S&W Model 10 manufacture date

[Duck_and_Cover]

Does anyone know where to find the manufacture date of a S&W model 10? I have one that is not an antique but I am curious, SN C694xxx.

thanks

[Revet]

S&W will provide a complete history of your firearm researched by their resident historian. They get so many requests that the turn-around can be several months. They've raised the fee to $50 I believe.

I understand there is a book of S&W serial numbers with basic info such as date of manufacture. But I haven't seen one and couldn't tell you where to find it. Next to that, I'd get a Blue Book or a Big Book of Gun Values for the serial number runs and the other info they provide. I'm without at present, but your post has reminded me to order a new copy.

[Lodge2004]

According to my copy of The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, Second Edition, that serial number falls in the following date range:

1966-67 - C622700 - C810532

There is a newer version of this book available on Amazon.com if you are interested in the history of S&W firearms.

[Oldgringo]

On a similar note, I was given a S&W Model 64 over Christmas. I believe The M 64 is the stainless version of the Model 10 and my model 64 has a 4" 'pencil' barrel with a serial Number 0f D524xxx. I'd appreciate knowing more about - if you please.

BTW, I love it, it is defintely a shooter!

[Lodge2004]

The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, Second Edition, is not as clear to me on that model/serial number. I am NOT an expert in any way. Just so happen to like S&W handguns and own a few.

D524xxx falls in to the following date/serial number range: 1973-74 - D510001-D659901, but it also shows those serial numbers as belonging to models 10, 12, 13, 14, 45.

The model 64, 65 serial numbers don't start until 1976-77. It has a 1D prefix and your number would fall in the following date/serial number range: 1979-80 - 1D45001-1D99999.

Since the 64 started being produced in 1970, perhaps they used the D prefix the first couple of years? The original 64 had a tapered 4" barrel. The 64-1 (circa 1973), and I believe later models as well, swithced to the 4" heavy barrel.

[Oldgringo]

The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, Second Edition, is not as clear to me on that model/serial number. I am NOT an expert in any way. Just so happen to like S&W handguns and own a few.

D524xxx falls in to the following date/serial number range: 1973-74 - D510001-D659901, but it also shows those serial numbers as belonging to models 10, 12, 13, 14, 45.

The model 64, 65 serial numbers don't start until 1976-77. It has a 1D prefix and your number would fall in the following date/serial number range: 1979-80 - 1D45001-1D99999.

Since the 64 started being produced in 1970, perhaps they used the D prefix the first couple of years? The original 64 had a tapered 4" barrel. The 64-1 (circa 1973), and I believe later models as well, swithced to the 4" heavy barrel.

Thank you. Mine has the 4" tapered barrel so I presume it's an earlier model? It appears that this gun is still available, but as you say, with the heavy barrel. My gun has ".38 S&W Special Cartridge" stamped on the barrel without any mention of +P. Whatever date it is, It is pretty and it is a shooter. Thanks again.