Need help identifying this Mod-10

[algrennathan]

Hi guys!

I need help in identifying this gun a friend of mine is selling.I already know its a model 10 but I can't seem to figure out when exactly it was made. There is no trigger guard screw so I immediately thought its a 10-4 (1962). But the ejection rod is the same as the ones you would find on earlier models. Kinda like this...

The serial no. is S 871686 S or S L 871686 S. I can't figure out if the "L" is part of the serial no. because it doesn't seem to be in line with the rest. Could be an inspection stamp, but I don't know. Hope you could figure this out for me. For the pictures, I'll post them later.

 

[mainegrw]

The serial number you have posted suggests that it may be a postwar .38 M&P or Pre-Model 10 manufactured between 1945-1948. The anomaly here is the round-butt frame: The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson identifies these models as having square-butt frames, though yours clearly is a round-butt.

This is all I can give you, but I'm sure someone will be around soon who could give more information.

 

[Camster]

The serial number you have posted suggests that it may be a postwar .38 M&P or Pre-Model 10 manufactured between 1945-1948. The anomaly here is the round-butt frame: The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson identifies these models as having square-butt frames, though yours clearly is a round-butt.

This is all I can give you, but I'm sure someone will be around soon who could give more information.

The photo is not the OP's gun.
The other issue is that he may be giving assembly numbers,not the number from the butt.

 

[murphydog]

Here is a good post for information we need for an ID:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/332218-identify-your-gun.html

It is confusing when posting a photo of an I frame .32 Hand Ejector when discussing K frame .38 M & Ps . Also, note the "5th" screw may be hidden on the sideplate under the right stock panel.

Looking forward to the photos.

 

[algrennathan]

I checked the markings on the yoke, they have been scratched out so I was unable to read it. I posted the .32's picture because its ejection rod is the closest to the one that was shown to me. As of now I can't post the pics cuz for some f****** reason my phone won't allow me to do it. I can't check under the grips right now since the gun is at my friend's house. I am certain that that is the serial no. of the gun since it is what's written under the barrel and in the cylinder. By the way, on the side, its just says, Made in USA, instead of the usual "marcas registradas". Don't know if that helps though.

 

[JP@AK]

I posted the .32's picture because its ejection rod is the closest to the one that was shown to me.

I am certain that that is the serial no. of the gun since it is what's written under the barrel and in the cylinder.

on the side, its just says, Made in USA, instead of the usual "marcas registradas". Don't know if that helps though.

From what you have provided thus far, it sounds like the serial number is S871686. That is consistent with the barrel-shaped extractor rod knob. If that is the serial number, this revolver is a postwar .38 Military & Police model that left the factory in about August or September, 1947. It is definitely NOT a Model 10.

Made in USA was the only marking on the forward part of the frame's right side until sometime in 1948. I have never seen an S prefix K frame revolver that had the Marcas Registrada stamp (and I've looked at nearly 700 examples over the past couple years).

The only thing that doesn't make any sense in your original post is the alleged absence of the "fifth" screw. I just don't believe there is no cylinder stop plunger retaining screw in the front of the trigger guard.

What is the length of the barrel on this gun? Post pictures when you can.

 

[algrennathan]

Here are the pics. Hope it helps. The grips are replacements that were made locally, I know that for a fact. Barrel length is 4". Also guys, it would be great if you could give me a fair price for this. Guys is asking $200 for it. The bluing is now gone by the way.

 

[Zipdog]

I think $125. is enough for that.

 

[merl67]

Now we are getting somewhere what you have is a Military and Police post war shipped around 1947 give or take a year or two assuming the serial number under the grips matches what you posted. The value on this one would be low $150 maybe if it is in good mechanical shape. Others may value differently.

 

[gunnails]

I say $200 is reasonable in my area, the grips I find add a bit of value.

 

[Absalom]

For a private sale, $200 for that is quite a bit. IF you really need a shooter, the gun is mechanically sound, you can't find a better one, $200 is all you've got or are willing to spend, and you don't care about the ugly grips or that someone apparently saw fit to scrub off the original finish (this is NOT normal use wear), then this gun might do.

Otherwise, for $50-100 more, you should be able to find a used, somewhat worn, but decent-condition M&P/Model 10, like a police trade-in, that I personally would find a lot more trustworthy and appealing.

Just my personal assessment. Worth what you paid for it .

 

[JP@AK]

Yes. It is in very rough shape. I personally would not drop two bills on it. Too many better examples out there for not much more money.

 

[algrennathan]

Thanks guys! I would also like to know, is this type of model worth collecting? If ever I manage to restore it to its original state, how much would it worth? By the way, I've already checked it and its in full working order.

 

[Stopsign32v]

Thanks guys! I would also like to know, is this type of model worth collecting? If ever I manage to restore it to its original state, how much would it worth? By the way, I've already checked it and its in full working order.

"Collecting" and "restore" never go together when it comes to firearms.

 

[merl67]

Thanks guys! I would also like to know, is this type of model worth collecting? If ever I manage to restore it to its original state, how much would it worth? By the way, I've already checked it and its in full working order.

It isn't a rare model and the amount it would take to restore it would far outstrip the value. To answer your question in Yes every Smith and Wesson collection should have one of these or more in it but they can be found in much better condition for around $300-400 sometimes less if you are patient. To give you a idea what is out there here is one I picked up about four years ago for under $300

 

[Camster]

"Collecting" and "restore" never go together when it comes to firearms.

Some might even say that "Collecting" applies to examples that distinguish themselves by high condition or rarity or special features.Otherwise,it's pretty much just "Accumulating".
No collecting attributes apply to this old M+P.

 

[algrennathan]

By the way, what would be the correct holster for an early or pre-WWII S&W/Colt .38? The kind of holster that the Phil. Scouts or Phil. Army would've used in Bataan.

 

[murphydog]

It is unlikely there would have been a standard holster available in that area early in the war. They were probably forced to scrounge for any and all supplies. Later in the war there would have been a flap style belt holster and a simple shoulder holster, the latter used more by aviation crew.