S&W model 10 Identify?

[Freebornman]

38 speacial 4 inch barrel, 6 shot serial number c3965?? Under the wheel ramp is a letter U. Year made and model?

 

[CU74]

You already identified the model......... Model 10 serial number ranges C277555-C402923 were 1954-56 guns. Sorry but the SCSW doesn't list anything more precise. The "U" doesn't have any special significance - it's just a manufacturing mark.

 

[XavierBreath]

Dadgummit, I thought I was GIBOF (Getting in before Old Fuff) and CU74 beat me to the punch.

All I can say is I agree.

 

[Freebornman]

Thank you for your brilliant insight, one other question, the finish is so-so, and the grips are franzite fake staghorn, with a cool logo. I would like to make it nicer looking than it is and shoot it regularly. Should I leave it alone or have it re-blued and polished? And what grips are original on the gun?

 

[XavierBreath]

I need to add.....Technically, your revolver is a Military & Police revolver or M&P. The Model 10 began in 1957 when the frame was stamped with the model number. The upper sideplate screw was deleted in 1955. That may help you nail down the date on your revolver.

Late Diamond Magnas would be the original grips for your revolver. The lower revolver pictured here is a C serial Model 10-5 with the correct grips. The black grip adapter is a period aftermarket piece.

K frame diamond magnas usually go for around $25 on ebay. I would not refinish this gun. You will never get your money back out of a refinish. Simply clean it, oil it, and enjoy it. Weathered finishes are the best kind.

 

[ugaarguy]

I generally prefer to leave what original finish there is on the gun. However, if you post a picture we'll see if there's so little left that it's better to refinish it.

As for the grips, they're known as "Diamond Magnas". The best picture I can find is in this ebay auction - http://cgi.ebay.com/Smith-Wesson-K-Frame-Diamond-Magna-Grips_W0QQitemZ180146269703QQcmdZViewItem - note the uncheckered diamond around the screw estucheon, this was deleted in 1968 leading to the distinction of "Diamond Magnas" and "Standard Magnas". Also note that of the grips in that auction the right hand grip is far more worn than the left hand grip. This is a typical duty wear pattern resulting from the RH grip being exposed and the LH grip being protected against the wearer's body. Anyway, that's the type of grips that you're looking for.

 

[Freebornman]

How do you post a picture?

 

[ugaarguy]

Go to post reply, click on the paperclip icon, upload the picture, close that popup window after the pic is uploaded, click the arrow by the paperclip icon and insert the pic.