What is the Smith and Wesson Model 28?

The Smith & Wesson Model 28 was a gun known as the "Highway Patrolman" based on its target buyer, according to Shooting Illustrated. The gun first appeared in 1954, before the TV show "Highway Patrol" aired, but the popularity of the show boosted sales.

The Model 28 is an N-frame revolver whose chamber accepts a .357 Magnum cartridge. The gun was in production until 1986. Shooting Illustrated adds that the gun is a budget version of the Model 27 from Smith & Wesson. The Model 28 was unusual because, to lower production costs without sacrificing quality and usefulness, Smith & Wesson removed features from the Model 27 to create the new model.