|
Ordnance Notes --
by Bob Stoner GMCM(SW) Ret.
Smith and Wesson
Model 10 "Military and Police" Revolver
On the left,
the representative S&W Model 10 (M&P) revolver as issued during World War
2. Note the lanyard loop attached to the butt of the gun. This gun is also
called the "Victory Model" Military and Police revolver and shows a
phosphated finish and wooden grips that were typical of the type. Model
10s produced after the war returned to the dark blued finish. The picture
on the right shows a post-war Model 10 with a heavy barrel
 
The S&W Model 10 is probably the most
successful revolver ever produced. The Model 10 began its life in 1889 as
the S&W "Hand Ejector" in .38 S&W caliber. The "Hand Ejector" was upgraded
to the popular .38 S&W Special cartridge in 1902. During the 1920s, S&W
renamed the piece as the "Military and Police" or "M&P" model. The M&P
added the "Model 10" to its designation in 1958. It is still in production
with over 6 million delivered; 1 million of which were delivered in World
War 2. At the height of its popularity, over 80 percent of the law
enforcement agencies in the U.S. used the Model 10.
The Model 10 is a conventional 6-short
revolver in .38 S&W Special caliber. It has a cylinder which swings out to
the left. The center-mounted ejector rod will simultaneously eject 6
rounds from the cylinder for reloading. There is no manual safety. Finish
may be blued or gray "Parkerized" (manganese phosphate). Most WW2
production guns are Parkerized and have a lanyard loop on the butt. WW2
guns have their rear sights milled into the top of the frame and have
wooden grips. Post-war Model 10s may also be blued and may be found with
plastic grips, adjustable sights, and heavier barrels.
The Model 10 M&P weighs 2.2 pounds, is
approximately 9.3 inches long, and has a 4-inch barrel. Its most common
civilian loading is with a 158-grain lead bullet. Its most common military
loading is the M41 with a 158-grain full metal jacketed bullet. The M41
cartridge is known as a very poor "stopper" for serious social encounters.
Nevertheless, the Model 10 was very popular with aircrews and other
personnel.
R-1
|
