My model 10... is it old ?

kitico · #1 05-14-2023, 09:29 PM

I have a 38 special S&W model 10 revolver with a 4 inch barrel, blued, fixed sights with a hand ejector and a serial number 73244. When was this revolver made? Can somebody tell me?

Thank you for any help you can give.

murphydog · #2 05-14-2023, 09:31 PM

Welcome! Have a look at this post, particularly the location of the model and serial numbers:

To IDENTIFY your Gun >

JP@AK · #3 05-14-2023, 09:53 PM

Alan is correct. Check the correct location for the serial number. There is no such thing as a five digit serial number with no letter prefix on a Model 10.

Targets Guy · #4 05-15-2023, 12:03 AM

Welcome to the forum. Keep looking for that serial number.

rct269 · #5 05-15-2023, 01:57 AM

On the one hand, your "Model 10" may or not be properly known as a Model anything; but by its proper name------------IF what you've offered as the serial number is the serial number.

THE serial number will be found on the butt of the gun. Have a look, and confirm the number. The rest will be even easier.

Ralph Tremaine

And having said all that, it occurs to me the serial number may or may not be on the butt of a model number gun-------------about which I am blissfully ignorant-----------and will continue to be so. It may very well be on the frame inside the yoke recess. We will see what we will see!

Sevens · #6 05-15-2023, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rct269

And having said all that, it occurs to me the serial number may or may not be on the butt of a model number gun-------------about which I am blissfully ignorant-----------and will continue to be so. It may very well be on the frame inside the yoke recess. We will see what we will see!

If what you're saying is that you're not sure if all post-1958 S&W revolvers have a serial number on the butt of the grip frame (in addition to the frame-flat under the yoke) then you needn't continue to be blissfully ignorant -- they do, all of them.

rct269 · #7 05-15-2023, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

If what you're saying is that you're not sure if all post-1958 S&W revolvers have a serial number on the butt of the grip frame (in addition to the frame-flat under the yoke) then you needn't continue to be blissfully ignorant -- they do, all of them.

Thanks! My blissful ignorance is deliberate, not because of the overt use of model numbers-----never mind I believe their use at the retail level is a monumental mistake (assuming for the moment they're widely used at the retail level); but because of the change in the philosophy of the company; and my inclination to link the two--albeit only by virtue of the apparent time factor.

I'm reasonably certain that's as clear as mud, and I'm happy to discuss the particulars; but this is not the place to do so-----at least not with any degree of specificity. It's manifestly clear from commentary on this forum that things are not as they should be within an enterprise for continuing profitability.

Ralph Tremaine

murphydog · #8 05-15-2023, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

If what you're saying is that you're not sure if all post-1958 S&W revolvers have a serial number on the butt of the grip frame (in addition to the frame-flat under the yoke) then you needn't continue to be blissfully ignorant -- they do, all of them.

Well...

For a brief period of time in the 1980s the factory put the serial number in the yoke cutout and on the left frame under the cylinder window, but not on the grip frame. It probably had something to do with not having to remove the stocks to see the "official" SN. The experiment ended quickly.

Retired W4 · #9 05-15-2023, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rct269

Thanks! My blissful ignorance is deliberate, not because of the overt use of model numbers-----never mind I believe their use at the retail level is a monumental mistake (assuming for the moment they're widely used at the retail level); but because of the change in the philosophy of the company; and my inclination to link the two--albeit only by virtue of the apparent time factor.

I'm reasonably certain that's as clear as mud, and I'm happy to discuss the particulars; but this is not the place to do so-----at least not with any degree of specificity. It's manifestly clear from commentary on this forum that things are not as they should be within an enterprise for continuing profitability.

Ralph Tremaine

I'll have what he's having!

Targets Guy · #10 05-15-2023, 11:45 AM

According to a post from DWalt in 2017, that I copied, the change over to Model 10 marking occurred around C436xxx to C437xxx. So it won't have a C prefix if the number in the first post is a serial number.

Muley Gil · #11 05-15-2023, 11:57 AM

The OP's revolver is either a pre WW II Military & Police or possibly a D prefix Model 10.

ImprovedModel56Fan · #12 05-15-2023, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rct269

Thanks! My blissful ignorance is deliberate, not because of the overt use of model numbers-----never mind I believe their use at the retail level is a monumental mistake (assuming for the moment they're widely used at the retail level); but because of the change in the philosophy of the company; and my inclination to link the two--albeit only by virtue of the apparent time factor.

I'm reasonably certain that's as clear as mud, and I'm happy to discuss the particulars; but this is not the place to do so-----at least not with any degree of specificity. It's manifestly clear from commentary on this forum that things are not as they should be within an enterprise for continuing profitability.

Ralph Tremaine

Well, you've got my curiosity stimulated!

Perhaps you will link to your new thread on this one.

I am sure that I am not alone in trusting in your credentials to comment on what you are about to comment on, whatever exactly that is.

I await with bated breath.

DWalt · #13 05-15-2023, 02:32 PM

A case in which including a few good pictures of the gun including markings would allow positive identification and dating with no discussions of this and that needed.

kitico · #14 05-15-2023, 08:33 PM

Thank you. I thought the number under the model number on the yoke was the serial number. I'm glad you corrected my mistake. When I took off the grip I found this number :

C490957

I did a quick check online, but I am not sure my source is reliable. Do you think this revolver was made in the years 1961-62 ? Would you agree with that?

murphydog · #15 05-15-2023, 08:39 PM

Agree, likely made in 1961. The ship or sales date (official birthday per the factory) is likely from that year also.

gerhard1 · #16 05-15-2023, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sevens

If what you're saying is that you're not sure if all post-1958 S&W revolvers have a serial number on the butt of the grip frame (in addition to the frame-flat under the yoke) then you needn't continue to be blissfully ignorant -- they do, all of them.

I have a 686 made in the early 2000s that does not have the serial number on the butt.

If memory serves, it is the only one in my collection like that.

JP@AK · #17 05-15-2023, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

Agree, likely made in 1961. The ship or sales date (official birthday per the factory) is likely from that year also.

I also agree. A Model 10 with the 4" barrel, serial number C488555, shipped in February, 1961.

Jack Flash · #18 05-16-2023, 08:14 AM

So the question remains: "Is it old?"

Sixty odd years does seem like a long time, but some of us can remember 1961 quite well.

To younger forum members, born in this century, 1961 must seem like the dark ages.

MajorD · #19 05-16-2023, 09:24 PM

My perspective is any S&W that was made after WWII that has been properly cared for is not old. Most S&W’s I have owed have been mid 60’s or older, and almost never fail to perform great. My current primary S&W I use the most is a combat masterpiece made in the 50’s, pre model number.will likely outlast me