I have recently had the good fortune of obtaining two nice condition revolvers. The first one is a Model 27-2 manufactured in 1979. The latest is a Model 28-2 manufactured in 1973 which is also known and named the Highway Patrolman.
The Model 27 is about as good as it gets with S&W and has a highly polished blued finish and detailed finely checkered top strap. It was a relatively expensive revolver at the time. Law Enforcement had a hankering for a good solid .357 Magnum and ask for a similar gun at less expense. S&W responded with the Model 28 and reduced cost by eliminating the beautiful checkering and highly polished blued finish. Otherwise, it is the same heavy duty N Frame.
Both of my revolvers have the pinned barrel and recessed cylinders.
The Model 27 is about as good as it gets with S&W and has a highly polished blued finish and detailed finely checkered top strap. It was a relatively expensive revolver at the time. Law Enforcement had a hankering for a good solid .357 Magnum and ask for a similar gun at less expense. S&W responded with the Model 28 and reduced cost by eliminating the beautiful checkering and highly polished blued finish. Otherwise, it is the same heavy duty N Frame.
Both of my revolvers have the pinned barrel and recessed cylinders.