Opinions on S&W Model 10

[TrapperReady]

A local shop has a S&W Model 10 4" that is in OK, but not great shape. A fair amount of the bluing is worn off, particularly around the last inch or so of barrel. The inside of the barrel looks kind of crudded up, but I have a feeling that a determined cleaning effort would get it back into decent shape.

The thing that really impressed me was that the lockup was better than my 6 month-old 686, and the trigger is like butter.

I know almost nothing about this particular model, and would like to know what the general thoughts are on it. Are there any particular things to look for, aside from the general revolver check-out routine? Also, based on the description above, what would be the upper end of its value?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[Tamara]

Did you happen to notice what "dash number" it was?

 

[TrapperReady]

If I recall correctly (and I may not), there was no "dash number". In fact, I couldn't find the number at all for a while, but when I pushed the cylinder out, there was a "10" (maybe a "M10") stamped on the frame in the cutout for the ejection rod.

I stop by the shop every few days, so I can certainly check if need be.

 

[Jim K]

It is probably a police trade in. Those tend to have holster wear from carrying but have been fired very little. You are probably correct about the barrel appearance being due to crud rather than use or abuse. (Cops tend not to clean their guns.)

Those trade-ins have been on the market for between $150-210 depending on condition, with a rare few going to $250. As described, $150-180 would be a good price. More than that would be iffy unless you really love the gun. It is a gun to make a shooter understand that accurate DA is not only possible but easy.

I think it a safe bet that for a fixed sight .38 revolver, the M&P (Model 10) is darned hard to beat; after all, they only made something like 3-4 million since 1899.

Jim

 

[Tamara]

If it's a 10 with no dash, that's a four-screw made between '57 and '59. I'd buy one of those in the described condition for sure, if the price was $200-$225 or less...

 

[Kahr carrier]

What are they asking for that Model 10??

 

[Frenchy]

I completely agree with Jim & Tamara...There's no finer everyday revolver than the model 10. Not to many revolvers out there with a 100+ year proven history of continuous service.

 

[TrapperReady]

Last time I looked at it, the price was $249, and they weren't budging on it.

 

[Kahr carrier]

That price sounds a little high for that model 10 in that condition ,I dont think I wouldnt pay more than $150.00 for it. $249 Firm I dont think they will sell it to quick,If you really want it make them an offer all they can say is no.

 

[charleym3]

I picked up a 10-7 with thin barrel and some wear. There's a shop with a 10-5 heavy barrel converted to DAO with lots of holster wear. They want $250 and won't budge. I offered $200, which was really more than I thought it was worth. Even started peeling off green backs. No sale. Oh well.

 

[TrapperReady]

Right now, I'm just waiting to see what happens with it. The first time I saw it (a couple months ago) I offered $225, and that's when I found out that their pricing is firm.

I know that this shop reprices stuff every few months, so I'll see if it's still around when it hits $200. If so, great. If not, so be it. I don't really NEED it or anything.

 

[Clemson]

You have the right attitude. Every now and again I have to remind myself, however, that I'm letting a measly $50 stand between me and a gun that I really would like to have. That argument usually puts a new one in the closet.