I'm new to the revolver game so I was wondering if the markings on the crane of my Model 10-5 mean anything or if they are just factory markings.

One is a G3, one looks like a 14 inside a circle, and one is a sideways I?



I'm pleased with the pistol overall, it's really smooth and has a great finish. The guy I bought it from said it came from a Game Warden. Serial is D495XXX but I'm not sure of the exact age.





If anybody could help me out with some info on this revolver I would appreciate it. S&W's might be my new addiction.

Hi
Your revolver shipped c. 1973.
The number 75032 on the yoke is an assembly number, used during the manufacture and fitting process. The other numbers and symbols in that area are fitter's and inspection marks. They really have no meaning now.
The number on the butt is the one that counts and you have properly reported it as the serial number.
Thanks for sharing the photos. And you are right: once the bug bites, you are sunk! Welcome to the crowd.

__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Thanks Jack, I kind of figured that it was something like that. Nice to know how old she is too. I find the aesthetics of the older revolvers to be superior.

Congratulations on the great looking Model 10-5 as this has been S&W's bread and butter revolver since they started making revolvers. They have made more model 10's over the years then any other model.

My Model 10-5 with 4 inch barrel

Now that you have that 10-5, you will want to watch these videos! If these don't make you yearn for "better days," nothing will.

Double Action Revolver Shooting - FBI training film - end 1950th - YouTube

FBI Agent Training: "Focus on the FBI" circa 1959 Federal Bureau of Investigation J. Edgar Hoover - YouTube

Very nice choice. Here is a 10-5 with the 5 inch barrel.

IMG_1913.JPG

IMG_1915.JPG

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FREEDOM ain't free!

Nice pistol, I bought an older M&P revolver with a 5 inch barrel from the same guy, I like that barrel length. On a practical note what leather is best for these?

Rather an unanswerable question, as asked. What purpose do you want the leather to serve?
Just at the range?
Day to day concealed carry?
Out in the desert just wandering around exploring?
Hunting in the woods?
Hunting in the Arctic?

The answer will be different for each of these possible scenarios.

__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Wandering around the woods mostly. I try to keep my Arctic excursions a minimum.

Outside the waistband, good coverage, etc.

I DON'T!

I have several old Lawrence leather holsters of different sizes that I've used over the years for that purpose. I have been very happy with them. I have no idea if they are still being made.
Another option you might consider, especially if your wanderings involve driving your pickup (or whatever) to where you are headed, would be a Jordan style swivel holster. These can be had from more than one source. Mine was made by Safety Speed of Montebello, California.
Another good choice might be the Cyclone, by Bianchi.
Happy hunting!

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Thanks for the input JP, I'll have to look into those holsters.

Keep an eye out for an old Hunter 1100 - 31. It is easy to find holsters for 4" k-frames and 6" (which will obviously work). The 1100 - 31 is made for the 5" barrel. I looked for about a month on eBay before one came up. I believe I paid about $25 for it in really nice condition

Yes. I should have mentioned Hunter as well. I have one I bought for my first K-22 many years ago. It has traveled many, many miles on my belt or in my pickup. As serviceable now as it was 40+ years ago.

__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318