Range report...

[Bama Drifter]

So I finally dragged myself over to a "rental gun" range to try out some .38 snubbies that I've been considering. Firstly, I have the jones for a 2 1/2" Model 19, but have somehow made it 32 years on this earth w/out ever firing a snub nosed revolver. Shame! Shame on me and my failed childhood that only exposed me to rifles, 1911s and Ruger single actions..... I digress.

In the shop/range were an LCR, Taurus 85 Ultra-Lite, and 4" S&W Model 10. The range officer allowed me to take all three in to shoot for a flat rate as I had been asking intelligent questions. I'm glad I did as it provided an excellent side by side comparison. As far as recoil, both lightweight snubs suck at mitigating it. If I had to say which was more accurate, it's a toss up. No clear winner due to fixed sights and overly dirty + crap triggers. I'm hoping to find a 642 somewhere and see if it HAS a GOOD trigger

Now on to gun #3, the Smith Model 10 service revolver...
If there is a better quality USED .38 Spl out there that can handle range abuse, and still print tight groups w/ American Eagle LRN, please let me know. It was mind numbingly smooth and Very Fun to shoot!

 

[Milt1]

Bama, I used to have a Smith Mod 10 heavy barrel and it was the most accurate .38 I ever owned, wish I still had it. The only thing that I didn't like about it was the fixed sights. If it had adjustable rear sights I'd probably still have it.

 

[Bama Drifter]

+1 wanting adj sights instead... that's why I've been saving for a Model 19. Should be as smooth as the Model 10 but w/ ability to zero the gun, I'll enjoy punching out the 10 ring and not need to give it Kentucky windage. Later down the road, I could see myself buying a Mod 10 to have as a "new shooter: intro to revolvers" type of hog-leg.

 

[critter]

The #10 is a fantastic firearm. Proven history.

 

[bannockburn]

Bama Drifter

I think you will find on average most Model 10s (as well as most of their K frame brethren), to be boringly reliable and more than accurate for the job at hand.

 

[PJSprog]

Dittos. The M10 & M64 are without doubt some of the best revolvers ever made. I take my 64 with me every range trip these days.

I tried the LCR earlier this summer, and just didn't like the way it felt. Plasticy ... is the only description I can come up with. I bought a S&W 637 instead. It's still very light, and a handful with +P loads, but it came across to me as a more solid gun. I did like the feel of the Taurus, too, but in the end I'm a Smith guy.

 

[Tallball]

I am lucky. I am not much affected by the recoil of my trusty Taurus 85 ultra-light. And I have a terrific old Model Ten. The best of both worlds.

 

[Hondo 60]

Now on to gun #3, the Smith Model 10 service revolver...
If there is a better quality USED .38 Spl out there that can handle range abuse, and still print tight groups w/ American Eagle LRN, please let me know. It was mind numbingly smooth and Very Fun to shoot!

Amen, Amen, Amen

The Model 10 MADE Smith & Wesson.
It was carried by thousands of Policemen around the world.

My 10-5, 4" is the smoothest, most accurate, gun I've ever had.
I wouldn't part with it for $1,000. (OK, well maybe I would, but then I'd buy another one immediately)

 

[cougar1717]

I'm hoping to find a 642 somewhere and see if it HAS a GOOD trigger

New gun triggers are usually a little gritty anyway. Dry firing with proper snap caps (or just use) can really smooth it out. Replacing S&W J-frame hammer springs and trigger return springs with lighter aftermarket ones (as long as primer ignition is consistent) can really make a difference in the overall trigger weight without sacrificing much reliability. Either way, if you shoot it enough, you'll still be able to squeeze oranges into juice, no problem.

It's difficult to come up with a smoother, more balanced revolver than the S&W 10,19,64, or 66. But fitting them into a pocket is another story.