Rifleman Q&A: Puzzled By S&W Revolver Markings

by
posted on June 15, 2021
** 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. **
RHKP

Q: I recently inherited a Smith & Wesson Model 10-7 revolver chambered in .38 Spl. The markings shown on the gun leave me puzzled. The backstrap is stamped “RHKP 1759.” Stamped on the butt of the grip is “AAM7024,” and there is lanyard ring. The cylinder’s crane reveals the model and another number “42917,” which, if I had to guess, is the serial number. I’ve been going in circles trying to find information about this revolver. What have I been given here?

Smith & Wesson Model 10-7 revolver

A: Your reference to the revolver’s model number is correct. It is a Model 10, which, prior to 1957, was known as the .38 Military & Police. The general design dates to 1899 and represents the longest-running model produced by S&W, and not surprisingly, it has also been produced in the greatest numbers. The frame size is denoted as “K” and corresponds to medium size. In this case, it can also be referred to as the K-frame service version, meaning it features fixed sights rather than the adjustable type as on the target models.

The “-7” in the model number represents the seventh engineering change to be incorporated into the design since 1957. I am not sure of the current “dash number,” but believe it to be in excess of “-14.” The “42917” is not the serial number, but is more likely an “assembly number” used to keep critical components matched during production. The serial number is actually found on the butt. In 1982, the pin securing the barrel to the frame was eliminated, and a three-character alpha prefix was added to serial numbers. These two features will date your revolver to 1982 or later.

Because of the popularity of the Model 10 with law enforcement entities around the globe, there is a subset within the collector groups of guns that can be identified with specific agencies. In this case, “RHKP” stands for Royal Hong Kong Police. The “1759” on your revolver is a “rack number” or some means to maintain accountability. Other features include the standard-weight barrel and lanyard ring. This version was produced around 1983, apparently in large numbers. According to Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th Edition, by Jim Supica and Rick Nahas, some 13,000 of these models were offered as trade-ins for new firearms, and were acquired by the Accusport company for sale in the United States.

In addition to the above information, I also notice that a prior user altered the factory stocks by cutting away the upper “horns” that extended to the hump behind the hammer.
—John W. Treakle, Contributing Editor

Latest

Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1
Taurus Expedition Rifleman Review 1

Rifleman Review: Taurus Expedition

Taurus entered the bolt-action rifle market with its Expedition, a Remington 700-pattern design that's built to be versatile and affordable.

New For 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II

Charter Arms updated one of the oldest models in its lineup with the new Pathfinder II, which features a lightweight 7075 aluminum frame, making it more well-balanced and easier to carry.

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.