Detroit PD bling

NIGHTLORD40K

NIGHTLORD40K

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Nostramo (in absentia), Segmentum Ultima
Picked up this clean 10-5 today when I realized I didn't have a single nickel wheel gun in the stable.
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Couldn't get a good shot of it, but "Detroit Police" and a property number is nicely stamped on the backstrap, so much cleaner than the terrible electro-pencil so often used.
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She's got just a hint of holster wear, but I suspect this one spent most of its time on the job in a desk drawer-
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Never been a fan of the 4" M10s, but the 5" is just perfectly proportional, IMO.
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Think I did ok at $430 OTD for some vintage Detroit Bling. 😁
 
$430? In a heartbeat! :thumbup:

That has so little wear, I was first thinking it may have been an honor guard or other type of “dress” sidearm and not a duty patrolmans piece.

(My old agency still uses high-polished 4” S&W Model 66’es with walnut stocks as their honor guard sidearms when that detail is in action. The old girls shine up nice and look sharp next to the dark blue coats riding in glossy belts/holsters. )

S&W forums from back in 2008 had a post that the 5” nickel .38 was DPD standard issue, and 2” nickel .38’s were for detectives and admin. Looks like yours wasnt carried much at all.

Cool catch!

Stay safe.
 
I have a "thing" for 4" barrel revolvers, but I wouldn't turn my nose up at one like that. Good pickup. The Richmond Police Department also carried nickel Model 10's at some point in the past. They were the 4" model if I remember correctly though.

I did have a 5", 10-5 back many years ago. Box, papers, like new. Of course, I traded it off for something else. Where's that headbanger emoji when I need it?
 
StrawHat said:
I like the front sight on that Model 10. I am not a student of Model 10s (nor of the K frame), is that a standard front sight?

Kevin
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That was standard front blade for fixed-sight guns of that era, this particular example dating to the late '60s. Earlier guns had a round half-moon, this one being from 1906-7-
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Eventually they went to an all heavy-barrel profile with a more squared-off ramp-
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Nice one. I bought one of those in Biloxi MS back around 99. It was milky white when I got it and I spent an afternoon flitzing it and it was perfect after. Had the stamping down the backstrap like yours. It was a shooter and loved 148gr WCs.
 
You probably already know this, but I learned to not use any cleaning agents that remove copper, including Hoppe's, on nickel guns. The nickel finish is often applied to underlying copper because it adheres better than on steel. I use Kroil on mine, followed by a tiny dab of Flitz to refresh the shine.

You are a lucky thief!! Don't risk damaging that beauty!
 
J-Bar said:
You probably already know this, but I learned to not use any cleaning agents that remove copper, including Hoppe's, on nickel guns. The nickel finish is often applied to underlying copper because it adheres better than on steel. I use Kroil on mine, followed by a tiny dab of Flitz to refresh the shine.

You are a lucky thief!! Don't risk damaging that beauty!
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The shop I got it from had already Flitzed it and did a pretty good job. The Magnas have a little "been there, done that" patina, but not in a bad way.
Lockup and timing are really good, almost Colt-tight. 😊
 
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J-Bar said:
You probably already know this, but I learned to not use any cleaning agents that remove copper, including Hoppe's, on nickel guns. The nickel finish is often applied to underlying copper because it adheres better than on steel. I use Kroil on mine, followed by a tiny dab of Flitz to refresh the shine.

You are a lucky thief!! Don't risk damaging that beauty!
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Good advice for the off brand handguns but S&W did not use the copper wash to nickel plate their handguns.

Kevin
 
J-Bar said:
Thanks, good to know. What do you use to clean yours, assuming you own some?
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In the past, Ive used HVAC evaporator cleaner, followed by Flitz or Mother's chrome polish (if needed) on my nickel guns. It does a great job on sooty powder residue. I rarely shoot cast bullets, so lead fouling hasn't really been an issue for me.
 
Recalling now about mine - the grips were good on one side and worn fairly smooth on the other grip panel.
 
.455_Hunter said:
Nice!

As a teen in the 90's, those Detroit PD 5" nickel played Model 10s went on my want list.

I have not been able to check that bix yet.
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I'll trade for a Rockford Park Police M681- my first handgun, bought on my 21st birthday, lol.
Had to sell it when the Great Recession hit to feed the kids. Still miss it. RPP was a small department. I doubt there's more than dozen of their old L-frames in existence.
 
The reason I asked about the front sight,

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This is the front sight on one of my Model 1917s, an N frame. The original front sight was a half moon that has been cut on a slant, nicely filed with fine lines and an added gold bead. A great sight!

I was just wondering if the OP was a factory or modified front sight.

Kevin
 
NIGHTLORD40K said:
I'll trade for a Rockford Park Police M681- my first handgun, bought on my 21st birthday, lol.
Had to sell it when the Great Recession hit to feed the kids. Still miss it. RPP was a small department. I doubt there's more than dozen of their old L-frames in existence.
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That sucks. I have sold a few to gain necessary funds, but none of my babies.
 
NIGHTLORD40K said:
Mine mighta been carried by a lefty, as the RH grip is a lttle beat, but the LH is pretty much as new.
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I've seen that on a number of old cop/security guard guns. I believe it's from a right handed shooter/carrier, resting his arm on the holstered revolver when talking or any other purely routine activity. I know, as a right hander, I've done it myself, but I don't carry a holstered revolver enough to wear the checking. But every day, 8-10 hours or so a day over years and years..Yea, I can see it wearing the checkering off. The left side, is protected by the body and remains looking like new.

A left hander, would wear it in reverse.
 
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