.357 S & W Highway Patrolman

[home in oz]

I was looking at a S & W .357 in a gunshop a few days ago.

The dealer said it was a .357 S & W Highway Patrolman.

A four hole model. Six inch barrel.

Came with a box.

It looked in good shape, no visible damage/faults.

What would be the expected price for this handgun?

[HeavyMetal]

The Highway Patrol man was a poor mans model 27 often called the model 28.

Available in 4 or 6 inch barrel it was a standard six shot revolver that performed as well as it's high priced brother but without all the frame checkering and such.

Box's never ment squat to me, cause you can't shoot them in a box, so that would have little effect on me were I working a deal for said Model 28.

$400 would be my top price and it would have to be real pristine to get that much or even a penny more, at least from me.

Said model 28 would most likely get sent off for a new cylinder and a barrel boring to 44 special which would make it a lot more desirable for me.

The 357 has never held much interest for me other than the desire to someday own a Python.

The only 357 I have ever owned is the barrel on my Contender which truly allows this round to perform as it should.

So $350 to $400 is my suggestion for it

[S.R.Custom]

...Available in 4 or 6 inch barrel it was a standard six shot revolver that performed as well as it's high priced brother but without all the frame checkering and such...

Depends on what you mean by "performs as well"... The Highway Patrolman/M28 didn't get the same degree of fitment as the the 27, either. In the older guns, the 27s show much better bore/chamber alignment and and better adherence to throat & groove diameter specification. As a result, the 27s shoot much more accurately.

[EDK]

Go price them in gunbroker, etc. They surprised the hell out of me at recent gun shows and subsequent internet auctions checkiing on price! I had bought them for around $100 in the early 1970s..several were re-lined and re-chambered to 44 Special by the gentleman in Delaware...they shot good for me. The guns vanished in a burlary and I had other interests to pursue.

I wish I had a bunch of them now...and not just for the current re-sale value. They are another casualty of changing times. (Sound like an old guy; lol.)

:Fire::castmine::redneck:

[HeavyMetal]

Let me define my thoughts on "performs as well".

The average shooter's skill level does not exceed the capabilities of his weapon provided, of course, that the weapon is of quality construction. A visit to any range can confirm that observation.

Using the "average" shooter, be he civilian or police / military, as a general rule of thumb most could not pick up a model 27 walk to the line and see a change in score from shooting a model 28 with ammunation, barrel length, grips and sound mechanicals being the same.

That's my diffination of "Performs as Well" and I think it a pretty fair one.

Many shooters on this site could see a difference and at one time so could I But for an "average" guy plunking down hard earned cash for a 357 I think most would pop for a 28 before a 27 every time.

As for the differences between a model 27 and a model 28?

Absolutely Night and Day!

The Model 27, to the right buyer, was worth the difference in price over the model 28 both then and now but once again not to the "average shooter".

Not a condemnation of either pistol just a realistic view of the buying public.

[signsrup]

They go from $400-$600 in my neck of the woods, depending on condition.

[atr]

I have one of these,,,model 27, .357 six shot...6 inch barrel....mine is a very well constructed handgun. Beautiful trigger pull, very consistant. good quaility workmanship....I bought this new in 1965 and after all these years and rounds it still shoots alot better than I can. Ive loaded it hot and not so hot and the accuracy has been consistant and good. I would not bad mouth this model.

[EMC45]

Saw one a couple years ago with almost all the finish gone, it was grey all over. The grips looked to be oil soaked. The thing was tight as a safe and it locked up TIGHT! The shop wanted under 200 bucks! It was a 4in.

[TDC]

Keep in mind that the Mod. 28 "Highway Patrolman" was mainly intended as a low cost, large frame law enforcement option. It has a matte finish, no checkering on the top strap or barrel and was delivered in its base model with magna style grips instead of target. All of these lacking features were intended to keep production costs low. However, both models do have the same adjustable sights.

