S&W model 10 which barrel length...4" 5" or 6"...
- Thread starter jimbombo
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amd6547
Member
I love my circa 1957 four inch Model 10, and that length is probably the best all around length...but I would trade it in an instant for a six inch version.
9mmfan
Member
I like the 4". Classic, IMHO.
That being said, I do dig on the round butted 3" K frames, I just don't have one.
That being said, I do dig on the round butted 3" K frames, I just don't have one.
Twiki357
Member
I have both a 4” and a 5”. I prefer the 4”.
What feels best in your hand? I have several "K" frames with a variety of lengths. In 38 Specail, the 5" in nearly ideal. In 32 WCF, the 6 1/2" is my choice. For carry, in any cartridge, the 4" gets the nod.
You need to decide what will work for you.
You need to decide what will work for you.
Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
There is no such thing as which is more desirable. It is up to you to decide.
I only have one actual Model 10, the 4 incher at the bottom of this photo.
With its predecessor, the Military and Police model, I seem to prefer the aesthetics of a 6" barrel.
This one is actually 6 1/2".
And I really like the feel of this 4" M&P with its round butt. It is a very sweet shooter.
There is no such thing as which is more desirable. It is up to you to decide.
I only have one actual Model 10, the 4 incher at the bottom of this photo.
With its predecessor, the Military and Police model, I seem to prefer the aesthetics of a 6" barrel.
This one is actually 6 1/2".
And I really like the feel of this 4" M&P with its round butt. It is a very sweet shooter.
CajunBass
Member
The like the classic 4" myself, but I had one with a 5" at one time, that always seeemed to attract attention at the range. I guess people could tell there was something different about it.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
Like said above, choose the one that feels best in your hand. I own a 4" M&P and it's a dream to shoot. Nothing wrong with any of them but if I were to buy a longer barrel for the range I would probably want adjustable sights too and opt for a M14 or M15 instead. (6" M15's are hard to find)
mesinge2
Member
I love the feel of a 4" pencil barrel K frame 38. Sweet shooters!
bannockburn
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- Apr 24, 2007
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- 26,308
I like the look and balance of the 4" pencil barrel. I had an older Model 10 with a 5" barrel but I just never liked it in terms of balance and handling.
If I had my choice I would go with a 4" heavy barrel with the square butt and a 3" barrel in the round butt configuration.
If I had my choice I would go with a 4" heavy barrel with the square butt and a 3" barrel in the round butt configuration.
The choice should largely be determined by how you plan to use the revolver.
The 2" length only real advantage is it's easier to carry concealed.
The 4" length is considered be be the most popular for most general purposes.
The 5" and 6" lengths are the least popular, which means they are sometimes discounted. However when it come to shooting they tend to be tack-drivers. I make it a point to be on the lookout for them.
The 2" length only real advantage is it's easier to carry concealed.
The 4" length is considered be be the most popular for most general purposes.
The 5" and 6" lengths are the least popular, which means they are sometimes discounted. However when it come to shooting they tend to be tack-drivers. I make it a point to be on the lookout for them.
MrDig
Member
Personal Preference
I like the 4" Heavy Barrels but that's me
I like the 4" Heavy Barrels but that's me
Confederate
Member
Those are great pistols, but I wouldn't get rid of my 64 Smith to get one. The 64 is a gorgeous revolver that is not easily replaced.
My favorites of the old Model 10 are the 6-inchers and the 4-inchers. These are the ideal weapons to have in one's nightstand. I despise these heavy barrels that Colt, Smith and Ruger have become so infatuated with.
Do you have a photo of the 64 you want to trade?
My favorites of the old Model 10 are the 6-inchers and the 4-inchers. These are the ideal weapons to have in one's nightstand. I despise these heavy barrels that Colt, Smith and Ruger have become so infatuated with.
Do you have a photo of the 64 you want to trade?
Old Dog
Member
I'm in agreement with most here. I prefer the 5" for the range, the 4" for general use (it's the perfect balance for me, the pencil barrel, not so much the heavy barrel) but the 3" is perfection for carry ...
