Cheap (ish) Model 10s

[crazysccrmd]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=477744977

I saw these while stumbling around Gunbroker. I'm always in the market for K frame 38s at a decent price and these don't look too bad. Has anyone here purchased one of these? Would be around $275 after shipping and transfer.

Bud's still has theirs for $330 shipped, about $350 total.

 

[cc-hangfire]

I am sorry I saw your post! I do love these old "work horse" model 10's and am tempted by that listing.

I don't have any from this seller, but have one model 10-5 pencil barrel & a 10-6 bull barrel. Both were in about the same state of wear. Both mine had tight lockup and were in time, but there is always the chance you might get one that needs some work. At that price, it would still be a pretty good deal since S&W's are so well built. Another good thing (to me at least) about S&W older used revolvers is that the triggers are usually very smooth due to the wear -- the surfaces have mated perfectly over years of shooting.

 

[MikeJackmin]

I'd be careful with these - some show buggered side plate screws, which is never a good sign:

http://pics.gunbroker.com/GB/477744000/477744977/pix286134749.jpg

The only promise the seller is making is that they 'appear to function'. This makes return impossible.

I'd spend the extra cash and go with Bud's.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

I have to agree with Mike Jackman.

I would be afraid to spend my money on those. Unless it came with a buyers guarantee or I had it in my hand before I laid money down for it, I would approach with caution.

 

[Waveski]

I would jump at that price if I could personally handle the individual revolvers. Some look OK , some pretty bad. Some of that wear does not look like it is from "normal" handling , more like abuse. And screws buggered that badly - worrisome.

 

[newfalguy101]

looks like they have been beat to snot....I wonder what LEO/military agency and country these came in from???

$220 for a beat to snot NEWER .38 doesn't look like that great of deal to me personally.....

 

[crazysccrmd]

I would jump at that price if I could personally handle the individual revolvers. Some look OK , some pretty bad. Some of that wear does not look like it is from "normal" handling , more like abuse. And screws buggered that badly - worrisome.

My thoughts are pretty much the same. I was hoping a member would say he bought a few that all looked good and were nice and tight, but without that I most likely won't chance it. Too many other Model 10s around for less than $100 more that are cosmetically much nicer.

 

[cfullgraf]

Bud's still has theirs for $330 shipped, about $350 total.

Bud's Tennessee store had Model 10 trade ins for less than $300 a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, they sold out quickly, i waited a day or two too long to try and get one.

But it gives a data point for price comparisons.

 

[Piedmont Plinker]

I took the chance on one. Haven't had the chance to shoot it yet, but mechanically it seems to be in excellent shape. Cosmetically...well, it won't win any beauty contests, but that's not why I bought it.
When I do get the chance to put some lead downrange I'll let y'all know how it does. For now, I'm content. I wanted an old Model 10 and that's what I go, for around $270.

 

[bannockburn]

At that price I would be greatly tempted but would rather pay a bit more if I could select my own.

 

[royal barnes]

I don't know what country they were in prior to being brought back to the states but if they are police trade ins they were most likely carried a lot and shot very little.

 

[ArkieVol]

looks like they have been beat to snot....I wonder what LEO/military agency and country these came in from???

The little black and white sticker on the upper right side-plate indicates they are from the Victoria, Australia PD. All have bluing loss from carry and handling but all bores and charge holes are bright and shiny and appear mechanically sound. One has a rack number stamped on the frame and may be from a different PD.

As mentioned above they won't win any beauty contests but should function well as knock-around truck guns.

 

[sarge83]

Most are carried a lot and shot very little. Mechanically they should be fine. If you are looking for a shooter these are great guns. If you are willing to put another $100-$150 into the piece for a refinish they look great depending on your refinish man's ability.

 

[joem1945]

I got a few police trade ins. Lots of holster wear but locked up tight and shot well.

 

[Iggy]

Pass!!!

 

[crazysccrmd]

I don't think these gunbroker ones are VPA trades. I didn't see the inventory tag and they are import marked. All the VPAs I've seen are not import marked since they went straight to S&W.

 

[jmace57]

I did order one of these and it was in WAY better condition than was shown. It had crappy rubber grips which I replaced. Some minor muzzle wear and high edge wear. Bore and chambers were mirror like, and action like new. I guess I lucked out.