S&W Model 10

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CoinMan

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I found a relatively inexpensive Model 10 .38 at a gun show over the weekend. I've always been fond of that model, so I snapped it up, and pick it up on Wednesday. The gun seems to be in good shape mechanically, based on the checks I performed that are listed in Jim March's guide for used revolvers, and has only slight holster wear, as it was used as a security pistol for many years. It was probably drawn or fired very seldom. It's my first Model 10, and I'm interested in some feedback from highroad members that have owned any of these, if there is anything out of the ordinary that I should be concerned with regarding shooting, cleaning or any other issues.

Thanks for any info you can provide. I'd post some pics of it if I could, but who needs to look at another Model 10?
 
What might help out CoinMan, is posting the serial number with the last three numbers as X's. Include any alphabetical prefixes. All "Model 10's" are not the same. Some are not even Model 10's!

What barrel length did you get? Pinned?

The S&W Model 10 is a great gun, with low entry prices due to production volume. The variations within the Model of 1905 genre make it my favorite revolver.
 
I have an M&P, the pre-model number version.

They're great guns.

I would have a gunsmith look at it. Two things to pay attention to:

1. Make sure it's in time. Minor timing issues can cause "spitting", but are easily fixed by a competent gunsmith.

2. Make sure that the strain screw in the front of the grip is both screwed all the way down, and factory length. Backing the screw out will lighten the perceived triggerpull, but will also give you light hits in double action. Some people have been known to shorten the screw to achieve the same thing with it screwed all the way in. A good gunsmith should be able to correct these problems.
 
No opinions offered. Just pics.

A Military & Police (Victory Model) shipped in 1942. Had a 4” barrel that got bulged (hence the $60 asking price) so I swapped on a 5” tube I got off ebay for $5. Total investment, $65.

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Trio of snubbies. Left and right are RB M&Ps from 1949. Center is a SB 10-5 from 1969 that has been engraved and wears elk stag stocks that I fit and finished for it.

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A 10-7 the wife got me for my BD a few years ago.

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I agree the M&P/M10 is classic simplicity.
 
S&W M&P/Model 10 are great guns. I would like to find the following all in the M&P family

1. A nice 1905 4th change with a 5" barrel and round grip
2. A Model 10-5 with a round butt and the 3" mid weight barrel
3. A Model 12 with a 3" mid weight barrel.
 
I had a fairly rare pinned 10-8 round butt heavy barrel 3" Model 10 that I sold to a major collector (initials are R.M.) a few years back to help pay for a cruise with my wife.

Wow, would I like to have another one like it now.....

I'm on the lookout for a 4" HB Model 10 as well. Don't need one, just want one.
 
It's my first Model 10, and I'm interested in some feedback from highroad members that have owned any of these, if there is anything out of the ordinary that I should be concerned with regarding shooting, cleaning or any other issues.
Click to expand...

1. It is a Model 10.
What is there to know? These are proven, have history and work.
Some guns hope someday to aspire to this status in the world of firearms.

2. Addictive, only fault is they are addictive.
Not a bad thing, actually a great thing.

That covers it...
Enjoy!

:D
 
I bought a M10-8 last year. Well worn, French prison trade-in, had the fat rubber grips. Got some new target wood grips from a THR member, reblued with Wheeler cold blue. Needed a new cylinder lock.
Looks pretty good, cycles like a Swiss watch. Nice gun. It's now my home "desk gun"
 
Model 10 great gun

Carried a Model 10 on the Macon PD in the 60's. Most policemen did in those days. I was always the number one or two high score on qualifications. My riding partner was the one I swapped off with. He carried a Colt Python. Natural pointer. Reliable. Do not snap/flip the cylinder shut, don't overload it with superhot loads, keep it clean and it will just keep on and on shooting.
I have several with various dash numbers and they all shoot great even the early M&P 5 screw, and yes they are like Swiss watches. Crisp and sturdy.
Good choice on the buy.

Old Tom
 
W.E.G.

LOL! How true!

True:
Now I am 52 years old.
Some of these kids I hang with said :
You know the neat part about these [Model 10s] we don't have to bend over to police the brass.

I started cracking up, so did their parents and all the other adults...
I said that when I was a wee brat; seems we all had made that revelation when we were kids.

We use the Speer Plastic Training bullets, especially during bad weather, cold temps ..etc.in a barn.
Great practice, lots of fun.
There is something about a 77 y/o grandma doing a Eddie Murphy impersonation "This is like shooting guns in the house".

Guess one had to be there, just she kept doing silly quotes from that movie.


While there are other fine revolvers , one huge advantage the Model 10 has, is all the various stocks/ grips available for it.
Real easy to find what works for one for better gun fit.
 
If you can have only one revolver for the rest of your life you could find few better. The Model 10 (M&P) is the revolver that all other S&W's are created from. Everyone who collects revolvers should have at least one in their collection. I have a model 10HB with a Bullseye (I believe they are Wolf Springs now) spring kit and it is so smooth and crisp. I have never had aany problems with mine. As you described the 10 I would say it sounds like you got a fine revolver there.
 
I'm a Model 10 owner now

Thanks for all of the comments. I picked mine up today and it's almost a carbon copy of Saxon's $65 gun, with a different front sight and no lanyard ring. It's a 10-5 with a 5" pinned barrel, S/N D91XXX. My dealer said it's a
'71 model. It looks to have been carried often but used rarely. The checkered wood grip panels are pretty smooth now, so I'll have to find some replacements.

I would tell you the price that I paid, but after Saxon's post, forget it!
 
Hey, CoinMan

The lanyard ring is called a butt swivel by Numrich, item 358810A at $12.95. Don't forget to get the retaining pin. Some fitting may be required but a few minutes with a file takes care of that. I bought one to fit a minty RHKP 10-9.

Old Tom
 
Model 10 is a great revolver, especially for someone just starting to shoot. Been around in some form or fashion for about a century now. 38 Special is a decent defnsive round and a great target round- love the gun!
 
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