Classic Handguns of the 20th Century. David Arnold

most hands, which helped increase its popularity with both civilians and police. Since being introduced in 1905, it has seen service with many police departments including the NYPD, the RCMP, the Royal Hong Kong Police and the London Metropolitan police to name but a few.

       POST-WAR PRODUCTION

      After the war ended, Smith & Wesson resumed civilian production of the M&P about September 1945. In 1957 Smith & Wesson began a number system to classify their handguns and the M&P was designated as the Model 10. It is a tribute to the soundness of the revolver’s original design that the postwar models have changed very little from the

       M&Ps were made for many foreign police forces. This 4-inch barrel model carries the marking of the British Colonial Royal Hong Kong Police.

       After 1959, Smith & Wesson introduced a Model 10 with a plain non-tapered bull barrel with a top rib.

       M&P VARIANTS

      The first M&P Model of 1905 introduced a square butt frame that was used on many subsequent M&P models. Towards the end of the last century, Smith & Wesson made all their swing-out cylinder revolvers with round butt grip frames using a Hogue-style rubber grip available in either a round or square butt configuration.

      All revolvers were equipped with tapered barrels up until 1959 when a heavy barrel version was introduced. This consisted of a four-inch-long parallel bull-type barrel.

      M&Ps and Model 10s are mostly constructed of blued carbon steel although an optional nickel finish was offered.

      Lightweight models with aluminum alloy frames called the 38 Military & Police Airweight were introduced from 1952 to 1986. Prior to this, lightweight models with both alloy frames and cylinders were made for the U.S. military. The latter are known as the Aircrewman Models. Apparently, the first civilian Airweights also had aluminum cylinders, but in the later models, this was changed to steel.

      An all-stainless steel version of the Model 10—the Model 64—was introduced in 1970.

      As with all Smith & Wesson revolvers, the M&P has undergone the usual design alterations such as the elimination of pinned barrels, reduction of frame screws from five to three and various grip design changes.

       THE MODEL 13 357 MAGNUM

      In 1974, a 357 Magnum version called the Model 13 was introduced. A few years later a stainless steel model called the Model 65 appeared. Both the 13 and 65 have heavy barrels and are virtually identical to the Models 10 and 13 except for caliber.

       BARRELS LENGTHS

      All of the above-mentioned models have been made in a variety of barrel lengths. While the most popular length for all models is 4 inches, other lengths for the M&P 1905 include 4, 5, 6 and 6-1/2 inches.

      British Victory models were made with barrels of 4, 5 and 6 inches while the American versions had 2-, 4-, 5- or 6-inch barrels.

      Airweights had 2-, 4-, 5- and 6-inch barrels while Model 13s had 3- or 4-inch barrels.

       RELATED REVOLVERS

      The introduction of the K-frame by the M&P has spawned a number of other popular centerfire revolvers such as the Model 19/66 and Model 15/67 as well as target models like the K-38 Masterpiece or Model 14. With its unbroken record of service from 1905 to the present, the M&P is truly one of the classic handguns of all time.

       After 1970, stainless steel and 357 Magnum versions of the Model 10 were introduced. The latter was designated the Model 13. This Model 65 is the stainless version of the Model 13.

       Even though the Model 10 has grips that fit most hand sizes, it can be improved by adding either custom stocks or a grip adapter, which fills in the annoying gap at the back of the trigger guard.

       LOADING AND UNLOADING PROCEDURES

      To unload a M&P, place it in the left hand, press the cylinder catch forward and push the cylinder out of the left side of the frame using the fingers of the hand holding the revolver.

      With the cylinder swung open, elevate the barrel and strike the top of the ejector rod smartly with the palm of the right hand to clear the chambers of spent cases.

      To load, hold the revolver in the same hand with the barrel pointing to the ground and insert fresh cartridges in the chambers. When the cylinder is loaded, push it firmly back into the frame.

       SHOOTING AND HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS

      The M&P is truly a handgun with few defects. It has a grip and frame size that really does fit all hand sizes. The 38 Special cartridge for which it is chambered delivers excellent accuracy that is more than adequate for self-defense purposes. In fact, I have seen a 6-inch-barreled M&P custom fitted with an adjustable target rear sight that proved to be a very fine target revolver.

      Being a solid-frame swing-out revolver design, it is simple to load and unload.

      It is of rugged construction, and if properly cared for and maintained, it should outlive its owner without difficulty.

      Except for the very early models, the revolver has very good fixed sights that are easy to acquire when brought quickly up into the aim. Admittedly, they don’t always shoot to points of aim, but I have found that most M&Ps of post-war vintage have sights well regulated for standard velocity 38 Special 158-grain ammunition.

      Most M&Ps I have shot have had very good single- and double-action trigger actions. The latter is a good example of the relatively light, smooth, even pull for which Smith & Wesson is famous and is enhanced by a grip that permits proper engagement of the double-action trigger.

      All of these attributes make for a revolver that is easy and pleasant to shoot. Recoil is mild, allowing for fast recovery between shots. This is especially so with the modern heavy-barrel versions, which probably have the best feel and balance thanks to the additional weight in the front.

      Can the revolver stand some improvement? Even though its grip is quite suitable as is, I have found that fitting a set of well-designed custom grips will improve the revolver’s overall shooting performance. As with many similar revolvers, the M&P has the annoying gap behind the trigger guard that can cause it to move in the hand during firing. When this is filled with either a grip adapter or custom grips, a firmer hold is provided, which helps considerably in improving both speed and accuracy.

       COLLECTOR INTEREST

      The only M&Ps that have much collector value are Victory models that are stamped on the side plate and top strap with N.Y.M.I., U.S.G.C and U.S.M.C. Except for these and the rare aluminum alloy Aircrewman, most other M&P values rarely exceed $300, so they can be shot.

       Ed McGivern World Speed Record Holder

      Ed McGivern and the Smith & Wesson double-action revolver, especially the 38 Military & Police Model, are forever linked because of the amazing speed records he shot with the gun.

      Ed McGivern was a native of the state of Montana who, between the wars, did a considerable amount of experimentation with speed shooting with handguns. Somewhat short and stocky in stature, McGivern