Notes: This weapon began as simply the "Military & Police Model" in 1899, and production continued until 1942 with over 800,000 built and sold. After World War 2, production resumed as the Model 10, and it continues to this day. It was made in at least 5 barrel lengths, with 4" and 5" barrels being the most popular. Some more peculiar versions include the FBI Model 10 (also used by the Michigan State Police), with a heavy 2.5" barrel; and the Model 10-1, with a 4" heavy barrel. The 3-inch barrel version, while not peculiar, was not introduced until 1933, and was deleted from production in the late 1990s. Other rare versions chambered 9mm Parabellum – but they were produced only for a short period in the late 1920s and early 1930s. A very rare variant of the Model 10-10, made for evaluation by the Taiwanese Government Police in 1988, was chambered for .32 H&R Magnum with a 4-inch barrel. Only five such revolvers were built, as Taiwan decided to go with a different handgun.

During World War 2, the British also acquired over a million Model 10s under the Lend-Lease program. This version, designated the Model 11, was chambered for the .38 Smith & Wesson round (called the .38/200 by the British). The Model 11 primarily used a 5-inch barrel, though 4 and 6-inch barrels equipped some Model 11s. Most Model 11s were passed on to British colonial police forces after World War 2, and still used by the police forces of former British colonies well into the 1960s. They are still quite common among civilians in those former colonies today.

In 1952, the US Military and some police forces requested a lighter version of the Model 10 in .38 Special. This version was at first simply called the ".38 Military & Police Airweight" (and often the "pre-Model 12), but this was later put into the standard Smith & Wesson numbering system in 1957 and called the Model 12 Military & Police Airweight. The pre-1957 models appeared with a light alloy frame and cylinder; the alloy cylinder was replaced with a steel cylinder due to cracking problems. Though Smith & Wesson’s catalogs of the time advertised barrel lengths of 2, 4, 5, and 6 inches, but it appears that none were actually built with 5 or 6-inch barrels. These "pre-Model 12" versions generally used checkered walnut Magna grips, and a trigger and hammer slightly thinner than what was normal for K-frame revolvers at the time. For game purposes, pre-Model 12s with steel cylinders and Model 12s are identical.

When the .38 M&P Airweight became the Model 12 in 1957, it was little more than a nomenclature change. In 1959 though, versions with 5 and 6-inch barrels were again in the Smith & Wesson catalog, and a few months later deleted for the 1960 catalog; again, Model 12s with this barrel length may have never been actually produced. Variations include a French Police Model, which has a manual safety but is otherwise identical to a standard Model 12 for game purposes (though these were made only with 2 or 3-inch barrels.

In 1974, the New York State Police requested a strengthened version of the Model 10, with a heavy barrel, stronger carbon steel frame, and rounded butt, to enable the weapon to fire .357 Magnum as well as .38 Special ammunition. This version was the Model 13. The Model 13 was eventually replaced by automatic pistols, and the revolvers placed on the open market. Variants include the Model PC-13, a Performance Center limited edition (400 produced) with a 3-inch Mag-Na-Ported barrel, rubber Secret-Service style boot grips, a bobbed hammer, a shrouded ejector rod, an actual rear sight (Model 13s normally have only a sight trough), and a trigger with an overtravel stop. A version of the Model 13 was produced for the Thai Police; these were designed to chamber only .38 Special ammunition, producing essentially a heavy .38 Special revolver. They also have synthetic ergonomic grips made by Uncle Mike’s. These are identical to the Model 13 for game purposes except for their ammunition limitations.

The Model 64 is an updated version of the Model 10 Military & Police revolver, introduced in 1970; the main difference between the two is that the Model 64 is made of stainless steel, satin finished, and the grips are made of walnut. It is otherwise a basic, standard-format revolver. It has a fixed rear sight and walnut grip (changed to a synthetic grip in 1994). Three barrel lengths are available: a 2" barrel, a 3" heavy barrel, and a 4" heavy barrel.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol requested that Smith & Wesson make a batch of these revolvers for them, but chambered for .357 Magnum. Two years later, this same version was brought to the market as the Model 65.

Since 2001, the only versions of the Model 64 and 65 have been made with heavy 2.25" or heavy 4" barrels.

