Informal Pictorial Essay - 3 inch K frames - Part 1

SmithNut · #1 02-13-2009, 06:55 PM

With all the interest in 3" guns recently, I thought I'd do a little re-tread action of an old thread, just bringing it forward. Some of the revolvers in this thread would normally be posted in the earlier (pinned) forum, but I'm posting it here since there are many interesting (to me) models from the non-pinned era represented.............

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Update 1-23-22
Just for fun, here is the first of a couple "Photo essay" threads on the 3" K frame. These pics are of the Model 10's, M12 and M64's (38 Special models) that were in my collection with this barrel length.
I'll try to get to the other (357 Mag.) models re-posted soon...

SmithNut · #2 02-13-2009, 06:57 PM

Added this pre-Model numbered M&P to the collection this past year, this one letters to Rex Firearms of NYC, shipped on July 9, 1959. This was originally in the Gary Garbrecht collection, I was fortunate to acquire it from another collector (Thanks Lee!).
Serial number is C4656xx. This is a very special gun! A three inch barrel on a pre-model numbered gun gives me hope that maybe there are some Mod 10-1, -2 and -3 units out there with 3 inch barrels....

Another new addition this past year, probably the hardest to find Model 10 (after the above gun), the Mod 10-4. Three inch standard profile barrel. This gun, s/n C9500xx, shipped on Sept 20, 1967 to American Arms Warehouse, Warham, MA. The Mod10-4 engineering change models are very hard to find in any barrel length.

This Model 10-5 is one of the New South Wales, Australia export gun. Purchased several years from a past-President of the S&WCA.

Features a 3 inch standard barrel (sometimes referred to as the intermediate barrel). Standard width serrated trigger. This gun dates to 1967.

SmithNut · #3 02-16-2009, 08:30 PM

This Model 10-7 has the 3 inch standard barrel, smooth wide trigger (wierd), and RB gripframe. The standard 3 inch guns are generally seen with square butt gripframes and were usually export models. This is one of my favorite K frame configurations. The grips are not original, but they look too good to replace.

S/N is 8D09xxx, and is 1981 production.

SmithNut · #4 02-16-2009, 08:31 PM

Another Model 10-7, this one with square butt gripframe, supposedly an export over-run gun.
Has standard serrated trigger.

SmithNut · #5 02-16-2009, 08:35 PM

This gun is a Model 10-9 Turkish export model. Bought this gun from Rick Nahas several years back, this was the gun pictured in the SCS&W2.
Standard serrated trigger and neat white painted front sight.

SmithNut · #6 02-16-2009, 08:36 PM

One of the more interesting Model 10-8's that I've found, this one has a nickel finish, and - even more unusual - a square butt gripframe. I've run across many HB M10-8 units, but this is the first one I've ever seen made with the SB gripframe.
This gun was made in 1982 (no barrel pin), and has a standard width smooth trigger.

SmithNut · #7 02-16-2009, 08:36 PM

Another nickel M10-8, this one with the more normally seen round butt gripframe.
This gun is AAP7xx, made in late 1982, and has a standard width smooth trigger.

SmithNut · #8 02-16-2009, 08:37 PM

This Model 10-8 has an unusual matte blue finish. Made in 1985, I've not seen another with this finish. This gun came from the Wayne Betz collection a few years ago, it's pretty special to me.

SmithNut · #9 02-16-2009, 08:38 PM

These two Model 10-8 revolvers are shown together since they are essentially the same configuration - albeit a few years apart. Both have standard blue finish but the first gun - made in 1981 - has a deeper blue look, probably due to changes in the polishing process. This gun has a serrated trigger and pinned heavy barrel. The second gun has a non-pinned heavy barrel and a smooth standard width trigger.

M10-8 8D60xxx - 1981 manufacture

M10-8 ANB4xxx - 1986/87 manufacture

Here's another that didn't make it on my original posting of these M10's
This is a M10-8, a Commemorative of the CA Dept of Corrections - Peace Officers Association..

SmithNut · #10 02-16-2009, 08:39 PM

Perhaps my favorite M&P, this Model 10-10 is from the Brazil export run and has the shrouded ejector rod. Pretty neat piece.
Serial number CAA8xxx, late 1994 manufacture.

SmithNut · #11 02-16-2009, 08:39 PM

This Model 12-2 is one of the rarest guns in my collection. This is one of the French Police over-run guns. The guns that went to France had a safety on the sideplate that looked like a cylinder release, but this gun didn't get that feature.
The original French order (125 pieces) were shipped in 1967, this gun sat in the factory vault for years before being shipped to Betts & Majors, Dallas, TX, on April 19, 1976.

I was fortunate to get this from Lyle Larkworthy a couple years back (Thanks Lyle!)

