Smith & Wesson Highway Patrolman

From 1954 until 1986, the best dollar value in the Smith & Wesson catalog was the Highway Patrolman revolver. Introduced with that name in April of 1954 and later given the Model 28 designation, this big revolver was a six-shot .357 Mag. built on the N frame.

To appeal to police agencies and cops on a budget, the gun got a plain satin blue finish and plain walnut Magna grips. It was made with the buyer's choice of 4- or 6-inch barrels. Essentially, it was the exotic Model 27 without the fancy touches of polished blue finish, sight options and the checkering atop the frame and barrel.

A workhorse, the Highway Patrolman often shot like a thoroughbred. The book says there were a few options and rarities, such as the 5-inch versions made for the Florida Highway Patrol, but I have never seen anything but standard guns.

I once had a very early 5-screw gun, but it was stolen in a burglary. I'd sure like to talk to the guy that got it.