Looking for info on a S&W Mod 10

[evan price]

Just picked up a very nice older S&W revolver. 4" barrel model 10. Case colored hammer and trigger, beautiful blued frame, wood grips.
Serial # is 5D939XX.

What can anybody tell me about it? Is it a 10-5 since the serial starts with a 5? How old is it?

This is my first S&W revolver.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[MrBorland]

Congrats on a fine revolver. It's a 1979. No, the "5" in front of the serial # doesn't mean it's a 10-5. Open the cylinder and look on the frame inside the yoke and the model # ought to be stamped there. My guess is it's a 10-7 or 10-8, which were introduced in 1977.

 

[madcratebuilder]

M-10's and pre 10's are great little revolvers, 38spl is cheap. I really like K frames and would buy more m10's or 15's if the price was right. I just picked up this pre 10. Have a Tyler T-grip coming and a pair of diamonds.

 

[SaxonPig]

This one is from 1977 and should be nearly identical to yours save it's in nickel.





The Military & Police model (Model 10 after 1957) is the classic S&W revolver and is their most popular model. They have sold millions of these. The blued 4" version is the most common.

Everybody should have one... or a dozen.

 

[evan price]

Well, here are the pix of that Model 10 I was talking about. Yes, it's a 10-8. If it was test fired at the factory, it's the only time it was fired, it seems. The blue is rich and deep, the case colors on the hammer and trigger are nice, and the cylinder locks up tight. The timing on the cylinder is still sharp and crisp. I honestly think it was loaded and unloaded a lot and not shot.

The forcing cone and muzzle are still blued. The only wear on the gun are a touch on the high spots here and there, and a light turn ring. The trigger slot in the frame was full of dust bunnies.
The grips are not a matched set and do not match the gun serial number. I think somebody saw nice mint grips and switched them for a worn pair. No worries, because I am looking for some S&W Combat style finger groove wood grips for it.

So, did I do good for $219?

 

[SaxonPig]

You have the Heavy Barrel version and $219 is a fair price.

 

[ldp4570]

You will be well served by her for many years! Gongratulations on your new purchase!!!

 

[Brian Williams]

Nice 10, I really like the looks of that one, it should be a great shooter.

 

[Ala Dan]

Smith & Wesson K-frames

Yes, the S&W Military & Police (pre 10's and model 10's) are very popular.
Awhile ago, I picked up a pristine 4" factory nickel, square butt, pencil
barrel model 10-5 with the diamond cut walnut grips for only $200. Its
serial number C7375XX dates back to between 1963-1965; as per
The Standard Catalog Of Smith & Wesson 3rd edition by Jim Supica
and Richard Nahas. Looks as if this gun was never fired; as the bore
and charge holes show no use what-so-ever. The exterior shows
only minor scratches, from maybe being holstered a few times.
Its a great companion piece for my factory nickel, 4" barrel model
19-3 with a 7K26XXX that dates back to 1975~!

FootNote: When I get time, I will post a pic of both of these fine
firearms together.

 

[armoredman]

I love my 10-8, most accurate revolver I've ever owned, and it's an inheritance sidearm. You will have much fun with that one! Really cheap to reload for, too.

 

[Trebor]

The prices on the Model 10 and M&P's have been edging up the last few years. You did good for under $250.

Personally, I buy any I find locally under that price that are in really nice shape. It seems the days of the $150 Model 10 are long gone though.

 

[KyJim]

For $219 in that condition, you got a steal.