Smith & Wesson S&W Model 10-8 M&P .38 Special 4″ DA/SA Revolver, MFD 1979

SOLD FOR: $1,050.00

LSB#:  LSB251029CW019

Make:  Smith & Wesson

Model:  10-8, The .38 Military & Police

Serial Number:  4D30790

Year of Manufacture:  1979

Caliber:  .38 Special

Action Type:  Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Markings:  The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and the right side of the barrel is marked “.38 S&W. SPECIAL CTG.”.  The yoke cut is marked “MOD. / 10-8”.  The yoke is marked “85765″.  The butt is marked with the serial number.  The left side of the frame has the Smith & Wesson logo.  The side plate has a Saudi Ministry of the Interior logo and the frame’s right side has the four-line Marcas Registradas address. 

Barrel Length:  4″ Pinned

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a fixed serrated ramp blade forged to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch milled into the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The grips are two-piece checkered walnut Magna stocks with S&W medallions.  Checkering is sharp.  There are light scratches and compression marks throughout.  There are no cracks, though there is a tiny chip out of the top of the left grip panel.  Overall, the grips are in a Very Good condition. 

Type of Finish:  Blued.

Finish Originality:  Original.

Bore Condition:  The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp.  There is some copper fouling in the grooves.  9/10 bore rating

Overall Condition:  This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish.  There is a thin sharp turn line on the cylinder and a drag line on the recoil shield.  There are tiny scratches from handling on the cylinder and frame.  There is blueing loss at the edges of the cylinder consistent with light holster wear.  The screwheads are sharp.  The markings are clear.  Overall, this handgun rates an Excellent condition.  

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up well on each chamber with light side-to-side play. The single-action trigger is crisp and the double action is smooth.  We did not fire this handgun.  As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories:  None.

Our Assessment: The Model 10 was a staple of police departments across the country for decades.  Its K-frame, 6-shot capacity and, of course, Smith & Wesson quality made it an ideal service revolver. Over 6,000,000 of the type have been produced over the years, making it the most popular centerfire revolver of the 20th century. There were many variations made, some of which are still being produced today! The 10-8 variation occurred in 1977 and moved the gas ring from yoke to cylinder on heavy barrel models like this one.  

This 10-8 example is a 4″ heavy barrel revolver from 1979.  In the 1970s and 80s both Saudi Arabia and Iran purchased several thousand Model 10s with crests for their respective departments.  It wears the crossed swords and palm tree logo of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of the Interior.  It is in Excellent condition with about 99% of its original blue finish, is still mechanically sound, and has a good bore.  Please see our high quality photos.  -C.B.