Help me ID my Model 10

[WDW4]

I have a Smith and Wesson Revolver I bought used a few months ago.

Model 10
.38special
Hand Ejector
4" Barrel
Blued finish

Now the Numbers:

Behind the Yoke: "Mod.10-10" and "BSP7980"
On the Butt: "BSP7980"

I'd love to find out the year of manufacture or shipping, as well as any other tidbits about this gun. It is certainly fun to shoot. Thanks for your help!

 

[Jimmyjones]

What you have is referred to as a "Heavy Barrel" model 10, the serial number is around 1994 according to the catalog.

Pictures would be nice.

Is it a square or round butt frame ?

 

[WDW4]

Thanks for the info, Jimmy, I really appreciate you looking that up for me. It is amazing that a 20 year old piece of machinery is still perfectly functional, and looking good as well. Not many things these days last that well. I'll post some pictures soon. It is a (Edit) round butt.

 

[stantheman86]

10-10's are the last 10 made with forged parts, this model also introduced the pin less extractor. I had a 4" 10-10 RB I foolishly let go a few years back, the RB 10-10 with the serrated backstraps are less than common.

I replaced it with a 4" RB 10-8 that I'm just as happy with. Take care of that 10 and it will last the rest of your life, and probably generations afterward.

20 years is nothing, I have an M&P .38 made in 1919 that's still going strong.

 

[Jimmyjones]

stantheman's correct, most of my S&W revolvers are > 30 years old and work as well or better than when they were new. LOL, many are older than I am, work better too.

I have a SB 10-8 from 1982, I picked up last week. I really like it, but haven't got it out to the range yet. It feels like an entirely different gun than my standard barrel 10's.

 

[WDW4]

Photos of my Model 10

I guess I'm not as artistic as some of you, so these photos are nothing special but I'm hoping they'll be enough to help those of you who know a lot to share some of your knowledge with me.

I'm planning on refinishing the grips, I'll post some pictures once I do that. I also need to take care of a spot of rust on the frame under one of the grips.

Stan, what manufacturing method followed forged parts?

 

[FDAVIS1]

Can you tell me the DOM for a Model 10-2 with SN#C549309? I got it from my grandpa years ago.

 

[Jimmyjones]

Can you tell me the DOM for a Model 10-2 with SN#C549309? I got it from my grandpa years ago.

1961-1962 C474149-C622699 per the catalog.

 

[Jimmyjones]

LOL, see you caught that it's a round butt.

Here's what the SQ butt looks like.

MIM (metal injection molding) came after the forged parts. Like all changes, you can search the forum and get a variety of opinions.

 

[WDW4]

I have a follow up question about my grips. They appear to be walnut, but as you can see in the pictures, they have no medallions.

After a few forum searches, it seems this means they are not "factory". Any info on whether this is the case, as well as where they may have come from, would be appreciated. Thanks!