SmithNut · #12 02-16-2009, 08:40 PM

This Model 64-3 is s/n ANB2xxx and dates to 1986. Hammer and trigger are still flash chromed forged parts, the trigger is a smooth standard width piece. Finish is "standard" stainless.

SmithNut · #13 02-16-2009, 08:43 PM

Here are a pair of M64-5 revolvers, both have factory bobbed hammers and DAO actions.
The first, s/n BDV2xxx, is 1989 production and has one of the nicest factory stainless finishes I've seen - it's almost polished. as well as standard flash chromed hammer and trigger.

The second is a NY-1 marked version, also DAO, but sporting the typical NY frosted bead blast finish and a red painted front ramp (unsure if this is original). Of course, the hammer and trigger are flash chromed forged parts. The NY-1 is BFV4xxx and dates to late 1990 or so.

These two are "good ones".

SmithNut · #14 02-16-2009, 08:44 PM

Last one for this thread (are you bored yet?)

This Model 64-6 is the latest version in my collection, made with the frame mounted firing pin and using MIM trigger. This gun was purchased new in 2003 and I'm pretty sure it was made either late 2002 or early 2003, one of the last models before shifting the M64 to the next engineering change.

Enjoy.

stiab · #15 02-16-2009, 09:11 PM

Good Grief!! Thanks SmithNut...

woodsltc · #16 02-16-2009, 10:24 PM

Wow, that was a great line-up .... Thanks for sharing.

Don

jimmyjoe · #17 02-17-2009, 06:03 AM

Nice collection, Plenipotentiary..............

doublesharp · #18 02-17-2009, 06:08 AM

I'm sure glad you're back! Great post and I love the pictures. I go to 15-20 gunshows a year and have for the last 7-8 years. I've probably seen maybe 10 3" k frames and have bought most of them.

JR78 · #19 02-17-2009, 09:08 AM

OK, so where's the best place to buy one?

TSW Guy · #20 02-17-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmithNut

Perhaps my favorite M&P, this Model 10-10 is from the Brazil export run and has the shrouded ejector rod. Pretty neat piece. Serial number CAA8xxx, late 1994 manufacture.

That in DAO hammer bobbed and in .357 would be my dream/grail gun. My Megan Fox of revolvers, absolutely gorgeous...

OIF2 · #21 02-17-2009, 10:10 PM

Gorgeous guns, SmithNut! You prove the saying that one can never have too many 3" Smiths! Here's my 10-8, purchased new as a 4" from the LAPD Revolver club and converted to 3" and DAO by the LAPD. Trigger edges were polished when it was tuned at the armory.
Bob

Firehouse · #22 02-17-2009, 10:31 PM

Quote:

This Model 10-5 is one of the New South Wales, Australia export gun. Purchased several years from a past-President of the S&WCA. He had the gun re-imported after finding it while traveling in Australia.

Features a 3 inch standard barrel (sometimes referred to as the intermediate barrel). Standard width serrated trigger. This gun dates to 1967.

What's that stamped on the side? It looks interesting.

SmithNut · #23 02-18-2009, 07:59 AM

Quote:

What's that stamped on the side? It looks interesting.

F-F,
It's the crest of the New South Wales Police Department:

Here's another view with an issue holster and patch:

SmithNut · #24 02-18-2009, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Gorgeous guns, SmithNut! You prove the saying that one can never have too many 3" Smiths! Here's my 10-8, purchased new as a 4" from the LAPD Revolver club and converted to 3" and DAO by the LAPD. Trigger edges were polished when it was tuned at the armory.
Bob

Thanks Bob,
Nice M10 you have there, did you have to buy the barrel for that conversion, or did the PD stock those parts for such projects? The 3" M10 is just about the perfect all around shooting/packing/using revolver.

SmithNut · #25 02-18-2009, 08:03 AM

Quote:

That in DAO hammer bobbed and in .357 would be my dream/grail gun. My Megan Fox of revolvers, absolutely gorgeous...

TSW Guy,

The Performance Center made your dream revolver, albeit with porting, in the form of the PC13....

TSW Guy · #26 02-18-2009, 08:20 AM

Quote:

TSW Guy,

The Performance Center made your dream revolver, albeit with porting, in the form of the PC13....

SmithNut,

I've seen one at my local dealer but he wants $1600 for it

saying it was the first one shipped to Lew Horton from the factory. However I've never been a fan of porting. Oh well, at least I can enjoy your pt. 2 post.

Joe Kent · #27 02-18-2009, 08:31 AM

SmithNut and others, fantastic post. God, I love this forum. Thanks to one and all, Joe.

Firehouse · #28 02-18-2009, 08:40 AM

SmithNut, thats cool! Only thing I have is an LAPD stamped model 640 with a Detectives name on it. It's an ugly cuss but neat anyway.

Bullseye Smith · #29 02-18-2009, 08:49 AM

Very nice guns SmithNut, The longer I stay on here there greener I get

.