The Mod 28 was available with a 4" or 6" barrel. The Mod 27 could be had with a 3 1/2, 5, 6, or 8 3/8 inch barrel, with an occasional very limited run of other lengths, and usually shipped with a presentation case, target stocks, target hammer and target trigger...

As has been mentioned by others, many new and used 28's have been adapted as a very inexpensive way to convert to 44 Special or to a bull barreled, Bomar type ribbed 357 combat pistol. The unique adaptability of this particular model for various uses has contributed to keeping the price of 28's high and in relatively short supply. Many have termed it the "best buy for the buck" pistol ever made by S&W .... and I agree.

What a shame this model is no longer available new -- at a proportionately low cost!!

[358wcf]

Many a Highway Patrolman has spent time in my collection- In the 70's I was buying them NEW for $90 using my employee discount at Montgomery Wards-- remember them? Over the years, every one of them performed in a fully satisfactory fashion- tough, strong, accurate, plain-jane for sure, but they did the job at minimal expense.
Sad to see them dropped from the line-up.
Here in California, we are very restricted in what handguns we can bring into the state, as they have to exactly match the state DOJ "approved list". Being long out of production and not on the list, the Model 28 can't be brought into California. If you want one, you have to find one already here, and nobody is selling Smith & Wesson revolvers these days, to be sure!
Last one I saw was a 80% specimen, and it lasted about 5 days on the display shelf, selling for $595--- yes, I was tempted. No, I did not buy it---
My last top-of-the-line Model 27 went to the range today, and did just fine. It is now a 44Special, courtesy of the folks at Bowen Custom Arms in TN.
Unless looks are everything to you, BUY that Model 28 and be happy!

358wcf [smilie=1:[smilie=1:[smilie=1:

[home in oz]

Thanks for the advice, gents.

[462]

"...delivered in its base model with magna style grips instead of target."

My first handgun was a used, 6" Highway Patrolman with factory installed target grips.

[TDC]

"...delivered in its base model with magna style grips instead of target."

My first handgun was a used, 6" Highway Patrolman with factory installed target grips.


Yep.... Some were. But like all S&W revolvers options could be ordered at additional cost as requested by law enforcement agencies. Individuals could also order options through their gun dealers if they were willing to wait.

All the factory installed target stocks I've seen on 28's were walnut rather than the Goncalo Alves wood commonly seen on "premium" N frames.. Of course, many people added their own S&W or after market stocks afterward....

A great handgun that could be easily personalized at a low cost....

[casterofboolits]

My Mod 28 shot with my Mod 27 after a tune up by a good Pistol smith. Total investment at the time was $150.00. Yup, I'm an ole fart!

[cajun shooter]

The 28 was meant to sell to Police Departments such as State Police. S&W knew that a lot of places didn't have the money for the better made 27. The 27 had a much more polished finish both inside and out. The blue was deep and black and could be used for a mirror. The 28 was a gift to me from my parents when I came home from the Military. They purchased it from Mack& Daves in Huntington, WV. for about $150 in 1967. That gun was the one used to test all of the Super Vel ammo from Lee Juras. They were not pretty and looked like Military Guns but built like a tank.

[Char-Gar]

You have lots of information on the Model 28. I have owned a number of them and a number of Model 27s. I don't believe for one minute the 28s were fitted with any less precision than the 27s. The only difference was cosmetic in the finish and the available options.

Skeeter Skelton once said the 28 was the greatest bargain in the sixgun market. He was correct. I now have two and neither will leave my possession.

I am no longer buying guns, but enjoying the one I have. My pricing is several decades old, so I don't know if $400 is fair or not. I think it probably is. You can rest assured that if you wait a few years you will have to pay more. The price will only go up.

[home in oz]

I bought it. gave it a good cleaning.

Got a chance to run a few cyclinders of at least twenty five year old reloads thru it yesterday.

It seems every bit as accurate as my K-22. (Which does not surprise me.)

Will assemble some fresh handloads, with 158 grain SWCs, and try it on paper soon.

[GP100man]

! question , What`s a S&W ?????

