Need help.

[Dr_Fwd]

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]

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]

Thank you! I was looking for the model markings everywhere but not there. well, it says model 10-8. now what is 8?

thanks again. at least now I'll be able to google it.

[Bailey Guns]

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.

[Dr_Fwd]

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!

[SSChameleon]

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]

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.


ETA: Is it bad too keep revolver loaded?

[Bailey Guns]

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.

[SSChameleon]

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


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.