New guy with newbie question

[Paul-K]

Greetings,

I very recently purchased my first Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver and thought I join to learn more about Model 10's.
So my first question is how do I determine when this revolver was made?

The serial number is D15503

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Paul-K

 

[bamabiker]

1968. You need to buy the Standard Catalog of S&W 3rd Edition. Welcome to the forum.

 

[panamajack310]

Paul, Welcome to the forum I hope we can teach you and feed your revolver addiction. What you have there was made in 1968. It is the S&W model 10. They started out as the M&P revolver in 1899. They were quickly adopted by law enforcement agencies across the country because of the guns economics workmanship and dependability. The gun has changed over the past 110 years and is still in use all over the united states as well as all over the world. You have the most dependable handgun on the planet. The only other matched firearm in my book would be the AK-47. so shoot the heck out of it and enjoy your new addiction.

 

[Paul-K]

Wow, thanks! That is so cool, I was 8 the year it was made then! Too bad I can't remember being 8...

Thanks Again,

Paul-K

 

[fyimo]

If it was made in 1968 then it should be a Model 10-5. My reason for bringing this up is the -5 means that it is made with the 5th engineering change that S&W felt significant enough to give a change number. The 10-5 will be located on the crane when you look at it with the cylinder open.

This is all in the Standard Catalog of S&W 3rd edition and something you should know if you start buying S&W revolvers. Some of the engineering changes are considered real important and others are not. The one where the dropped the pinned barrel and recessed chambers is a major one for collectors.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

Nice looking model 10 Paul. Thanks for the pictures,
we like to see what others have. Don

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Welcome to the forum. Congratulations on your model ten purchase, it's been called S&W's bread and butter gun, I call it a classic!

 

[john4970]

Paul-K: You are wise to say that this is your 'first' S&W M10 purchase. I agree the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson is a wealth of information, and I have all 3 volumes. Reading this book also opens up the possibility that one 'must' have all the models listed in each and every iteration. I would seek help and treatment quickly. I recommend continued reading of this forum, mandatory attendance at gun shows and hanging around gun shops. This will allow you to study the addiction first-hand and allow you to select proper treatment. Welcome and best wishes!