Do S&W Model 10 Revolvers Still Sell Well?
- Thread starter Timthinker
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The sale of new duty size 38 spl/357 revolvers with 4 inch barrels is practically nonexistent. I haven't seen a new one in a gun store in years. The overwhelming majority of revolvers being sold today are snubbies and cowboy single action models.
I'll chime in with: I just bought a S&W model 10-6, used, with a lot of finish wear, but in good shape mechanically, and still good accuracy. I paid a little over $200 for a good, working 30-year-old example, which is far cheaper than the $500 that BudsGunShop.com wants for a new version (which includes the unnecessary internal lock).
It's a good thing for me, the consumer, that S&W didn't cotton-onto the "planned obsolescence" business model back then. Not so good for S&W's classic Model 10, however.
It's a good thing for me, the consumer, that S&W didn't cotton-onto the "planned obsolescence" business model back then. Not so good for S&W's classic Model 10, however.
RioShooter
Member
The Model 10 is in the top 10 of my "To Buy Next" list.
Timthinker
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Will5A1 hit the nail on the head when he stated that Smith's production of the Model 10 has been a constant in their handgun line. The only problem is constants in the firearms industry have a way of changing suddenly. I believed that Ruger would continue its production of the Old Army caplock revolver but that stopped abruptly. Sadly, other handgun and rifle designs have been discontinued after many years of continuous production as well. I hope S&W continue manufacturing the Model 10, but these insightful postings seem to confirm my doubts about its continued lifespan. Hopefully, time will disprove our doubts. Thanks for the comments.
Timthinker
Timthinker
C-grunt
Member
I see 4 inch 686's and GP100's all the time at the gun stores.
I love the old Smiths but I carried a 64 and then a 686 for years before my agency went Glock. I suspect we will continue to see the stainless K frame 38/357s being put on the market for various reasons and the Model 10 will soon join the "classic" line Smith markets.
Smith has some rebates on revolvers for the holiday season.
Smith has some rebates on revolvers for the holiday season.
Hawk
Member
That's part of why the 10 is on life support. The 686 and GP100 are part of what killed it.
It costs near the same as a 686, weighs about the same (only 4 oz or so less), has about the same bulk but only chambers .38s.
It only comes in blue. The wonderfulness of blue vs stainless is an artifact of internet forums - in the real world stainless 686s outsold their 586 cousins by a wide margin - hence the absence of the 586 from the catalog (excepting a current limited Camfour exclusive).
The 10's market has moved on - they'll buy 357 magnum capable revolvers if they're OK with the weight and bulk. If they're ok with being restricted to 38s only they'll likely be buying SP-101s and J frames.
Right now the 10 is all pain, no gain. Blue, large-ish, heavy-ish, 38 Spcl only and, just to put the cherry on top, it's alienated the "I want a classic" crowd with the frame lock. Clean sweep.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Well Hawk My Friend-
Price is one thing that made the deal on my prisitne S&W 10-5
(pictuered in my above post) so attractive. Geesh, for a 45 year
old S&W in this kind'a condition, I could not go wrong~!
Especailly since its a pinned barrel, square butt model; with the
original walnut diamond-cut grips.
Price is one thing that made the deal on my prisitne S&W 10-5
(pictuered in my above post) so attractive. Geesh, for a 45 year
old S&W in this kind'a condition, I could not go wrong~!
Especailly since its a pinned barrel, square butt model; with the
original walnut diamond-cut grips.
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Hawk
Member
But, the thread is about new model 10s. The ones that S&W derives income from when one sells. The ones that give a minor hitch to Sarah and Tom's giddyup because they're adding to the number of guns in the country.
As nice as I'm sure yours is, it doesn't tell us much about how new ones sell. Well maybe it does, but what it says doesn't lend much hope to the current model's survival.
Nobody's arguing that the olde ones aren't selling well. The new ones are toast, though.
As nice as I'm sure yours is, it doesn't tell us much about how new ones sell. Well maybe it does, but what it says doesn't lend much hope to the current model's survival.
Nobody's arguing that the olde ones aren't selling well. The new ones are toast, though.
Shade00
Member
The S&W Model 10 is the quintessential revolver. Rock solid, accurate, and fun to shoot. Used models are usually among the most affordable of revolvers. They do sell pretty quickly from what I've seen.
