There is a nice pre model 10 M&P .38 at a local shop with a "C" serial number putting it at about a 1949-1950 gun, but it has a lanyard ring on the butt between the "C" and the number. Is this common? The ring seems to be seized in the butt frame (won't swivel around) but otherwise the revolver seems stock, with the exception of some prewar standard round top stocks. Anyone else seen a post war "C" serial number M&P with the lanyard ring from the factory? Thanks, Waistgunner

There is a nice pre model 10 M&P .38 at a local shop with a "C" serial number putting it at about a 1949-1950 gun, but it has a lanyard ring on the butt between the "C" and the number. Is this common? The ring seems to be seized in the butt frame (won't swivel around) but otherwise the revolver seems stock, with the exception of some prewar standard round top stocks. Anyone else seen a post war "C" serial number M&P with the lanyard ring from the factory? Thanks, Waistgunner

There were agency models with lanyards. RHKP (Hong Kong Police) comes to mind, but this particular model was much later, so the short answer is yes.

__________________
Pace

As Pace has noted, there are examples of post war guns with lanyard loops seen on occasion.
Question about your "C" numbered gun, is the lanyard in the center of the butt, and is the serial number marked offset, or is the lanyard hole drilled through the number?

Smithnut, the hole appears to be centered, with the six digit number well off to the side, so maybe this is a legit factory install. Thanks for your input so far! WG

I have an aquaintence who was a Racine cop in the 50's and was issued an M&P with a 5 inch barrel and a lanyard for duty use.

__________________
Stan

The post war numbers are off-center normally, so that is NOT an indicator of a factory swivel. S&W would put a swivel on any gun you ordered it on. I have a Reg Mag with a swivel! The US Gov't bought some Mod 36's with swivels.
The proper location for a swivel is 1/8" FORWARD of center for the CENTER of the swivel. The swivel being seized is NOT a good indicator- pull the grips and see if the pin is installed THROUGH the stud. If so, NOT factory.

__________________
Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Thanks for the detailed info on the swivel location. If it has been "monkeyed with," I will probably pass on it, even though it is a real 2" snubby with a square butt. If it appears to be a factory install, but just in need of a good cleaning, I may pick it up. I will ask the seller to pop the grips and let me inspect it with my new-found knowledge, thanks to you guys!

Good news on this one. I went back to the gun store and asked the gunsmith to pull the grips. The lanyard loop is stock, the hole is forward of center, and nothing on the frame looks altered. So...I bought it. The lanyard loop stud was just a little gummed up inside, and when freed, worked just fine. The stud was held in by the standard small pin. After I cool off for 10 days, I can bring it home and photograph it. I will probably letter this one as it has a 2" barrel (with correct markings on side,) square butt, and a lanyard loop, to me an unusual combination for a 1950-ish Pre model 10. I saw no military or law enforcement markings on it. Your thoughts? Anyone have the correct post war K frame Magna grips for sale? Thanks again, Waistgunner

Lanyard loops appear to be common in this era. I have a 1953 pre-10 marked "U.S Property" on the backstrap with a hole for a lanyard loop. I guess the machinery was still configured for victory models.

Interesting gun. Have you lettered it? If you have any interest in selling it, I would be interested in buying it.

WG,
good for you. I would letter that also, even at 50. Be sure and ck the grip number just in case....
What serial range is it?

__________________
Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Thanks Lee, The serial number on this one is C1066XX, maybe 1948-1950? I did not see any numbers on the 1920's era round top standard grips that were on it, which fit really well actually. Countdown until I am cool enough to possess this one.

Here's M&P with lanyard ring 10-5 from 1962 same as the Victory Models heres a pic of it [IMG:left] [/IMG][IMG:left] [/IMG]

I have a 5" C serial number with the lanyard ring.

handejector,
I have not lettered it yet, but my research leads me to believe that it was a commercial procurement for the Korean War, that is, rather than place a special contract order, the government just bought regular commercial guns. Thank you for your kind offer to buy it, but I'm not looking to sell it at the moment. I will keep you in mind if I ever do. It is a great shooter, and a real tack-driver with standard-pressure 158 gr. LSWC ammo. It has the "speed" fish-hook hammer. Here's a so-so pic along with my 3" 36-1 (top):

I would like to add a lanyard swivel ring to my Model 10 M&P. Would you please advise where this item could be obtained?
Thanking you in advance and best regards,
Tchotckes

Some of the post-war guns did ship with pre-war style grips, here are two. It is interesting to note that one set has the early style of checkering while the other has the post-war style. Both sets of grips number to the guns.

__________________
John. SWCA #1586

Charlie,
Perhaps you can help me, I'm a new member. I have a Model 10 K frame .38 special with a 4" barrel. It was made between 1954 & 1956. The serial # C 322xxx. I a trying to locate the subject part and would appreciate your advice as to where I can locate a lanyard swivel ring. Would a member or dealer be the best place
to purchase this item?
Thanks and best regards,
Tchotckes

A good place to start is Numrich, they usually have them.

Numrich Gun Parts Corporation

Like Lee said, you could order just about anything with a lanyard ring. This is a 6" 10-5 that was one of 29 shipped in 1964 to the Rhode Island State Police.



Buck

Are there any markings indicating ownership? ie. police or military.

I just got one of these 10-5s in Ontario. Standard barrel, C6013xx serial # and a lanyard ring.

Attached Images

10-5b.jpg (111.1 KB, 53 views)

No markings of any sort i was told that this was an ex QPP gun as i bought it from a fella from Quebec years ago. Now its gone i sold it to a fella in Northern BC a couple of years ago...

Lanyard rings factory installed were so uincommon, that COLT evemn put them on a fully engraved .38 "Lightning" which once had, and factory lettered it as such. We sold it to a dealer( Herb Glass) in Upstate NY who almost had a heart attack when he first saw the lanyard on the revolver. It had checkered one piece piece 'Rosewood' grip as well. After seeing the letter, he couldn't resist. Of course now, some45 years later it is probably worth a kings ranso..it was as new!