Strange But I Like My Old Model-10 More Than My Expensive Model-66

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Sistema1927 said:
It might be the tapered ("pencil") barrel. That is the reason why I like my early Mod 64 better than the heavy barrel versions.
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AFAIK the pencil barrel Model 64 was only made in 1972 the year it was introduced. After that they only made the heavy barrel 64.

I have an affection for the Model 10. I have a few of them. I don't feel undergunned with a 38. Just a couple of years ago I picked a pair of 10s used by a security guard company, shot little carried a lot, in excellent condition for $100 a piece.
 
A model 10 is definitely on my list, as is an early 67. Right now I get by with my 64. I guess my 1905 is sort of a pre-Model 10, so maybe that counts.
 
I have had a bunch of Model 10s over the years. Use to make for a decent home defense gun back in the day (that and a Streamlight 4 D cell battery flashlight for "illumination"). Always preferred the heavy barrel version; guess I just liked the overall balance of that extra weight out front.
 
GRIZ22 said:
AFAIK the pencil barrel Model 64 was only made in 1972 the year it was introduced. After that they only made the heavy barrel 64.
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4th ed. of the Standard Catalog shows conflicting information. Page 263 states beginning of production in 1970, with introduction fo heavy barrel in 1974. Next page states that in 1973 the 64-1 was "Heavy barrel only".

So, it appears that the tapered barrel 64's were made from 1970 to 1973, and possibly into 1974.
 
Sistema1927 said:
4th ed. of the Standard Catalog shows conflicting information. Page 263 states beginning of production in 1970, with introduction fo heavy barrel in 1974. Next page states that in 1973 the 64-1 was "Heavy barrel only".

So, it appears that the tapered barrel 64's were made from 1970 to 1973, and possibly into 1974.
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Thanks for the info.
 
My stepdad had a Model 10 heavy barrel Border Patrol. Very nice gun. I'll make do with my 4" Ruger Security Six. But I would love to have had his S&W Model 10. The ten is an American classic.
 
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My old Model 10 which is actually an M&P made in 1948 is also my favorite never sell revolver. They are truly Special.

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There was a time, when I was under the influence of Jeff Cooper and IPSC crowd, that I poo-pooed the Model 10. Those skinny grips, that goofy tapered barrel...would the 38 special even kill a rabbit?

Today, I'm smarter, at least a little bit, and I've become a big fan of the Model 10. I don't know how many I've had over the years, but I have two now, both 10-5's. One 4", One 5".

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I've got a 66 also, but it's a -1. I keep telling myself I'd like to get one of the "new" ones like the OP, but other things keep getting in the way.
 
I'll be the lone objector. I'd rather have that 66 and maybe slap some maple Ahrends on there, stone the insides a bit, and wear it out.
 
flyingtiger85 said:
View attachment 766820 View attachment 766821 I don't know if it's the history or nostalgia of the Model-10 but it's my favorite of the two even though it's 1/2 the price.It's just made so well I love just to pick it up and look at it more.And it's only in 38 special not .357.Maybe it doesn't make sense but it's how I feel.Model-10,never for sale!
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I just mentioned in another thread that I like shooting some of my old K frame Smiths more than my .38 Diamondback. Both types of guns are excellent, but I can have a knock around cosmetically worn model 10 of very high quality for little more than $300 at today's prices. Of course your Smith is much too nice to be a knock around gun, but you know what I mean. There are a lot of ex-service guns out there that can have had 50 years of hard use, and are ready for 50 years more. Or you can have a great collector grade gun like yours.
 
My 10-6 is rusty, scarred, ugly, was cheap, and nothing special. However, it is hands down my favorite firearm.
 
My agency was one of the last to transition to semi-autos in NYC. By that time we had to practically beg people to take our revolvers, beautiful J and K frame guns were being sold for $25-$35. Luckily, the probation officers weren't transitioning at that time, so that's where mine went.

My agency would not give you a "good guy" letter (saying you were OK to have a handgun, required for a NYC retired police carry permit) upon retirement unless you got rid of all your handguns except your duty gun.
 
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