Thoughts on the Model 10

[gwalchmai]

I don't own a Model 10, although I do have a 15. And a 64. And a 13. And a 19. But I digress.

My point is that perhaps the M10 is the perfect self defense and home defense revolver. Loaded with 158gr LSWCHP or 135gr Short Barrel Gold Dots, the .38SPL is going to hurt, and even in +P a 4" DA revolver is very controllable (and won't blind the shooter). Plus it's always ready. No safety to futz with in the middle of the night.

Practice ammo is cheap, heck I can reload lead for about twice the price of .22LR. You can afford to blast away and hone your skills.


:lurk5:

[WILL TERRY]

There would be no SMITH & WESSON company today were it not for the sales of their MILITARY&POLICE model 10 38SPL revolver. The sales of 5,000,000 of these were the horses that dragged S&W out of the mire of their own mismanagement and kept it going in the years of the introduction of the M29 44MAG, a sales failure in the beginning, and all the rest of the S&W sixguns we think of when we hear or see the words SMITH&WESSON.

PS: I might be off on the M10 sales a million or so one way or the other.

[GLOCKENNBOOMER]

One of the finest revolvers ever made. I used to have one but it got stolen by a scumbag. It was a tack driver, I shot a rattlesnake in the head one time with it at about 15 yards, with the first shot.

[Crazy4nitro]

I learned to shoot Handguns with this very Gun. Two years ago My Grandfather gave it to me. Very Special to me.

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w24/Crazy4nitro/CopyofSWMod10.jpg

Reloads are about $5 per 100 with me Buying the Lead Bullets.

3.8gr of Unique under a 158LSWC is My load of choice for Plinkers. (750ish fps)

'Nitro

[GLOCKENNBOOMER]

Hey nitro, how old is she?

[chewy]

Although not a S&W, my first bought by me hand gun was a Spanish "Ruby" S&W Model 10 copy, but had adjustable sights. Man, I spend untold hours shootin' that thing in my ma's corral when I was in me 20's back in the early 90's. I shot that thing so much, even with +p's, it's all loose as hell now in every kind of way. I wanted to see how much like a S&W mod 10 it was like and bought a S&W Mod 10 parts kit to experiment and see if any parts would fit. No joy, everything was off by a milimater or so. I kind of thought so, but decided to take the risk. If any body has an old cluker Mod 10 they'd be willing to part with, have a Mod 10 that could use some newer parts, shoot me a note eh?

[creekwalker]

I’ve owned and fired S &W Model 10’s since the 1970’s and developed great respect and confidence in them. Bear in mind now that these were well used revolvers when I purchased or traded for them, but were all still tight and accurate, regardless of external condition.
When I first entered into law enforcement we were issued and required to carry the S&W Model 64 w/a 4” barrel. Mine spit lead like the dickens’s and had the worst action I’d ever seen but still would out group and shoot anyone else’s. In time the action improved but it spit lead up to the day I transitioned to a service pistol. That revolver saved my life one dark night.
Now I own three very old M&P’s as well as a plain barrel Model 10 from the late 60’s. The Model 10 get’s used a bit around the farm and the three different models of M&P’s are treasured collector pieces. In all of the years I’ve been a hand gunner I’ve always recommended a 3” to 4” Model 10 to friends who wanted to know what type of handgun to buy for personnel or home protection. I still do.

cw

[Crazy4nitro]

Hey nitro, how old is she?

I looked up the serial number many years back. I believe she was Born in the Mid 50's.

'Nitro

[CZ93X62]

I wouldn't mind picking up a Model 10 or Model 15 x 4", a M-64 or M-67 would be just as good. I do have 2 S&W M&P's now, both 5"--one in 32-20 WCF, the other in 38 S&W. I do have a M-15 in the works currently, gotta see how things shake out.

One M-10 that I owned in the past--and REALLY regret selling--was a 2" version. It was the backup to my issued M-64, and could be fed from the same speed-loaders. Alas, when we converted to semi-autos in 1987 I let the M-10 go down the road. Another one of those would be nice, too--gotta unload some safe queens this year.

[BigDog[RE]]

This is my semi Model 10. The frame is a model 10, but the barrel is a BoMar. The action is DA only, and it is smoooooth! Picked it up used and it is a tack driver!

http://www.pdgnetworks.com/images/38_2.jpg

[Anvil]

I don't own a Model 10, although I do have a 15. And a 64. And a 13. And a 19. But I digress.

My point is that perhaps the M10 is the perfect self defense and home defense revolver. Loaded with 158gr LSWCHP or 135gr Short Barrel Gold Dots, the .38SPL is going to hurt, and even in +P a 4" DA revolver is very controllable (and won't blind the shooter). Plus it's always ready. No safety to futz with in the middle of the night.

Practice ammo is cheap, heck I can reload lead for about twice the price of .22LR. You can afford to blast away and hone your skills.


