Smith & Wesson Model 10 (Military & Police)

posted on September 17, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
201291782031-swmodel_10ihtog_f.jpg

9/17/2012

Smith & Wesson’s original Military & Police revolver—not to be confused with its current polymer-frame semi-automatics and .357 Mag. revolvers—simultaneously introduced the K-frame, an improved thumb-operated cylinder release and the .38 Spl. cartridge. Consequently, it became the most popular and prolific wheelgun of the 20th century.

The M&P began as the Hand Ejector Model of 1889, chambered for the .32-20 Win. cartridge, plus a beefed-up version of the anemic .38 Long Colt that had failed to stop the Moros during the Philippine Insurrection. This more powerful “stretched” .38 loading fired a 158-grain bullet and became the .38 Smith & Wesson Special. The new gun and cartridge combination immediately caught the attention of both Army and Navy, which each ordered 1,000 guns. Seizing the opportunity, S&W renamed its new revolver the Military & Police.

Initially produced with a blued finish, walnut stocks, round butt, fixed sights, and barrel lengths ranging from 4 to 8 inches, a nickel finish and optional checkered rubber stocks were soon offered. A square butt was added in 1904 and a version with a 2-inch barrel was introduced in 1905, along with subsequent refinements, which collectors refer to as First, Second, Third and Fourth Changes.

The M&P quickly garnered a reputation for accuracy and reliability. During World War II it became the Victory Model, denoted by a “V” prefix serial number and a lanyard ring, among other features. In 1957 the Military & Police became the Model 10. A ramp sight was added in 1960.

With more than 6 million guns produced, the M&P remains as a round-butt version with a 4-inch barrel in S&Ws Classic line. Its iconic profile has inspired Hollywood to cast it with actors such as John Wayne in “McQ” and Harrison Ford who, in “Witness,” packed a Model 10 snubby similar to the gun shown.

With its 2-inch pinned barrel and retaining all of its blued finish and case-hardened hammer and trigger, this 1963-manufactured gun is marred only by a slight blemish of rust near the muzzle. Considered by some as too bulky for a carry gun by today’s standards, this hefty revolver nonetheless would prove a good choice, and given its 98 percent condition, commands a $425 to $475 value.

Gun: Smith & Wesson Model 10
Caliber: .38 Spl.
Barrel length: 2"
Serial No: C656XXX
Condition: Excellent (NRA Modern Gun Standards)
Manufactured: December 1963
Value: $425 to $475

Latest

Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web
Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1

Join American Rifleman staff on the range in this video to get a closer look at Wilson Combat’s somewhat cryptically named “Division 77 Project 1.” 

The Armed Citizen® July 18, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Review: POF-USA LMR BASE Rifle

The Patriot Ordnance Factory LMR Base offers a .308 Win. chambering in a lightweight, AR-15-size package, which makes it a capable platform for today's new gun owner. And it comes at a fair price.

2025 Accessory Of The Year: Wyoming Sight Drifter

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Henry Donates Rifles To Support Young Leukemia Victim

Henry Repeating Arms has donated a limited run of 50 “Team Keane” Golden Boy .22 lever-action rifles to support 13-year-old Keane Rhodes of Universal City, Texas, who is currently undergoing aggressive treatment for ALL T-cell leukemia.

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Echelon

Springfield Armory introduced its Echelon in 2023, bringing a modernized, chassis-style, striker-fired handgun to the market that has since seen several notable line extensions.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.