S&W Model 10 German marks

[JMusic]

I have purchased a Model 10-6 bull barrel with german markings. What is the significants of this? Are these police or military issue? I noticed Century is selling some and the Germans are ten bucks more? Anyone know the history?

Jim

 

[Harry Paget Flashman]

How much is Century selling them for?

 

[JMusic]

Ther's another thread on that here now. I think 170 or 180. Mine was picked up by a buddy at a gun store he works at. I'm getting it for 200. I like the Model 10 with the bull barrel. They shoot very good and you can really do some trigger work on a Smith. You know what this German marking thing is all about?

 

[Old Fuff]

I presume you are refering to proof marks, and not the ones S&W makes at the factory on All model 10 revolvers.

Anyway, Smith & Wesson has exported thousands of revolvers to Europe. When they arrive the receiving country usually requires they be proofed in a government proof house. In a few cases certain countries would accept German proof in place of their own. So all revolvers arriving in Europe or England would be proofed and marked by somebody.

Model 10 revolvers were also used by some police and security forces. These may have government ownership markings in addition to proof marks. So far as I know European military forces have not used revolvers in recent years, but there could be some special unit exceptions.

 

[XavierBreath]

These sound very interesting. I'd like to see some pics if possible. I'm kind of a Model 10/M&P buff myself. Are these the German proofs? Where are they located? Where are the import marks located and how were they done? What condition are the guns in? Lanyard rings? What grips? Do you have a link to them?

 

[SDC]

Germany (and England, and a few others) require that all guns that are sold in their countries have to be PROOFED in their countries, so these Model 10s would've been proofed once by S&W, and then again by the German proof-house when they were imported.

 

[JMusic]

XB I don't have possession of the pistol yet. Probably won't until after the first of the year. Its in Arizona and I'm leaving it there pending a shooting trip in that area this January. I'll keep you in mind when I get back. I'm a K frame junkie myself and I'll forward some pics then.

Jim

 

[Old Fuff]

X-Breath:

I just hate to give you any tips...

But go to: www.armchairgunshow.com and then e-mail Jim Supica regarding German proofed Smith & Wessons. I think he's had some experience with them.

As an aside, I have a model 19-P (look it up) with German proofs. It was never offered for sale in the U.S. and is an ex-police service revolver from over there.

 

[aaronrkelly]

I have one of these "German proofed" model 10s in my possession, picked it up from Century last weeks for $180.

I would be more than happy to take some pictures for you....unfortunately my work schedule just outright sucks tomorrow.

Maybe I can fit it in.

If your buying from Century be warned, these guns are rough in the finish department.......but mine was A- mechanically.

 

[JMusic]

Yes I have some pics of mine its 75-80%. The pics though aren't good enough to see the proof marks. I'm looking for a shooter so I could care less just was interested in some history.

Jim

 

[aaronrkelly]

Mines not 75%....Id say about 60%ish.

This is the best side, the other side has a patch of that "rusty brown patina" thing going. No pittting, just lack of finish.



First I planned to have it Duracoated....then I changed my mine. Why not embrace the fact its a solid, well carried gun.

So I found Smith 4" K frame holsters for $6 that said they were in worn but good condition - figured these matched the "look" of the gun. Ordered it up. Then I bought some worn but in good condition wood grips...checkered with Smith logo for $10....these should "match" the look of the gun aswell.

To round up my vintage carry package I need a Tyler T-grip that has been used and worn....anyone wanna help me out. If not Im going to have to drag a new one behind my truck to work and back......

 

[JMusic]

We had these in college for PPC shooting. They have to be one of the best revolvers I have ever shot. Can't wait to get mine. I'll touch up the blueing and add wood grips.

Jim