Identifying a premodel 10

PublicxAccess · #1 05-16-2018, 12:28 AM

I have an older Smith that I have been using for my carry gun for awhile now and wanted to know how old she is. My gun is a 5 screw model (there's a screw being covered by the grip) on the right side there's several patent dates and left side it reads "38 S&W special US service CTG's". All the serial numbers match. Serial # 132,2XX no letters. The ejector rod has a mushroom shaped cap on it as well.

Hondo44 · #2 05-16-2018, 08:12 AM

WElcome to the forum!

The 1st thing we can do is un-identify it as a pre model 10; several decades too early for the pre model which began in 1948.

The serial # tells the tale that it's a "38 M&P Model of 1905-1st Change" from 1909. It's a dual cartridge gun marked for 38 Spl and the 38 Long Colt (the then US Svc Cartridge).

murphydog · #3 05-16-2018, 08:22 AM

Good information above. In deference to its age (and lack of later 20th century heat treatment of the cylinder), it is probably best to restrict this fine old revolver to standard pressure .38 Special. I see a Bianchi Speed Strip with jacketed .38 Special in photo 1 which is fine if not + P (or the dreaded + P +). Enjoy and be safe out there!

DWalt · #4 05-16-2018, 08:54 AM

It is a Model of 1902 as it has the rounded butt. The Model of 1905 is mechanically identical but has a square butt. SN 1322xx would date its likely shipment to 1909 or possibly 1910 (I list nearby SNs as shipping in both years). It has probably been refinished at some time and the grips are not original, and not made by S&W. Don't worry too much about what ammunition you use, but it is best to stick with using ammunition with lead bullets. The dual-caliber barrel stamping refers to both the .38 Special and .38 Long Colt rounds. The .38 Long Colt is slightly shorter and less powerful than the .38 Special, and was the official U. S. military revolver cartridge of that time. It is also obsolete.

JSR III · #5 05-16-2018, 10:03 AM

Welcome to the forum.

As others have stated, the stocks are from a later date most likely after 1930 as they have silver medallions. I can't see if there are diamonds around the screws on my monitor but FWIW, diamonds were present until around 1968.

Wiregrassguy · #6 05-16-2018, 10:28 AM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! That's a nice old .38 M&P! From the look of the sideplate edges, it has been refinished outside the factory. Not surprising for a 110 year old revolver. I'll bet the action is smooth as silk. I just love the feel of the old long-throw actions. As far as the stocks, they don't look factory to me. There is no diamond around the escutcheon and the checkering border has sharp corners. I think these may be recent aftermarket. They do look good on it though.

Hondo44 · #7 05-16-2018, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWalt

It is a Model of 1902 as it has the rounded butt. The Model of 1905 is mechanically identical but has a square butt. SN 1322xx would date its likely shipment to 1909 or possibly 1910 (I list nearby SNs as shipping in both years). It has probably been refinished at some time and the grips are not original, and not made by S&W. Don't worry too much about what ammunition you use, but it is best to stick with using ammunition with lead bullets. The dual-caliber barrel stamping refers to both the .38 Special and .38 Long Colt rounds. The .38 Long Colt is slightly shorter and less powerful than the .38 Special, and was the official U. S. military revolver cartridge of that time. It is also obsolete.

Yes, some would consider this a Model of 1902 - 4th change. 38 Long Colt used to be obsolete but for the last 20 or so years it's been produced by Cowboy Ammo makers. Less powerful than 38 Spl, but can't compete in price or availability with 38 Spl.