Another version of the Model 65, the Model 65LS Lady Smith, is also still in production, having been introduced in 1992. Differences include slender rosewood grips and a somewhat shorter length than normal 3-inch-barrel Model 65s. It has a fixed rear sight and is finished in stainless steel. Weight is somewhat less than a standard Model 65 of the same barrel length.

Notes: As the name would indicate, this is a K-frame revolver designed for sport and target shooting. When it appeared in 1947, it was known as the K-38 (denoting its .38 caliber), but the name was changed to the Model 14 in 1957. Most Model 14s are blued, but a small number were nickel-plated. Most also have 6-inch barrels, but some were built with 8 3/8-inch barrels starting in 1959. The Model 14 has an adjustable rear sight and walnut grips; in addition, the trigger is adjustable for overtravel and the hammer is target-quality. The rear-sight is micrometer-adjustable. The backstrap and frontstrap are both serrated for a surer grip, as is the trigger face.

Variants include the Model 14-5, with a version with a 6-inch heavy barrel, and a small run of the Model 14-2 with a 4-inch heavy barrel and more bells and whistles (1040 were built for the Dayton Police Department). A very small run of Model 14-1s were made for the US Air Force shooting team at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, with 4-inch barrels and slightly modified front sights. In 1960, six were built chambered for .38 Smith & Wesson for the HH Harris Company, but returned a few months later. A rare variant also exists with a 5-inch barrel. Another version, the Model 14 Masterpiece Single Action, is a single-action version of the Model 14 Target Masterpiece, produced only from 1961-62 with a 6-inch barrel. Other than being single action, it is identical to a standard Model 14 for game purposes.

The Model 14 was manufactured until 1982, but production resumed in 1991. This later model was produced only with a 6-inch barrel, and with a smooth trigger face. The grips of this model are smooth combat-contour wooden grips, as opposed to the checkered Magna grips on the original. This version was built until 1999.

The Model 15 Combat Masterpiece (also known as the K-38 Masterpiece in pre-1957 production) was a version of the Model 14 meant for everyday use instead of target shooting. The basic design was the same as the standard Model 14, but the Model 15 was first introduced with 2 and 4-inch barrels (and a rare 5-inch barrel version), with 6 and 8 3/8-inch barrels not being offered until 1986. In 1988, the 2 and 8 3/8-inch barrels were withdrawn from the market, followed by 6-inch barrels in 1992. The sights used were a Baughman Quick Draw front sight with a micrometer-adjustable rear sight. The original production versions had Magna-type grips, with smooth triggers on all but the 6 and 8 3/8-inch barrel models (which had serrated triggers).

Variants of the Model 15 include a version of the Model 15-6 with a 4-inch heavy barrel, produced for the Washington DC police. A version of the Model 15 with a 2-inch heavy barrel was also produced in small numbers. Production of the Model 15 completely stopped in 1999.

The Model 67 Combat Masterpiece is basically a stainless steel version of the Model 15. It was introduced in 1972 and was produced only with a 4-inch barrel. It has an adjustable rear sight, and until 1994 had a walnut grip (this was replaced rubber Hogue grip thereafter). The ejector bar is unusual in that it does not have a shroud.

The Model 16 (K-32) Masterpiece is for the most part the same as the Model 14, but is chambered for .32 Smith & Wesson Long cartridges. Most of the features of the Model 16 parallel those of the Model 14, and it is built to match the weight of the Model 14. The Model 16 was built primarily with a 6-inch barrel; 4-inch barrels were available but rare, but available, and that version of the Model 16 was designated the Model 16 Combat Masterpiece. The original Model 16 was built from 1947-74, but was reintroduced as the Model 16-4 in 1989 chambered for .32 H&R Magnum. The Model 16-4 had barrel length choices of 4, 6, and 8 3/8 inches and wore Goncalo Alves combat grips. The 4 and 8 3/8-inch barrels were discontinued in 1992, and production stopped altogether in 1993.

