The Evolution of the S&W Model 10
spring-loaded hammer block rigid in its lower place in the sideplate, causing it to malfunction. A new hammer block was designed in 1945 that physically moved the new block in and out of position vertically in a channel cut for it in the sideplate. This new hammer block was retrofitted into most available Victories. When the new
target model, distinguished by an adjustable rear sight, a target front sight, and a special “humpback” hammer that was available then for target shooting. The lower one, nickel plated, was owned by a Midwest chief of police and kept as new until he passed. In this era, the tip of the extractor rod had changed from “mushroom” style to “barrel” configuration
block was successfully installed, the letter “S” was incorporated into the serial number. This more effective design is still being used in all S&W revolvers today. Victory model revolvers re- mained in use well after WWII was over. I know for a fact that they were still in use during
World War II brought about a huge demand for firearms. Smith & Wesson stepped up to provide revolvers in huge numbers for the war effort. Those produced from 1942 to 1944 were known as Victory models. They had Parkerized or sand-blasted not have that prefix. During the war 590,305 revolvers went to the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa under the Lend Lease program. These were chambered for the British .38/200 cartridge. Most of these had 4 or 5-inch barrels, although a few early ones had longer 6-inch barrels. The 5-inch barrel was made standard for Allied usage after April 4, 1942. Our Office of Strategic Services (OSS) provided thousands of Victory Models to
S&W Model 1905 4th Change
dull finishes and smooth wooden stocks. A lanyard ring was also employed in the butt of the grip. Most but not all had a serial number with a “V” prefix. Early guns did
the Vietnam war. Many units of the U.S. Armed forces used them until the Beretta M9 pistol was in widespread use during the 1990s. It was common to refurbish them as needed with more modern components. In 1957, S&W decided to
rename all of its handgun prod- uct line with numbers, each to distinguish their various models of handguns. The Military and Police model was renamed the Model 10. It was always termed a K-size handgun (medium size) and this distinctive terminology continued. Various changes in the guns were marked by “dash numbers.” For instance, the introductory picture here shows bluing, the precision joining of the parts, the perfect fitting of the stocks to the frame, and the smoothly rounded “plain clothes” rounding of the stocks at their bottoms. This gun was produced in 1962, and has become a time capsule example of the days when quality was a byword reflecting the individual
Pre-war Models 1905 4th Change Target and Standard, 1939
resistance forces. Many more with standardized 4-inch barrels were used by U.S. forces in the war. The Victory Model was standard for our Navy and Marine air crews and security guards at factories and defense plants in the U.S. during the war.
a Model 10-2, meaning it was a Model 10, 2nd significant change. This one came to me in original unfired (since leaving the factory) condition, and I chose it to personify the Model 10 at the pinnacle of Smith & Wesson quality control. Note the careful flawless
Some 65,000 4-inch-barreled Victories for Navy aircrews by- passed standard procedures in the interest of quick supply – quality was often not up to snuff without traditional inspections prior to
shipment. Army ordnance inspec- tors were engaged in early 1942, and quality improved noticeably. Some 500 Victories with 2-inch barrels were delivered in 1944 to Criminal Investigation units. These are very rarely found today and are treasured by collectors. And then Murphy’s law struck. If it can happen it will. A sailor accidentally dropped his loaded Victory revolver on a steel deck and it discharged, killing him. It was discovered that congealed oil and/or rust had kept the
S&W Victory Model, 1943
care exhibited by the workers at S&W. The Model 10 and its predecessors have been around now in three different centuries. This gun has become the most popular revolver in the world – and with good rea- son. My granddad, my dad and I have each chosen to own Smith & Wesson revolvers. We share this common bond, and I know we are not unique in this instance!
D P
47 Blue Press
WARNING: The products offered for sale in this catalog can expose you to chemicals, including Lead, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov . ^ !
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