S&W Model 10?

[BSA1]

O.P.,

It is hard to find a Model 10 that is "worn out " unless it has been abused.

A few years ago I brought a 30 - 40 year old HB for $200.00. It was a private security company trade-in. The bluing is well worn off, the right grip panel beat to death and a buttery smooth action. Alas as so my luck the gun developed a ammo binding problem so it went back to the factory.

The good news is for a little over $100.00 S&W repaired it and the action feels like a brand new gun. I suspect they replaced the guts with new parts.

The bad news that 30+ year old buttery smooth action is gone.

But the good news this gun will easily last another 30 years to get the action smooth again.

Don't be afraid of bluing worn off. With stainless steel you can polish them. I am always on the hunt for good used Model 10's.

 

[Old Fuff]

I must ask though, are these trade ins going to give good service life? Will they shoot okay?

Usually the seller grades the guns and charges more for those in the highest grade. I've found that usually what makes the best grade best is in the cosmetics, but even the lowest priced are a good value for the money.

Also some will, for a small fee, hand-pick one out of the bunch.

Most of the current crop were modified to, or originally made, as double-action only (DAO), and since most ordinary buyers want both SA and DA options, those that want the DAO version often get an additional discount.

(Look at Jordan's book again and notice many of his personal revolvers don't have hammer spurs).

Anyway, over the years I have yet to get one with serious mechanical problems, and next to no minor ones. Most of these law enforcement turn-in's weren't shot much, just carried a lot. My best example came as somewhat of a surprise - a K-38 Combat Masterpiece/Model 15 that was apparently picked at random, brand new in the box.

No, that doesn't happen every day...

 

[skoro]

So is this a good price for this gun?

If it's a pristine 10-5 that's not a bad price. Of course, I have a thing for S&W k-frames, so I'm not exactly objective here. Sounds like you want a shooter, and it would serve very well in that role. You also mention police/security trade-ins at a lower cost. They'll likely work just fine. But the cosmetic issues always bugged me. I like my firearms to be lookers, not beaters, even though I shoot all of 'em.

But that's just me.

 

[short barrel]

My carry gun .38 made in 1954. Unfired when I got it with the box at a gun show for $400. I carry it daily and shoot low pressure rounds for practice. I do not believe in safe queens. A nice item put away not to be used will someday get used, just not by you. Guns are for shooting. Or re-selling. Sure they will accrue value in the safe, but what good is that if you don't sell it? JMO

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks all!

Well I see J&G has model 64s, DAO, for $299. I think I will get one of those instead, and shoot the heck out of it!

UPDATE:

I just called J&G sales and ordered a Model 64 round-butt DAO 4" police trade in Very Good+ condition with hand pick, and also no internal lock! After reading a review for this gun on the J&G website, one guy said his gun had a lock on it so I called J&G and the guy on the phone said most did not have locks, so for a small fee I got one without the lock and also a handpick.

God, I cannot wait to get this revolver! I have wanted a K-frame .38 special gun for ages, one that I can shoot and call my own! I am SO excited! Thanks guys for your guidance. I was about to buy a pristine Model 10 and shoot it, but thanks to yall I came to my senses and instead went this route. I will post a range review when I get the gun!

 

[Old Fuff]

Sure they will accrue value in the safe, but what good is that if you don't sell it? JMO

You miss the point, or at least my point.

You save money by not buying the expensive collectable in the first place if a less costly "shooter grade" gun will do everything you want to do. Most, if not all of what we are discussing has to do with cosmetics, not mechanics or the condition of the chamber(s) and bore.

Over a long lifetime I have gone through a lot of guns, and I've never found one that shot any better because it still had 99.999999% of its original finish or came in a factory box with papers and accessories - such as a screwdriver or cleaning rod. These things are often important to a serious collector, but they shouldn't influence someone looking for a user.

 

[Jaymo]

Guns were not built to remain virgins.

I don't own any safe queens.
I've bought quite a few unfired old guns and quickly corrected that situation.
I almost felt bad about firing my unfired 1964-65 10-5 snub, but it's so gorgeous and it shoots so well that I quickly got over it.

The hardest choice was my NIB 1965 S&W model 52-1, that was awarded to Sgt Bonnie Harmon when he won the NRA Center Fire Pistol Championship in 1965.
Going to have it lettered.
Going to shoot it, just haven't gotten around to it.

