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Dr_Fwd
11-06-2009, 22:00
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn270/Dr_Fwd/CIMG5178.jpg

This is my first revolver. I don't know anything about revolvers.

the questions are:
what kind of frame is this? How do you know that?
where I can find what model is it?
what things I should check when buying revolver?
what is internal lock and how do I tell if this one has it or not.
HOW MUCH I CAN SELL IT FOR?
any other info would help as well.

the things that I know about this revolver:
it's S&W
it's 38 spl
it's black
it's kinda heavy...


thank you guys!
Bailey Guns
11-06-2009, 22:15
Looks like a Model 10. If so, it's a K frame. Very solid, reliable revolver.

Main things to check on a S&W revolver: Does the cylinder turn freely? Does the cylinder lock up at full cock of the hammer (not necessarily true on a Colt)? Can you "push off" the hammer when it's cocked? Check the hammer mounted firing pin on that model to make sure it isn't worn or broken. Check for other obvious damage such as a bulged barrel, damaged muzzle, etc... Just generally make sure everything appears to function normally.

I'd guess it's worth somewhere between $250 and $300 or thereabouts.

The model # might be marked on the frame under the cylinder crane or yoke. The internal lock models have a small keyhole under the cylinder release. This one is definitely a pre-lock model. If it's a model 10 it's been made by S&W for about 50 years, I'd guess, but it's lineage goes back about 100 years.

The Model 10 is the F-150 of revolvers.
Dr_Fwd
11-06-2009, 22:19
Thank you! I was looking for the model markings everywhere but not there. well, it says model 10-8. now what is 8? [Coffee]

thanks again. at least now I'll be able to google it.
Bailey Guns
11-06-2009, 22:24
The -8 indicates the 8th engineering change to the revolver. I don't know specifically what they changed but they changed something minor on it.
SSChameleon
11-06-2009, 22:28
It looks like a nice gun and it looks loaded. I would google the manual and see what you can learn. I've started doing that with every 'new' gun I get.
Dr_Fwd
11-06-2009, 22:28
The -8 indicates the 8th engineering change to the revolver. I don't know specifically what they changed but they changed something minor on it.

wow the 8 is a big number! I hope they fixed all the problems and now 8=perfection! [Beer]
Dr_Fwd
11-06-2009, 22:30
It looks like a nice gun and it looks loaded. I would google the manual and see what you can learn. I've started doing that with every 'new' gun I get.

It is loaded. I keep ALL my guns loaded... I had no idea what to google till now. [Coffee]


ETA: Is it bad too keep revolver loaded?
Bailey Guns
11-06-2009, 22:41
ETA: Is it bad too keep revolver loaded?

Not if you know the safety rules for handling firearms! Seriously...it's not harmful in any way to the gun.
Dr_Fwd
11-06-2009, 22:43
That' what I thought.
Bailey Guns
11-06-2009, 22:45
Hey! I just found something interesting here: http://www.handloads.com/misc/Smith.Model.Changes.asp


-8 1977 Change to put gas ring from yoke to cylinder on heavy barrel model
Dr_Fwd
11-06-2009, 22:54
that's a really good info!

PS from what I found I understood that itls safe to shoot +p+ with this revolver?
Bailey Guns
11-06-2009, 23:05
Opinion only... I doubt an occasional cylinder of +P+ loads will hurt it. I wouldn't shoot it a lot. +P should be fine.

I don't know what the pressures of +P+ loads would be.
w748
11-07-2009, 00:05
Neat revolver! Burn the grips. Needs a set of S&W original wood " magnas" I think they're called.
If you decide to sell , post it here first.
GoldFinger
11-07-2009, 00:17
+1 on the help here. I have almost the same revolver and didn't know anything about it. After looking behind the yoke I see mine is a 10-3. Thanks for the advise on that.
[Beer]
Irving
11-07-2009, 01:12
Hey while you're all looking up info, someone look up the numbers to compare .38 spl +p and 357 mag.


Got try right? I'm feeling lazy.
Dr_Fwd
11-07-2009, 01:31
Hey while you're all looking up info, someone look up the numbers to compare .38 spl +p and 357 mag.


Got try right? I'm feeling lazy.

try this http://www.speer-ammo.com/ballistics/ammo.aspx
Dr_Fwd
11-07-2009, 01:32
38 and 357 = the same bullets??!
Irving
11-07-2009, 02:29
38 and 357 = the same bullets??!

Yeah, 38, 357, and 9mm are all the same size. Guns (REVOLVERS ONLY) that fire 357 mag, can also fire 38 special. It is kind of like the .223 vs. 5.56 deal. If you have a 357 mag gun, you can use cheaper, lower recoil 38 special rounds as practice. That's why I was curious about the difference in case I ever ran into a really good deal on a 38 spl only revolver.
Marlin
11-07-2009, 06:52
Yeah, 38, 357, and 9mm are all the same size.


.38,.357--- .357

9MM---- .355

Just thought I'd share..

That said, One can fire 9mm through a .38/.357 with moon clips..
SSChameleon
11-07-2009, 09:47
It is loaded. I keep ALL my guns loaded... I had no idea what to google till now. [Coffee]


ETA: Is it bad too keep revolver loaded?


I keep mine loaded too. I was just making an observation on your photo. I've thought about trading my revolver several times but my wife can't work the slide on my automatic and it makes me feel better knowing she has a gun she is comfortable working when I'm traveling.

As mentioned, not a bad idea to keep one loaded as long as proper safety is applied.

I didn't know about the 9mm w/ moon clips thing. That's a great way to get some cheap practice.