S&W model 10

[JImbothefiveth]

I need information on the model 10. How does it shoot? How reliable is it? What's the trigger like? It shoots .38 spcl, right?

 

[Blacklabelz]

I own a old school model 10 police special that was made sometime in the 1970's i'd think. However its one of the most accurate handguns I own.

It's a 38 special revolver thats DA/SA. DA trigger pull seems heavy, however smooth.. in SA mine feels almost like a hair trigger. I shoot 2" groups at 25 yards normally in SA with it.

Using WWB 125g FMJ I can nail milk jugs 80% of the time at 100 yards or so. VERY good shooting revolver. I use it also as my nightstand gun.

 

[Cougfan2]

The S&W model 10 is a true classic. I particularly like the 4" heavy barrel version. A lot of these were standard issue for PD Depts before most of them started going to .357 mags.

 

[armoredman]

Best 38 revolver ever made, been in production for a very very looong time. I have a 10-8, greatest wheelgun I ever owned, wicked accurate and reliable as the day is long.

 

[MCgunner]

Mine's an early 60's gun. Belonged to my grandpa and little fired until I got it. It cracked a forcing cone. Best to be sure you have all the lead out of that area when brushing the bore and clean often. It's a K frame weak point. I don't much care for the flat spring, either, but it's a good shootin' old gun. The Trigger is okay, but not something to do back flips over. I never had it worked on. They can be really slicked up, but it's not really a shade tree gunsmith type of job. It is the classic of classics .38 special DA service revolver, though. Mine is quite accurate, about 1.5" at 25 yards from a rest. Some amazing PPC competition guns have been built on M10s. I've thought of doing that, but don't wanna mess up Grandpa's old gun that much. Besides, all that work ain't cheap and I don't shoot PPC.

I don't get so carried away over the M10. Yeah, it's a good revolver, but there have been better. And, then, there's all those .357s that can fire .38 out there. Frankly, my M66 Taurus 4" is a bit more accurate and has a better trigger. I usually shoot that for local competitions. The S&W guys hate it when I whip 'em. I won't sell the 10, though. It'll be around here as long as I am and my heirs will inherit it.

I agree with Coug, the 4" heavy barrel version balances best for me. I had a pencil barrel on mine, but when the forcing cone cracked, I had a heavy barrel installed.

 

[weisse52]

I have one with the "thin" barrel.

Truly a classic that's fun to shoot.

 

[Hutch]

There literally over a million of 'em out there, both the Model 10 and its pre-model-number version, the Military and Police (M&P). I bring this up to say that, wth that many out there, over that long a period of time, you may find the very finest revolver or one that's ready to be used as a trot-line weight. The have a fine reputation overall, and are GENERALLY accurate and GENERALLY have good trigger pulls. You mileage may vary.

 

[herohog]

The one my dad handed down to me is WAY more accurate than I am. That said, I could hit anything I pointed it at back when I was in better shape. It is still the best shooting gun with the best trigger I own.

 

[JImbothefiveth]

It was probably stupid on my part to not say what I wanted it for. I may not be able to afford a $400-$500 carry gun gun, or even a $250 carry gun, and I was researching my options. I started this thread
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=390975 and someone mentioned a S&W model 10. I've ruled out the nagant revolver, and maybe ruled out the hi-point when someone suggested a makarov.

By the way, how would a model 10 stack up to a makarov for this purpose?

I will have a .22 to practice with, so ammo cost isn't too big of a concern.(Will have to reliability test though.)

 

[MCgunner]

First place, you're going to have to search long and hard for a 10 in any decent condition for 250 bucks. They're going up quick and have always been high down here. Me, I'd go with a Makarov. My son-in-law has one and I'm sorta impressed with it. Trigger ain't bad and the thing is amazingly accurate. Sights sorta suck, but it's a lot more carry friendly than a M10. Well, if you could find a 2" M10 round butt, you'd have a more carry friendly revolver, but they're even higher down here. The Mak is a little big for pocket carry, but it's really flat and light and disappears in an IWB and a spare mag is a lot easier to carry than speed loaders and faster in use. I like .38 special better than 9mm mak, though. It's the trade offs that you'll have to decide for yourself. If you do find a M10 in good shape cheap, you'd better not hesitate or one of these vultures around here will pounce on it before you can get your wallet out. LOL

I have a M66 Taurus 3" I carry sometimes. You'd be surprised how much a lousy inch of barrel can make a difference in carry comfort. Still a bigger,heavier gun than a Mak to tote all day, though. My favorite carry is a 9x19 Kel Tec P11, 100 percent reliable, very accurate, and pocket friendly in a caliber superior to .38 special from a snub and packin' 13 rounds of 'em in a pocket friendly gun. I gave $263 for it 12 years ago. They can be had for that now. It's got a trigger you have to get used to, but I like it better than most revolvers, a little longer, but a lot smoother. The KT's get bashed about as much as Taurus, but I'm here to tell you they're both fine guns, at least mine are.

