Educate me. Please keep in mind I'm new to revolvers and S&W, but what does the dash(-) mean when speaking of different model numbers?

I see 10-5 or 12-5 etc... please expand my knowledge.

The dash numbers refer to engineering changes within each model. For some models such as the Model 10, the dash numbers also indicate the type of barrel (10-5 means the tapered barrel while 10-6 means the heavy barrel).

The book Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition lists all of the models and explains many of the different dash numbers.

Hope this helps.

Steve

It helps a lot...thanks, I'll look for the the catalog.