Model 10, Go New or Used?

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amprecon

amprecon

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I'm looking at picking up a S&W model 10, but I'm torn between going new or finding a good used specimen. I'm sure I could save a couple hundred bucks, but am just always weary of the history of used guns. I guess if it checked out ok, it'd be relatively safe to go used. Do the new ones have the safety keyhole?
Also, good used handguns seem hard to find around this area.
 
This one is a complete no-brainer, get a used Model 10. One old enough to have forged parts and no idiot hole in the sideplate. It will cost less and be far better made and finished than a new one.
 
Actually, the new ones are good. Had one (2004 vintage). Fiercely accurate handgun. I also like the rubber grips on current S&W fixed-sighted K-frames -- very ergonomic.

That said, old ones can be excellent. Just run the checkout to make sure mechanicals are sound.
 
Go used for many reasons...
1. They are cheaper.
2. They are made better.
3. Better and smother trigger.
4. Better fit & finish.
5. No MIM parts.
6. No ugly lock.

There are probably more reasons but those are my reasons.
 
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The new Model 10s have the lock. The new Model 10s have MIM lockwork. I'm not certain, but the new Model 10s probably have two piece barrels.

I'd definitely buy used. It's a superior firearm for a lot less money. Go to Jim March's Revolver Checkout to learn how to check one out. Use the money saved on ammo, range fees or even another gun. The savings will be substantial.

TwinModel10-5s.gif
 
For all the reasons already stated buy used. Kessler's wholesale recently had a batch of Phoenix PD trade-ins that they liquidated. Going dealer sticker prices were usually around $300. Bluing was surprisingly good on all of the 15 the shop I work at ordered. Lockup was anywhere from good to a little loose, but nothing a competent S&W revolver smith couldn't fix easily and at a minimal price. Even these late 1980s vintage 4" heavy bbl 10-8 models are better built than current stuff in my opinion. Good used model 10s at good prices are still out there. Just be patient and you'll find one.
 
I have owned many used Model 10/M&P ,Smiths from nearly new to incredibly worn. I have never had one that was a bad shooter.
They are very rugged, smooth, accurate revolvers...the old ones are usually much smoother. I don't know what new ones cost, but you could probably buy at least 2 older ones for the same money-maybe 3.

They are out there if you look, and you can pick one you like.

Mark
 
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I agree that there are lots of used Model 10s out there that are excellent guns. On the other hand, I have a current production Model 10 and I think it is of very good quality. The accuracy is spot on with the 158 gr LSWCHP+P ammo I like to shoot. As someone else mentioned, the rubber grip is comfortable and fits the hand nicely -- but I chose to replace mine with some nice Ahrends Cocobolo round butt grips.

If you don't want a gun with the lock, buy a good used one. But new or used you really can't go wrong with a Model 10.
 
I also have to agree with some of the posters here that other posters are definitely exaggerating the availability and cheapness of quality used S&Ws. Not around here, anyway. They're starting to become rare, and ones that are good enough to buy (as I see it) are rarely going for $300. Not saying they aren't still worth the money. May be wise to act sooner rather than later.

Xavier, I could be wrong, but I believe the current K-frames (as opposed to the new 619/620 L-frames) do not have two-piece barrels; they have the traditional (and, I agree, superior) one-piece barrels. Certainly my 2004 Model 10 had a traditional barrel.
 
That's the range they go for here, too. They're pretty worn at 300 bucks, too. M19s, forget it! I've gone to buying used Taurus for bargains. I've gotten a couple of gems lately for under 200 bucks. Check 'em out, tight, time well, no problem. They're good, accurate revolvers. I'd love to get another M19, but not at the prices I see on 'em. Around here, old Security Sixes ain't far behind the 19s. The Tauri are cheap because everyone snubs 'em. Their ignorance and arrogance is my gain. :D

I don't really want another M10, anyway, but if I could get a 2" for $150 like I hear some of these guys talk about, I'd jump all over it like stink on....... Facts are, you ain't gonna find a TWO inch for under 400 bucks that ain't ragged out. I have a friend that bought an old M&P pencil barrel for $150, but the barrel is so loose it rattles. He actually SHOT it. I told him it needed to go in the trash compactor or to a smith to get fixed up with a new barrel and get the action timed somewhere close to right. Me, I wouldn't mess with worn out junk when I could get a like new perfect Taurus for 50 bucks more, and in .357 magnum no less. I'm after shooters, not wall hangers.
 
