Model 10 Production by Type

[Militwacht]

I may be wanting something that doesn't exist, but here goes anyway. I'm trying to complete my collection of Model 10's in the heavy barrel configuration. Supica's book states that the heavy barrel began with the Model 10-1. Does this mean that all dash numbers thereafter had the heavy barrel as an option?
Is there any published reference to actual production by year, model and dash number that would clarify what configurations were actually manufactured in a given year or series of dash number.
From what I've seen, the heavy barrel configuration starts with the 10-6.
Any comments will be appreciated.

 

[Obi-GUN Kenobi]

For reference, here a basic break down of the Model 10's (Data derived from multiple reference sources) - Enjoy!

S&W Model 10's Variant Matrix

Model: Year: -- Design/Engineering Changes: -- Frame Screws:
10 ----- 1957 -- Start of Model Numbering / Tapered Barrel -- 4 Screw
10-1 --- 1959 -- Introduction of Heavy Barrel -- 4 Screw
10-2 --- 1961 -- Internal Engineering Changes on Tapered Barrel Version -- 4 Screw
10-3 --- 1961 -- Int. Eng. And Sight Change on Heavy Barrel Version -- 4 Screw
10-4 --- 1962 -- Eliminated Trigger Guard Screw on Tapered Barrel Version -- 3 Screw
10-5 --- 1962 -- Rear Sight Change on Tapered Barrel Version -- 3 Screw
10-6 --- 1962 -- Eliminated Trigger Guard Screw on Heavy Barrel Version -- 3 Screw
10-7 --- 1977 -- Gas Ring Change on Tapered Barrel Version -- 3 Screw
10-8 --- 1977 -- Gas Ring Change on Heavy Barrel Version -- 3 Screw
10-9 --- 1988 -- Yoke Change/Floating Firing Pin Change on Tapered Barrel -- 3 Screw
10-10 -- 1988 -- Yoke Change/Floating Firing Pin Change on Heavy Barrel -- 3 Screw
10-11 -- 1997 -- Int. Eng. and Frame Change/MIM Hammer on Tapered Barrel Version -- 3 Screw
10-12 -- 1997 -- Int. Eng. and Frame Change/MIM Hammer on Heavy Barrel Version -- 3 Screw
10-13 -- 2002 -- 1899 100th Year Anniversary Commemorative -- 3 Screw
10-14 -- 2002 -- Introduction of Internal Key Lock / Heavy Barrel Only -- 3 Screw

 

[Delta-3]

Is this data specifically for the 4" HB? I have a 3" HB model 10-8 & am curious about it's year of production.

 

[scha]

The data provided is for all Model 10s. If you read the individual model numbers, note that some are for the standard or tapered barrel (10, 10-2, 10-4, 10-5, 10-7, 10-9 and 10-11). The heavy barrel models were made along with the tapered barrels and these include the 10-1, 10-3, 10-6, 10-8, 10-10, 10-12, and 10-14. Model 10-8 was made from 1977 until 1988. If you want to know the specific year, please provide the serial number. Hope this helps, Steve

 

[OK Hog Shooter]

That's a lot of very good information. Thanks for sharing. I'm looking at acquiring a M10 with a four inch HB. This information is very helpful.

Blessings,
Hog

 

[Obi-GUN Kenobi]

Also, although the data I provided is as accurate as I could gleam from different reference guides. There are all kinds of differing variations out there. I have 2 10-11's, they should be thin barreled variants, but one is a thin barrel while the other is a heavy barrel. The heavy barreled one was a police trade-in so it may have been a special order. That's part of the fun of collecting model 10's, it's a never ending quest to find all the different possible combinations and deviations from the norm.

 

[stantheman86]

I have never seen a taper barrel 10-11!

I have seen a 10-12, I was new to S&W's and didn't know what it was, it looked like someone just screwed a different barrel into a HB frame.........

 

[Militwacht]

What I am wanting to do is have a heavy barrel for each dash number. Which logically would start with a 10-1. However, I haven't seen a heavy barrel on a gun below 10-6. I wonder if production on some dash numbers between -1 and -6 were pencil only?
Thus, I am curious if there are any available production records that spell out exactly what configurations were produced for each dash number.
Thanks a lot for the responses.

 

[Militwacht]

Thanks scha. This is a great help.

 

[stantheman86]

They're out there, a collection of 4" HB 10's shouldn't be too hard to assemble since even the 10-1's can be found on GB for $2-300. I'm trying to complete my entire M&P - Model 10 collection but as far as 4" HB's I have a -6,-8, and -14. I had a -10 but sold it, but those are common.

I prefer 4" Round Butt Heavy Barrel 10's and 64's and tend to wait for those, and I will usually pass on the SB's unless the price is really right. I even found a 5" RB M&P, and I really need an early 6.5" RB M&P.....those just look right!

 

[murphydog]

The factory may have production numbers for the 10-1 through -4, but they were only produced from 1959 to 1961, so they are relatively uncommon. A 10-1 is occasionally seen for sale, but I haven't seen many 10-2s, 10-3s (the one you seek) or 10-4s.

 

[diamonback68]

A 10-1 is occasionally seen for sale, but I haven't seen many 10-2s, 10-3s (the one you seek) or 10-4s.

If you ever find a 10-4 standard barrel, BUY IT, they are bringing big bucks.

 

[M3Stuart]

The "bud's gun" I got in their first batch is a 3", tapered barrel, SB, 10-4. Everybody else said they got 10-5's. These are some of the 'aussie guns'.

Do you think my 10-4 is rare? I noticed right off that it had the 1/10" sight vs. the usual 1/8th. It is super accurate and cleaned up very nicely.

The stocks were aftermarket....

Edit: If there are any collectors trying to fill out a collection with a 10-4, pm me as I'd probably be willing to trade for something - I'm not a collector myself.

 

[diamonback68]

The "bud's gun" I got in their first batch is a 3", tapered barrel, SB, 10-4. Everybody else said they got 10-5's. These are some of the 'aussie guns'.

Do you think my 10-4 is rare? I noticed right off that it had the 1/10" sight vs. the usual 1/8th. It is super accurate and cleaned up very nicely.

The stocks were aftermarket....

Edit: If there are any collectors trying to fill out a collection with a 10-4, pm me as I'd probably be willing to trade for something - I'm not a collector myself.

I was referring to the standard barrel 4". I have never heard of a 3" tapered barrel 10-4 or heard of anyones knowledge that one ever existed. Are you sure it hasn't been re-barrelled and the front sight filed thiner? I would get it lettered as it may even be rarer than the 4".

 

[pharmer]

I have never seen a taper barrel 10-11!

Me neither. 10-11 Bought new 12/05. Joe

 

[stantheman86]

Pharmer - did you add those woods to that 10-11 or did it come with them from the factory?

I have been trying to piece together info on the later production 10's and 64's, such as when they stopped putting wood grips on the guns at the factory. I have seen 10-11 and 64-5 trade ins for sale with the later style wood magnas on them.

 

[Stephanie B]

Does anyone know when a Model 10 (no dash) with a serial of C547XXX would have been produced?

 

[scha]

Late 1961 or 1962.

Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[scha]

For what it is worth, the book says that the square butt and tapered barrel were discontinued in 1995-1996. It also says the 10-11 didn't appear until 1997. So, my earlier response about a 10-11 with a tapered barrel was in error.

Sorry about the confusion.

Steve

 

[Stephanie B]

Late 1961 or 1962.

Hope this helps.

Steve

Thanks, Steve. I'll imagine that it came off the line when John Glenn was in orbit (the first time).