S&W Model 10

[anapex]

I ran across a S&W Model 10 with a 2.5" inch barrel, what's the general consensus on these pistols? How's a .38spl perform out of that short of a barrel? and is $250 a fair price for one?

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's anapex-

Using the excellent revolver check-out by our very own
Mr. Jim March, if everything checks out satisfactorily the
S&W model 10 is a very fine weapon; even with the 2"
barrel. A model 10 (or 12) in the snubby form is getting
kind'a scarce; better grab it while you can, as $250 is
not a bad price for either in LNIB condition.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[anapex]

Dan thanks for replying, I'll probably stop by tonight and give it a proper going over. Only had time last night to give it a cursory glance.

 

[Old Fuff]

I don't believe that S&W made a model 10 with a 2 1/2" barrel. The length should be measured from the cylinder face to the barrel's muzzle, and I suspect the true length is 3 inches - which they did make.

If the length is really 2 1/2 inches I suspect someone had cut down a longer barrel and remounted the front sight. If this is the case you should check it out VERY carefully, as there may be more "customizing" work then you can see.

A stock model 10 - 3 inch makes a fine carry gun as the barrel is long enough to balance the frame, but not too long for concealment.

 

[Mike Irwin]

You sure that it's a 2.5" and not a 2"?

2.5" Model 10s are out there, having been made largely for the FBI in the 10-6 and 10-8 models, but are by no means common.

 

[Jim March]

In 2" through 3" barrel 38Spls, my personal view is that the barrel/cylinder gap is best when tighter than normally seen, like down around .002" - .003". That will give you maximum velocity with any ammo; the very best 38+P defense loads are still marginal, and need every extra bit of boost they can get.

Small gaps equals more velocity. It's hard to get exact figures because nobody I know has taken a tight .002" gun and filed it out to .008" or whatever ("barely in spec") and measure with a crono before and after.

But as much as 50fps has been loosely reported, and that can mean the difference between hollowpoint expansion and failure.

For the record, my opinion on the best three loads for 38snubs:

1) Winchester 130grain Supreme 38+P. HUGE hollowpoint cavity...I doubt many autos could even feed something like that.

2) Speer Gold Dot 125grain 38+P - this projectile is loaded by Speer, Proload, Georgia Arms, Black Hills and probably other small shops (also available as a handload component). Gold Dot jackets are a heavy plating process, fairly thin but stuck to the lead particularly well.

3) The classic 158grain plain lead hollowpoint based on a semi-wadcutter "Keith type" profile, known as the "158 LSWC-HP+P". Federal's version is out of production and loaded wimpy - avoid. Winchester's is good and widely available; Remington's variant is supposedly just a hair hotter and not as easy to find...check gun shows or similar, if you can't find 'em the Winchesters are OK. Oh, and Cor-Bon used to load them and they had a GOOD rep for real heat - use in a modern gun in good shape ONLY and even then in moderation (same for the current 110 and 125+P JHPs).

I doubt those are the only good choices, but they're the ones I trust.

 

[Stainz]

I bought my new 10-11 2" from CDNN last September ($280 + $10 S/H + FFL). They still list them in their latest flyer. It broke-in better than my other SS S&W's did, oddly enough. I bought a pair of K/L round butt wood 'Service grips' from S&W accessories (now $30) - a great traditional look & feel. The OEM Uncle Mike's backstrap-enclosing rubber grips that came with the 10 were fine, I just like wood. This revolver has introduced me to .38's... a great bargain (Local dogged 10's run $225-$250) - and quite accurate... I seemingly cannot miss the falling steel plates at the range with the snubby. It has only seen home-brew ammo thus far. It is, according to S&W, a year old now - and +P capable.

Stainz

 

[Al Thompson]

I have the stainless version of the M10 in 2 inch. I'm very happy with it - shoots very well. Is yours a round butt or square?

 

[anapex]

Well went back today and looked at it a little better. Didn't really measure but it looked more like a 2" now instead of a 2.5". Good bluing with nice wood round butt grips. Lock up still seemed pretty good, only problem I could see with it was it was a little hard to pick up the rifling when I looked. Could have just been my eyes or the available lighting though. Oh 6 round cylinder.

It looks like the one in this auction just no Peru stamp.

http://www.auctionarms.com/search/displayitem.cfm?itemnum=5366679