I recently came across a .357 Highway Patrolman. Anyone know how to age this gun? s2886XX mod. 28-2

The best info. that I can find lists the manufacture date as: S262,000 – S289,999……Late 1966 – Early 1967.

Hi R&S,

I did a little research in the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition and it appears that revolver was made in 1962-1963. Probably in 1962 as it is early in that serial number range.

The Model 28 dash 2 variation was introduced in 1961 with the cylinder stop changed and the trigger guard screw eliminated.

Regards,

Thanks for the help guys. Looks to be a screw for the trigger guard unless I'm looking at the wrong spot. Also, no diamond on the grips. they show a lot of wear so not sure if they were previously changed.

That old 28 has seen a rough life but I suspect there's a ton of life left in it. It's a rare occasion when I suggest refinishing old S&W's or Colt's but if that one still locks up good it would be a prime candidate. The 28's N-frame are hell for stout frames and the 357 didn't abuse them as much as the 41's, 44's or the 45 LC did so there should be allot of life left in that pistol. I'd give it a set of new grips, a new finish (pick one)and it will last longer than you will. To be honest in the shape it's in it's value is way down compared to the 550 to 750 that a 95 to 100 percent pistol will bring. A refinish will not lower the price of this pistol and might even raise it about 15 to 20 percent, something you don't see very often on collectable firearms.
With that said I would do a little more research if possible and see if there's a story behind it, sometimes the story is worth more than the pistol. Example is an old S-42 Luger given to me by my neighbor of 20+ years, the story of how he ended up with it over in Germany is priceless and so now is that pistol. All I do is keep it cleaned and oiled, Rest in peace George Weeks.

+1 on the refinish. Have that one worked over and then shoot the heck out of it. I run Winchester bulk 125 HP's over H-110 through my HP. Boomy, but fun and very accurate.

I would refinish that S&w mat blue for 28s and you'll have a classic, robust shooter. Try 158grn SWC with a Thompson gas check and 13.5 of 2400. Very jealous!

Looks like I'll be getting it reblued then. Thanks guys. Should I put different grips on it as well? It shoots 125 grains really good. That's all I had though. I'll try something else out next time.

Send it to Smith & Wesson. They will refinish it back to original.

How much u think that will run me?

They have pricing on their website in the performance center section. I think it is $170 for the dull/matte finish, and higher price for higher polish finishes.