Hi guys. Some of you might remember a couple of years ago I posted my Vietnam war era U.S. army contract RB model 10-5. These are very hard to find, so imagine my surprise when another one walked by my table at the local collectors show. Lightning CAN strike twice I guess.

Anyway, I picked up a U.S. marked model 10-5 round butt .38 Sp. revolver from a gentleman for $700 dollars. I was glad to pay that, as I instantly realized it was a stable mate to my earlier revolver. It is in a strong very good condition, all original. A bit of blue wear at the muzzle edge and on the bottom of the butt, so I expect it was issued and carried a bit but was otherwise well cared for. Grips are matching numbered. Serial C 970415 which I think places it in 1968. I have already sent in my letter request for it, I will post the results in this thread when I hear back.

These model 10-5's were regularly issued to army helicopter pilots during the war, but were also issued to other users in the army. My first U.S. model 10-5 revolver lettered to a July 1, 1969 ship date, so I expect this one will show an earlier shipment date. Below are some quick pictures, sorry for the so-so picture quality! Also, the lighting and reflections really makes the blue finish look worse than it does in hand, it is really a nice-looking revolver for a USGI weapon.

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	us10-5b.jpg (142.7 KB, 215 views)
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Very nice! Think you got a good deal.

Very nice round but. My first issue (1969) was a Victory model, w/butt swivel and my second issue (1970) was a M-10, probably a -5, but I don't know.

Cool, very very cool

Not an expert but I think a good deal too. Would love to have one myself . Congratulations!

Very nice! I’d have bought that so freaking fast…….

Very nice.

So was the RB a special request? Why would the military want a RB on these revolvers over the more standard SB on Model 10's?

They were probably ordered by a staff officer with small hands.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Cool find and congrats!
There were many of these in Marine Airwing service too, I inspected many as an armourer at Camp Pendleton. Mostly square butts with both standard and heavy bbls, but many round butt model 10s’ were seen. There were some 2” model 10s’ and even several Victories still in service. This was ‘87-‘90 when I was stationed there. The Marine Corps also issued Ruger service-sixes which was also part of our ordnance training at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md.

I wish I had a picture of me with the revolver on the old pistol belt. When it was strapped on things were usually pretty busy. Here is a shot from a non-flying day with my good friend and fellow smoke ship pilot, Jerry Thompson. No flight suits, no weapons on.

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Seems odd that USGI M10s weren't provided with a lanyard attachment. I believe Army regs require a lanyard, when a sidearm is carried ?

There was no regulatory requirement for a lanyard when I carried a side arm. Otherwise DoD would have included that in the procurement contract.

Anyone else see Jerry Reed and Tom Cruise?
Glad you made it back, and thanks for your service.

Todd

i don't know about Tom C. My wife thinks I looked like Robbie Douglas from My Tree Sons.

As promised, I received the historical letter today. This model 10-5 was an army contract, shipped February 2, 1968 to Disbursing officer, Boston Army Base, Boston, Massachusetts. However the letter says it shipped with "checkered walnut square butt stocks". This is clearly a round butt with correct numbered grips. So I think a mistake in the factory records. What do the experts think?