Just kidding LOL my first 357 was a 586 .

The 28 just looks "unfinished " that`s the only word that comes to mind .

A local Pawn Broker had 2 in the case (I knew they were 28 from the different lookin blueing on the cyl) & 1 was at 459.99 & the other 489.99

[The Pogo]

?
Many miles have I traveled
a thousand miles or more
but a Smith called a four holer
I never heard before
(With apologies to Oscar Brand)

[MT Gianni]

I paid $185 for one with a great holster and belt in 1980 and like many things I wish I still had it.

[The Pogo]

Lemme try agin: What four holes are referred to in "four hole model?
("A four hole model. Six inch barrel."--Oz's thread opener.)

[462]

"Lemme try agin: What four holes are referred to in "four hole model?"

The three screws securing the side plate and one in front of the trigger guard for the cylinder bolt plunger and spring.

[The Pogo]

Thanx. This idiot was trying to envision a four chamber cylinder. I just ain't right!

[firefly1957]

My first hand gun, bought in 1975 was a model 28 with 4" barrel it had great lock up but the cylinder gap was .018. That gun would shoot 4 inch 50 yard groups with Hornady 110 gr hollow points and AL-8 powder. Heavy 158 gr bullet would sometimes spit jacket to the side which made me unpopular at the range!!! and Speer 160 gr half jackets would hit the backers at 25 yards (tires filled with sand) and the jackets would spring back to firing line. I bought the gun new for $128 and traded it when Ruger brought out the security six in stainless for $180 and the dealer gave me $130 for my model 28. Lately I have been pricing model 28s and I have yet to see one less than $500 in decent shape. Despite the cylinder gap I really liked that gun and may get another. Shooting mostly 45 now but getting tired of chasing brass and 44 mag is nice but I enjoy a heavy 357 more.

[krit29-2]

actually you would be discribing a 4 screw.. the fourth screw, ( infront of the trigger guard ) was discontinued in 1961 . So that one is at least that old...

as for the fit & finish,, compaired to the 27's the 28 was the "working man's" model. S&W kept the price down by useing the matt finish instead of the high polish of the 27's , the also didn't have the checkered topstrap of the 27's ..

As for fitting and functioning of the two, they were held to a quality standard, neither one was "worked on less"

and as of lately.. S&W's have been commanding high prices,, 28's ( and I've gotten them before years ago for under 200 bucks , but that was then and this is now ) have been going in the 500 + range for nice examples.

best thing to do is check on "gunbroker" and see what they are going for

but, now heres an intresting part,, they were first produced in 1954 and known ONLY as the "highway patrolman" .. S&W didn't start model stamping them untill 1957 as the model 28, then the 28-1 in 1960, then again in 1961 as the 28-2 .

all will have different values to a collector

also the prefix of the serial # S ~vs~ N will determin value

and aren't ya glad you asked?

[Bret4207]

Got a 4" model. Love it.

[Ed K]

I understand drawing a line in the sand not paying any more than "x" for something. I do that sometimes but often it becomes a decision not to buy something at all. There's always the possiblility that you could get something under market price from a relative, friend, word-of-mouth, etc. I'm afraid market price for a model 28 is no longer $100 and change. I paid $425 for a four-incher that appears 100% & unfired and I don't care that is 2-3x the original selling price. What kind of new gun can you get at that price besides a chunk of plastic? A new N-frame is $750-1000 and I'd really rather have the 28: pinned, recessed, well-fitted and no lock. For that $750-1000 you could probably even get a mint model 27.

[home in oz]

I bought the gun.

Shot the gun.

I like it a lot.

Shot one a lot while growing up.

My father was a policeman, and coached me on shooting one.

[Thin Man]

Congratulations, you have a winner. I have owned and fired both the 27 and 28 and believe the only significant difference between then is in the cosmetic finish. Both are solid and reliable, a genuine pleasure.

