Model 10?

[Bravo Tango]

Hello All, I was just gifted a hand ejector that I *think* is a Model 10 but will let those in the know decide.

Your consideration of this is appreciated.


A hand ejector with no model number behind the yoke.
The S/N is six digits long in the format 251XXX (no leading letter)
It is stamped "38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG" preceded and followed by a weird icon (see attached photo)

It has a 6 inch barrel
Fixed sights
5 screws

It is in very good shape but missing the cylinder release button. Can I get that from Brownells, or is it too old?

Thanks for your support!

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

This revolver was built prior to mid 1922. At that time, S&Ws did not have model numbers. Model numbers were assigned in 1957. Smooth grips like these were used on the WW II Victory models.

I would try Numrich Arms for the cylinder release and the nut that secures it.

 

[Inusuit]

Others with more knowledge and expertise will be along shortly with better answers. Your revolver was made well before Smith and Wesson began using model numbers in about 1957. I believe what you have is a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905, 4th Change. Serial numbers range from 241704 to 1000000 with 758,296 manufactured circa 1915 to 1942. Given your serial number, I would guess made before 1920 but you will get a better date from aforementioned experts.

I don't know if Brownell's carries parts for these older revolvers, but given the number made, the cylinder latch may be available from other sources. And I think that part may be interchangeable with other models of pre war guns.

 

[H Richard]

Looks to be a 38 Military & Police Model of 1905, 4th Change. Would have been Mfg. around 1917 or thereabouts. The grips do not appear original, they do resemble the Victory Model grips from around the 1940's.

On the cylinder thumb piece, I'm thinking a current one would fit, but would recommend Numrich [email protected] as they supply parts for the older guns. Try to be as original as possible.

Welcome to the Forum, you can learn about all types of S&W's here.

 

[Absalom]

The finish looks original and in good shape. As Inusuit pointed out, the 4th change began at 241— in 1915, so your 251— likely falls around 1916. Original stocks would have a recessed gold-colored medallion and checkering.

 

[JP@AK]

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

To begin with, it isn't a Model 10. It is about 40 years too old for that designation. It is a .38 Military & Police revolver from about 1916. It has the 6" barrel, but the front sight has been altered.

The missing thumb piece can be replaced but those made today would not be correct. I don't think Brownells would have the one you need, but you can check with them.

 

[Targets Guy]

That is not the normal front sight indeed. Nice shape however. You should check and see if there is a serial number stamped on the right grip panel.

 

[DWalt]

Someone has modified the original front sight for better visibility. M&Ps from that period had notoriously poorly designed open sights. The closest SN to 251xxx on my list is 2504xx which shipped in 3/16. But of course yours could have shipped a little earlier or later. You should be able to find a cylinder release thumb piece and nut that will fit, even though not necessarily period correct. I wouldn't worry too much about it being period correct. There are many parts sources other than Numrich. Virtually any square butt K-frame grips of any period should fit, but it might be difficult to find a good condition pair which is period correct if that makes any difference to you. eBay is full of them, and you just might be able to find a thumb piece and nut there also.

 

[Bravo Tango]

Thanks All!

Thanks for the wealth of information, it is greatly appreciated. I've received the cylinder release button from Numrich but am still looking for the securing nut. One thing about the button received (that's my added link) is that it stands about 1/8 inch proud from the base it is intended to sit above. I don't think it is intended to sit that proud and may have ordered the wrong item. It is nothing that a dremel won't fix if necessary but I want to treat the gun correctly.

To the folks that called out the front sight not being original, please see the attached photo.

I can't see any way to remove the sight and there are no marks or seams to show any modifications being done to it. If the sights are NOT original it is an outstanding piece of gunsmithing in replacing them. Just because I cannot conceive of work that outstanding doesn't mean that's not what happened and I respect your collective knowledge about that.

Last item, the hammer looks non-standard to me as it has a small spur dropping down. See attached. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks for your support!

 

[apotter11]

they didn't say front site was not original, just filed a bit. Came as a full 1/2 circle.

Hammer is normal for that age.

 

[Peak53]

I'm thinking the hammer was similarly "adjusted" by filing the underside, giving the hooked look. Possibly to reduce hammer weight for double action shooting.