Attached is a photo of a Ruger CHP marked GA-86T (on top), a S&W model 68, California Highway Patrol model, (in the middle) and a S&W model 19 California Highway Patrol commerative 1929-1979 (on the bottom). (The model 68 shown was an actual issued piece bought from an ex-CHP officer). All three guns are in my collection.
Since the Ruger was made about 1980 (correction - 1982) and is excactly like the S&W model 68, even to the 'CHP' stamp on the left side, and is not at all embellished like the commerative, I think it's clear that the Ruger 'CHP' is a contract prototype and not a commerative as has been suggested.
It is an example of a failed contract bid. S&W kept the CHP contract!
Terry T
Since the Ruger was made about 1980 (correction - 1982) and is excactly like the S&W model 68, even to the 'CHP' stamp on the left side, and is not at all embellished like the commerative, I think it's clear that the Ruger 'CHP' is a contract prototype and not a commerative as has been suggested.
It is an example of a failed contract bid. S&W kept the CHP contract!
Terry T