:lurk5:


Your logic really sells me on a RUGER GP100

[Mogollon]

I love revolvers, and K-Frames are hard to beat for self-defense. I keep a 2 3/4" Model 19 for a house gun, and reecently picked up a beautiful 3" Model 13, ANIB, maybe 50 rounds through it and no holster wear. Mostly a safe queen, just because of condition and how much they have gone up in price. My wife and daughter are much more comfortable with revolvers, so that is another reason to have one handy.:iagree:

[nitesite]

I love the Model 10, particularly the heavy barrel 4" version. I once owned a pinned 3" HB-RB, but a renowned collector out in WA state learned of it and proposed that I let it join his collection. I sold it, and I'd regret that sale if the proceeds hadn't helped my wife and I take a cruise later that month.

At the moment my most often used Model 10 is actually a Ruger Police Service Six. It's way stronger and at least as accurate compared to the M10. It sees frequent use shooting my really stiff .38-Spl handloads.

[nitesite]

If you think some of us love or appreciate the S&W M&P and Model 10, get a load of this!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/nitesite9/SmithNutModel10s.jpg

The collector I spoke of has Smith and Wessons in every frame size and model number. What you're looking at, guys, are just his Model 10s and M&Ps !!!!!!!

BTW, the Model 10 that I sold him is on the second row down, fourth from the left... :smilewinkgrin:

Now that's true love!!!!!!!!

[nitesite]

Oh, and nitro (for that matter anyone with a S&W handgun...)

I've got the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, 2nd Ed (Supica/Nahas).

Give me your s/n with "xx" as the last two digits and I'll do a quick look-up on the born-on-date of your fine sidearm.

[killarbb]

nitesite,

thank you so much for offering that. i dont have any older smiths currently, but i have been know to look them over and have a few from time to time.


model 10 is one i have been thinking of lately. i would like to find a nice "beater". i just want something that works and is in time. i can work an action over. i think i would actually like one that needs a refinish........maybe hard chrome the cylinder and then dura coat the rest?



yeah more pipe dreams.

[ede]

i have a m10 with a HB and some fancy stocks that make it feel sort of like a RB gun, but i really wish i could find a HB m10 with RB.

[kidcop]

Everyone should own at least one Mdl 10. :wink5:

[KCGunnr]

Everyone should own at least one Mdl 10. :wink5:

Or Pre-Model 15.

Here's one I picked up at the pawn shop recently for $200 OTD.
The pic doesn't do it justice. Manufactured in 1957, it has a deep rich blue, little to no holster wear. It's 98%.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a267/bscott433/SW%20Model%2015/SWModel15014.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a267/bscott433/SW%20Model%2015/SWModel15008.jpg

[CZ93X62]

KCG--

That is one SWEET Combat Masterpiece, my friend! The 2nd pic doesn't show the "bug screw" at the top of the sideplate--I'm assuming here that it's a 5-screw from the date of manufacture. The absolute apogee of S&W quality, the blending of old school pride of craftsmanship with modern postwar metallurgy. One hell of a find, and at that price it is a near-gift.

"K-frame" and "38 Special" go together like "live squid" and "yellowtail".

[Blackdog]

I have a Model 15 in about the same condition. How can I determine the date of manufacture? I assume there is a database of S/N's. Interestingly enough, I got mine at a pawnshop for the same price. :sifone: Most I've seen since are going for $350 plus. I love to shoot it, but am tempted to find another to shoot and preserve this one.

Edited: Missed Nitesite's post about s/n's. PM incoming!!!

[KCGunnr]

KCG--

The 2nd pic doesn't show the "bug screw" at the top of the sideplate--I'm assuming here that it's a 5-screw from the date of manufacture.

Actually mine is a 4-screw. I understand the change was made around 1956.

[nitesite]

I have a Model 15 in about the same condition. How can I determine the date of manufacture? I assume there is a database of S/N's. Interestingly enough, I got mine at a pawnshop for the same price. :sifone: Most I've seen since are going for $350 plus. I love to shoot it, but am tempted to find another to shoot and preserve this one.

Edited: Missed Nitesite's post about s/n's. PM incoming!!!

Hey, Pard. I got your PM this AM. In case you forget to check your messages, here you go!

According to the Standard Catalog of Smith&Wesson, 2nd Ed. p. 294

K Serial Prefix by Year; Postwar
Models 14, 15, 16, 17 ....etc. Note: All K-prefix frames are normally target frame revolvers.

1976 - 9k10001-9K99999
1977 - 10K10001-24K9999
1978/79 25K0001-56K9999

I'm fairly sure that puts your fine revolver in the 1977 range.

Best regards,

nitesite

[MONTEGOD7SS]

That was a great year. :)

[Blackdog]

Muchas Gracias Nitesite!!.

It's cool to know when it was made. I've looked at a few, and haven't yet found one this clean and tight. Don't expect to have as many as your collector friend, but I'd like to have a few more. Coupla Model 10's too. Do you know if a year or range of years are desireable over others?

[copdills]

I had a S&W model 10 2 1/2 inch barrel , great little gun

[Crazy4nitro]

IMO the S&W Mod. 10 is the Small Block Chevy of Handguns

'Nitro

[Frostback]

Here's mine. Just a W.A.G. but I THINK it was made in 1985.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/9x19/100_9238.jpg

Frosty

[nitesite]

Here's mine. Just a W.A.G. but I THINK it was made in 1985.

Frosty

You might be quite surprised!

BTW, nice revolver!

[ustate]

I love mine, bought it used a few years ago and plan on never letting it go. Very accurate and is my favorite revolver that I own.