I got to spend some quality time recently with a S&W Highway Patrolman, 6" barrel, in .357 Magnum. Yes, this is the N-frame, the Model 28, apparently made in the late 1960's. Man, that thing shoots so well. The single-action trigger broke beautifully, and the double-action trigger, while a little long-ish, was still smooth. Did they hand-fit these guns back in the day or something?

Anybody else have any experience with these?

Long years ago it was a choice between a Smith 28 and a Python. Having a S&W 29-2 already, I went with the Colt. These things are so beautifully built it makes me cry when I handle one of the plastic 'Hasbro' offerings these kids are all on about today.

No experience with the M28 but I had a M19-3 and an M10 in my possession for some years. The triggers on all of those old S&W revolvers were stellar and it is my understanding that all of those were hand assembled and fitted by pro's. Probably the best triggers I ever had the opportunity to shoot.

VooDoo

Yeah, I know what you mean. Some of those older S&W revolvers are just suh-weet like that. If your understanding is correct, that would explain that fine trigger. Colt Pythons also were hand-fitted back in the day, with similar results.

Anyway, I'm now seriously considering a Highway Patrolman, specifically the 6" barrel one, due to their above-noted characteristics. The N-frame S&W revolvers, to me, are just aesthetically beautiful and classic. Plus, it's got a cool name: "Highway Patrolman". :-)

BTW, the cylinder walls on those things are THICK! I haven't seen .357M cylinders like that on any gun not named "Ruger" before.

I had to give that gun back, unfortunately, to its owner. :-( But, glass half full, I'm now on the hunt for one like it, i. e. 6" barrel and a bit of an older model. That wheelgun is just really nice, folks. If one hasn't tried something like an older S&W, one should do so. Yes, even Colt Python owners.

6 rounds of pure muscle.


https://www.handgunsmag.com/editorial/b ... man/137714

Yum. We'll never see the likes of those old Smiths again outside of custom work in the future. Nice revolver.

VooDoo

And with the target grips, too. That thing is nooiiiice!

I have always loved the S&W revolvers. I had an N-frame 6.5" model 29 in .44 Magnum several decades ago (bought new in the late 70s), though I had no need for it at the time. It was a beautiful gun but I sold it on to a friend who could get some use out of it.

I still have several older K-frames from the late 70s - early 80s era.

Well, I did it! I found a nice Highway Patrolman, about the same vintage as the one mentioned above. This thing's in rather good shape. Apparently someone had put the thicker target grips on it at some point. Also came with Pachmayrs and a set of Altamont laminated wood grips which also look pretty nice.

Score! Pix or it didn't happen....

VooDoo

Congrats CT, if it looks like the one above it's a beauty.

I like their older revolvers but not their older semi-autos.

This discussion had me thinking of some Junior Brown music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2un_jJMD4lI

Without pics this is useless!

Gun porn needed.

Buck13 wrote: Sat Nov 02, 2024 9:22 am Without pics this is useless!

Gun porn needed.

I do have gun pr0n! Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be a way to upload pics to the LGC forums. :-(

CowboyT wrote: Sat Nov 02, 2024 5:43 pm

Buck13 wrote: Sat Nov 02, 2024 9:22 am Without pics this is useless!

Gun porn needed.

I do have gun pr0n! Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be a way to upload pics to the LGC forums. :-(

Click the Full editor tab to the right then attachments to the left.

Thanks! Here's gun porn, part 1 of 2. :-)

Gun pr0n, part 2 of 2.

BTW, the trigger on this thing is very nice, too, much like the first one I'd spent time with. Tailgunner's comment about the older S&W wheelguns is true; they can be sweet pieces of machinery.

Turns out the Seattle, WA Police Dept. once carried this model, with the 6" barrel, like this example. Not saying this particular gun served with the SPD, but they did carry 'em back in the day. The barrel is pristine; it looks like the revolver wasn't used much.

You all know I'm going to be handloading for this thing, right? :-)

BearPaws wrote: Fri Nov 01, 2024 12:01 am This discussion had me thinking of some Junior Brown music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2un_jJMD4lI

Well played, Sir. :-) The forum software needs a "like" button for posts like this....

Very nice CT, she's a beauty !

WoW, CT. What a score....congrats. That looks absolutely yummy.

VooDoo

CowboyT wrote: Sat Nov 02, 2024 8:07 pm

BearPaws wrote: Fri Nov 01, 2024 12:01 am This discussion had me thinking of some Junior Brown music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2un_jJMD4lI

Well played, Sir. :-) The forum software needs a "like" button for posts like this....

Glad you liked it! Junior Brown has a long list of great songs.