Beginning in 1952, an Airweight version, later to be known as the Model 12, was begun. It was produced in both nickel and blued steel finishes. The snubnose M&P (also referred to as the pre-Model 10) went into regular commercial production circa 1946. It is also known that approximately 300 snubnose Victory models were transferred to the Justice Department. (If anyone knows of an earlier M&P snubnose, let me know.) The 2 barrel Victory Models are very scarce. The first production snubs in the M&P family were 2 barreled Victory models built in WWII between 19. 38 Specials for many years, even after Colt brought out the Detective Special in 1927 (and even after S&W sold a boat load of. S&W maintained their bias toward long barrels on. The M&P didnt begin its life as a snubnose. Wheelgun fans will often say that they carry a J-frame mostly, but if you ask their favorite wheelgun, it will quite often be one of the many K-frames that S&W has produced over the years such as the models 10, 19 and 66. It was big enough but not too big, once described as Just enough of everything. The K-frames were designed from the beginning as service sidearms for people who had to carry guns a lot. The K-frame has been the most successful frame size in Smith & Wessons history (although the J-frame is probably eclipsing it now). It is slightly larger than the J-frame and a bit smaller than the L-frame. 38/200 in the British Lend-Lease version of the Victory Model. Initially introduced in 1899, the Military & Police is the first K-frame revolver from Smith & Wesson. It is known variously as the Military & Police, the Victory Model (during WWII) and the Model 10. The M&P still ranks as one of the most popular handguns ever built. It left a lasting and positive impression on my young mind. I didnt know any history about it except that it was really old, but what struck me was that I hit the pop can I was aiming at with the first shot. It is rugged and reliable, and the old ones, sometimes referred to as long stroke, have one of the best DA triggers of the class.

Im sure a lot of others cut their handgun teeth on the M&P as well. The very first handgun I ever fired was an old Smith & Wesson Military & Police.

Smith and wesson model 10 frame size