When I take a dirt nap, my descendants can worry about resale value.

Every new gun I ever bought was unfired outside of the factory, but didn't stay that way long.

 

[Old Fuff]

Guns were not built to remain virgins.

A matter of opinion, or maybe perspective...
But how do you tell the males from the females? Or doesn't it matter?

I don't own any safe queens.

Well O.K. If you feel that way. So far as I know they're isn't any law that says you mast have safe queens. Safe kings may be another matter...

I almost felt bad about firing my unfired 1964-65 10-5 snub, but it's so gorgeous and it shoots so well that I quickly got over it.

The hardest choice was my NIB 1965 S&W model 52-1, that was awarded to Sgt Bonnie Harmon when he won the NRA Center Fire Pistol Championship in 1965.

I wouldn't call those "old guns," and for the record I was at Camp Perry in '65 too.

As I mentioned before, everyone is free to do whatever they want with their guns. Personally I don't give a zip about what others choose to shoot, or not as the case may be. But I'm smart enough to stretch my gun-budget as far as I can. The object isn't $$$ but rather having more toys for the same amount of outlay.

 

[rcmodel]

This is all true.

However I have sure enjoyed firing an unfired Colt SAA, and several 1940 - 1970 era unfired S&W's.

I wasn't planning on selling them anyway!

I'll let my kids worry about the resale values at my estate sale auction.

rc

 

[Onmilo]

Just a few of many that have passed through my hands...

 

[X-Rap]

About all I can say about keeping older NIB guns in that condition is that I'd love to see and hold a Colt Walker as it was delivered from the factory. The world is awash in K frames but there is a finite number of those (especially early ones) still NIB.
I have a few queens, one being a Registered Mod. S&W. It is far from NIB but it will remain in it's present condition for as long as I'm alive and if it were in NIB I can honestly say it would remain so.

 

[aarondhgraham]

I wa torn on this one,,,

I have a pristine 4" S&W Model 12,,,
It had been fired when I got it,,,
But not very much at all.



I shoot this gun every now and then,,,
Just because I enjoy shooting more than owning.

I was shooting it at my Rifle & Pistol club one day,,,
A member saw what I was shooting,,,
And chewed me out big time,,,
I had to chuckle at that.

I baby this gun but I'm not letting it go to waste,,,
It's the gun I wear in a "tanker" holster,,,
When I'm out on my motorcycle.

It's Lighter weight makes it very functional for riding.

Aarond

.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks gang!

Well I bought a S&W Model 64 police trade in gun instead, from J&G guns! I am really excited to shoot it and I won't be ruining some collector's piece by doing so! I got the gun for $299, DAO in VG+ condition with hand-pick, round butt heavy barrel version. CAN'T WAIT TO GET IT!!!

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

About all I can say about keeping older NIB guns in that condition is that I'd love to see and hold a Colt Walker as it was delivered from the factory. The world is awash in K frames but there is a finite number of those (especially early ones) still NIB.

There were only 1100 of them made. 1000 for the military contract, and another 100 for commercial sales. That's it, 1100. Period. There were never any more because Colt realized they were just too darn big and the loading lever arrangement was unsatisfactory. So rather than making anymore Walkers Colt moved onto the Dragoon series. Slightly smaller and a better loading lever arrangement.

Because the chambers were so big, and the frame and cylinder were made of malleable iron, not steel, they had a tendency to blow up, further reducing their numbers. When they come up for auction today it is not unusual for them to go for a half a million dollars.

As for a New In The Box Walker, I doubt such an animal exists.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

And Furthermore.....

This is the only actual Model 10 I own. It is a 10-5, probably made around 1968. It was the best deal I have ever gotten on a S&W revolver, it cost $125 about 10 years ago. No, it is not pristine, nor is it collectable, it is a police trade in. Do I shoot it? You bet!






I actually do go hunting for another Model 10, but I seldom find them, instead usually finding nice old M&Ps instead. This is the latest, it shipped in July of 1908. $450 out the door. Is it pristine? No. Is it collectable? Maybe. Do I shoot it? You bet.

 

[Old Fuff]

From the point of view of most serious collectors neither of the above is what they are really interested in. Should you shoot them? Absolutely! In they're present condition some additional wear won't be noticed. Don't use loads calculated to turn them into a junior magnum though.

And of course look out! both are exactly what the Old Fuff's has an eye out for.