Many, many years ago I got the itch for a 44 Spl revolver. Luck smiled on me when I found a vendor at our local gun show who was selling two (2) new, never fitted S&W barrels (only), both 6 inch blue, both 44 Spl. with the pinned-on front sight. His asking price for these was "$35 for one, or $70 for the pair." I paid the $70 for both of them so fast he was not really sure he had set them on the table. I then bought an unfired M-28 just for the caliber conversion. I shipped the M-28 and one barrel to Ron Power who re-chambered the cylinder and installed the barrel. I then installed a M-28 rear sight assembly in place of the original, also removed the grooves from the trigger to make the trigger face smooth. Magna stocks and a Tyler T-grip completed the project. And does it love to shoot! Skeeter Skelton's historic load of the 255K over 7 1/2 grains of Unique is the most consistently accurate load I have found so far in this revolver. I was at our next gun show after I bought these barrels (6 months out). The seller saw me and asked to buy the barrels back from me. I explained how one was being installed and the other was planned. I still have the M-28 (44 Spl) and still shoot it, also have the second 44 Spl barrel. Perhaps another project will come along.

Thin Man

[MGySgt]

I have 2 M28's - both 6 inch. One I bought new about 1980, the other one I picked up at a gun show about 10 years ago for $300.

They both shoot great. Their main diet is heavy loaded .38's with the Lyman 358477.

Have a pair of Ruger Security Sixes too - one SS and the other blued. Both made in 1976 - neither one of them for sale either.

Drew

[FISH4BUGS]

?
Many miles have I traveled
a thousand miles or more
but a Smith called a four holer
I never heard before
(With apologies to Oscar Brand)

I have a 28 6" that has been carried a great deal. Personally I think it was someone's duty gun. The bluing is thinned all around, and the checkering is rounded,. But it shoots like the dickens. Mine is a 4 screw made in about 1960 as far as I can tell.
Great guns...particularly the older ones.

[wiljen]

I have several 28s and contrary to the "unfinished" comment earlier, I think they represent the epitome of the working gun. Fancy no, high polished no, functional absolutely.

[home in oz]

If I take out the four screws, (not on my list o thing to do soon), it will be a four holer.

The small town gunsmith called it a four holer. I live in the heart of redneck country after all.

"Ya'll" is a part of my vocabulary, and I say "Howdy" when addressing someone, unless it is a lady, then it is always "Ma'am."

This is my second Smith, I am not an expert. Finish on the Highway Patrolmen is a bit subdued, but I like that after being in the military so long.

They ARE quality guns, though.

Mostly shoot deer, rifle and muzzleloader. That is what my casting usually feeds.

Am kinda excited to get back to loading for a nice target pistol. Plan to push some lead thru contenders in the future too

Working REALLY seems to interfere with my casting, shooting, and hunting.

[Dutchman]

My only .357 now is a 6" 686 but in the 70s I owned 3 Hiway Patrolmen. One was an S-prefix that I bought used the other two were new-in-box for $115. I loved the Model 28. Great revolver and not one complaint. It would shoot one hole groups shooting two-handed leaning against a tree.

I think I still have two Model 28 boxes. One with the protective wrapper and instruction model sheet.

Dutch

[Bass Ackward]

Talked to a fella once that worked for Smith when these were made. He said that most folks made special efforts to make the 28s to the highest standards. More than any other model in the Smith line.

This was because there was a good chance it was going to be purchased and used by a police officer. This police officer would need it to be accurate to both allow him to qualify regularly to keep his job. And in the event that it was employed on the job, that it would save his life or simply wound the perp and not John Q. Public.

I doubt that there is enough respect in this country anymore for officers or life in general to have that attitude prevail. It has been replaced by "ain't my problem".

[GP100man]

The Pogo, I LIKE YOUR AVATAR !!!!

Possum the other white meat !!!!!

[Jack Stanley]

I find it hard to believe you guys have this many pages about S&W and GLL hasn't posted any gun porn yet !!