 

[slustan83]

I said it in a previous post, just picked up a 10-6 with about 95% original finish, later 60's gun, serial number range in the c904xxx range. Timing is perfect. Just put it on hold until my paperwork clears for 215 out the door. The day after that the local store by me had a 10-5 that had obviously been sitting in a drawer but was mechanically sound and would have cleaned up real nice for 200. They are out there, ya just have to find em.

 

[armoredman]

A co-worker sold me two for $100 each, had no idea what he had. Gone now, but the deals can be had.
A good solid 38 beats a lot of other options, and I would never feel outgunned with just my Model 10.
Whether with bootgrips and a nice shoulder rig,



Or regular Pachmeyers and a Master Leather belt holster.

 

[MCgunner]

Might not be under-gunned with a 10, but you're better gunned with a 13, and they're the same size. When I tote a revolver that big and heavy, it's generally in .357 magnum. The little SP101 is a little heavy, but melts away in a good IWB. You notice a K frame all day, constantly hitchin' up your pants, real pain especially if you have a bit of a dunlop going around the middle. LOL Carry is more than just about your favorite gun. Same answer for the 1911 lovers. Suit yourself, though. It is YOU that must be happy with your choice. Just try to avoid the koolaid when making that decision. Try a few of the guns if you have a chance. Find a friend with one of each or see if you can find a range with rentals.

 

[Hutch]

In your price range, I think you've identified the two best options. I have both (several of both, actually), and you can't go wrong. Ammo for the M10 is a bit more powerful, more widely available, and much more diverse in bullet weight, pressure, etc. You can even carry shot loads for serpents. (they also work on bothersome carpenter bees; don't ask me how I know). If you're, patient, hold out for the 10, if time is not on your side buy whichever of the two you have selected shows up first. Maks are available in both 9x18 Makarov and .380ACP, if you didn't already know. Doesn't really matter which you choose, imho, altho' on paper, the 9Mak is a bit more powerful. My carry load for the 9Mak is the CCI Blazer Gold Dot. For .38Spl, I generally use the "FBI Load", 158gr LSWCHP +P.

 

[amprecon]

Of all the revolvers available to me in their different chamberings, this is the one I chose and the only revolver I currently own.

 

[amprecon]

Of all the revolvers available to me in their different chamberings, this is the one I chose and the only revolver I currently own.

Pic with the Tyler T-grips installed, the best and most effective accessory available for this revolver.

 

[keyboard commando]

Sweet !

amprecon, that is lovely. What vintage or dash number? Those are some very good looking stocks too.

 

[tipoc]

JImbothefiveth,

Since you are thinking of one for a carry gun one thing I'd suggest is to drop by your local gunatorium or a gun show and pick one up and look them over. By doing this you'll be able to get a better idea of the size and weight of the guns (Mak and the M10) and of others as well. Also look at the price ranges available.

You may also want to take a look at the Bersa Thunderer in .380 acp. These are low priced yet reliable guns. The .380 is a bit less powerful than the Makarov but the types of ammo available for it are more varied. The Bersa gun is about the size of the Mak but is alloy framed and lighter.

The M10 has been in continuous production for about 100 years now (before they were the M10 they were called the Military and Police, or M&P) generally they are reliable and accurate.

tipoc

 

[amprecon]

It's a 10-5, someone in the know said it was a '64 model. Found it at Brighton Arms in Brighton, TN for about $300.

 

[cpirtle]

Everyone else has pretty much covered the merits of the Model 10.

The only thing I will add is that in a snub nose the Model 10 is pretty much the defining look IMO. When I think "classic snub nose" I think Model 10.

Here's a project I did earlier this year, it now has some nicer factory grips. I think I have $250 in the base gun so they are still out there if you look around.

 

[Walkalong]

I really like my 4" 10-6 HB. I almost bought another off this forum, even though I did not need it. Great guns.

I have a 6" 10-5 Pencil Barrel, but I don't shoot it.

 

[cpirtle]

double tap..

 

[Sylvan-Forge]

[drool]....[/drool]

.

 

[The Bushmaster]

I own three Mod 10's and would not hesitate to buy another in a heart beat...

 

[PRM]

Model 10

I carried one for over 20 years while working for a Sheriff's Office. One of the best guns I ever owned. Accurate, dependable, easy to carry. A work horse with a history to back it up.