 

[BSA1]

 

[Agsalaska]

This may make some of you angry but for me personally I do not believe in "safe queens."

Now I know there are guys out there who love to collect and that is awesome, and normal guys with "safe queens" who are otherwise shooters, but at this point in my life I see no reason to get a gun... and just let it sit in my safe! I am still working up to the level I want to be with my DA revolvers, and that necessarily involves a fair bit of shooting on my part, along with the accompanying ammunition bill.

As I said before, I totally respect both collectors and guys who own "safe queens", and after reading the comments it's apparent that the gun in question probably wouldn't be best for someone who just wants to own, but more importantly shoot, said revolver. I think it is best left to those who will buy it and not shoot it... and as for me, I wouldn't be able to resist the temptation!

I will be on the lookout for a Model 10 that is in the "shooter" category if you will, and will leave this one on the shelf.

Thanks guys!

Good call.

I perfectly understand people who do not believe in safe queens. I have a lot of respect for shooters looking for shooters who will pass on a gun they believe better served for collectors.

God stuff

 

[X-Rap]

As for a New In The Box Walker, I doubt such an animal exists.

Exactly my point, I did use what was probably the most extreme example but the point remains the same, when ever there is a diminishing number of something it is a shame to take the most pristine of them and make them the same as all the rest when there are many of the "all the rests already available".

 

[Agsalaska]

Exactly my point, I did use what was probably the most extreme example but the point remains the same, when ever there is a diminishing number of something it is a shame to take the most pristine of them and make them the same as all the rest when there are many of the "all the rests already available".

Could not agree more. Why someone would do that is beyond me.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

My S&W 586 made in the early 80s (Don't remember if it has a dash or not) I traded for was unfired and had everything for it including the inspection sticker on the bottom of the grip. I ended up firing it and carrying it and leave it loaded for home defense. I'm not against buying an old unfired gun and shooting it but for a model 10 I think I would recommend looking for a good condition but used Model 10.

 

[ZVP]

I had a hankering for a good 4" revolver for many years but I kept buying other makes and models, then a friend at my Shooting club who owned 3 Model 10's said he wanted to sell one for $200! Man without any further info, I grabbed for my Wallet!SOLD!
It ended up being a former police trade-in from Great Britan! He bought 3 from an auction site at a low price years back.
Mine is a Heavy Barrel, (a real bonus for me!) it keeps recoil muzzle rise to almost nothing.
I shoot only Factory ammo or 158gr lead reloads loaded well under MAX spec's.
The lead bullets shoot very accurately andthe Factory HP's speak with authority and will definatelly do their job.
I planned on learning D/A shooting with this revolver.
It came with rubber Pacmeyer grips that fit me poorly and left unsupported voids in my hand
I bought a set of Jerry Michulack grips and what a difference! They align your hand to a perfect D/Ahold ready to trigger em off!
Learning D/A is really hard, so many aspects to keep in mind and holding movement to a minimum whild holding your sight picture is the most difficult "Gun Thing" I have ever done! Our Club only permits 1 second between shots so rapid fire can't be practiced, however shooting at 1 second per shot allows you to keep yourself working on all the things that hold the shot true. Truth is I shoot only 3" groups on the average @ 21 ft D/A. It sounds big but those groups are consistantlly smaller than when I started learning!
I shoot full power loads and if not full charges, I shoot 158gr bullets to keep recoil "real".
I can see why Police agency's lean so hard on monthly training. Not every Cop is a gun fan and need the practice to be proficient. I am a gun freak and I need training too!
The Model 10HB is an ideal platform to train with. Nearly indestructable in normal use and relatively easy to maintain. As long as you don't push the revolver shooting +P ammo or super heavy reloads, theModel 10 will last lifetimes!
Use grips to fit the gun to your grip. Custom grips make all the difference in the world!
ZVP

 

[336A]

ZVP, there is no pushing a M10 with (+P) ammunition, you would go broke buying all the (+P) ammo you could get before it ever damaged a M10. To the OP here is some really good reading for you, hope you enjoy it.

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum...on/28377-s-w-model-10-revolver-long-haul.html

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/reloading/125541-four-high-performance-38-special-handloads.html

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum...cs/107972-some-38-special-velocity-tests.html

http://www.defensivecarry.com/forum/reloading/118121-three-38-special-handloads.html