Older S&W question

[KyJim]

I'm thinking of buying an older K-frame S&W .38 spl. (no, it is not my primary handgun). I plan on shooting wadcutters on the range but want the option of +P if I load for self-defense.

Are Model-10 and/or Model 15 suitable for very occaisional +P ammo? Is there a cutoff by date/serial number?

Thanks.

["DoubleAction"]

KyJim; The post war Model 10s are very rugged revolvers, and the Model 15 is about the same with it's adjustable rear sight. In 1959, with the Model 10-1, the four inch heavy barrel was added on the model 10. The Model 15, is also known as The K-38 Combat Masterpiece, and found with the .400" or target triggers or the .312" combat trigger. The only problems I've ever heard from the K-Frame was when some were feeding steady diets of magnums in the model 19 and 66; which prompted the introduction of the L-Frame. Occassional use of Factory loaded +P, in reasonable velosities, should work fine in these revolvers.

[KyJim]

Thank you for your prompt reply.

Other than the heavy barrels on the model 10 in 1959, is there an easy way to determine if the model 10 is post-war?

["DoubleAction"]

KyJim; Here is a list of things to look for on the Post War Model 10s, or The .38 Military & Police Model ( Pre- Model 10). Beginning in 1957 the S&W revolvers were cataloged by a model number, located inside the yoke cut of the frame. Prior to this, the Model 10 was known as .38 Military & Police Model.

The Post War model began with serial number S-81120 to around S-990184 when a shorter throw hammer action was installed.

In 1948 the serial numbers were changed, using the C-Prefix, beginning with C-1, through C-99999 until 1967 when the D pre fix serial number began with D-1 through D90000 in 1968. The D prefix serial number continued until 1977, with D999999.

In 1955 the upper sideplate screw was eliminated

In 1961, with the 10-2, the extractor rod thread was changed from a right hand to a left hand on the standard barrel; This prevented the extractor rod from backing out during firing.

These are a few noticable differences to look for in the post war versions of the Model 10 or 38 Military & Police model. The serial numbers will be your best info, and some of the changes from one model to the next. I prefer the left hand threads on the ejector rods, beginning with the 10-2.

[KyJim]

Again, thanks.

["DoubleAction"]

Hope this helped; My dad had a Model 10 for many years.

[TMan]

Strange, but in the March 11, 2005 issue of GunList, SOG has "Md 10 Tapered Barrel Smith & Wesson 38Spl" @sw-M10TB for $159.95 each. It states: "Just in! Smith Md10 (4") 38Spl. revovelvers! Each in good to very good condition.

However, they aren't shown on their web site. Also in the ad and not shown on their web site is a Sig P220 S&W Sigma 40 cal, S&W MD5903, Glock 17 and Glock 23. What is with this? I would think the web site would be most current unless SOG is holding things back to make their ads current. I waited 20 minutes on the phone trying to call them and gave up.

[KyJim]

I did pick up a Model 10-5 (with box) over the weekend at a gunshow for $250 out the door. Supposedly, it has never been fired and, if it has, I can't tell. There is a very small scratch on the cylinder but the bluing is otherwise in almost perfect shape. Stocks were perfect.

I only saw a couple of other Model 10s at the show - one in very good to excellent condition listed at $425 and another in good condition listed for $330.

I've seen some of the Internet ads for Model 10s at under $200 but then you have to pay shipping and pay a FFL dealer to receive.

Anyway, the information here was very helpful. Now the dilemma -- fire a supposedly unfired revolver or not? Hmmm . . .

["DoubleAction"]

KyJim; I had the same thought regarding an unfired S&W Model 27, but then I thought; "This is a S&W Revolver, not a Colt Commemorative, it's made to shoot and the only way I'll ever appreciate the real beauty of the piece is to shoot it". I shot the 27 and felt something far much better than just having it. I'm thankful of those who purchased these guns and never fired them, but times have changed and it's time to find out why these guns were so well liked.

["DoubleAction"]

Oh Yeah; Congradulations on your great find and excellent deal. The 10-5 was manufactured around 1962. I know how difficult it is to shoot one of these guns the first time, but that is the only way you will know what kind of gun it really is unless your into collecting.

[KyJim]

I decided to go ahead and fire it. Now, just to find the time . . .

["DoubleAction"]

Be sure and give us some feed back on it too.