I couldn't figure out what search phrase to use so I'm asking if there is a resource which list the changes made with the numbered models indicated by the numbers following the dash. I'm specifically looking at a models 17, 19 and 10. More so, the differences between a 17-2, 3 and 4, especially the last two. TIA

S&W Model 10:

1957: Begin stamping model number.
10-1 (1959): introduction of heavy barrel (the frame is slightly different for the heavy barrel, and changes to the standard-barrel variant were generally carried over to the heavy-barrel variant, thus the engineering changes happen in pairs)
10-2 (1961): change extractor rod thread for standard barrel
10-3 (1961): change extractor rod thread for heavy barrel, change front sight width from 1/10" to 1/8"
10-4 (1962): eliminate trigger-guard screw on standard barrel frame
10-5 (1962): change sight width from 1/10" to 1/8" for standard barrel
10-6 (1962): eliminate trigger-guard screw on heavy-barrel frame
10-7 (1977): change gas ring from yoke to cylinder for standard barrel
10-8 (1977): change gas ring from yoke to cylinder for heavy barrel
10-9 (1988): new yoke retention system, radius stud package, floating hand hammer nose bushing for standard barrel
10-10 (1988): new yoke retention system, radius stud package, floating hand hammer nose bushing for heavy barrel
10-11 (1997): MIM hammer/trigger + floating firing pin for standard barrel
10-12 (1997): MIM hammer/trigger + floating firing pin for heavy barrel
10-13 (2002): limited production 1899 commemorative edition
10-14 (2002): internal lock

I don't have my copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition handy, so I don't know about the 17 or 19, suffice it to say that I do know:

S&W Model 17:
1957: stamp model number
17-1: eliminate trigger-guard screw
17-2: left-handed ejector rod thread
17-3: ??? (I think this one might have to do with moving the rear sight leaf screw)
17-4: ??? (I think this one is move gas ring to cylinder, in 1977)
17-5: ??? (I think this one is the new cylinder retention system, eliminate pinned barrel)
17-6: full-lug barrel
17-7: frame topstrap drilled & tapped, stainless cylinder/pinto
17-8: 10-shot alloy cylinder
17-8: 6-shot, round-butt, tapered barrel Heritage model
17-9: Internal lock

S&W Model 19:
1957: stamp model number
19-1: ??? (eliminate trigger guard screw?)
19-2: ??? (left-hand thread on ejector rod?)
19-3: ??? (move rear sight leaf screw?)
19-4 (1977): move gas ring to cylinder
19-5: eliminate pinned barrel, eliminate recessed cylinder
19-6: new yoke retention system
19-7: drill & tap frame, MIM parts? (not sure)

I could be way off for the 17 and 19, though...

S&W Model 19:
1957: stamp model number - yes
19-1: ??? (eliminate trigger guard screw?) - left hand thread
19-2: ??? (left-hand thread on ejector rod?) - eliminate trigger guard screw
19-3: ??? (move rear sight leaf screw?) - yes
19-4 (1977): move gas ring to cylinder - yes
19-5: eliminate pinned barrel, eliminate recessed cylinder - yes
19-6: new yoke retention system - yes (plus floating hand)
19-7: drill & tap frame, MIM parts? (not sure). - new rear sight, drill and tap, new extractor (some MIM parts later in change)
19-8 MIM parts including hammer and frame mounted firing pin.


Most of the engineering changes are the same for all of the K-frames but I am pretty sure the Model 10's had some of their own.
I know nothing about the Model 17 so can't agree or disagree

Supica's book has it all, but I've always wished we had somewhere online with a complete list of all models/dash changes. I nominate snw19_357 for this task

__________________
Aaron Terry

Smith & Wesson model changes

Iggy I have seen that... Closest we've got to a complete list online but unfortunately still not complete.

__________________
Aaron Terry

Okay, I'm home now and I have the SCSW3 in front of me...

S&W Model 17:
1957: Stamp model number
17-1 (1959): left-hand thread
17-2 (1961): delete trigger guard screw
17-3 (1967): relocate rear sight leaf screw
17-4 (1977): move gas ring to cylinder
17-5 (1988): new yoke retention system
17-6 (1990): full-lug barrel
17-7 (1994): drill/tap frame, change rear-sight leaf, new extractor, full-lug barrel
17-8 (1996): 10-shot alloy cylinder, full-lug barrel, some MIM parts (thumb-piece, trigger)
17-8 (2001): Lew Horton "Heritage" series, 6-shot, tapered barrel, MIM hammer, drilled/tapped frame, 4-screw sideplate
17-9 (2008/9): MIM parts, internal lock

S&W Model 19:
1957: stamp model number - yes
19-1 (1959): left hand thread
19-2 (1961): eliminate trigger guard screw
19-3 (1967): move rear sight leaf screw - yes
19-4 (1977): move gas ring to cylinder - yes
19-5 (1982): eliminate pinned barrel, eliminate recessed cylinder - yes
19-6 (1988): new yoke retention system - yes (plus floating hand)
19-7 (1994): new rear sight, drill and tap, new extractor (some MIM parts later in change)
19-8 (1998): MIM parts including hammer and frame mounted firing pin.

Huh...I wasn't aware there was a MIM-parts Model 19, but yes, it's right here in The Book.

Thanks so much folks. I really appreciate it. Can't wait to get my 17-4, 8 3/8". Then on to the 19!

I am looking at a model 10-6 and a model 10-8 both are in good shape and have a lot of wear but they are both tight. Will either of these shoot +p loads safely?

Yup, either will be fine. Personally, I'd choose the 10-8 due to the gas ring being on the cylinder (rather than the yoke as on the 10-6) for easier maintenance. There were 10-6s with gas ring on the cylinder, however (and I actually own one; maybe they were retrofitted).

This is a good site. Lots of info. Bob