Here is a very basic question---

I know that the Military&Police became the Model 10 in 1957.
What I want to know is: Did the half moon front sight continue into the M.10 era? If so , when was that type of sight discontinued?

Thanks , 'Ski

The M&P half moon sight was changed to the ramped style around 1954-55. It's not unusual to see original half-moon sights which have been modified to the ramped style. It could be done with a file. The Chiefs Special, Centennial and M&P snubbies changed to a different style of ramped front sight a little earlier, around 1952-53.

Very helpful , thank you.

The SCSW chronology places the change to the ramped front sight on the M&P in 1952.

But as with all things Smith & Wesson, there was a transition period. Especially on the 2” models, the half moon style seems to have prevailed much longer, and there was an overlap of some years. If you do a forum search, you’ll come across M&P snubbies with half moons from the late 50s.

With 4” model from the earlier 50s, as DWalt mentioned, the issue is that it is such an easy modification, and was very common. Anyone with a modicum of skill, and a factory example, could make it look original, and since such details don’t appear in letters, judging the originality of a ramped sight from those years is difficult.

Just looked at my M&P 4" nickel, shipped Dec. 1955,
has a ramp.

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Mike 2796
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