Question for you guys about the grip frame of the earlier ones . A guy came to me wanting to put a wood grip on a "S" prefix model . Hed had a Nylon monogrip on it and the frame stuck out a little in the back making it uncomfortable to shoot . I had the Wood grip that came off my 1985 manufactured "N" frame and it didn't fit right . I forget if it was loose or what but it wasn't right , do those old four screws have a different grip frame to them ?

Jack

[TDC]

I find it hard to believe you guys have this many pages about S&W and GLL hasn't posted any gun porn yet !!

Question for you guys about the grip frame of the earlier ones . A guy came to me wanting to put a wood grip on a "S" prefix model . Hed had a Nylon monogrip on it and the frame stuck out a little in the back making it uncomfortable to shoot . I had the Wood grip that came off my 1985 manufactured "N" frame and it didn't fit right . I forget if it was loose or what but it wasn't right , do those old four screws have a different grip frame to them ?

Jack

Nope.... The "S" and "N" frame square butt grip dimensions should be identical. Some large frame Pachmayr finger grip models don't fit perfectly and have the problem you describe.

The factory wood grips should interchange whether they be target or magna's. If they don't they have probably been modified, or, as you indicate, become loose...

[Jack Stanley]

I'll have to scrounge around and see if I can find another "N" frame grip . I think all I have are the big "cheese grater" grips like what came on the model twenty-nine .

Who makes grips that have the feel of the Hogue Monogrip with the "class" of the old diamond center grip which I think that gun should have on it ?

Thanks , Jack

[TDC]

I'll have to scrounge around and see if I can find another "N" frame grip . I think all I have are the big "cheese grater" grips like what came on the model twenty-nine .

Who makes grips that have the feel of the Hogue Monogrip with the "class" of the old diamond center grip which I think that gun should have on it ?

Thanks , Jack

There is just no magic "fits all" solution when it comes to grips, Jack. Any mass produced grip is a compromise and we all have to try different products in a search to find the ideal fit for our hands.

Grips are like shoes.... It seems everyone needs a different size and has different needs..

Jerry Miculek grips work well for me but some people hate them. A picture at this address....

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=1473/Product/S_W_MICULEK_COMPETITION_GRIPS

[C A Plater]

I have a set of Herrett Shooting Star grips on my 28. Found them at a gun show for $10 still in the box. Love them. Now they cost 10x as much but they will be custom fitted for your hand. http://www.herrett-stocks.com/cshtstar.htm

[Jack Stanley]

Nice looking grips fellas , the Miculek grips look sorta like the monogrips I have on my twenty-nine only without the finger grips . I didn't see a screw on the side , does it attach like the hogue grips do with a stirrup ?

Shooting star grips look nice too oddly enough when I saw the target grips for revolvers I couldn't help but wonder if they would have helped me shoot better when I was competing in bullseye matches .

Jack

[rintinglen]

There was a time when Bangor Punta ran the company that I would Hardly have taken a Model 28 Smith as a gift.
I was working the gun counter at a hard ware store and in a years time we sold 9 and had 5 come back for warranty repairs. One had no forcing cone cut on the back of the barrel!! Just a rifled hole that ran through the barrel from muzzle back to the cylinder gap.
I bought a Model 27 3 1/2 incher, but the N frame is just a tad bit oversize for my hand and I ended up selling the 27 and sticking with K frame guns thereafter.
Getting back to the original question, what is it worth? Here abouts in SoCal, they run right at 500 bucks in good condition. I'd buy one for that price, were I not already overstocked on 38s and 357s.

[TDC]

I didn't see a screw on the side , does it attach like the hogue grips do with a stirrup ? <snip>

Jack

Yep... The stirrup attaches to the grip alignment pin at the bottom then attaches with a screw through the bottom of the grip. Same way for both RB and SB.... If you can try to handle one first if you're thinking about buying....

[Jack Stanley]

I am sorta thinking about a different grip for the four inch twenty-nine that I carry about the farm . Currently has a Monogrip that works well for about everything except a very long day of full power stuff . Of course I must have the itch to try because I really can't fault the nylon Monogrip and it normally is used with mid-range power loads .

Jack