Model 10-5 SCSW Intepretation??

[bags533]

I'm a new owner of a SCSW, and am trying to figure the history of this revolver. Here is what I think I know:

Model 10-5: Introduced 1962
Serial: D892XXX: Late '1976- Early '1977
Bangor Punta box (label is put on upside down- for what it's worth:>) This box style was used from 1966-1985.

Page 174 mentions the 10-5 & 10-6 were intro'd in 1962, the 10-7 wasn't intro'd until 1977.

What I don't know: Did/do S&W produce the -5, -6, & -7 concurrently? Or once a new dash number is made, do they only make the current model?

Is it safe to say, that if they do make multiple dash models at the same time then my 10-5 was manufactured in late '76 to early '77?

Thanks for your input. BTW, the SCSW is an awesome book to puruse!

 

[scha]

Typically, for the Model 10 the even numbered dash models have the heavy barrel while the odd numbered models used the "pencil" or narrow barrel. The model 10-5 and 10-6 were companion models in production for a number of years as were the models 10-7 and 10-8. Whenever significant changes were made, the factory continued production of the old models to use up all the parts on hand. This can result in "transition" models that have some features of one model and some of the next. Smith & Wesson always tried to be efficient and use up the parts on hand whenever engineering changes were implemented.

Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[nutsforsmiths]

As for the label on the box, they are always "upside down". I was told the reason for this was when the guns were finished and put in their boxes, they were stored upside down so when someone picked up a gun to ship, the bottom of the box, with the pistol in it, would not fall out.

 

[ENGINE18]

I learn something new here almost daily; odd/even dash numbers, upside down box lids!?!? Whata place!

 

[bags533]

Ok, thanks for the replies.

So, just so I get it- it is not usual or uncommon for a -5 which debuted production in 1962 to be made continuously through 1977, even when the -6 and the -7 were introduced during this time frame?

 

[Art Doc]

Usually the engineering changes are not produced concurrently but in this case they were because they were not exactly refinements of earlier versions but were guns with differing features and all were made at the same time.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Labels are "upside down" only if you do not know that the boxes were meant to be stored with the "lid" underneath, to prevent the box separating and the gun being dumped.