Classic American service revolvers occupy an important place in both collecting circles and practical shooting. For shooters who appreciate rugged design, straightforward mechanics, and law-enforcement heritage, a well-worn example can be a rewarding project gun or a reliable range companion.

SMITH & WESSON HIGHWAY PATROLMAN — this Highway Patrolman (Model 28) is chambered in .357 Magnum with a 6-inch barrel and a six-round capacity.

Condition, build, and notable features

This example is described as a fixer-upper: the bluing shows significant wear throughout and the interior of the cylinder exhibits rust. Despite cosmetic and internal finish issues, the action remains smooth, the cylinder locks up tightly, and the revolver functions as intended. It carries later black monogrips while the factory rollmarks and stamping remain visible — evidence of its lineage as the more rugged, affordable counterpart to the S&W Model 27.

Priced at $749.99, this Highway Patrolman is aimed at collectors who value historical context and shooters who want a stout .357 Magnum platform that can be restored or used as-is. Shop this product to see current images and purchase options; clicking will take you to the shop page where the retailer lists the item.

Ballistics and practical applications

.357 Magnum versatility

The .357 Magnum is a versatile cartridge: it offers potent stopping power with full-power loads while remaining shootable with mild .38 Special ammunition for practice. A 6-inch barrel on this Highway Patrolman helps maximize velocity and accuracy, making it suitable for target work, field use, or historical collections that appreciate service-length barrels.

Its reputation as a law-enforcement tool speaks to durability: S&W built the Highway Patrolman to withstand hard use without the premium cost of the Model 27. That ruggedness is apparent even in this worn example.

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Restoration and ownership considerations

Buyers should account for cylinder rust when planning restoration: careful cleaning and, if needed, gunsmithing will preserve function without compromising collector value. The tight lockup and smooth action are strong positives; these mechanical traits suggest the revolver will remain a dependable shooter after proper maintenance.

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