Old S&W model 10 revolver questions

[coltfan3000]

I have a friend who has an older Smith Model 10 that his uncle gave him. It is the old 5 screw design.

Questions:

How can I find out the age of the revolver?

What kind of .38 special ammo can be fired in that gun?
(I have heard that in these older guns that today's ammo cannot be fired safely in a revolver that old due
to the forcing cone deslgn. I do not know if that is correct information or not. That is why I am asking.
I know that +P 38 special should not be used, but what about standard ammo?)

I would think that someone on the board could provide me some information. I have seen on Shooting Gallery
that Michael is a big fan of old revolvers. I am sure he would know.

[tombogan03884]

You can contact S&W to find the age of the pistol and possibly other information as well based on the serial number. Ask for a "factory letter" many companies such as Colt have records dating back into the 1800's, companies that have moved or suffered a fire or other disaster may have lost records of specific firearms but should still be able to give you an estimated manufacture date based on the serial numbers place in the production run. Companies CHARGE for the letters but may answer your question for free.
Any old firearm should be looked at by a competent GUNSMITH before using modern ammo,

[DonWorsham]

Go here for instructions...


http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CustomContentDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=11101&content=25301&sectionId=10504

[gunman1911]

Hey Don thats a good link my 586 jumped right up, so cool!

[justbill]

I have a friend who has an older Smith Model 10 that his uncle gave him. It is the old 5 screw design.

Questions:

How can I find out the age of the revolver?

What's the serial number? Knowing this, I can tell you in a flash. You can replace the last three digits with x's if you're concerned about privacy.

What kind of .38 special ammo can be fired in that gun?
(I have heard that in these older guns that today's ammo cannot be fired safely in a revolver that old due
to the forcing cone deslgn. I do not know if that is correct information or not. That is why I am asking.
I know that +P 38 special should not be used, but what about standard ammo?)

If it's a five screw, you really want to stick with standard pressure loads. Lead alloy bullets instead of jacketed are also a good idea.

I would think that someone on the board could provide me some information. I have seen on Shooting Gallery
that Michael is a big fan of old revolvers. I am sure he would know.

[Sponsor]

[tombogan03884]

Hey Coltfan, looks like you thought right. That link Don posted is going in my Favorites 

[DonWorsham]

What's the serial number? Knowing this, I can tell you in a flash. You can replace the last three digits with x's if you're concerned about privacy

justbill,

Can I get 3 for the price of one?

89U3690 and CDJ7355 and BPE2591

[justbill]

justbill,

Can I get 3 for the price of one?

89U3690 and CDJ7355 and BPE2591

I can't find 89U3690 in my resources, but CDJ7355 dates from 1999 and BPE2591 from the Fall of '93.

[DonWorsham]

I can't find 89U3690 in my resources   

Try this BSU3690 if you would please.

[justbill]

Try this BSU3690 if you would please.

No go. Is this a post-2000 S&W? That might be the problem, I have yet to get the latest edition of Supica & Nahas' Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson that includes recent numbers.