The Lockerbie Smith & Wesson Model 10-11 with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on March 12, 2025
Duration: 10:05

This entry details the Smith and Wesson Model 10-11 revolver, focusing on its historical context as a secondary weapon for Dumfries and Galloway Police during the Lockerbie bomber trial at Camp Zeist. It highlights the Model 10-11's manufacturing specifics, its service history in British police forces, and its eventual replacement by semi-automatic pistols. The entry emphasizes the revolver's significance as an artifact tied to a major historical event and the final era of revolvers in British policing.

Quick Summary

The Smith and Wesson Model 10-11 is a significant double-action revolver, notable for its use by Dumfries and Galloway Police during the Lockerbie bomber trial at Camp Zeist. Introduced in 1997, it features modern manufacturing techniques like metal injection molding for its trigger and hammer, and represents the final era of revolvers in British police service.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction to the S&W Model 10
  2. 00:31Historical Significance of DA Revolvers
  3. 01:05The Lockerbie Connection
  4. 01:44Camp Zeist Trial Details
  5. 02:26Police Armaments during the Trial
  6. 03:18Model 10-11 Specifics
  7. 04:14Visual Evidence of Police Armament
  8. 04:35Condition and Service History
  9. 05:18Provenance of this Specific Revolver
  10. 06:01Armory Tag and Collection Context
  11. 06:26Effectiveness and Replacement of the Model 10
  12. 07:36Capacity and Ammunition
  13. 08:06Recommended Reading
  14. 08:23Significance in the Collection
  15. 09:00Outro and Future Content

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical significance of the Smith and Wesson Model 10-11 featured in the Royal Armouries video?

This specific Model 10-11 is notable for being one of two preserved due to its presence during the Lockerbie bomber trial at Camp Zeist (2000-2002). It served as a secondary weapon for Dumfries and Galloway Police, representing the final era of revolvers in British police service.

What were the typical armaments for police during the Camp Zeist trial for the Lockerbie bombers?

Armed officers at Camp Zeist were generally equipped with MP5 carbines (semi-automatic only) and a secondary weapon. While most UK armed police had standardized on the Glock 17, Dumfries and Galloway Police, with jurisdiction, used the Model 10-11 as their secondary firearm.

What are the key manufacturing differences in the Smith and Wesson Model 10-11 compared to older models?

The Model 10-11, introduced in 1997, features a back of the trigger that is opened up because the trigger and hammer are made using metal injection molding. This is a modern, economical process for parts not bearing immense force, unlike earlier models where triggers were machined from solid metal.

Why is the condition of this particular S&W Model 10-11 unusual?

The revolver is in spectacular condition, which is uncommon for service weapons. This specific Model 10-11 had one of the shortest service lives known, purchased in 1999 and out of service by 2003, likely contributing to its pristine state.

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