Andy Taylor · #30 02-18-2009, 11:18 AM

Thank you for sharing. Beautiful lineup.

Poohgyrr · #31 02-18-2009, 05:53 PM

I don't believe I could be bored with this thread. Thank you very much for not only the pictures - but the information as well. Always look forward to your posts.

OIF2 · #32 02-18-2009, 07:32 PM

Hi SmithNut
When the LAPD still carried revolvers, the Armory literally had drawers full of Smith and Colt parts, including barrels. I turned in my 10-8 for an action job (duty-approved), DAO conversion, trigger polish and a 3 inch barrel. I also had a beater Colt OP fitted with a 5" barrel and re-timed. In those days (up till 7-8 years ago) the LAPD had several superb revolver smiths that could do just about any job except bluing. Not anymore.
Bob

j38 · #33 02-18-2009, 10:42 PM

Smithnut,

Your posts should become the basis of a new Forum section titled, "The S&W Academy'.

Thanks Again,

Jerry

Andy the Aussie · #34 06-28-2009, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmithNut

Quote:

What's that stamped on the side? It looks interesting.

F-F,
It's the crest of the New South Wales Police Department:

Here's another view with an issue holster and patch:

......hey.... I recognise that holster ...!!! But you do need a correct NSW Police patch, that is an academy give away patch.... PM me your address details mate..!!

I would like to know the story behind that Model 10 as well....if it could talk. My guess is one of the two Australian agents held it back as a collectors piece when he brought in a shipment for the NSWP, the the first class to be issued them (the whole class not dribs and drabs) graduated in 1966, the man who is most akin to my father was part of that class. The Model 10s replace a whole grab bag of various .32 automatics (Browning 1910s for the most part but some Webleys and others as well) and remained in service till the late 1990s. They conversion to Glock 22s started in 1996 and 4 inch model 10s and 64s, various length Model 36s and 60s were also issue along with at least one 2inch round butt Model 12 ;-) .

Andy

Andy the Aussie · #35 06-28-2009, 12:46 AM

Oh yeah.... the flap holster pictured soldiered on till the early/mid 1980s when a Helweg front break and duty belt was issued. The flap holster was worn on the trouser belt along with a cuff pouch. A small truncheon was carried in the right (reinforced) trouser pocket.

158gn FMJ round nose was the issue ammunition till the 80s as well. Then a Winchester 110gn+P JHP loading was adopted and used till the mid 90s when a 147gn+P JHP was issued and saw out the .38 round in service here.

Andy

Revolver King · #36 06-28-2009, 06:13 AM

SmithNut you deserve the title of The Revolver King. We really appreciate it when you share your knowledge and pictures. Thank you,

Combat · #37 06-28-2009, 09:58 AM

THANK YOU very much for posting the pics and the info.This is the kind of stuff that makes this site so great.Please post more threads like this in the future.HECK,please make this thread a "sticky" or put it in the FAQ section or something.And most importantly,MAKE MORE THREADS LIKE THIS....PLEASE.

winchester1 · #38 06-28-2009, 12:57 PM

Smithnut,
As always, very interesting and very informative.
Please keep the posts coming, there's always so much we can learn from them.
Thanks again,

whelenshooter · #39 06-29-2009, 04:35 AM

Smithnut,
I'm in AWE! Thank you for showing us all of those BEAUTIFUL 3-inch K frames!

Andy the Aussie · #40 07-11-2009, 02:13 AM

SmithNut, got that patch out for you, but not in the post just yet...been busy as hell. I will take some pics of the issue Plain Clothes and Uniform Helweg holsters for you one of these days, nothing special but marked appropriately none the less.

Andy

winter1857 · #41 07-11-2009, 06:05 PM

Envy is a sin and I am a SINNER. Thanks Smithnut.

macumazahn · #42 08-30-2009, 12:11 AM

Love the pictures and history, my question, what is the best way to tell the difference between a 3 inch HB and the 3 inch SB, I have a 10-7 pinned barrel and think its a HB but want to make sure
Thanks in Advance

Andy the Aussie · #43 12-09-2009, 01:07 AM

There is a distinct taper in the standard weight barrels. The HBs maintain the same (almost) profile their full length.

Andy

ENGINE18 · #44 04-08-2010, 09:58 AM

I'm speechless. SmithNut, you ARE the king!

CherryRiver · #45 04-08-2010, 09:22 PM

SmithNut, if ever we meet up on the range, a word of advice: don't loan me that 10-10.
Please.
It won't be good.
Wow.

Texas Star · #46 04-09-2010, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OIF2

Gorgeous guns, SmithNut! You prove the saying that one can never have too many 3" Smiths! Here's my 10-8, purchased new as a 4" from the LAPD Revolver club and converted to 3" and DAO by the LAPD. Trigger edges were polished when it was tuned at the armory.
Bob

Did you carry this in uniform, or were you a detective?

T-Star