Howdy
Yes, I like the Model 10.
Although being the stickler for detail that I am, I have to correct you. The Model 10 has not been made for 100 years. Technically speaking it has only been made since 1957, when S&W adopted the current model numbering system. Prior to that, what we call today the Model 10 was known as the 38 Military and Police. Often shortened to 38 M&P.
The revolver at the top of this photo is a 38 M&P that shipped April 1938.
The revolver at the bottom of the photo is a Model 10 that probably shipped around 1964. This particular revolver was the best deal I ever got on a S&W revolver. $125 out the door about 10 years ago. the number stamped on the frame above the trigger is probably a LEO armorer's rack number.
Notice the slight differences between these two revolvers. The 38 M&P has a full round front sight blade. The Model 10 has the later sloping, serrated style blade. And the M&P has the old Long Throw style hammer. The Model 10 has the modern Short Throw style hammer.
I actually only have two Model 10s. This is the second one. It also probably shipped around 1964.
I keep telling myself I am not going to buy any more K frame 38s, but if I was to come across a nice Model 10 with a six inch barrel I would probably grab it.
Even though I only have two Model 10s, I have lots of 38 M&Ps.
Here is the grand daddy of all the K frame 38s. A Model 1899 Hand Ejector that shipped March 31, 1899. Notice the lack of an under barrel latching lug for the front of the extractor rod. That is the easy way to tell a Model 1899. The internal lockwork of these was a bit different than the later 38 M&Ps and Model 10s too.
This 38 M&P left the factory in 1908. Notice the large, mushroom shaped cap at the end of the extractor rod.
Before the K-38 and the Model 14 with their target sights, there was the 38 Military and Police Target Model. This one left the factory in 1917. Notice the tiny little screw on the adjustable rear sight. You needed a teeny screw driver to adjust it, unlike the nice big screw on a modern S&W with adjustable sights.
I picked up this well worn 38 M&P from 1920 a few years ago just because it is so worn and the price was real good. Still tight as the day it left the factory and still shoots fine.
This M&P from 1934 has a bit of wear on it.
Smith and Wesson revolvers at this time had a Reg.U.S.PAT.OFF stamp on the rear of the hammer and trigger. This was Smiths attempt to keep foreign made copies out of the country. The process S&W used to case harden their hammers and triggers at the time was trademarked.
I have always liked the round butt and hard rubber grips on this 38 M&P from 1939.
I have a few a couple more M&Ps, but that is all the photos I can come across right now.
