[Nina9mmLBC]

Hi all. I'm hoping for any and all feed back with this issue. My father passed away 2016 he was 97. He served in the Air Force then the Army. I am now the proud owner of his S & W revolver. I was wondering if there is a way to get a guns "history". I asked him long ago if it was registered and the answer was no. I'd also like to know the exact model since I get conflicting info between model 10 and a Victory. What if I wanted to sell it, should I, and where would I go If I did sell? He served in WWII so I can bet that's where he got it from. Thank you for your time.

 

[Coalcracker]

Take a look here. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_&_Wesson_Model_10
Personally i would never never sell something my father passed down to me.

 

[Popeye]

I believe that's a pre WWII M&P pistol. The vast majority of Victory models had a "V" prefix and had a parkerized finish. The Model 10 was introduced in 1957.

 

[fixitfred]

Your best source of historic information left this earth 4 years ago. I know it's too late but you should have had extensive conversations about the gun with your father. You probably had little interest at the time. It's too late now as far as keeping it again I sense you have no interest in keeping it. My recommendation is to hold on to it for it's sentimental value.

 

[Nina9mmLBC]

Everyday I kick myself in the butt for not having more in-depth conversations about some things. But certain things didn't cross my mind till after the fact. I would never want to part from this piece of history but just curious. Thank you

 

[Nina9mmLBC]

Thank you

 

[Nina9mmLBC]

Take a look here. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_&_Wesson_Model_10
Personally i would never never sell something my father passed down to me.

Thank you. I spent so much time looking, reading, comparing, and re-searching that I thought my brain would explode. Thanks

 

[Nina9mmLBC]

One more question. I've never cleaned a gun. Could I/should I do it myself or find an experienced person? Where?

 

[Stamps6]

Your local gun store or a gun club will be able to help you with supply’s and such. It depends where you live. If you live in a state like mine there are some very important rules about how you transport it so taking it to the store or getting it appraised can be sticky. If you live in Texas, throw it in the glove box and run a months worth of errands and nobody will care.
most experienced gun owners will be willin* to help you also. YouTube has videos also.

 

[Zhills]

As Popeye said, it pre-war. S/N dates it to 1915-1942.

 

[BillM]

.38 Military and Police Model of 1905 4th change. SN range 241704 (1915) to approx 1000000 (1942)

Not a rare gun ----over 750,000 produced. Yours is toward the bottom end of the range, so
a WAG would be 1917ish manufacture?

 

[fixitfred]

I don't imagine you'll shoot it a lot I wouldn't. Just keep it well oiled inside and out and don't clean or polish off the patina.

 

[Fitasc Shooter]

Since yours is stamped 38 Special and the serial number has no "V" indicating a British WWII model, you have a pre-model 10. I do not have my S&W catalog handy, but if you Google S&W forums, you'll find two - both with very knowledgeable folks who can give you a lot more detail than I can.

The finish is in poor shape, so value to a buyer is minimal; that said value to you should be priceless. I would have a good gunsmith check it out if you intend to shoot it to make sure the gaps are right, the timing is spot on, etc.
In the meantime wipe it down with a lightly oiled rag to keep any rust from getting worse.

 

[Nina9mmLBC]

I appreciate you guys! The feedback you all have given me means so much. To answer a couple of your questions~when I inherited this we were living in California but then I moved to Oregon. Now I've moved back to Hemet and have found a couple of gun shops near me, thought about talking to them. What are YOUR thoughts on me registering it? Can I should I? but yes I will have someone look at it to make sure it's right & tight.

 

[Fitasc Shooter]

Whether you need to register it or not depends on the laws in your state........IIRC CADOJ has a website detailing all of that.

 

[kimbeth]

This is a precious historical object. I ensure you can get a good amount if you sell it. But the decision is yours. Even you can find native sellers to know its value.

 

[Steyr Man 146]

It is a Pre WWII M&P Smith/Wesson I do not know if they help out like Colt does Back then the M&P was a fine line today not so much

 

[Benchbuilt]

Hi all. I'm hoping for any and all feed back with this issue. My father passed away 2016 he was 97. He served in the Air Force then the Army. I am now the proud owner of his S & W revolver. I was wondering if there is a way to get a guns "history". I asked him long ago if it was registered and the answer was no. I'd also like to know the exact model since I get conflicting info between model 10 and a Victory. What if I wanted to sell it, should I, and where would I go If I did sell? He served in WWII so I can bet that's where he got it from. Thank you for your time.

OP. Calling the company and giving them the serial number and asking for information can be a decent start. Ive done that with most of my guns.

 

[Benchbuilt]

It looks like a neat gun! You might want to keep it in the family.