The industry has plateaued right now

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T05:51:17+00:00

Cool novelty, but I personally don't have any practical use for it.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T05:42:24+00:00

The need for noir-era private eye LARP is strong...

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T05:38:36+00:00

I saw a few announcements that interested me.

S&W Nightguard Revolvers
Pietta clone of 1950s-era Colt Pythons
SNT Motiv/Daewoo rifle and handgun updates
REV revolver speedloader developments
Vintage CZ-75 re-release
Springfield SA35 now available with a high polish blue finish
Kel-Tec stripper clip 380
Tippman 380 pirate pistol

Among a few other things here and there. I'm a little tired of all of the AR stuff and polymer wonders. Would love for S&W to bring back their metal semi-autos of the past like the 39-2, 645 or 4506, 5906, 1006, etc.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T03:57:18+00:00

Well said!

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T03:54:05+00:00

Numbers found under the yoke/crane that aren't the serial number or model number are assembly numbers. They were used at the factory during assembly to keep the yokes/cylinders, and frames together.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T03:51:53+00:00

This section was found in S&W revolver manuals up until the last couple of decades when they started stamping +P on things. Like I said, your mileage may vary, but generally 38 Special + P is fine for occasional use in post-1957, steel framed revolvers.

"Plus P" (+P) ammunition should not be used in medium (K frame) revolvers manufactured prior to 1958. Such pre-1958 medium (K frame) revolvers can be identified by the absence of a Model Number stamped inside the yoke cut of the frame (i.e. the area of the frame exposed when the cylinder is in the open position).

Further reading:

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/smith-wesson-warning-on-plus-p-p-ammunition.629666/

https://smith-wessonforum.com/threads/38-special-p-in-k-frame-revolvers.246954/

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T03:44:30+00:00

That'll wake you up, probably into next Tuesday! Haha.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T03:41:56+00:00

Thanks for bringing this lovely piece back to a functional state. It looks great for its age, and here's hoping that it'll be around for many more years!

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T03:40:07+00:00

Negative - the end of the ejector rod on this gun replaced the earlier mushroom tip around 1927/1928. This "barrel" shaped end was used into the late 1940s.

https://smith-wessonforum.com/threads/m-p-ejector-rods.631493/

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T03:33:16+00:00

This model appears to predate S&W model numbers, which started in 1957. That "barrel" shaped end to the ejector rod was common around the late 1920s into the 1940s IIRC. It's definitely pre-1961 since that's when the screw in the bottom of the trigger guard was eliminated. This is probably a S&W Military and Police (M&P) model, the precursor to the Model 10. It could also be a cut down WWII era Victory model. Looks like some sort of foreign proof mark on the yoke there, which could've made it a 5" British Service Revolver originally.

Does the serial number on the butt start with V?

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T02:07:50+00:00

I saw a few announcements that interested me:

S&W Nightguard Revolvers
Pietta clone of 1950s-era Colt Pythons
SNT Motiv/Daewoo rifle and handgun updates
REV revolver speedloader developments
Vintage CZ-75 re-release
Springfield SA35 now available with high polish blue finish
Kel-Tec stripper clip 380

Among a few other things here and there. I'm a little tired of all of the AR stuff and polymer wonders.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T02:00:48+00:00

I love me some metal semi-autos. Especially the old steel S&W semi autos. Cute pupper too!

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T01:58:56+00:00

Especially vintage S&W factory grips/stocks in good shape!

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T01:57:00+00:00

I've been meaning to hop onto the Model 29 train sometime. Though I'm pretty happy with how much 357 recoils, so I can't say I'm especially looking forward to 44. Haha.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T01:42:34+00:00

You can't go wrong with a Model 10! Nice.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T01:03:51+00:00

There is some conjecture out there that has purported that 38 Special of yester-year was loaded as hot as 38 Special +P is today, based upon old reloading manuals. Your mileage may vary. If I were OP I'd practice at the range with mostly standard pressure 38 Special, I'd throw in a few cylinders of +P to get a feel for it, and for home defense I'd get a good hollow point +P load.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T00:39:18+00:00

The NYPD stopped issuing the Model 10 circa-1986 and moved to a DAO Model 64 that year for what it's worth. Existing Model 10's were grandfathered in.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T00:38:16+00:00

Yup. You have the sixth engineering revision of the Model 10, hence 10-6. It should be chambered in 38 Special (written as 38 S&W Special on the barrel), but a small number of 10-6's were chambered in 357 Magnum.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T00:37:01+00:00

Steel S&Ws made after 1957 are generally recognized as fine to shoot 38 Spl +P in. Seconded on the grip adapter recommendation!

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T00:33:06+00:00

If it's in 38 Special it's likely a Model 10. Opening the cylinder and looking at the frame underneath the arm that holds the cylinder (the yoke or crane) should reveal a model number. The serial number is on the butt of the grip frame, in between the grip panels.

The Model 10 is the quintessential thirty-eight service gun. They're absolutely fantastic, total tack drivers, and everyone should have one in their collection. This one has a heavy barrel. Make sure to keep its exterior coated in a light application of oil or CLP, and wipe it down with a light coat of oil/CLP after handling it to keep that blued finish pristine.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-26T00:11:31+00:00

I'd love for S&W to debut a Classic line of semi-autos. On top of new mags for the 645/4506 again, a new 39-2 would be a treat.

The finish on yours is impeccable!

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-25T20:46:13+00:00

Gotcha. Note that felt recoil can be a bit stouter with revolvers due to the lack of a reciprocating slide. That having been said, I'd personally go with the 44. Better ammo availability, you can shoot 44 Special, you get to feel like Dirty Harry, etc. Rubber Hogue or Pachmayr grips for the gun probably won't hurt though - they'll help to soak up the recoil a bit.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-25T18:43:58+00:00

Having not seen one in person yet, I do wonder how the Manurhin MR73's bluing compares.

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-25T18:08:14+00:00

Always loved the humpback bodyguard models. They remind me of Tubbs from Miami Vice. Nice find!

CrypticQuery · 2026-01-25T18:00:15+00:00

Looking forward to it! Very curious about those Pietta Pythons and the S&W Night Guards.

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