The Model 17 was, again, basically the Model 14 in a smaller caliber – in this case, .22 Long Rifle. The Model 17 series proved to be quite popular, leading to an initial production run that stretched from 1946 to 1989. Original manufacture was primarily with a 6-inch barrel, with a 5-inch barrel being very rare. In 1958, an 8 3/8-inch barrel was added to the line, and in 1986 a 4-inch heavy barrel was added. Production halted in 1989, but with a few improvements including a full-lugged barrel, picked up again in 1990, stopping again in 1996. In 1996, all Model 17s were replaced in production by the Model 17-8, which used a 10-round aluminum alloy cylinder and was drilled and tapped for a scope mount. Only a 6-inch barrel version of the Model 17-8 was built, and production stopped in 1999.

The Model 17 .224 Harvey Kay-Chuk was a rare variant of the Model 17 (only 30 built), chambered for the wildcat round of the same name, and with a 6-inch barrel. This Model 617 Masterpiece Stainless was introduced in 1990 as a stainless steel version of the old Model 17. It is available in three barrel lengths, and in 1996, got an upgrade to a 10-round cylinder. Up until 1991, the Model 617 did not have a barrel shroud that ran the entire length of the barrel; however, after 1991, the barrel shroud was made as long as the barrel and acted as a barrel balance counterweight. The Model 617 originally had walnut grips, but in 1994 this was replaced with a soft rubber grip.

Notes: The Smith & Wesson was introduced to compete with the Colt Python in 1955. Until the Model 19, conventional wisdom said that only large, heavy, slab-framed revolvers could contain the power of a .357 Magnum cartridge. Smith & Wesson came up with a new mix of steels to contain the pressures. One of the first government customers was the FBI. The FBI quickly discovered that the barrels of their new revolvers wore quickly when used exclusively with Magnum rounds, and began to use a mix of .38 Special, .38 Special +P, and .357 Magnum rounds, depending on circumstances. Another big customer was the California Highway Patrol. For a short time, they were also available in Europe; these were sold under the Walther name. Model 19 production itself ended in late 1999, though the 6-inch barrel version had been discontinued in 1996.

In general, the Model 19 is built on the Target model of Smith & Wesson’s K-Frame (though it is slightly more beefy in the yoke area). The first production batch had a 4-inch ribbed barrel, with a micrometer-adjustable rear sight and a Baughman Quick Draw ramp-type front sight. 6-inch and 2.5-inch barrels were introduced in 1963, and later very rare versions had 3-inch and 5-inch barrels. In the years of 1963 and a bit later, a Patridge front sight replaced the Baughman sight. Several triggers became available: a service trigger, a wider smooth combat trigger, and an even wider target trigger with an optional trigger stop. Hammers were target quality, and wither semi-wide or wide. Grips could be standard-sized or oversized, usually made from checkered walnut. Later sight options included a red-ramp front sight and a red-outlined rear sight. Versions with a 2.5-inch barrel could also have a rounded grip and a shrouded ejector rod. Backstraps of all versions are grooved for an improved grip. Many police departments and some other organizations used Model 19s that had some custom variations. (Most of these minor variations are identical for game purposes.) Model 19s were typically blued, but there were also many with nickel-plating and even some two-toned finishes.

The Model 66 Combat Masterpiece Stainless is a stainless steel version of the Model 19. It was introduced in 1970 only in a 4-inch-barrel version, but in 1974 a 2.5" barrel version was added, followed in 1978 by a version with a 6-inch barrel. The Model 66 has an adjustable rear sight and counterbored cylinders (though this practice was discontinued in 1982 as being unnecessary). In 2001, a version with 3.25-inch barrel and Hi-Viz sights was added to the line. The Model 66 was equipped with Goncalo Alves target grips and a shrouded ejector rod. Like the Model 19, most variations of the Model 66 are minor for game purposes. Some notable exceptions are the RSR model, which had a 3-inch Magna-Ported barrel, a bead-blasted finish, and blackened sights. The Super K is similar, but also has Performance Center-tuned action and trigger stop, a contoured barrel, and a white synthetic grip.

Like the Model 19, the Model 66 became quite popular with US police forces and civilians (and was also widely exported), and also saw some use by the US Navy’s NIS and NCIS. Production stopped in 2004.

