Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 28-2, The Highway Patrolman

Serial Number: N45331

Year of Manufacture: 1969-1972

Caliber: .357 Magnum, Recessed Chambers

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Cylinder Hand Ejector Revolver

Barrel Length: 6” Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade integral to a rise in the solid rib. The rear sight is a square notch S&W micrometer sight that is screwed to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece Magna-profile stag panels with S&W medallions. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The action shows very minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 two-piece cardboard S&W box with serial-matching label, manual, warranty card, cleaning rod, brush, mop and grooved alloy-handle screwdriver.

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 6″ example is in absolutely Excellent condition and has been equipped with a set of attractive stag grips, giving it a distinctive appearance. It would make a great shooter, but its high condition and original box would make it an outstanding addition to a collection for the lucky winner! Please see our photos and good luck!