S&W Question

[albayo]

I have a Model 10 S&W and a Victory Model both have a screw located in the front of the trigger guard. It is located at the very bottom where the frame and trigger guard meet. My other Model 10s don't have anything like it on the frame.
What was the reason for the screw?

 

[4n2t0]

I have a Model 10 S&W and a Victory Model both have a screw located in the front of the trigger guard. It is located at the very bottom where the frame and trigger guard meet. My other Model 10s don't have anything like it on the frame.
What was the reason for the screw?

Wikipedia - Smith & Wesson Model 10:

"Late model Model 10s are capable of handling any .38 Special cartridge produced today up to and including +P+ rounds. You can identify this late model by the implementation of a five screw assembly, four screws along the side and one in front of the trigger guard."

Could that be the answer you were looking for? I don't know much about revolvers...

 

[graydog]

That is the way they made the early guns. I think it changed in the late 50's or early 60's.

Graydog

 

[Lodi]

The cylinder stop spring is there. Today, the spring is compressed slightly and installed when the sideplate is off.

 

[tjhaile]

That is the way they made the early guns. I think it changed in the late 50's or early 60's.

Graydog

Five screw frames were made up to approximately 1955. Four screw frames (top sideplate screw deleted) were made up to 1961. Three screw frames (cylinder stop screw deleted) have been made since 1961. Examples of guns made after these dates on earlier frames can be found, as S&W uses up older parts on hand after design changes are implemented.

A good rule of thumb is that postwar "short action" guns should be safe to use with +P ammunition. See below for comparison with the older "long action":

http://www.smithandwessonforums.com/forum/s-w-revolvers-1857-1945/6912-school-me-long-action.html