Model 10 Nickel 5" Questions

[cmansguns]

I have been looking at a Model 10 no dash with a C prefix serial number putting it in 1960 production per SCSW 4th. The serial is C 451XXX. Condition is excellent on the mechanics, and OK on the finish with no flaking, no worn spots anywhere, but there is some very light "freckling" alongside the left side of the barrel only. I'm thinking carry/storage in a leather holster.

I don't have to make up my mind till tomorrow so I hope some questions can be answered. I did not remove the grips but did handle the gun and check for fit and lock-up, carry-up, push off, and any sign of refinish.

Questions:

The front site is the modern triangle, not half round. Normal for 1960 C prefix?

SCSW says 1960 was the advent of the Model 10-1, this gun is stamped Mod 10. Still OK?

There is no s/n on the cylinder, and I cannot see any evidence of an "N". Cylinder finish matches the rest of the gun.

Grips have the diamond around the screw hole and are same condition as the gun, not ANIB, but not chipped cracked or worn down checkering. Should the right panel be numbered to the gun?

When date wise was the 5" barrel discontinued? I read that the entire Model 10 line was discontinued in 2010 but would like to know when S&W dropped the 5"

These era guns were not made for 38 Spl +P were they? I have some non Plus P that I may take with me.

Again...comments welcome for sure....price is right and I may even negotiate down a bit depending on answers to above.

As always Forum........Thanks in advance for your help in this hobby of mine....you people have always been top enablers.

 

[alwslate]

S&W says that any model marked STEEL K frame revolver is ok for +P. This is widely misquoted. Model marking started in 1957 and your model 10 is fine for +P according to S&W.

 

[JP@AK]

I have been looking at a Model 10 no dash with a C prefix serial number putting it in 1960 production per SCSW 4th. The serial is C 451XXX.

C451xxx almost certainly shipped in 1959. I show many of them well into the C470000 range shipping in 1959.

The front site is the modern triangle, not half round. Normal for 1960 C prefix?

Yes, the serrated ramp front sight shows up in the mid-1950s.

SCSW says 1960 was the advent of the Model 10-1, this gun is stamped Mod 10. Still OK?

See above. 10-1 serial numbers are higher than yours.

Grips have the diamond around the screw hole ... Should the right panel be numbered to the gun?

Diamond PC Magna stocks would be correct for a 1959 Model 10. Yes, the right panel should be numbered.

When date wise was the 5" barrel discontinued?

I'm not sure it ever was but, if so, it was much later than 1959. I have at least one 10-5 with a 5" barrel.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

S&W says that any model marked STEEL K frame revolver is ok for +P. This is widely misquoted. Model marking started in 1957 and your model 10 is fine for +P according to S&W.

+P did not come about until the 1970's when SAAMI lowered the pressure for some standard cartridges and created +P. When this gun was made, +P was standard pressure and had been since .38 Special was first produced in 1899.

 

[alwslate]

+P did not come about until the 1970's when SAAMI lowered the pressure for some standard cartridges and created +P. When this gun was made, +P was standard pressure and had been since .38 Special was first produced in 1899.

This is often posted on here and is based on old published ballistics and not actual chronographed data. Please state your true data that .38 spl ammo in 1899 was loaded to 20,000 PSI which is the industry std for +P.