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

Mossberg 940 Pro New Models 01
Mossberg 940 Pro New Models 01

Mossberg Introduces SPX & Professional Models To 940 Pro Tactical Line

Mossberg has expanded its popular 940 Pro Tactical shotgun line with SPX and Professional models, with each adding a slate of upgraded components and accessories designed to enhance the shotgun's capabilities.

Preview: Streamlight Sidewinder X

This high-output, multi-fuel, military-style light with a tilting head is perfect for hunters and home defenders looking for more than just a handheld light...

The Armed Citizen® July 4, 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.

A Guide To Double-Stack 1911s

The 2011 brings double-stack capacity and modular upgrades to the 1911 platform, but not every wide-body 1911 out there earns that name.

Legislators Enjoy Afternoon Of Clays With Benelli USA, Among Others

A bipartisan group of Maryland state legislators met with firearm industry manufacturers and representatives for a day of clays shooting while also attending discussions on the positive economic impacts of the shooting sports.

2025 Ammunition Product Of The Year: Winchester .21 Sharp

For continuing to innovate, particularly in a corner of the ammo world that has seen very little recently, we named the Winchester .21 Sharp as our Ammunition Product Of The Year.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.