I bought this model 10-5 at my local gunshow this morning. It looks like it may be USAF issue. It's stamped USAF on one side of the frame and 935 on the other. I assume that is a rack number of some sort. My question is does that appear to be correct. I'm sending off for a letter I just wanted to know what knowledgeable collectors think. It came with a leather holster for web gear. A collector suggested that it may be issue also. I believe the revolver was made around 1963 so the time frame would be right for USAF Vietnam era issue. Also would someone have an idea on value ?

I can't answer your questions but check your email for something that might help.

__________________
Dan
Ps 96 SWCA 2930 SWHF 524

The "USAF" stamping is not like the stampings on the contract Model 15 or pre-Model 15. Not to say it isn't genuine, however.

__________________
John

Yeah John I noticed that. But the SCSW says the milatary bought many of these during that time. Maybe it's one of those.

Im a Mod-10 fan not a USAF collector. I have no idea if it is correct or not.
If you are into it right, shoot it. I have three stashed around the house.
They were great John Deere Tractor guns. Best

__________________
Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Do the grips number to the gun? As I recall (qualifying at Lackland AFB) the USAF-issue guns had USAF medallions on the grips... but the grips certainly could have been swapped.

__________________
50 Years of DSOTM

Yes , the grips are number matching.

My guess is the USAF and number (if genuine) are military armorer, not factory stampings. I foresee a ship date or letter request in your immediate future .

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Holster looks like a repro. The few issue M10's I've seen have a U.S. stamp on the backstrap.

I don't believe this one was a military purchase but possibly one of the 133,000 10-5s commercial revolvers purchased by the military. I think if this was the case then they could be stamped by an armorer as one poster stated. I think it would make sense to fake the stamp but maybe not the rack number. I'll letter it and maybe that will tell me.

Just my opinion, but the holster looks like a cheap repo. Holsters in that time frame were usually black, at least my issue one in 1970.

__________________
Kevin in Oregon