[client32]

I came across a 3" (at least I think it is 3") nickle Model 10-8. It has the box and all the papers. It is in excellent condition. It looks like it has just barely been used.
What do yall think the price should be?

[Ala Dan]

Hello-

Good Rule Of The Thumb-

A fair market price for purchasing it should start at
around $250.00; OTOH if you are selling it, then by
all means try to get the most that you can for it!:uhoh: :)

My book, The Standard Catalog Of Smith & Wesson is
in my vechile; I will look up the actual number's while
at work and report back to you tonight!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Ala Dan]

Update:

My friend where are you measuring the barrel length
from? It should be measured from the front of the
cylinder, to the end of the muzzle. I see no listing
for a Smith & Wesson 10-8, with a 3" barrel?:uhoh:

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[dinosaur]

FWIW, the Blue Book states that only 4" Model 10s were nickled.

Someone could have had it done afterwards which would lower any collector value. However, if it`s in good shape and you can buy it right, it`s an excellent carry gun.

Some late NYPD contract M10s had bad bluing and had to go back to the factory.

[popeye]

I just paid $300 for a LNIB 4" mod 12 nickled. Thats the same gun as a 10 only LW frame. It's a little rarer than a 10. Also paid approx. the same after del. and ffl charges for a Royal Hong Kong Police mod 10-7. 10-8 would be HB. Nice guns the 10's. And with probably less than 10% of S&W's made in anything but stainless the older guns are getting popular. Especially with intro of keyhole. Buy it for $300 or less. Don't use Hoppes to clean it.

[client32]

I didn't measure it. It just looks shorter than 4" to me. If I can still look at it, I'll measure it. You are probably right that it is 4" though.

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Again-

Att: client 32:

After further careful research, it is possible that you
may indeed have a 3" barrel Smith & Wesson model
10.

From page 126 of The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 2nd edition by Supica and Nahas:

"Model 10: The .38 Military and Police"

"Originally available with a 2-4-5-or 6" pinned barrel;
3" barrels were available by special order early
on, and were regularly cataloged in the 1980's and
1990's. RB or SB (round or square butt) frames in
blue or nickel finish six-shot flutted cylinder
with a nominal length of 1.56"

and from pages 128 and 130:

"Product Codes":

100121 3" B HB RB 84/87 30.5 ozs.

100127 3" N HB RB 84/87 *

100134 3" B HB SB For Turkish Police

It is very likely that you have one of product code
100127. It's rather rare, and I definitely would hold
on to it!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member


:) :uhoh: :)

[client32]

Thanks Ala.

I looked at it again, it is a 3" The label on the box states that it is a 3" as well.

OK. Now for a stupid question, where could I find a product code?

And how much could it be sold for? It comes with the box and all paper work.

[Ala Dan]

Stand-by one second there my friend, and I shall let
you know.


The product code should appear on the factory label,
which is affixed to the outside of the box. This will give
you other information as well; including the s/n, model
number, finish information, and barrel length, as well
as RB or SB frame configuration.

The book gives a figure of $325 for NIB condition; then
drops to $250 for LNIB, indicating a slight premium for
one with a nickel finish. So, based on these fact's I think
my original quote would be a good "starting point".
Provided it check's out per THR member Jim March's
excellent post regarding "revolver check-point's", I
think this would be a good one to add to the inventory!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member