Need help with my model 10

[tn gunner]

Bought this model 10 because the price was right and didn't know much (or care) about the history at the time. After doing some research it looks like its a model 10 made in 1960-1961. I would love some more info on it if anyone can help. I was told it was a police trade in. Is it worth anything? Is it rare? Should I hold onto it? Theres a lot of holster ware but it shoots. I've already put about 200 rounds through it. How can I pin point the date on it? Any info would be great! I wish this gun could talk...I would love to know where its been! Thanks everyone!

 

[txbirdman]

Well the date is about right and the grips appear to be correct for that time frame. The Pacmayr grip adapter is a nice touch. It appears to be a "well taken care of" example of which hundreds of thousands were made.

 

[Skip48]

Good looking Model 10! A nice thing to do is to remove the grips and check the inside of the right grip. If it has the serial number of the gun it usually means that they are original to the gun. Enjoy it! Skip48

 

[sgms]

What is the mark in the fourth picture? (Under the number.) It looks like an ordnance bomb. What's it mean?

 

[tn gunner]

What is the mark in the fourth picture? (Under the number.) It looks like an ordnance bomb. What's it mean?

The mark that looks like an bomb is actually an 8 (although a bomb marking would have been cooler!) I'm assuming these were assembler marks or part numbers?

 

[tn gunner]

Good looking Model 10! A nice thing to do is to remove the grips and check the inside of the right grip. If it has the serial number of the gun it usually means that they are original to the gun. Enjoy it! Skip48

I'll take a look this weekend to see if I can find them. Any idea what the value is or the exact date?

 

[linde]

Any idea what the value is or the exact date?

Circa 1960 is about as close as we can come. The only way to determine the exact ship date is to request from the factory a Letter of Authentication. It will tell the exact date and where it shipped, but that costs $50. Most will ship to a stocking dealer in a particular city . . . which in itself is interesting to know . . . but it could have shipped directly to a law enforcement department.

The price you paid is probably the best indicator of value in your local market. I see sales from between $300 and $400 in my area.

Enjoy it . . . they're fun to shoot and very reliable. The model 10 is the icon of Smith & Wesson's success in producing handguns for law enforcement and personal defense.

Russ

 

[tn gunner]

Circa 1960 is about as close as we can come. The only way to determine the exact ship date is to request from the factory a Letter of Authentication. It will tell the exact date and where it shipped, but that costs $50. Most will ship to a stocking dealer in a particular city . . . which in itself is interesting to know . . . but it could have shipped directly to a law enforcement department.

The price you paid is probably the best indicator of value in your local market. I see sales from between $300 and $400 in my area.

Enjoy it . . . they're fun to shoot and very reliable. The model 10 is the icon of Smith & Wesson's success in producing handguns for law enforcement and personal defense.

Russ

Thanks Russ for your input! Is getting an authentication letter worth doing? I paid $200 for it which I don't think is a bad deal. I have no desire to sell it but I don't want to shoot it if its one of those hidden gems and is worth thousands lol. It sounds like I should be ok though. I bought it for home defense and I love how reliable and easy it is to shoot. Even my wife enjoys shooting it. Thanks again!

 

[Old cop]

I found out my pre model 10 was shipped in 1958 by emailing S&W with the serial number of my gun. They got back to me about a week later, great customer service.

 

[captainjohnsofd]

This particular model has been a mainstay of the Smith and Wesson Company for more than one hundred years. It actually saved the company during World War Two- read the chapter in the Jinks history book- very interesting. Until unseated by high capacity semiautomatics in the 80's the Model 10 Military and Police revolver was in about 90% of holsters of United States law enforcement officers. The combination of light weight, ease of operation, and price was the big factor. Great guns, hands down. Hang onto it- you will be sorry if you let it go.

 

[bananaman]

tn, $200, great deal as far as I am concerned! I paid $269 shipped, for my 10-8. (Aussie Ploice Gun) Good shooter, and now has C.T. Laser Grips on it. My wife likes shooting this one! Enjoy your 10! Bob