However, I did see a new S&W Model 10 at a gun shop that I haven't stopped by in about 6 months. It was marked at $600. While it was a nice gun, I cannot believe that S&W is trying to sell a fixed-sight 4" .38 for so much money. I'm sure they can be had cheaper than that, but there is no way the new Model 10 sells like its older kin.
However, I did see a new S&W Model 10 at a gun shop that I haven't stopped by in about 6 months. It was marked at $600. While it was a nice gun, I cannot believe that S&W is trying to sell a fixed-sight 4" .38 for so much money. I'm sure they can be had cheaper than that, but there is no way the new Model 10 sells like its older kin.
krs
Member
It's kind of a strange thing that S&W didn't include the Model 10 in their new line of Classics. What better defines their 20th century history?
My 1939 version non-Victory M10:
My 1939 version non-Victory M10:
krs
Member
does 1949 work better? (sheepishly)
About 18 months ago I took the one day Act 235 renewal class. I did not know the instructor personally but he was a retired LEO. The majority of people in the class were also retired LEO's working various jobs and getting their renewals. For this reason the Instructor felt comfortable with everyone and there was a lot of talking,exchanging of stories,etc.
I remember a comment about the Model 10. Many of us had fond memories of this as our first duty gun.He was also working as a supervisor/account manager for a Contract Security firm that had multiple US Gov. contracts. He was unable to buy 25-30 new model 10's from any store or distributor and contacted S&W directly to find out why. Was told that that thousands are being shipped for large oversea contracts and he would have to wait at least six months.
I remember a comment about the Model 10. Many of us had fond memories of this as our first duty gun.He was also working as a supervisor/account manager for a Contract Security firm that had multiple US Gov. contracts. He was unable to buy 25-30 new model 10's from any store or distributor and contacted S&W directly to find out why. Was told that that thousands are being shipped for large oversea contracts and he would have to wait at least six months.
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red headed stranger
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I can imagine many people in the market for a new revolver will ignore the Model 10 and prefer to go with a gun that will shoot .357 as well. It would seem like much more "bang" for the buck.
Deadmanwalking_05
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After picking up the 617 and 67 I might try to get my mit's on a new model 10 (Safe King) just to have another new smith K-frame,plus it would be a just in case if S&W ever decided take it out of their product line.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Wow~!
a $600 S&W model 10~! Must have R.Lee Ermy engraved on it (LOL)
a $600 S&W model 10~! Must have R.Lee Ermy engraved on it (LOL)
johnnylaw53
Member
I don't understand the comment of the 4" revolver being dead. I still don't think anything eles is as good of a woods gun as one of those. As for a HD weapon there a lots of people men included that have them for that reason. when i go to a gun shop I always get a kick out of people looking at guns and you can tell they are new to them and the sales person always showing them semi's. When ever I am asked I always recommend a 4" 38/.357 as a great weapon for a newbie, it will do anything most can ask from a weapon. Of course the 3" med frame are also good.
be safe
be safe
Hawk
Member
To put a finer point on it: the assertion is that a 2008 production, blued, .38 special only, 4" revolver with a frame lock is dead.
My further guess is that the 4" revolver, 2008 production, possibly stainless steel, no frame lock in .357 isn't dead but it is moribund.
They are recommended in the "noobie" threads quite regularly but it's generally in close proximity to a post suggesting used product. If 500,000 Model 10s made pre-2000 changed hands in 2008, it's still just as dead as buggy whips and gas lamps which saw a brisk trade in antique shops nationwide.
My further guess is that the 4" revolver, 2008 production, possibly stainless steel, no frame lock in .357 isn't dead but it is moribund.
They are recommended in the "noobie" threads quite regularly but it's generally in close proximity to a post suggesting used product. If 500,000 Model 10s made pre-2000 changed hands in 2008, it's still just as dead as buggy whips and gas lamps which saw a brisk trade in antique shops nationwide.
I haven't seen a new model 10 in my area in years. However the used 10's are always about. I have noticed in the last 6 months though an increase in their pricing.
Last spring I bought a nickel model 10 in very good condition for $220 and a blued model in good condition for $219. Now the current used 10's that look like they were dragged behind a truck beaters are going for $250-$300.
Last spring I bought a nickel model 10 in very good condition for $220 and a blued model in good condition for $219. Now the current used 10's that look like they were dragged behind a truck beaters are going for $250-$300.
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