Model 10, 38 S&W Special

[Rmasters3]

I just bought a Model 10 - 7, (Fin B, Barrel 4, Stock S) as the box label reads, in 38 S&W Special according to barrel stamp. I am sufficiently ignorant that I do not know if this caliber is the same as regular 38 S&W or different. And, if I were smarter, I'd be able to post some pictures. Can somebody give me a heads-up on the ammo question and how to post pictures?

Paperwork, I believe, dates it to 1977. In original box and virtually unfired.

Thanks

 

[Retired W4]

It shoots regular old .38 Special. +P is fine as well. The -7 came out in 1977. A serial number could narrow it down some.

There are several posts here with instructions on posting pictures. If I can do it I know you can too.

 

[Rmasters3]

Ammo??

Serial Number: 6D21XXX. A couple pieces of the paperwork had printing markings the led me to believe they were printed in 1977.

The right side of the barrel is stamped: "38 S&W Special CTG". Is the the correct ammo for this pistol what the world calls "38 Special", not 38 Smith? I understand there's a difference between these two calibers, I just want to be sure I get it right.

 

[Retired W4]

Rmasters3, you have a very nice 10-7. The 6D21xxx serial number shipped in 1980. The papers with your gun may have been marked 1977 but they were used for several years thereafter. For ammo, Wal-Mart (no kidding) sells a Winchester 38 Special +P, 125 grain jacketed hollow point that is good for the target range and self defense, for a reasonable price. Enjoy your gun.

Here is a 10-7 of mine. Yours looks looks better than this one.

 

[PeterCartwright]

Congratulations on the purchase of a truly wonderful handgun. Model 10s have an incredible history. Enjoy your purchase.

PC

 

[dcopper]

10-7

Really nice piece! Enjoy it!

 

[Rmasters3]

Thanks very much for the input. S&W makes this less than clear to a rookie like me and I didn't want to assume anything, hence the questions. This was an impulse buy for me at my local, friendly pawn shop. $250 out the door with the original box. I'll have it out for some exercise in the next few days.

As for ammo brand, weight-I appreciate the Wal-Mart tip, but are there some types to avoid? I generally buy my ammo on-line from AimSurplus. They are very competitive, close and the shipping cost is offset by the lack of sales tax to me as an out-of-state buyer.

 

[cptdco]

Nice gun. I buy a lot from AIM also. Either of the two 50 round boxes they currently have listed are fine; both Prvi Partizan (Serbia) and Aguila (Mexico) make quality ammunition. Nothing wrong with the Remington either, except its designed for self-defence and is only 25 rounds for the same price. But check out Wal-mart, K-mart and the big sportings stores like Cabella's when you're going past one and look for the 100 round "valuepacks" that some companies put out.
The straight-walled .38 special is also a good round to start your reloading career with.