Opinions on Model Changes

Armyphotog · #1 09-22-2010, 02:47 PM

I have a Model 10-6 that has a serial number of 64XXX, but I also have a Model 10-5 with a serial number of 89XXX. Both were made in 1968, but I don't understand the Model 10-5 being serialed after a Model 10-6. Any ideas or opinions?

jpwhel · #2 09-22-2010, 02:59 PM

The two models 10-5 and 10-6 were being made at the same time. 10-5 was the standard or tapered barrel and the 10-6 was the heavy barrel. The 10-6 in this case did not replace the 10-5. I think both were being made from 1962-1977.

Other may have more exact dates.

Armyphotog · #3 09-22-2010, 03:10 PM

jpwhel, you are so right! I went back and checked my "bible", and the 10-4 did away with the trigger guard screw on the tapered barrels, and the 10-6 did away with the same screw on the heavy barrels, and that was the only change. So makes sense. It's the first time I have encountered those kind of changes being handled like that. I guess there are others, as well. The 10-5 had to do with sight thicknesses.

jpwhel · #4 09-22-2010, 03:23 PM

Armyphotog - another example is the J frame Mod 36 no dash and the Mod 36-1. The numbered 36 no dash started in 1957 when the numbering system started but in 1967 the 36-1 was established for the 3" barrel. The 36 no dash for the 2" barrel and 36-1 for the 3" barrel was made at the same time.

I'm sure there are other examples but these are the two that I have come across the most.

gagunner 2 · #5 09-23-2010, 12:30 AM

dash # on model 36 has nothing to do with barrel length.No dash has light barrel,-1 has heavy.Both came in 2 "and 3".

jpwhel · #6 09-23-2010, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gagunner 2

dash # on model 36 has nothing to do with barrel length.No dash has light barrel,-1 has heavy.Both came in 2 "and 3".

gagunner - I was not aware of this. I knew that there are Mod 36 no dash that came with both 2" and 3" barrels but I thought the 36-1 was only for the 3" HB. I'll have to go back and read the book again.

JSR III · #7 09-23-2010, 10:08 AM

The model 36 was produced in 2" with a round butt and 3" with a square butt. In 1967 there was a request from the NYPD for a 3" heavy barrel version and the factory designated it the 36-1. In 1975, another group of 202 revolvers were built having adjustable sights and since the factory did not have a special model number for these revolvers, they were stamped 36-1.

So, as with many things S&W, nothing is etched in stone. You can find a 36-1 with sights and without.