"Previously Owned" K-frames are almost impossible to wear-out. Be picky with your purchase and you'll NEVER be sorry buying used. If, on the outside chance that you get the rare lemon, send it back to S&W for a rebuild (and into Lemonade).
 
Having just had to return a new S&W due to yet another QA/QC issue, I cannot even understand the question. I would pay more for a good used model 10 than I would for a new one. In fact, I would go so far as to say I wouldn't buy a new one. Between MIM parts, the lock, and complete lack of QC, I would prefer to buy a new Taurus today than another new S&W. Why pay extra for quality that just isn't there? Then you truly are just "paying for the name".

-- Sam
 
Wow Yosemite!,
That's a terrible story. VERY sorry to hear of your dissatisfaction with S&W. I've always been a S&W Revolver fan but can completely understand how non-stop & repeated problems can sour you to the brand. I feel that way about Taurus...but will spare you the sad tale.

Now that I think about it, all my S&W Revolvers have the firing pin mounted on the hammer. That may explain my complete satisfaction.
 
In western NY I have seen good used Model 10's in the $150-200 range. A new model 10 is at least $500. You could get a nice used pistol 1000 rounds of38 Special Winchester WCC M41 FMJ from jgsales.com to practice with PLUS have enough left over for a few boxes of bufflobore +p .38's!!! ya gotta buy used!
 
Ghost Tracker said:
Wow Yosemite!,
That's a terrible story. VERY sorry to hear of your dissatisfaction with S&W.
Click to expand...
I've got four S&W revolvers, including a 27-2 and a 19-3, and am a big fan -- of the older ones. The new ones don't even feel like "S&W" guns any longer. Though I must admit I liked the look of the blued Mountain Gun I saw the other day. If I decide to get one I will only buy a used one. I'm considering taking my 27-2 to a show this weekend and trying to trade for a 25-something.

I have two Taurii (and several Rugers) that have been trouble free. I would almost be more accepting of a problem on a lesser priced "value" gun than I would from S&W. If you pay the premium you should get something for your money, more than a badge on the grip panel.

-- Sam
 
Well, my Taurus 4" 66 is more accurate than my M10 and has almost as good a trigger, more or less imperceptible between them when handled side by side, actually. I have a SP101 and a Taurus M85UL that carry better. I shoot it occasionally. It is an early 60s gun and in fantastic shape. It was my grandpa's gun, so it ain't goin' nowhere even though I really don't have an actual "use" for it. I do shoot and enjoy it, though. I DO prefer pinned barrels. Had to have a heavy barrel I bought for 50 bucks new installed on it when the pencil barrel's forcing cone cracked on me. That's the only thing it ever did to me and I was firing low pressure wadcutters at the time, not sure WHAT caused it. I kinda prefer the heavy barrel for shooting, anyway. :D
 
Having just had to return a new S&W due to yet another QA/QC issue, I cannot even understand the question. I would pay more for a good used model 10 than I would for a new one. In fact, I would go so far as to say I wouldn't buy a new one. Between MIM parts, the lock, and complete lack of QC, I would prefer to buy a new Taurus today than another new S&W. Why pay extra for quality that just isn't there? Then you truly are just "paying for the name".

-- Sam
Click to expand...

You sir are a man after my own heart (except for the Taurus thing :))

I have a couple dozen S&W revolvers, including two with MIM parts, but none with locks. I will not buy a new S&W, I'd much rather get a good used one and spend extra having it customized if necessary.

And lets not get into "bluing" on the new guns :barf:
 
I just can't abide the internal locks, so I would go only used. The prices have been going up, but shop around and you may still find a resonable deal and you will have a quality revover that should retain or increase it's value.
By the way, I'm very partial to the old S&W blue.
 
O.k. everybody, what's the consensus on accuracy? Are the older used M10's more accurate, or the newer ones? Of course every gun is different, and it depends on the condition, but on average, all things being equal, etc. what do you think? And how do they compare to an equivalent Taurus? By the way, where's the best place online to look for used M10's? You've really piqued my interest.
 
Accuracy. I doubt there will be a nickel's worth of difference that a normal shooter will be able to differentiate. Most of us are not that good.

I vote...buy a used M10...it's a no brainer. IMHO they are better built (I bought one made in the early 1900's today) and they don't have that gosh awful hole in the side of the frame.

Used Model 10's are cheap & plentiful. I wouldn't waste money on a new one...you can buy two for the price of one new one (if you look around a bit and don't get in a gosh awful hurry).

I own a few...eight. I shoot them all. They all shoot great. One is a "Model 10-7 and the other seven are pre-10s. I got great deals on every one of them.

Good luck!

Bob
 
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