Help with Model 10-5 SN

[Bradzed]

I've acquired a model 10-5; serial number D313497. Right barrel is stamped 38 S&W Special CTG. It was originally purchased in 1981 (I have the OEM box). I'm wondering if anyone can pin down the exact year of manufacture. Thanks.

 

[robertrwalsh]

According to the 4th edition standard catalog that serial number shows 1969-1970. As you may be aware S&W tracks shipping dates, not manufacturing dates. That would, however, be an unusually long time lag between production and shipping. Not impossible.

 

[Bradzed]

According to the 4th edition standard catalog that serial number shows 1969-1970. As you may be aware S&W tracks shipping dates, not manufacturing dates. That would, however, be an unusually long time lag between production and shipping. Not impossible.

The only thing I can think of to possibly explain the time gap is that it was purchased in a very small town. The price was $96.31 including tax. The S&W 'manual' , all 4 pages long, says I can have it factory re-blued for $12.85. Wonder if I could hold S&W to that.

 

[s&wchad]

The S&W 'manual' , all 4 pages long, says I can have it factory re-blued for $12.85. Wonder if I could hold S&W to that.

Ummm, NO!

I believe their current standard polish and reblue for a revolver is $220, after you ship it to them.

 

[linde]

. . . It was originally purchased in 1981 (I have the OEM box). I'm wondering if anyone can pin down the exact year of manufacture . . .

According to the 4th edition standard catalog that serial number shows 1969-1970 . . . That would, however, be an unusually long time lag between production and shipping. Not impossible.

Is it possible the OEM box shows a 1 for the 1st digit but it means '71?

Russ

 

[s&wchad]

Her instruction sheet should have an "effective date" on the parts list.

 

[geoff40]

10-5, talk about a iconic revolver. Built like a tank, accurate as it gets, more than decent action. What's not to like? My guess is also agreeing that it sat in a shop for a long time-maybe out back on a shelf-before eventually getting sold.

 

[Bradzed]

Her instruction sheet should have an "effective date" on the parts list.

Manual says: "Prices Effective October 1, 1969."

If I can figure out how to post photos, I'll post everything I've got.

 

[Bradzed]

Ok, here's the first group: gun with OEM barrel cleaning set; box label; page 1 of the "manual."

 

[Bradzed]

And the second group: pages 2, 3, and 4 of the "manual;" and the original check for payment.

Obviously, the gun is fundamentally sound but needs some cosmetic work. All I've done is clean it, shoot it, and clean it again.

It is truly an iconic gun.

 

[murphydog]

Cool gun and documentation. I'm guessing the date on the check is August 31, 19"7"1 but I could be wrong.

 

[Bradzed]

Cool gun and documentation. I'm guessing the date on the check is August 31, 19"7"1 but I could be wrong.

I wondered about the check's date too. I was appointed power of attorney for the owner (a volunteer job I do when there's no family) and could go back through his check registers. Fortunately, the owner was a pack rat and had papers going back to the 1950s. The date is definitely 1981. BTW, the owner was a mailman who paid $12,800 [not adjusted for inflation] into his retirement account. When he died at the age of 97 he had collected over 1.2 million in benefits. Not bad, eh?

Now to get it re-blued. I'd rather not pay $220... any ideas about how I should proceed?

 

[KEN L]

I've acquired a model 10-5; serial number D313497. Right barrel is stamped 38 S&W Special CTG. It was originally purchased in 1981 (I have the OEM box). I'm wondering if anyone can pin down the exact year of manufacture. Thanks.

According to my database, that gun most likely shipped Jan 1971. The only way to know for sure would, of course, be a letter of authenticity.

 

[Bradzed]

According to my database, that gun most likely shipped Jan 1971. The only way to know for sure would, of course, be a letter of authenticity.

Yes, the prices effective date is October 1971. The original owner bought it in a town of only 6-8K so my guess is that it sat for a decade. That doesn't shock me as I picked up a new Henry lever action 22 that was actually made 3 years before I bought it. My FFL had a customer who wanted one but he had to wholesale order five so it just sat. Some guns move slowly down here.

 

[murphydog]

I wondered about the check's date too. I was appointed power of attorney for the owner (a volunteer job I do when there's no family) and could go back through his check registers. Fortunately, the owner was a pack rat and had papers going back to the 1950s. The date is definitely 1981. BTW, the owner was a mailman who paid $12,800 [not adjusted for inflation] into his retirement account. When he died at the age of 97 he had collected over 1.2 million in benefits. Not bad, eh?

Now to get it re-blued. I'd rather not pay $220... any ideas about how I should proceed?

Cool story. And one example of someone not only beating the actuaries, but outliving them all as well.

Regarding a refinish - you will get a variety of opinions, but mine would be to leave it alone, as you will only get original (but worn) finish once. A perfect redo is just that and usually will not increase a common gun's value. Good luck in your decision.

 

[Igiveup]

Seems if you just want a shooter, something to carry and use, I would reblue it. Seems like there are many places in this country that reblue for much less than $220! If mine, I think I would get it Cerakoted, a very durable finish. I had a M1911 done and it has held up quite well.

 

[Narragansett]

Yes, the prices effective date is October 1971. The original owner bought it in a town of only 6-8K so my guess is that it sat for a decade. That doesn't shock me as I picked up a new Henry lever action 22 that was actually made 3 years before I bought it. My FFL had a customer who wanted one but he had to wholesale order five so it just sat. Some guns move slowly down here.

I have M29-5 Classic DX 5"bbl that I bought in 1995. The test target date is August August 1992. I bought it, because I got tired of looking at it in the case.

I have a M10-5 X2" # D138 shipped March 1968. I was just conversing with a guy that has D3 and it was shipped in 1971. Same gun

 

[Andrew2105]

dating is odd

I've acquired a model 10-5; serial number D313497. Right barrel is stamped 38 S&W Special CTG. It was originally purchased in 1981 (I have the OEM box). I'm wondering if anyone can pin down the exact year of manufacture. Thanks.

I have a 10-5 that I purchased new in Dec 1971 RB 4" SN/386XXX go figure.

 

[pharmer]

This one is D3231xx, 1970 I've been told. The grips are on for an "ugliest grips" thread a couple years back. Joe

 

[AZretired]

If ot's to be a user/shooter I would not get it re-blued. Just clean er up and carry.