Hi guys,

I'm interested in the history of the model 10 and its origins such as the M&P.

Can you please recommend a couple of good books or other sources of information to get me started? I can't find any detailed threads on the forum and being a Colt guy almost exclusively until now I don't have any books or catalogs.

Help would be greatly appreciated.


Warm regards, Racingsnake

Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, 3rd edition is the best source of info and the knowledgeable folks on this forum. Bob!

I just ordered the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, 3rd. edition from Amazon for $28.37 delivered. For that price you will get everything you want to know about any S&W gun.

The M&P was introduced in 1899, if I'm correct, in .38 Special, 32-20 and .38 Long Colt and the evolution of the Model 10 has been in continuous production ever since.The US Military ordered the early M&P's in .38 Long Colt, and then .38 Special later on, and issued them along with Colt New Army .38 Long Colt revolvers through the WWI era.

In 1957 the M&P became the 10 when S&W went to the number system. I have one of the last M&P's made, a 1957 5" round butt. Now I need a Model 10 made in 1958 to go with it!

Over many design and engineering changes, including the M&P being produced as the Victory during WWII, the Model is still made today in limited batches as part of the Classic series as the 10-14.

Of all the S&W revolvers, the M&P and the 10 has to be the richest in tradition and history, having been a military sidearm for over 100 years from 1899 until today........Army CID still issues 2" Model 10's although they are probably all but being phased out, and I'm sure a few older pilots still carry Model 10's instead of the M9..........anyone who's been in the military knows that senior Officers , especially pilots can pretty much do whatever they want, including carry a Model 10

Out of print but if you can find a copy of "America's Right Arm,TheS&W military & Police Reolver" by John Henwood is a great source for information.
gagunner

Roadranger and Larry8 - thanks for the information on Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson I need to pick-up a copy.

stantheman86 thanks for the overview on the M&P / model 10. I'm always amazed at the willingness of people to share what they know.

Gaggunner 2 I've done a search for John Henwood's book at it seems he self-published it. Perhaps somebody can help us with contact details?

Thanks, I have never heard of that book.

S & W 1857-1945 by Neal and Jinks, and History of S & W by Jinks, have information about the M & P and earlier guns. Mr. Jinks is the current and one and only factory historian.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

The original hand ejector, M&P and model 10 has as much history as the Colt single action army. The original hand ejector defined the concept of the swing out cylinder revolver. And to me its the number one Police as well a military handgun ever made. S&W has made millions of them but I feel any lover of revolvers should have at least one M&P or model 10.
Regards,
Howard

Classic Handguns of the 20th Century: A shooter's guide and collector's guide. by Dave Arnold
ISBN: 0-87349-576-4

Excellent book!! I haz it.....

Thanks guys

Excellent information...Thanks for answering RacingSnakes question! Looks like this new owner of a near-mint '60s(?) vintage 5 inch Model 10-5 has got some research to do in obtaining the literature mentioned in this thread.

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~Jim Tidwell~1st Cav vet

I purchased a copy of "America's Right Arm" directly from Mr. Henwood back in 2002, so the contact information listed is from that time frame:
John Henwood
819 Linda Mar Bl.
Pacifica, CA. 94044-3450
Fax: (650) 359-9209
Phone: (650) 359-1719
I hope this information is of some use in your search
Regards, Gary

Mr. Henwood passed away a few years ago, there were some books available back then, but it is my understanding that folks that have talked to his widow in recent times have been informed that the supply is now gone.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222