S&W pre model 10

[cbjordan76]

Hello all!

First post, so here it goes. I bought this a few days ago (have not got it yet) and was wondering if anybody has any info on it. I.E. year of manufacture, finish (nickel?) original?. paid $300, good deal? Just curious all, thanks for any help!

Chris

 

[OFT II]

Welcome to the forum.

I would guess that your revolver was made around 1947 or 1948. Someone a lot smarter than I am will come along soon with a better answer.

 

[KEN L]

Previous poster is correct about vintage. It has definitely been re-finished, but probably not by Smith. When you get it remove the grips and a couple of clear pics of both sides of the grip frame. All in all though, $300 sounds like good deal!

 

[Art Doc]

"Transitional Model" sold after WW II but made using mostly parts from before the war. Looks pre-war, but dates from 1947-48. The S was used up till S 999,999 in 1948 then C1 came along. Yours is pretty close to the end of the S prefix. Three bills is OK.

 

[CAV]

It has definitely been re-finished, but probably not by Smith.

Curious to hear why you think it has been refinished.

 

[cbjordan76]

When you get it remove the grips and a couple of clear pics of both sides of the grip frame. [/QUOTE]

Will post some pics with what you described when I get it. Hopefully next weekend.

Thanks!
Chris

 

[KEN L]

Curious to hear why you think it has been refinished.

I've been doing this for a long time. The gun just has "that look". Those that share my "experience" know what I'm talking about. It's someting that's not easily explained. The real give away is that third pic.

1) MADE IN U.S.A. Is not crisp & sharp.
2) The bottom front corner of the frame also has that rounded look to it.
3) The side plate shows dishing around the screw head behind the trigger.
4) The edges of the cylinder notches & flutes are also not crisp and sharp.

That's just for starters. Better pics of the barrel markings will most likey reveal the same issues.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bad mouthing his gun. It's still a nice gun, worth about what he paid for it.

 

[DWalt]

Technically, it's not a pre-Model 10, but a post-Victory civilian M&P. The pre-Model 10s began with the incorporation of the new short action after about SN S990000. Your SN would indicate probable shipment in early 1948. There is nothing whatsoever "transition" about it, and it is very unlikely it contained any wartime manufactured parts by that time. The true M&P transition occurred during the transition from long action to short action. One could argue that a transition occurred between late 1945 military and 1946 civilian revolvers in the SV series, but I wouldn't agree - only cosmetic differences exist.

 

[cbjordan76]

Hello all,

Finally picked her up and took some new photos with grips off and such as asked. It looks to me like it has not been refinished, but I am not an expert. That's why I turn to you all. Let me know what you think. Picked up a 3" mod. 36 flat latch also , will post pics this afternoon. Thanks for all the help.

Chris

 

[JP@AK]

DWalt is correct. This is not a "pre-model 10." It is near the end of the postwar M&P revolvers with, in this case, only two remaining prewar features (which does not mean "prewar parts.") Only the patent dates on the barrel and the long throw hammer are reminiscent of prewar guns. The rod knob is small, there is no plugged lanyard hole and the stocks are of the postwar style (probably third style). Would you please check to see if the stocks number to the gun? I've added this to my database, but can't make an entry in that box without your assistance.
Based on serial number comparisons, I believe this revolver likely shipped in the first quarter of 1948.
Jack

 

[cbjordan76]

DWalt is correct. This is not a "pre-model 10." It is near the end of the postwar M&P revolvers with, in this case, only two remaining prewar features (which does not mean "prewar parts.") Only the patent dates on the barrel and the long throw hammer are reminiscent of prewar guns. The rod knob is small, there is no plugged lanyard hole and the stocks are of the postwar style (probably third style). Would you please check to see if the stocks number to the gun? I've added this to my database, but can't make an entry in that box without your assistance.
Based on serial number comparisons, I believe this revolver likely shipped in the first quarter of 1948.
Jack

Jack, Stocks are not origional.... They are numbered to another gun.

 

[DWalt]

That's not unusual. Stocks are swapped around for various reasons and no reason at all. At least the stock style appears (from what I can see) to be correct for the period, so I wouldn't be concerned. The medallion washers on the rear side should be black or blue metal, not bright.

 

[cbjordan76]

Thank you all for all the info! Once it warms up a little here, I can't wait to put some rounds down range with her!

Thanks!
Chris

 

[JP@AK]

That's not unusual. Stocks are swapped around for various reasons and no reason at all. At least the stock style appears (from what I can see) to be correct for the period, so I wouldn't be concerned. The medallion washers on the rear side should be black or blue metal, not bright.

I fully agree with DWalt. I was only asking for the purposes of my spreadsheet, tracking these postwar M&P revolvers.
Looking at the stocks, I would expect them to have the blued, stamped metal washers with the riveted attachment. They are almost certainly the same style as those that came with the gun.
Regards,

 

[JP@AK]

On the question of the nickel plate, look on the bottom of the barrel (flat part). The serial number should appear there. Look to see if there is a B in front of the number, separated from it by a space. If so, the gun shipped originally with a blue finish.
Jack

 

[cbjordan76]

Thanks for all the great info on helping to identify the gun! There was no "B" in front of the s/n. So I would assume the finish is original. All lettering and smith symbol very sharp.

 

[JP@AK]

Once it warms up a little here, I can't wait to put some rounds down range with her!

I'm going to poke a little fun at you here, Chris.
Up here where I live, if we waited for warm weather to go shooting, we wouldn't burn much powder each year. We could only shoot for a few months from spring through late summer or early fall. Which would be no good at all!!! So, just go the range, for Pete's sake!
Jack

 

[cbjordan76]

I'm going to poke a little fun at you here, Chris.
Up here where I live, if we waited for warm weather to go shooting, we wouldn't burn much powder each year. We could only shoot for a few months from spring through late summer or early fall. Which would be no good at all!!! So, just go the range, for Pete's sake!
Jack

I know, I know... But you have been much warmer than us for a while. Cold I don't mind, but highs of -8 and wind chill of -30 to -40 is a bit much. I'm only thinking of the guns...

 

[JP@AK]

Yes. I was in Birmingham, Alabama, a couple weeks ago. It was 33. I called home and my wife said it was 43. And all our snow had melted.
I left AL and a few days later they got hit by a snow storm. When I got home it was in the 20s but still no snow.
Weird winter!
Jack

 

[cbjordan76]

Jack,

This messed up winter might be the excuse go exit il and move some place warmer...like the north pole. The babies want to be shot!