Notes: This revolver was originally called the .38/44 Heavy Duty, and later renamed as the Model 20. It was built for the .38-44 Smith & Wesson round, but also capable of firing the .38 Special round. The Model 20 was based on the N-frame, a larger frame initially designed for the .44 Special round, which made the Model 20 heavy but very stable despite the more powerful rounds. The Model 20 was typically made with a blued finish and had checkered walnut grips, though a nickel-plated finish was also available. Several barrel lengths were available, with the 5-inch barrel being the most common. The Model 20 was initially quite popular, but sales fell off quickly, and only 31,715 were built before production stopped in 1966.

In 1930, police often felt they were outgunned with their .38 Special-firing revolvers as sidearms. In response, Smith & Wesson developed the .38-44 round, also known as the .38 Super Police. The .38-44 is essentially a hot-loaded .38 Special cartridge. It was never a big seller, despite popularity with police of the time.

Buyers quickly requested a version of the Model 20 with an adjustable rear sight. This led to the introduction of the Model 23 Outdoorsman. It was available only with a blued finish, but also had special checkered "Magna-Grips" which improved the shooter’s control of the revolver. The Model 23 originally had a simple adjustable sight, but after World War 2, it was given a micrometer-adjustable sight. It was officially available only with a 6.5-inch barrel, but rumors say 4 and 5-inch barrel versions were built in very small numbers. They were built until 1942; Smith & Wesson took a pause in their production during the rest of World War 2, and production picked up again in 1949, this time with a ventilated sighting rib above the barrel (though about a quarter of the post-1949 guns were built from parts in storage and had no such rib). The Model 23 is identical to the Model 20 for game purposes.

The Model 21, introduced in 1950, was basically a Model 20 chambered for .44 Special instead of .38 Special. The options in barrel lengths are identical, as are the sights, finish and basic form of the revolver; it can be mistaken for a Model 20 at first glance due to the resemblance. As with the Model 20, the most common barrel length found was the 5-inch. The Model 21 proved to be unpopular, probably because revolvers with better sights and lighter weight were already available, and because the .357 Magnum round was becoming much more popular with police and civilians alike. Only about 1200 were built, though it was in production until 1966. Due to the larger cylinders (and less metal as a result), the Model 21 is actually a little lighter than the Model 20.

In 1950, Smith & Wesson took a route similar to that of the Model 23 and produced a version of the Model 21 with micrometer adjustable sights. This was the Model 24. It was designed specifically for target shooting, but more buyers used it for hunting and other outdoor use than for competition. This is the revolver that Elmer Keith modified when he was developing the .44 Magnum round. The Model 24 was made with 4, 5, and 6.5-inch barrels, but only the 6.5-inch versions were made in any large numbers. Production of the Model 24 stopped in 1966; it was also manufactured briefly from 1983-84 with improved sights and improved manufacturing methods, and with the addition of a 3-inch barrel, but the public didn’t bite, and it was quickly discontinued again. The 4. 5, and 6.5-inch versions are otherwise identical to the Model 21 for game purposes; the 3-inch barrel model has its own lines on the tables below.

In 2004, the experts at Thunder Ranch redesigned the Model 21, calling the result the Model 21-4 Thunder Ranch Special. Thunder Ranch, in addition to being a range and firearms academy, is well-known for its remakes and improvements of existing weapons. It is designed especially for police officers, with a medium-sized, slim 4-inch barrel, fixed, low-profile sights, a trigger and hammer which falls between the service and target-type, and other improvements designed to ease use. The grips are wooden Ahrends cocobolo grips, which are smooth and contoured to fit very comfortably in the hand. The frame is a full-sized N-frame. Virtually the entire weapon is of carbon steel which has been deeply blued.

Twilight 2000 Notes: The Model 21-4 Thunder Ranch Special does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Notes: This weapon is nicknamed the '"Highway Patrolman," because it was a staple in many police forces throughout the United States. It has largely been supplanted in recent years by automatic pistols, but is still very popular among civilians. It was introduced in 1954, and production stopped in 1986. The Model 28 has a blued finish and an adjustable rear sight, and a black-stained walnut grip. Original barrels were 4 and 6.5 inches, but the 6.5-inch version was later shortened to 6 inches.