[armoredman]

I wasn't sure if anyone had what I was looking for. I have this Smith 10-5, made between 1969 amd 1970, 5 inch tube, good shooter, needs some work. I like it as a shooter, but I was thinking of a snub for backup to the Smith 10-8 4 inch. Now I would be willing to get a Taurus M-85, too. But, the guys at Smith and Wesson forum said I may be better off getting the Smith and Wesson parts kit from J&G, which is everything for a Smith Model 10 2 inch, including internals, for $100, and replacing the whole kit and kaboodle.
What do you think? Here's the sidearm, including a close up on the damage on the ejector rod knurling.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/PICT0065.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/PICT0067.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/PICT0068.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b13/armoredman/PICT0070.jpg

[MCgunner]

Personally, I'd go with the Taurus over that old soldier. It looks as if it's seen better days. No way to tell what the internals are like, but I'd rather have a new or newish gun for self defense, one I don't have to worry if that one worn part I didn't replace is going to snap on. I like my Taurus, been carrying and shooting it for a decade now, though it's probably only got 3 or 4K through it, it's an accurate, tight gun.

[Old Fuff]

Keep in mind that those kits are made up of parts that were once fitted to another gun. They may or may not work in your revolver.

To exchange the barrel you'd need the necessary blocks and a barrel vise. For additional information check a Brownells catalog (available from www.brownells.com). You might have to set back the shoulder on the barrel to close the barrel/cylinder gap, and this would require a lathe or other tools. Hand tools for doing this are available from Brownells, but they are pretty expensive for doing one job, and you still need a barrel vise.

Most of the parts in the kit are things you don't need. You do need a cylinder center pin for a 2" barrel and an extractor rod - plus of course a barrel assembly. As used parts, these should be well under $100.00.

The Military & Police is a great revolver, but it makes an oversized snub. A lot depends on how you plan to carry it, but if it's not in a pocket a 3" barrel on this frame is a better choice.

I wouldn't worry about the finish, as long as there aren't any mechanical issues. You are going to carry it, right?

[armoredman]

The whole parts kit is $99 from J&G. I want to carry it, that's for sure. Yes, it has seen better days, and I wish I could just get it fixed up right. or trade for a Taurus snubbie. Either or.

[Wedge]

trade it

[armoredman]

I'd have to find someone who wanted it. Volunteers?

[Majic]

Of course the S&W boys will tell you to convert it over buying a Taurus, but consider the cost. The $100 just get you a used parts kit that the parts were taken off other guns (and revolver parts are fitted to a particular gun). Now you have to pay someone to do the conversion for you. Check out the prices of used M85s and you will see that will be the cheaper route.

[GRIZ22]

Your S&W looks like a 5 or 6". I agree what others have said and buy the Taurus. The parts kit is something you don't want to get tied up with. It amy or may not work. If you're thinking of trading your S&W let me know what you want for it.

[armoredman]

I want a decent 38 2 or 3inch bbl, preferably. :) I have very little cash right now, unfortunately.

[jad0110]

If you are looking for a 2" snubbie like a Model 10, I saw a very nice 10-7 2" locally that I could have purchased for $200. Makes a lot more sense than converting your 10 to a 2". I kick myself for not buying that 2"!

[armoredman]

That would've been nice.

[Old Fuff]

Besides the obvious cosmetics, what exactly is wrong with the revolver? They often respond to a little tune-up. ;)

[armoredman]

Hammer push over - from full cock, force applied to the back of the hammer causes the hammer to go forward. VERY light SA trigger, I am fairly certain it was "gun-smithed" some time in the past. It shoots just fine, no malfuntions of any type on the range. I am not a revolver specialist by any means. I was going to take it to our local gunsmith, (the real variety), but Murphy's rudely informed me they are not taking in any more work. OK.
Since I got my 10-8, I was wanting a matching snub, (OK, a 2 or 3 inch barreled revolver, could be a Taurus, old Charter Arms Off Duty, {NOT CHARCO!}, etc., doesn't HAVE to be a Model 10), and I wasn't sure what I could do with this old girl.
That's what had me wondering what I could do with her, or if someone wanted a 5 inch 10-5 and had something to trade.
I will say at this point I might be interested in a nice CZ-70 plus a spare mag! I would prefer a 38 snub, though...