Brian Williams
Moderator Emeritus
I really like a 4" round butt but dream of a 10-5 or -7 with a 3" barrel
Probably my favorite looking gun and one I wish I had is a S&W 10-7 round butt with a 3" tapered or intermediate barrel.
I think this is either Smithnut's or Saxonpig's
here are a few more of my pencil barrel S&W 65 in 357 mag
Probably my favorite looking gun and one I wish I had is a S&W 10-7 round butt with a 3" tapered or intermediate barrel.
I think this is either Smithnut's or Saxonpig's
here are a few more of my pencil barrel S&W 65 in 357 mag
Hondo 60
Member
I have a 4" standard barrel, so if it were up to me, I think I'd take the 6".
Just because it is the most different from what I have.
Just because it is the most different from what I have.
Stephanie B
Member
I have a 10 (standard barrel) and a 10-5 (heavy barrel), both 4". I think the standard barrel just looks better. It looks like a gun from one of the old cop shows (or "Vegas"). Some say that the heavier barrel is less whippy. I can't say, I've shot both in PPC matches and score about the same.
Stephanie B
Member
SFsc616171
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- Jul 21, 2010
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- 213
re: S&W model 10 which barrel length...4" 5" or 6"
My Model 15 with a four inch barrel just looks 'squared', just as when you see a Colt Peacemaker with the five inch barrel. It has that look of being complete.
Smith and Wesson M&P 'Victory' models, (M&P the predecessor of the Model 10) were 'squared' with a five inch barrel. Model 10's with a four or five inch pencil barrel are always 'square'.
Having since learned of a Model 14, as a target competition revolver, with it's six inch barrel, you would come to realize that anything shorter for a competition revolver, simply does NOT 'square'.
Lastly, my Model 15 'hangs out there', just as well, as my Browning High Power. Can't get any better than that, can you, or, CAN you?
My Model 15 with a four inch barrel just looks 'squared', just as when you see a Colt Peacemaker with the five inch barrel. It has that look of being complete.
Smith and Wesson M&P 'Victory' models, (M&P the predecessor of the Model 10) were 'squared' with a five inch barrel. Model 10's with a four or five inch pencil barrel are always 'square'.
Having since learned of a Model 14, as a target competition revolver, with it's six inch barrel, you would come to realize that anything shorter for a competition revolver, simply does NOT 'square'.
Lastly, my Model 15 'hangs out there', just as well, as my Browning High Power. Can't get any better than that, can you, or, CAN you?
87hurricane
Member
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2013
- Messages
- 66
My preference is a 4" barrel, pencil or heavy seems to make very little difference to me. That said, I also like ss revolvers, doubt I'd trade a 64 for a 10.
My Model 10 is a 4", It offers portability, just enough frone weight to stabilize the revolver in Da shooting and it isn't unweildy on the draw.
I'd thought about the other barrel lengths because of talk at the Club about sight raduis, accuracy etc.
I was considering a adjustable sight Model 15 but couldn't find one reasonable.
A SUPER deal came up from a friend ($200) for this Model 10-6 and I grabbed it!
To put it mildly, There is nothing here but a gun, fixed sights can;t be knocked off, they;re regulated to full power ammo at combat ranges, the barrel is just heavy enough for one hand shooting and plenty stable two handed.
A machiene with one purpose in mind, ending a gunfight and being able to train you to do so!
Yep the 4" is for me!
BPDave
I'd thought about the other barrel lengths because of talk at the Club about sight raduis, accuracy etc.
I was considering a adjustable sight Model 15 but couldn't find one reasonable.
A SUPER deal came up from a friend ($200) for this Model 10-6 and I grabbed it!
To put it mildly, There is nothing here but a gun, fixed sights can;t be knocked off, they;re regulated to full power ammo at combat ranges, the barrel is just heavy enough for one hand shooting and plenty stable two handed.
A machiene with one purpose in mind, ending a gunfight and being able to train you to do so!
Yep the 4" is for me!
BPDave
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