In the early 1930s, a gun writer named Phillip B. Sharpe, became interested in the development of high performance loads to be used in then-popular .38-44 Heavy Duty S&W revolvers. He repeatedly urged S&W to produce a revolver especially made to handle these high-pressure loads. In 1934, S&W asked Winchester to produce a new cartridge that would create the ballistics that Sharpe was seeking. This new cartridge was made longer than standard .38 Special case, so that it could not inadvertently be fired in an older gun. S&W never felt that this would be a commercially popular venture and from the onset visualized ".357 Magnum" as a strictly deluxe hand-built item. They were to be individually numbered, in addition to serial number, and registered to the new owner. New Magnum was to be the most expensive revolver in the line. This gun went on the market in 1935, and one was presented to FBI Director, J. Edgar Hoover. The gun was to become a tremendous success. S&W could only produce 120 per month, and this did not come close to filling orders. The ".357 Magnum", as it was designated, continued as one of the company's most popular items. Factory Registered Model was built on the N-frame. It could be custom ordered with any barrel length from 3.5" up to 8.75". Finish is blue and grips are checkered walnut. This model was virtually handbuilt and test targeted. A certificate of registration was available from the factory upon request of the buyer with each revolver. The registration number was stamped on the yoke of revolver, with the prefix "Reg.". This practice of numbering and registering each revolver ceased in 1938, after 5,500 were produced. Note: For top NIB dollar, all accessories and registration letter must be present.

Same as Factory Registered Model, without the individual. “REG” registration numbering in the frame yoke cutout. Approximately 1,150 manufactured between 1938 and 1941. Production ceased for WWII weapons production.

Similar to Pre-war .357 Magnums, but with micrometer click rear sight and S serial number prefix. Only about 142 made 1946-1949. Very rare, values are speculative.

Around 1950 the .357 Magnum was introduced with improvements, including the short throw hammer, with standard barrel lengths of 3.5, 5, 6, 6.5, and 8-3/8 in. Premium for 3.5-in. barrel.

Chambered in .357 Magnum. The postwar .357 Magnum revolver was extremely popular among law enforcement officers. Many police agencies were interested in purchasing such a weapon — except for cost. In 1954, S&W produced a new model called at the time, "Highway Patrolman". Had all desirable performance features of the deluxe Model 27 but lacked cosmetic features that drove up price. Finish is a matte blue; rib sandblasted instead of checkered or serrated; grips standard checkered walnut. Barrel lengths 4 in. and 6.5 in. On late models, 6.5-in. barrel reduced to 6 in., as on all S&Ws. Designation changed to Model 28 in 1957. S&W discontinued Model 28 in 1986. Note: Add 25% premium for pre-Model 28. Beware, most nickel variations seen are refinished, though a very few factory nickel examples exist and are worth multiples of prices listed below. Three engineering changes.

Introduced in 1954 at the urging of Bill Jordan, a competition shooter with U.S. Border Patrol, who went on to become a respected gun writer. Built on "K-Frame" and was first medium-frame revolver chambered for the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge. Since its inception, this model has been one of S&W's most popular revolvers. First revolver to be introduced as a four-screw model. Originally offered with 4-in. heavy barrel with extractor shroud; 6 in. became available in 1963. Finish blued or nickel plated. Grips are checkered walnut. Goncalo Alves target stocks first appeared in 1959. In 1968, a 2.5-in. round butt version was introduced. Became the Model 19.