Identifying S&W 357

[evil5826]

What is a Smith & Wesson Highway Patrolman Pre-Model 28. Trying to figure out the pre-model 28 part.

I have a S&W 357 Mag MOD.28-2 with no serial numbers on the butt of the gun, like I have seen on some. They might be underneath the grip if removed. However there is a serial number between the crane and the frame. It starts with an N.

[BruceB]

The Highway Patrolman was introduced in 1954.

All the "named" S&W revolvers were given model numbers (to replace the names) in 1957.

Therefore, a revolver identified as being being a PRE-28, was made sometime between '54 and '57, when the Highway Patrolman became the Model 28.

That's all there is to it.

[evil5826]

OK so mine says highway patrolman but I am still confused by your statement above. Is it pre-28?

[BruceB]

If it is "pre-28", it will NOT have a Model 28 marking.

I in turn was sorta confused by your earlier post. I finally decided we were talking about two different revolvers.

The serial number should be on the bottom of the grip frame, and it would be hidden by large target-style grips that extend below the bottom of the butt.

The serial number is also located inside the front of the frame, and is visible when the cylinder is open. This is also the location of the Model Number.... IF indeed the gun was manufactured after the model numbers were put into use.

I hope this helps?

[evil5826]

Ok I get it. Yeah i wanted to know what pre-28 ment and also was stating what I had.
Mine does say highway patrol man, serial number is by the cylinder when its open. And the model number is in the same location MOD.28-2

[GLL]

Your Model 28-2 is a post 1960 Highway Patrolman !
If you can provide the first few numbers after the "N" the year can be narrowed down.
As BruceB indicated the serial number should be on the butt ! The factory may have re-engraved it if work was done on the butt of the gun to install a lanyard ring. Is the butt completely smooth?
If the number is not of the butt is it engraved on the side of grip frame ?



Jerry

[Le Loup Solitaire]

The M28 S&W or Highway Patrolman model was made in a 4 inch and 6 inch version. It is identical to the M27 S&W structurally except for the M27 having a target trigger and hammer and deep blue finish. Both models are well made solid revolvers built on the N frame. I have used both to shoot target and they did an equally good job with both 38 special and 357 Mag. LLS

[Scharfschuetze]

The Model 28-2 was made from 1961 through 1967, possibly into 1968.

Seems like I've always had a 6" Model 28-2 and while I could have carried it on duty, it was always a bit big for me to comfortably do so for a 10 hour shift. Still, it is rifle accurate past 100 yards with good ammo. I'll pass it on to the son when it's time to do so.

I know that this is a thread on Model 28s, but to add to Soup's notes on the Model 27, they also had finely checkered top straps and barrel ribs to cut glare. Model 27s at one time were made with different barrel lengths than the Model 28. A game warden friend of mine had a 3 1/2" Model 27 that was awfully nice and I always wanted the 5" Model 27.

[evil5826]

[dubber123]

It certainly should have the serial # in the same place as GLL's in post 6.

[evil5826]

But as you can see it doesn't..... look at the second pic.


Update:
I just removed the grips and its on the bottom of the handle frame. Either way its the same number as in pic one.

[Scharfschuetze]

A Model 28-2 with the "N" prefix and your four digit serial number was made circa 1969 to 1972. Nothing more specific than that in my "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson." Perhaps some other member here has a more detailed reference.

[evil5826]

Thanks

[tazman]

In 1975 I purchased a Model 28 with a 4 inch barrel brand new from my local gun shop. This is the only revolver I have had to return to the factory for repair right off the bat.
The gun was shaving slivers of brass off the sides of jacketed bullets from the start and as you can imagine it shot very poor groups. When it came back from repair it no longer shaved lead but still shot poorly. The factory simply enlarged the forcing cone so everything entered the barrel even though the cylinder was still out of proper alignment.
I traded it back to the gun shop very shortly thereafter.

[redgum]

N Series N Frames:

N1 – N60,000………….......1970-72
N60,001 – N 190,000…...1972-74
N190,001 – N430,000…...1975 – 77
N430.001 – N 550,000…..1978
N550,001 – N580,000….. 1979
N580,001 – N790,000…...1980
N790,001 – N932,999...…1980-83