Model 10 "oddity"--or not

[danski]

I'm no expert.

Just recently acquired a Model 10, simply marked "Model 10" inside the yoke, no dash number. It's a ".38 S&W Special CTG." marked gun, 4-inch tapered barreled piece.

The Serial # is C480xxx. This seems to place it in the 1961 production range but looking at the SCSW, I'm guessing the number inside the yoke should be marked Model 10-2.

I'd have thought it was a 1957 produced gun based on the simple Model 10 marking but the Serial # range says otherwise.

Dan

 

[danski]

I'm no expert.

Just recently acquired a Model 10, simply marked "Model 10" inside the yoke, no dash number. It's a ".38 S&W Special CTG." marked gun, 4-inch tapered barreled piece.

The Serial # is C480xxx. This seems to place it in the 1961 production range but looking at the SCSW, I'm guessing the number inside the yoke should be marked Model 10-2.

I'd have thought it was a 1957 produced gun based on the simple Model 10 marking but the Serial # range says otherwise.

Dan

 

[diamonback68]

Might just be a late no dash. The -2 came out in 1961.

 

[Kamerer]

Yep, nothing odd. The FAQ's would put that S/N very early in 1961, shortly before the -2 later that year. Recall the -1 was for Heavy Barrels. That gun would be just a very late "no dash."

 

[danski]

Thank you for your answers. Makes sense.

Dan

 

[Allen-frame]

I'm no expert either ,but I just acquired a model 10 ,no dash ser # C544699.

It's no model 29-1

but again ,the mystery of the late 50s' ,early 60s' production continues.

Could C544xxx be one of the last mod 10s ? Heck ,in 1961-1962 Smith only made 147,000 M&Ps, yours ,and mine were just 2 more in the bunch.
I love it for what it is ,a sweet shooting old S&W 38 special.

Reegards ,,,,Al

 

[shawn mccarver]

Originally posted by danski:
I'm no expert.

Just recently acquired a Model 10, simply marked "Model 10" inside the yoke, no dash number. It's a ".38 S&W Special CTG." marked gun, 4-inch tapered barreled piece.

The Serial # is C480xxx. This seems to place it in the 1961 production range but looking at the SCSW, I'm guessing the number inside the yoke should be marked Model 10-2.

I'd have thought it was a 1957 produced gun based on the simple Model 10 marking but the Serial # range says otherwise.

Dan

I thought everyone knew this, but S&W serial numbers are not necessarily made or shipped out in chronological order. The only way to be sure when it was made is to letter it.

 

[Guest]

I thought everyone knew this, but S&W serial numbers are not necessarily made or shipped out in chronological order. The only way to be sure when it was made is to letter it.

Shawn is correct, but one minor clarification - a factory letter will tell you when it shipped, not necessarily when it was made. Over the years there have been many documented cases where a gun sat in the vault for years until it was shipped, so there is always a chance where the ship date won't tell you much in regard to when it was actually manufactured.

 

[hbrigiii]

[email protected]
Hi, this is Henry Brigham in Rockport, Texas. I just bought what I think is a 4" Model 10. K267324. 4 screw and the ejector rod is right hand threads.Large wooden target grips with S+W medalion. Also have standard smaller S+W grips with gun's serial # engraved inside. Can anyone give me a better idea of what model it is? Many thanks, Henry

 

[Guest]

hbrigiii,
With a K in the serial number, it's not going to be a M10 or Pre-M10. The gun probably has adjustable rear sight, correct? If so, with that s/n you probably have a Combat Masterpiece, or a Pre M15.

 

[hbrigiii]

Thanks, SmithNut. Looks like you are correct. Yes, micro rear sight. Upper sideplate screw deleted in 1955 so must be a pre M15. Mine has 10 serated trigger as well as backstrap and forestrap. Numbers 38 9(?) 46 8 ( 8 below the 46) on frame in front of bottom cylinder and below barrel. An almost invisable D above the numbers 38 in group. Various combinations enough to drive one mad trying to figure them out. Thanks again, Henry

 

[Guest]

Numbers 38 9(?) 46 8 ( 8 below the 46) on frame in front of bottom cylinder and below barrel. An almost invisable D above the numbers 38 in group. Various combinations enough to drive one mad trying to figure them out.

Too many folks try to figure out all those numbers and/or figures. They are just a combination of assembly numbers, fitters and inspector marks. They don't mean much in the overall scheme of things outside the factory.
We'd like to see pics of your old Combat Masterpiece if you can post em.

 

[hbrigiii]

SmithNut, I have just photographed this pistol but I need an e-mail address to forward 9 pictures to. I cant find your address nor do I know how to transfer my e-mail to this site. Thanks, Henry