Smith & Wesson Model 28
Smith & Wesson · Pistol · Discontinued · 1954
Also known as: Highway Patrolman, Highway Patrol Model
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Model 28, known as the Highway Patrolman, is an N-frame double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum, produced from 1954 to 1986 as an economical alternative to the prestigious Model 27. Law enforcement agencies demanded the power and strength of the .357 Magnum Model 27 but found its high-polish finish and labor-intensive topstrap checkering added expense without improving utility for duty use. In response, Smith & Wesson developed the Highway Patrolman with a more affordable semi-polished, bead-blasted finish instead of the Model 27's mirror-blue polish, omitted the checkered topstrap and trigger guard, and simplified other cosmetic details while maintaining the same robust N-frame construction, internal mechanism, barrel quality, and accuracy potential. Built on the 6-shot N-frame platform, the Model 28 features adjustable rear sights combined with a Baughman front sight rather than the three-dot system of the Model 27, standard barrel lengths of 4 or 6 inches with square-butt grip frame, and the same pinned barrel and recessed chambers found on premium Smith & Wesson revolvers of the era. Mechanically identical to the Model 27 with the same high-quality materials and heat treatment, the Highway Patrolman offered highway patrol officers and rural sheriff's departments a powerful, accurate, and durable service revolver at a substantially lower price point. The revolver quickly became popular with law enforcement agencies throughout the United States, particularly state highway patrols that needed long-range stopping power for vehicle interdictions and rural patrol work where backup might be minutes or hours away.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1219 g (43.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 318 mm (12.52") |
| Barrel Length | 165 mm (6.50") |
| Height | 154 mm (6.06") |
| Width | 42 mm (1.65") |
| Sight Radius | 145 mm (5.71") |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 53 N (11.9 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 440 m/s (1444 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 784 J (578 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 1800 m (1968 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 475 mm (18.70") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Carbon Steel |
| Barrel Material | Carbon Steel |
| Finish | Satin Blue |
Calibers
- .357 Magnum · primary — also known as .357 Mag, .357 S&W Magnum, 9x33mmR
- .38 Special — also known as .38 Spl, .38 S&W Special, 9x29mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar, Hammer Block
- Features: N Frame, Adjustable Baughman Sights, Swing Out Cylinder, Bead Blasted Finish, Non Checkered Topstrap, Pinned Barrel, Recessed Chambers, Square Butt Grip
Variants
- Smith & Wesson Model 28-2 — Generation
Service history
Operators
- U.S. State Highway Patrol Agencies · adopted 1954 · as Highway Patrolman
Production
Production years: 1954-1986
Popular with U.S. highway patrol agencies; discontinued as law enforcement transitioned to semi-automatic pistols
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1986
Notes
The Model 28 was specifically designed for law enforcement duty use and nicknamed the Highway Patrolman even before its official designation. The bead-blasted finish on the topstrap and trigger guard reduced manufacturing costs while also providing a non-reflective surface that some officers preferred for tactical reasons. Unlike the Model 27 which used a three-dot adjustable rear sight, the Model 28 featured an adjustable rear sight combined with a Baughman ramp front sight-a popular law enforcement sight configuration of the era. Standard barrel lengths were 4 inches (less common) and 6 inches (most popular for duty use). The Model 28 was mechanically identical to the Model 27, using the same frame forging, heat treatment, internal parts, and barrel rifling, with differences limited purely to finish and cosmetic details. Production ceased in 1986 as law enforcement agencies transitioned to semi-automatic pistols with higher ammunition capacity. Despite being discontinued, the Model 28 remains popular on the used market due to its combination of Model 27 quality at lower prices, often selling for 40-60% less than comparable Model 27 revolvers. The Highway Patrolman represents one of the best values in classic Smith & Wesson N-frame revolvers for shooters prioritizing function over appearance.
Background
The Model 28's 'Highway Patrolman' nickname became so well-known that Smith & Wesson officially adopted it, eventually stamping it on the barrel. The revolver was beloved by rural law enforcement officers who appreciated its power, accuracy, and reliability at a price their departments could afford. Many retired highway patrol officers purchased their duty Model 28 revolvers when agencies transitioned to semi-automatics, creating strong collector interest in documented former police service guns.