pre-model 10

A

azmark

New member
I think I found a decent deal on an older S&W K frame. Tell me what you think.

The serial number is C 307253, which seems to date it to between 1954 and 1956. I did a quick inspection and lockup is great, the bore is shiny with no obvious defects. The only two negatives are several small pits (no rust) and one of the screws is slightly stripped. The stocks seem original.

The asking price is $275, obviously it could be had for less.
 
The only thing I see that could be a problem is the "slightly stripped" screw. If you really mean stripped (there is no "slightly") and the screw threads or the threads in the frame won't hold, that could be a problem indicating that some one with little skill worked on the revolver, and that is not good.

If you mean that the screw slot is buggered a bit, that could be a non-issue or could also indicate amateur work on the gun, depending in part on which screw it is. The front sideplate screw is normally removed to remove the cylinder for thorough cleaning, so it will take more punishment than the other screws.

Jim
 
By stripped I only mean that it looks like it was tightened with a screwdriver that was a bit too thin. I wouldn't call it ruined, by any means, but I would probably want to install a new one. I'm not certain which one it was because I didn't know it made a difference.
 
I did a quick inspection and lockup is great, the bore is shiny with no obvious defects.
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I'm not sure if your quick inspection takes much look at the timing of the revolver, that is always a make-or-break test for me. Assuming the timing is decent, acceptable, or hopefully even better, the next step is:

If we are looking at this from a "is there '$ value' in this buy" then it's a really tough call without pictures, and good pictures at that. We're talking about a revolver they made *MILLIONS* of, so from a "dollar value" standpoint, there's question marks here. When the subject is a model / style / example of one that was WILDY mass-produced in fantastic volume, it needs to have rare features and/or (usually AND) incredible, nearly breath0taking condition to see the "dollar value" distinguish itself amongst other guns.

If we are talking about a fun gun to own, a neat piece of history to have, a great example of American craftsmanship and a terrific revolver to enjoy on range days, I think we (easily) have more than enough information: BUY IT! :D

*--forgive my repetitive use of the term "dollar value" and placed in quotes. I'm trying to express the idea that a true cash or collectible value is incredibly (and sometimes irrationally) subjective, and can cover an extreme range from bottom to top.
 
Just a shooter that's not bunged up. I'll have to re-read the check for timing because I didn't look at that. I guess I need to take a flashlight.
 
I just picked this one up the other day along with a pre 15. My pre 10 has a 5" barrel - is very nice. I haven't shot it yet but it looks like it would be a great shooter. Finish is about 95% on mine. Mine is earlier than the one you are looking at - serial of C 184XX. At the price you are talking about, buggerd screws or not, I'd snap it up. Those screws can be replaced. Good luck and let us see some photos if you get it! :)
 

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Oh, that's pretty.

The finish on the one I'm hoping to get is kinda dull. Can it be polished or will that just wear off the finish that's left?
 
I paid $350.00 for this one a couple of years ago. S/N C 348xx puts it as 1955 by my gestimate. The diamond magna stocks are period correct, but not matched to the gun.



It is an outstanding shooter. When I sold off my modest "collection" of S&W revolvers, this is one of only two I kept.

Unless it has major mechanical defects, I'd say $275.00 is a steal.

The finish on the one I'm hoping to get is kinda dull. Can it be polished or will that just wear off the finish that's left?
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I bought a Model 15 once that I thought has been parkarized or something. It was dull from one end to the other. After I got it home I found that the "finish" was a fine rust. Fifteen minutes with Flitz polish and a rag, and the gun looked MUCH better. Not like new, but much better than it had.
 
Here's one I picked up for a mere $145 in December of 2012. It dates to around 1948-49.

It was probably a truck or tackle box gun and looked pretty bad. It had old rubber grips, surface rust and a LOT of grime on it. However, it checked out okay, and I like "gun store rescues".

I was planning on getting some kind of refinish, but the gun cleaned up really well and the wear was very consistent with no gouges. The bluing is about 50-60%. I decided that honest wear was okay, and outfitted the gun with old school accessories. I bought some period correct and wear-matched diamond magnas for cheap from ebay. I also got a really nice old Bucheimer "Federal Man" holster and lastly added a NOS Pachmayr grip adaptor.

My only pre-10 and it shoots great. Hope you like yours just as much as I do this one! :)

4jov.jpg
 
CajunBass & lowercase . . . nice looking shooting irons! Somebody replaced the grips on mine somewhere along the line but at some point, I'll find a set of the original style ones with the diamonds to fit her out so she looks as she should. There's just something about these old girls . . . I believe mine left the factory in 1952 . . . which is fine . . it's as old as I am . . but in better shape! :D
 
M&P transitional w/5" barrel. Mfd late 47 or early 48. I believe it was made in 47. Serial number is S964XXX. As you can see it has only the Made in USA on the right hand side of the frame (instead of the marcus registrada logo which was introduced during the S prefix production run) and the long action (the short action was introduced near the end of the S run as well). As well as the new safety introduced by S&W in December 1944.

The grips don't have the same serial number but everything else matches. I've been wanting a nice older M&P with a 5" barrel. I was hoping this was a pre-war model, but hey I'll take a transitional S model. I paid $300.00 for it at a local pawn shop back on 09/04/2010.



 
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