Blued Steel model. Available with 4 in and 6 in barrels. Fewer than 100 reported as being manufactured with 83⁄8 in barrel. Twenty-five guns with 5 in barrels and nickel finish marked "F.H.P." (Florida Highway Patrol) #32 through #56 shipped in 1959.[2]
S&W Model 28, 4 in barrelShowing stamped nomenclature on barrel unique to model 28
The Smith & Wesson (S&W) Model 28, also known as the Highway Patrolman, is an N-frame revolver chambered for the .357 Magnumcartridge, in production from 1954 to 1986. It is a high quality matte-finished bead blasted version of the S&W Model 27.
Development
The Model 28, also known as the Highway Patrolman, traces its heritage back to the Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum. The Registered Magnum was renamed the .357 Magnum (first production model completed April 8, 1935).[3]
The .357 Magnum was temporarily discontinued in December 1941 when S&W turned their focus to wartime production but was reintroduced in December 1948 with the new series beginning at serial number S72000 and incorporated an internal hammer block for prevention of accidental discharge if dropped.[4]
Law enforcement agencies demanded the power of the .357 Magnum model 27 but its high-polish finish and labor-intensive topstrap checkering added expense with no added utility for use as a duty firearm. Additionally, the high polish finish of the 27 was prone to fingerprints and other handling smudges that were readily visible.
Eventually, departments and the general public requested a more affordable version of the model 27 and S&W responded with the development of the Highway Patrolman (later renamed the Model 28 in 1957).
The manufacturing changes made for a more affordable revolver since the model 28 was not a super-high polished firearm. Instead, the 28 was semi-polished along with bead-blasted (non checkered) top strap and trigger guard which reduced production cost.
The 28 is mechanically identical and robust to the model 27 and the same high quality materials were utilized. "Highway Patrolman" is engraved onto the barrel at the factory as well as the nomenclature ".357 CTG.".
Although the model 28 top strap and frame rounds are bead blasted to achieve a matte appearance, the non-bead blasted surfaces do exhibit some luster.
