Model Model 10?

[Slugless]

Model 10 fans,

Xavier recommends I retire the M&P & get a used Model 10. I'm for it but my gun budget is fixin' to be spent on a Remington 572...but I can always double the budget. Also, I may have to wait several months for a gun show to come around again. Model 10-5's seem to run $250 - 300 on gunsamerica, a cherry 10-14 about $360.

My question is, what Model 10 to get? I want 4", heavy barrel seems nice but pencil barrel is old school & cool. But it's not so much barrel length etc. as mechanical features 10-2, 10-5, 10-x, 10-xx, etc.

S&W made a lot of changes over the years.

Is there a minimum age I should get if I'm willing to be picky, e.g. make sure it's born in 1960 or later?

Any practical reason to get a heavy barrel over a pencil barrel? I don't (yet) have a CW permit. Is a heavy barrel a better shooter?

Thanks --

 

[CoinMan]

I own the M10-5 with the 4" pencil barrel - it has a really nice balanced feel. Recoil is minimal shooting .38spl, so I would see no reason for the heavy barrel other than asthetics. I stay away from +Ps to keep from beating up the gun, but others may have different opinions concerning high pressure loads in older 38s.

If you like the old school look of the pencil bbl, and you can find one in good shape, don't hesitate to buy it. I was a bigger fan of heavy bbls too, but this one has really grown on me after a few months and 500 rounds.

JC

 

[Will5A1]

Read Jim March's revolver checkout and use it when you are shopping. Like you I like the classsic look of a Model 10 with the standard (pencil) barrel but find I shoot better with a heavy barrel. You may also want to consider Model 64's and 65's, I seem to be seeing more of these lately than I do Model 10's.

The "newest" 10 I have is a 10-7 so I can't speak to any newer dash, some folks say to stay away from recent production (past 15 years) because of QC issues, MIN parts, and the dreaded Internal Lock. The ones I shoot the most are the 10-5's, police trade ins that had finish wear on them when I got them so I don't mind using them and putting more wear on.

If you do plan on getting your carry permit you may want to look at 3" barrels, I can carry and conceal my 3" revolvers as easy as the 2" ones. Better yet just start with the best 4" one you can find, then add on after you get your permit. Be warned though these revolvers can be addicting. Good luck and have fun.

 

[sixgunner455]

Some people think that the heavy barrel is better for "point shooting." I don't point shoot, I use the sights. The front sight on a "pencil barrel" is easier to find in a hurry, because it is significantly taller than the little nub on a model 10 heavy barrel.

The pencil barrels weigh a bit less, too. For carry, that's better. Some people like how the heavy barrel soaks up more recoil energy.

The other advantage to the pencil barrel is that it is tapered and narrow on the front end. This means that slipping it into a holster is more easily managed than the wider, squared-off heavy barrel, especially if it is inside the waistband, or if you carry yoru revolver sans a holster in your waistband (nobody throw rocks, it's just an option for carry, I've done it in the past and know people who never use a holster even now).

 

[Sistema1927]

Unless you are planning on doing a lot of pistol whippin' I would guess that the original tapered ("Pencil") barrel will do the job for you.

 

[Ala Dan]

Dad blasted, I just sold a very nice 4" S&W model 10 that was really a nice
piece; in 'bout 92% condition for $279~~! If I hand known in advance
that you need one, I would hav been glad to have saved it for you.

 

[MCgunner]

My pencil barrel cracked its forcing cone at the flat spot on the bottom, while firing light wadcutters, go figure. I found a heavy barrel 4" pretty reasonable in Shotgun News, ordered it, and had it installed. Frankly, I prefer the heavy barrel's muzzle heavier balance. I'm used to .357s so I guess I'm biased. It just feels better balanced than the pencil barrel did. And, I'm 55 years old next month, but still don't care for the pencil barrel look. Personal deal, really. Whatever works for you.

 

[Walkalong]

I like shooting my 4" Model 10 HB better than my 4" Model 15. Go figure. I thought it would be the other way around. May sell my 15. I still have my 6" Mod 14.