Clandestine 3" Model 10

[PJGP]

I saw an interesting (at least from a local South African point of view) 3" Model 10-7 the other day. The serial number on the bottom of the butt had been neatly milled out and a South African Police WR (Weapons Register) number applied. From that number and the Rand price written on the S&W box (R300) the dealer, who has been in the business for many years, dated the gun from around 1980. He told me that the revolver was a sanctions buster from the Arms Embargo era. Purchased in the US by a dealer and then sent via a circuitous route to SA, during which the S/N was milled out. On arrival these guns were then given WR numbers.

The box contained an original S&W leaflet "38 Military & Police Revolver Model No. 10" with no date, but the following on the bottom of the last page "05-01-0177 S&W No. 5097A". What I found curious was that the specifications section listed :Barrel 2, 4, 5 or 6 inches", but no 3". Anyone know why?

Peter

 

[SmithNut]

I saw an interesting (at least from a local South African point of view) 3" Model 10-7 the other day. The serial number on the bottom of the butt had been neatly milled out and a South African Police WR (Weapons Register) number applied. From that number and the Rand price written on the S&W box (R300) the dealer, who has been in the business for many years, dated the gun from around 1980. He told me that the revolver was a sanctions buster from the Arms Embargo era. Purchased in the US by a dealer and then sent via a circuitous route to SA, during which the S/N was milled out. On arrival these guns were then given WR numbers.

The box contained an original S&W leaflet "38 Military & Police Revolver Model No. 10" with no date, but the following on the bottom of the last page "05-01-0177 S&W No. 5097A". What I found curious was that the specifications section listed :Barrel 2, 4, 5 or 6 inches", but no 3". Anyone know why?

Peter

While S&W has made 3" M10's off and on since the late 50's, I don't believe it's ever been "cataloged" or considered as a standard product.
There have been many 'special order' production runs for Australia and other Asia Pacific countries, as well as special order runs for US distribution, but I cannot recall them ever being a cataloged item.
I just make a quick pass at my 1980's catalogs and some 1990's price lists and didn't see any listed.
If these were ever shown in S&W literature, I'd guess they'd be in Law Enforcement docs, price lists, etc., but from a commercial standpoint I don't remember seeing them listed, just the "normal" lengths of 2, 4, 5 and 6 inch versions.

 

[Old TexMex]

I saw an interesting (at least from a local South African point of view) 3" Model 10-7 the other day. The serial number on the bottom of the butt had been neatly milled out and a South African Police WR (Weapons Register) number applied. From that number and the Rand price written on the S&W box (R300) the dealer, who has been in the business for many years, dated the gun from around 1980. He told me that the revolver was a sanctions buster from the Arms Embargo era. Purchased in the US by a dealer and then sent via a circuitous route to SA, during which the S/N was milled out. On arrival these guns were then given WR numbers.

The box contained an original S&W leaflet "38 Military & Police Revolver Model No. 10" with no date, but the following on the bottom of the last page "05-01-0177 S&W No. 5097A". What I found curious was that the specifications section listed :Barrel 2, 4, 5 or 6 inches", but no 3". Anyone know why?

Peter

Peter-- any way you can snap a pic of that? Was it heavy bbl?

 

[Old Corp]

Here is a 3" M&P, tapered barrel that Roy has placed a ship date on of 1958. Got it a couple of months ago, as it it came into the LGS where I work. Taken in trade on a Glock. No agency markings, and not a 'cut' barrel. Have not lettered it.

 

[SmithNut]

Here is a 3" M&P, tapered barrel that Roy has placed a ship date on of 1958. Got it a couple of months ago, as it it came into the LGS where I work. Taken in trade on a Glock. No agency markings, and not a 'cut' barrel. Have not lettered it.

Old Corp,
I'm curious, is your 3" model marked? I'm assuming not since you mentioned M&P, however if it's marked Mod 10 I'd be very interested in knowing as to-date I've not seen any 3" marked as Mod 10 (without engineering change).
I have a pre-model marked 3" serial number is C4656xx, which shipped in July of 1959, how close is yours to this s/n range?

Thanks, in advance

 

[Old Corp]

SmithNut - no, that's what is so interesting to me about it. No model number, just a s/n that according to Roy, puts it at 1958 for a ship date. Perhaps one of the unmarked frames they were using up after the change to model numbers in '57.
S/N is C 4228xx
Barrel is identical in finish to the rest of the gun and barrel fitment is perfect with an undisturbed pin.
Came with non-diamond PC magnas, I've since put a pair of diamond magnas on it.
One day I'll get a letter on it.

 

[SmithNut]

SmithNut - no, that's what is so interesting to me about it. No model number, just a s/n that according to Roy, puts it at 1958 for a ship date. Perhaps one of the unmarked frames they were using up after the change to model numbers in '57.
S/N is C 4228xx
Barrel is identical in finish to the rest of the gun and barrel fitment is perfect with an undisturbed pin.
Came with non-diamond PC magnas, I've since put a pair of diamond magnas on it.
One day I'll get a letter on it.

Thanks for the info, at least we know of two pre-model numbered guns running around...

Here's mine, lettered and legit:

The next example of any 3" barrel in my collection is a -4, these are very scarce as well. I'm continuously on the hunt to see if any M10, M10-1, M10-2 or M10-3 units exist. Most of those seen are of the M10-5, M10-7 and M10-8 variety.