Help Identifying this Revolver Please

[roughshooter]

Dear Gentlemen,

As you can see I am an overseas viewer of this forum. My knowledge of Smith & Wesson revolvers is limited so please if anybody can help me identify this revolver I would be grateful.

www.austriaarms.com

www.austriaarms.com

I am told is a model ten but the front site looks unusual compared to the others I have seen on this forum and their appears to be no writting on the barrel ?

Anybody any idea how old this is and if it would be ok to shoot with P+ ammo ? Sorry no serial number available at this time.

Regards Craig.

 

[1sgpierce]

It looks like a old pre-56 model 10 that somebody has either replaced the barrel or at least the front sight on. It should have a serial number on the bottom of the frame. I wouldn't shoot +p in it.

 

[pharmer]

Hello and welcome. It looks like a M&P or early Model10 with a replacement front sight. If it is mechanically sound, @ 125 Euros (around $170 US) go get it. It'll be a dandy shooter. Joe

 

[murphydog]

Craig;

Hi, and welcome! The gun pictured is a Military & Police from before or during World War II. You didn't mention what caliber it is, but I have a theory. The barrel at least appears to have been refinished, and the front sight is not factory, which suggests the barrel has been shortened and a new blade attached.

Given its vintage and location (Austria?), I would hazard to guess this is a .38/200 Victory Model, which was made in .38 S & W with a 5" barrel standard. If it is now in .38 Special, it would have been rechambered, probably by simply making the charge holes longer. The problem is the S & W round is of greater diameter than the Special, so the latter will often split its cases (or worse) with firing. If this is the case with this gun, using + P ammunition would not be wise. If you could find it, .38 S & W ammunition would still work. Hope this is helpful.

 

[roughshooter]

Dear Sirs,

Thank you all for your very swift and informative replies, and yes I am based in both the UK and Austria. As you know handguns are banned in the UK for law abiding citizens.

I just knew something was strange about that gun. As it may split cases with .38 Special I am going to take no chances as the dealer has other Smiths for sale at only a little more money.

I have seen the following pistol there too, and feel for only a little more cash (225 euros/$305US) it might be a better buy.

Opinions welcome.

www.austriaarms.com

www.austriaarms.com

www.austriaarms.com

Regards Craig.

 

[handejector]

As stated, the first gun is probably a bored out 38/200 or a Victory model. It is definitely refinished and has a cut barrel.
I would leave it alone.

The second gun you posted is very nice. JUMP all over it. ( that is an american idiom for "BUY it NOW!" )

 

[OMCHamlin]

Oh my, THAT's a much more interesting Smith to me! A square butt, 3" M10, hmmmmmm.... Well, I know if that were at MY neighborhood gun shop for 3 bones, I'd be "all up in that" I think!

 

[sw282]

si-----------

 

[Hoplophile]

Back during the post-WW II occupation, the U.S. provided thousands of M&Ps to German (and presumably Austrian) police agencies to replace their .32 automatics of varying manufacture. IIRC, most of these were chambered for the .38 Special.

If the revolver has European proof marks, that should tell some of the story.

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

The barrel on the first gun has definately been replaced because you can see where the hole for the barrel pin has been filled in. The second one, though, now that has possibilities. You don't see 3" model 10s that often. I'd grab it.

 

[borntoraisehogs]

I have want to go to Austria . Gonna shoot me some kangeroos .