Which model is this S&W and what year was in man'd?

[Jason280]

I picked up a snubnose Smith and Wesson today, and I am not sure of which model it is. The model number is slightly worn off, and all I can make out is 1*-5, with the "*" being the number I cannot make out. It appears to be a K frame, with the square butt and 6-shot cylinder. Its marked .38 Special, and bears the serial number C996***. It has the standard wood grip and blued frame. Condition is excellent, as is the lock-up. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[Brian Williams]

Could be a Model 10-5 was made between 62 til 77 and C996*** was manufactured late 67

 

[SwampWolf]

Is the frame steel or alloy? If alloy, could be a Model 12 but I don't think they were ever made with a dash (-) 5.

 

[SaxonPig]

The C prefix indicates it's a Military & Police Model made sometime around 1947-1967 (this was about when the C was used in the serials). If made after 1957 it should have a model number stamped on it (MOD 10 or Mod 12 most likely).

Your serial is very close to 1,000,000 and that's when they went to a D prefix in 1967 or 1968 so yours was made at that time. Should be model marked on the frame under the cylinder crane.

Made with 2, 4, 5 and 6" barrels. The 2" guns bring a premium on the market.

 

[Brian Williams]

A Model 12 only went to a -4 and production dates for that dash number start in 1984.

Cxxxxxx serial numbers were assigned to the following models; 10, 11, 12, aircrewman and the pre-model numbered M&Ps before 1957
model 10s and 12s were in 38 spec and the model 11 was in 38 S&W.