It's a Pre-Model 10, but, is it correct?

[Babalooie]

The gun is set up as a shooter, possibly by a LEO who wanted to use it as a carry piece. That tells me, it's a really nice gun that you should shoot and enjoy.

You may want to go to a gun show and check out various grips that are available for your K frame with a square butt. Hogue makes some comfortable rubber grips at a very reasonable price. They also sell exotic wood grips that are very nice. Eagle Grips makes some very nice grips too. You can also check out grip availability at the auction sites.

BTW, I wouldn't try to bring the gun back to its original state. There are people who would consider your gun to be really nice as it is.

IMHO, it's worth every bit of the $300 you paid for it. The modifications cost money. It's not a collector piece but, so what? Not all of my guns are collector grade either. It's going to become a fun gun that you can shoot, take care of, and enjoy for many years to come.

Before buying replacement grips, I'd recommend getting in touch with forum member, VM. His inventory varies, but I've done a lot of business with him and am not only pleased with the grips I get from him, but he also has great communications skills.

That first photo of a pre-model 10 that was posted is from 1949. I know because it is my gun.

 

[tsellati]

Welcome to the forum! I think you will find it a very nice shooter. It shot well for me. All the mods were done to the pistol before I got it so I know no history. As we emailed before, you can probably find a set of rubber grips that fit your hand for a reasonable price. To me there is just nothing like a 5-screw K-Frame. My son has a 1981 model 10 and it just does not seem as smooth or as well finished.

And by the way, it does shoot to point of aim with 158 gr SWC in front of 3.4 grains of Bullseye.

I hope you enjoy it.

Yep, I actually am in the process of trying to track down some S&W target grips for a K-frame (I don't want to spend too much though). I handled a S&W with rubber grips at the local gun shop and did not like the feel so I decided to stick with wood.

Tim

P.S. - If anyone happens to have a old pair of target grips for a K-frame for a reasonable price please contact me.

 

[tsellati]

I despise trojanmires.
Larry

Being a newbie to S&W revolvers I just have to ask, what are "trojanmires" - I can only imagine.

Tim

 

[Oldiron]

Tim, that is my pet name for rubber grips. Maybe people put them on old revolvers to protect themselves from the dreaded Smith addiction.
Most folks know it just doesn't feel the same.
Larry

 

[S&W Neophyte]

I have a set of k-frame targets but it probably is more of a hassle to get them to you. You may find a gunsmith or LGS around you that has a bunch of old grips. Mine are newer (1980s vintage).

I really prefer the magnas with a grip adapter. You might think about getting one of the BK adapters.

 

[tsellati]

Now with a nice pair of target grips!

Well, a buddy of mine came through with a nice pair of target grips to place (for free!) on my Pre-Model 10 "shooter" so I thought I would share some pictures -

With this target grip set the revolver now fits my hand like a custom glove . Now all I need to do is track down some colored inserts and I should be "good to go"!

Tim

 

[w10085]

I'm glad you found some grips that fit you. I hope you enjoy shooting it!

 

[bananaman]

tsellati, if it looks good to you, and shoots well, what do you care about about what others think. You have all of the basics there. Fix the front sight, (if you want) and enjoy it. I sure wouldn't be ashamed of it or the price just my opinion! Bob