Pre model 10 revolver

[SWIll]

Good afternoon,
I located a pre-model 10 four inch barreled revolver in a local pawn shop. No model number inside the yoke, so I assume pre model # designation. It has a four inch tapered barrel, with the tall half-moon looking front sight (I forget what the actual name is). It has the magna grips, with the diamond around the butt screw. Serial # is 8629xx, with a letter "S" about a half inch before the serial number (on frame on butt of revolver), probably not part of the serial number. The grips are original, but worn. It is mechanically sound, with some wearing of the bluing, but no rust or pitting. It feels great in my hand, and would make a wonderful addition, a counterpart to my 10-2 snubby. The asking price is $349, and they don't want to budge on the price (which is unusual for a pawn shop). Does this seem like a reasonable asking price? Also, can someone tell me when it left the factory? Sorry, no picture to post.

I read you guys posts religiously, though I don't post much. I would appreciate your feedback. Thanks!

I have no particular purpose in mind for this M&P, I just really like Smith and Wesson revolvers!

 

[P&R Fan]

Catalog says it was born in 1945 or 1946.
Sounds like a pretty decent deal to me.
Jim

 

[linde]

. . . I located a pre-model 10 four inch barreled revolver in a local pawn shop. No model number inside the yoke, so I assume pre model # designation. It has a four inch tapered barrel, with the tall half-moon looking front sight (I forget what the actual name is). It has the magna grips, with the diamond around the butt screw. Serial # is 8629xx, with a letter "S" about a half inch before the serial number (on frame on butt of revolver), probably not part of the serial number. Also, can someone tell me when it left the factory? Sorry, no picture to post . . .

I would estimate early 1947 . . . and the "S" is part of the serial number . . . and it's just a little too early to bear the designation pre-Model 10 . . . that started at about S990XXX with the re-designed short hammer throw.

These are fine revolvers . . . among the first to ship to the commercial market after WWII.

Russ

 

[Absalom]

It's a real classic. Every Smith&Wesson enthusiast should have one. In the condition you describe, the price definitely is right. With shipping and transfer, I paid about the same for my S-961XXX (late 1947/early 1948; still awaiting the letter) off Gunbroker a few months ago, and I've been commended by several knowledgeable folks on the good deal I got (although mine did have the box).

 

[JP@AK]

Hello
The S862xxx serials were shipping in February, 1947. I show one in my database that is less than 100 numbers away from yours that shipped in February, and own another one a little bit older than yours (S861363) that shipped in January of that same year.
At the asking price with your description, I'd buy that one myself. Sounds like a decent deal.
As linde noted, it really is not a "pre-Model 10." It would be known as a postwar .38 Military & Police revolver.

 

[jmace57]

I would have gotten it too for that price. I have a weakness for these S serial-number M&Ps.

 

[DWalt]

That price is pretty good in the current market. The S-series M&Ps do have a little bit of a scarcity interest, as there were fewer than 200,000 of them made in the 1946-48 period. Not actually rare, but not that common either, as compared to later M&P series. I like to call them "postwar" M&Ps. Some call them "Transitionals," but I cannot bring myself to use that meaningless term.

 

[Jim NNN]

It sounds like a good deal to me, too. I paid $349 for a pre-model 15 (also a K frame .38 Special) about a year ago. It also has some very minor cosmetic issues, but is excellent mechanically and a great shooter, and I felt like I got a real good deal. Check the forcing cone for cracks and make sure the cylinder play and endshake is minimal. Best wishes!

 

[El Biblioitecario]

...I have no particular purpose in mind for this M&P..."

You are obviously looking for an enabler.

If I am reading my reference material correctly, that serial number range should have the long action, which is slicker than greased owl guano for double action shooting. Does that help?

 

[n4rod105]

My Pre-10

I picked this one up in a pawn shop for $300. It's in pretty good condition. There was no box. I haven't shot it yet, but that's in the future.

It's serial number is S851xxx, so it's just a little earlier manufacture than the one you found.

Sounds like your find would be a good one to add to your collection. They didn't make a lot of them and any nice, old S&W revolver is always a welcome addition.

n4rod