Back when autoloaders were finicky and lack luster accuracy was the rule with them, one could count on a M10 to go bang and put the bullet where the gun pointed....every time. To me, the classic M10 defines the basic revolver. It's as good as anything hot off the presses today as a tool for defending ones life, a true test of time for a time honored design. Had the wonder nines not come along and caught on in the 80s, I think the K frame would still be in the holsters of law enforcement. It may have lost its place in law enforcement circles to newer, higher firepower autoloaders, but it is still a fantastic choice for a civilian like me who only wants self defense. Firepower is not a real concern in the real world of self defense, though some seem to think it is. 20 rounds in the magazine does not make up for good marksmanship and an accurate weapon in the hands of a good shooter. Tossing lead out there in the concrete jungle in the hopes one of 'em will hit home and stop the fight is not a real smart tactic. It could land you in a heap of trouble if you become the progenitor of a friendly fire incident. For self defense, I don't know that the revolver will ever be a bad choice and the M10 is the perfection to which all other revolvers are ultimately compared.
And, yes, any gun built from the 60s on are +P safe and, frankly, I wouldn't worry about a 50s era gun if it's in good shape. Mine's an early 60s gun and has seen its fair share of +P over the years. It's still tight as the proverbial drum.