New guy needs info on Model 10

[chevy57fan]

Hi all!

I recently obtained my mother's gun after she passed away and was hoping to obtain info, specifically the age, value for insurance purposes, and if it can shoot +P ammo, but any info from the experts would be appreciated. As the saying goes, I don't know what I don't know.

What I do know is that it's a 38 Special, she purchased it used in the late 70's-early 80's and that she probably only fired it once.

The s/n is D664xxx. It's model number is 10-6 and has E10 stamped above the model number. It has some bluing wear on the muzzle, maybe from a holster?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Flint Ridge]

First, sorry for your loss.

Second, Welcome Aboard!

Third, I would think around 1974.

Others will be along to assist with your other questions.

 

[rwsmith]

Yes....

Yes it can shoot +P. The model 10's basic design has been a standard for about 100 years, with little change over time. One good gun that would be a good keeper.

 

[Vom Brunhaus K9]

I have a 2 inch bought in 71, fitted it with Hogue grips. Shoots everything and is still 99% gun, a keeper.

 

[fyimo]

Sorry for your loss of your mother and that is a nice looking Model 10-6 with a 4 inch barrel and it's in great condition. The E-10 is either an inspection stamp or manufacturing process number. The 10-6 had the heavy barrel and the 10-5 from the same time period has the tapered barrel.

This is the 10-5 I got from my father just before he passed away with the tapered barrel.

 

[blujax01]

The Model 10 and it's variants was the staple revolver for Smith and Wesson for close to one hundred years. Like McDonald's, millions served!

Most still consider it the revolver to own.

According to The Standard Catalogue of Smith and Wesson, the serial number places the time of manufacture in the 1974-1975 era.

The value of Model 10's vary greatly depending on locale as well as condition. In Ohio, the market was recently flooded with literally thousands of Department of Corrections trade-in's which brought the whole market down.

Then again, yours is a Square Butt model, something that some folks think is a premium. And it looks to be in decent shape.

In the condition shown, if it were to be for sale around here, my unqualified guess would be that the retail value would be $300 - $350.

Just another opinion.

 

[The Real Hawkeye]

It's an excellent revolver, worth about $450 currently.

As for +P, you certainly may use it to your heart's content. The issue of +P usage only became a concern with the dawn of the use of aluminum in the manufacture of handguns for the purpose of reducing weight. Your revolver is all steel, thus no concerns about +P usage.

Sorry to hear about your mom. Cherish her revolver.

 

[chevy57fan]

Thank you everyone! Now it's time to reload some ammo and take it to the range.

 

[rwsmith]

The Model 10 and it's variants was the staple revolver for Smith and Wesson for close to one hundred years. Like McDonald's, millions served!

I just read in Wikpedia that around 6 million of these have been made.

 

[JP@AK]

around 6 million of these have been made.

Well, that is roughly correct, but only if you count all the .38 M&P revolvers (including Victories) from 1899 on. Since the Model 10 only came into existence in about September, 1957, it is incorrect to say there have been 6 million of those made. It certainly applies to the basic design.