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FlyFish · October 7, 2010, 09:14 AM

Dave: Your Model 10 dates from 1961 (starting SN C474149) to 1962 (ending SN C622699).

Cajun Dago: Based on the serial number and the chambering, you gun must be a .38 Military and Police Model of 1905 - 4th Change, more commonly called the .38 M&P or sometimes the "Pre-Model 10" because this is the basic design that became the Model 10 when S&W started using model numbers around 1957. Your gun dates from the 1915 (starting SN 241704) to 1942 (ending SN 1000000) period, and unfortunately SCSW provides no more detailed information on serial numbers corresponding to specific years. You can interpolate using that information and get an approximate year of production.

The gun is chambered for .38 Special ammunition and is safe to use with .38 Special +p, although if it were my gun I'd stick to the regular pressure loading, particularly if you're not using it as a CCW.

With regard to the old ammo, I suspect it's safe to fire but hesitate to give a firm recommendation without actually seeing it. There are many collectors of old ammunition, and I'd be inclined to take it into a well-stocked gun shop and see what it's worth. You might be able to trade it for a box or more of nice new .38 Special ammo.

October 7, 2010, 09:14 AM	#3440
FlyFish Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2009 Location: Overlooking the Baker River Valley Posts: 1,723	Dave: Your Model 10 dates from 1961 (starting SN C474149) to 1962 (ending SN C622699). Cajun Dago: Based on the serial number and the chambering, you gun must be a .38 Military and Police Model of 1905 - 4th Change, more commonly called the .38 M&P or sometimes the "Pre-Model 10" because this is the basic design that became the Model 10 when S&W started using model numbers around 1957. Your gun dates from the 1915 (starting SN 241704) to 1942 (ending SN 1000000) period, and unfortunately SCSW provides no more detailed information on serial numbers corresponding to specific years. You can interpolate using that information and get an approximate year of production. The gun is chambered for .38 Special ammunition and is safe to use with .38 Special +p, although if it were my gun I'd stick to the regular pressure loading, particularly if you're not using it as a CCW. With regard to the old ammo, I suspect it's safe to fire but hesitate to give a firm recommendation without actually seeing it. There are many collectors of old ammunition, and I'd be inclined to take it into a well-stocked gun shop and see what it's worth. You might be able to trade it for a box or more of nice new .38 Special ammo.