 28 back out to the range. Amazing what a little practice will do! IIRC I shot this target at 10 yards. Ignore the shot at the very top; that is a stray from the target above.