I doubt that. I think California mandates that they be destroyed, but not positive.
For $300 I would jump on a police trade in S&W with both feet. Probably the best deal out there if you want a real old school S&W that is MUCH better than what S&W is offering today. $300 may seem a little high but look at the prices of new S&Ws.
I always heard about the wonderful S&W trigger but to tell the truth, I was never really impressed. That was until 2009 when I bought a 1948 M&P. I could not believe how smooth and crisp the trigger pull was. The fit and finish was amazing too. If you didn't know there was a joint you could miss it since the metal fit so well. Same with the grips.Is that really true about the older ones being much better than the new ones?
I noticed S&W still makes the model 10.
The guys on the blue forum have been all over the police trade in 640s and 10s from Centerfire Systems.
As to buying an older model 10 vs new, I'll take the older one every time. At around $700 new, you can buy the old police trade in and send it to S&W for a total refurbish and have less money in it. Besides, you will have (IMHO) a better model 10.
The "Blue Forum" is one of the two S&W forums. (smith-wessonforum.com)What is the blue forum?
How much does S&W charge for a refurbish? Does it include refinishing? I guess the price depends on what needs to be done.
I guess refurbishing an old one is better for resale value compared to buying a new one.
The gray indicates that there is lead still in the bore which might explain why you see shallow lands and groves. A Lewis Lead remover will remove the lead build up and I highly recommend that you purchase one. An alternate method of lead removal is to purchase a box of Chore Boy COPPER (must be solid copper) pot scrubbers at the grocery store. Take a few strands and wrap around an old brass bore brush and work it through the bore several times until no lead deposits are seen. Follow with solvent and clean patches until patch comes out clean. Not as effective as the Lewis Lead Remover but will work.I've had it at the range for 2 days now. It definitely shoots better than me. I'm about 3" high with no windage on the pistol range. I think it is 7 yards. Today I shot 125 grain lead RNFP and did not do as well as the 158 grain SWC. The heavier bullet definitely makes this a very accurate pistol. More so than any other that I own. I had the 125 RNFPs because I shoot them in my Rossi lever action model 92. The rifling may be weak, but it sure grabs these bullets. The bronze brush with T-shirt and Hoppes gets it gray clean in about 3 scrubbings.
Did I get the box, Popeye ??? Centerfire Systems supplied me with a high strength cardboard shipping container that was flattened and trucked away with my trash. No BLUE boxes are distributed with these arms. My search for a Smith box as well as cheap wood S&W grips is my next safari goal. I have absolutely no regrets about buying this gun. Get em' while their hot!
Our training/range guns get at least 2-300 rounds through them every week, sometimes much more, and maintenance is one guy trying to keep them all running. I've seen them fall apart.Even guns used on the range or in training will seldom be worn out.
That is a very generous offer!You want some Smith and Wesson original grips? I think I have a set or two in my safe, if you want them, medallions and all IIRC. No charge.
Our training/range guns get at least 2-300 rounds through them every week, sometimes much more, and maintenance is one guy trying to keep them all running. I've seen them fall apart.