The s/n will appear on the gun in other places, but the prefix may not be on those other places.
You can look at the inside of the right grip panel to see what is stamped there (assuming the grips are original). Also, push the extractor star all the way out, as if you are ejecting spent shells, and look at the underside surface of the star, there should be a number there.
The problem with these later guns is that they may have the prefix imbedded within the s/n (example 5D12345), is that in the places - other than the butt - you may see these number show us as 512345, especially the grips, they normally didn't stamp the alpha letter, either as a prefix or imbedded number.
The older the gun, the possiblity exists for the s/n to appear in more places, for instance on the underside of the barrel (the flat area that is covered from view if the cylinder is closed, swing out the cylinder and look there, I doubt this gun has it there, it appears too late), also check the crane, on the surface that faces the cylinder, you may need to look through the cylinder with a flashlight to see it, or dissassembly may be required.
Good luck
- Smith and Wesson Serial Number Date of Manufacture J Frame Revolver Lookup. For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50 and pre model number versions. 1950 = start at 1.
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Make: Smith & Wesson. Model: 28-2, The Highway Patrolman. Serial Number: N538953. Year of Manufacture: 1978-1980. Caliber:.357 Magnum/.38 Special. Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Cylinder Hand Ejector Revolver. Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The yoke cut is marked with the serial. Sep 19, 2021 Smith and wesson model 60 serial number dates 38 special, 2 in. Pinned barrel, stainless. R prefix serial number dates it to 1969. 60 no dash the.38 chiefs special, j frame round butt serial number 477362 year of manufacture there is. Smith And Wesson Highway Patrolman 357 Serial Number Lookup Family owned by the Wesson Family from 1874–1965. S&W Model 28-2 Highway Patrolman Revolver Description: Serial #N251703,.357 Magnum, 4 inch barrel with an excellent, bright bore. The S&W.357 Highway Patrol is the Model 28.
SOLD FOR: $1076
LSB#: 210425RJ01
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 28-2, The Highway Patrolman Microsoft voice do.
Serial Number: N538953
Year of Manufacture: 1978-1980
Caliber: .357 Magnum/ .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Cylinder Hand Ejector Revolver.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The yoke cut is marked with the serial and model number “N538953 / MOD. 28-2” and the yoke is marked with inspection marks. The right side of the barrel is marked “.357 / CTG.” and “HIGHWAY / PATROLMAN”. The sideplate is marked with the “S&W” trademark logo. The right side of the frame, below the cylinder, is marked with the four line “Marcas Registradas” address. The butt is marked “N538953 ”, the sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. The right grip panel is dated March 20, 1985.
Smith Wesson Model Number Search
Barrel Length: 4”
Smith And Wesson Model 29
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade set on a serrated riser on the solid rib (Baughman Quick Draw Sight). The front sight has been painted orange. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with S&W medallions at their tops which leave the serrated backstrap exposed. There are a few light marks and scuffs, most noticeable on the bottom faces. The top of the right panel has a faint compression, hardly noticeable. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. These grips rate about Fine-Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Satin Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The trigger has been polished smooth. There are very few scattered light scuffs and handling marks. Some of the rubs have lightly thinned the matte surfaces. There is a bit of finish loss at the muzzle. There are a few little tiny nicks on the barrel. The cylinder has a light turn line and a couple of tiny marks into the finish. The cylinder has some light thinning on the edges. The hammer and trigger have some operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger has been polished smooth. The cylinder lockup produces very little play on each chamber with the trigger depressed. The double-action trigger is smooth. The single-action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Smith And Wesson Model 18
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is an HKS speedloader.
Our Assessment: The Model 28, also known as the Highway Patrolman, traces its heritage back to the Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum. The Registered Magnum morphed into the Model 27. The Model 28 is unusual in that Smith & Wesson removed, rather than added, features to the Model 27 to create it, in order to reduce production costs with no reduction in utility. A classic N frame revolver, the Highway Patrolman is blued, but it is not polished, saving labor costs. The top strap and frame rounds are bead blasted to achieve a matte appearance. In the late 1940s and the first part of the 1950s Smith & Wesson was the only American gun company manufacturing a .357 magnum revolver. Since this relatively deluxe model was the only revolver available for this cartridge at the time, police departments, as well as individual officers and private shooters, requested from Smith & Wesson a more strictly utilitarian “budget” .357 magnum revolver. S&W responded with the Highway Patrolman (later renamed the Model 28 in 1957). The manufacturing changes made for a more affordable revolver, though mechanically the Highway Patrolman is the same as the more ornate Model 27. The Model 28 was in production from 1954 through 1986. For most of its production run, it was a steady seller with both police officers and civilian shooters. This 4″ example is in about Fine-plus condition and would make a great shooter or addition to a Smith & Wesson collection. Please see our photos and good luck!