Thinking of getting a S&W Model 10 just for giggles

[ciwsguy]

I already have a S&W Model 19, 6" barrel and shoot both 38 Special & .357 Magnums in it. After shooting 38 Specials, I sometimes have to clean the cylinders just to get .357 Magnum cartridges chambered, which is sort of a pain. So I was thinking of buying a model 10 for plinking with 38 Specials and want to know from those that have both a .357 and a model 10 what they think of the model 10? I checked out a model 10 at a local gun shop and the trigger action is similar to my model 19, but the sights aren't adjustable. What do you guys (or gals, be the case) think of the model 10?

Thanks,

ciwsguy

 

[woad_yurt]

Coolest thing on wheels. Once you get a feel for it, you can't miss. It's a great shootin' gun. I love my old beater. I shoot it more than any other handgun.

 

[Bearhands]

sometimes have to clean the cylinders just to get .357 Magnum cartridges chambered

Clean em more often

Get the 10... you'll never regret it!

 

[Ruodo]

I don't own one but I've handled quite a few, and they always feel solid. I would love to own one.

 

[Iggy]

Everybody should own a Mdl 10.

 

[novaDAK]

My M64 (stainless version of M10) is a great gun. Eats up my 158gr SWC reloads and the fixed sights are dead on. No worries about cleaning the chambers like in a .357 gun (which I have and shoot either .357 out of or cleaner plated .38 loads). Since my .357 is my "go-to" gun, I don't want to worry about cases sticking, so I keep it very clean and shoot my dirty loads out of the stainless Smith (easier to clean the lead out of).

 

[MMCSRET]

My M10-6 HB is a great gun, 4" and a pleasure to shoot. In the same category is my Colt Official Police, 4". The Colt has a smoother lock work and is easier to shoot more accurately. Those 2 are my favorites to carry when I am out and away, and they both use the same belt and holster as well as ammo. My 357s don't see a lot of use because of the 2 38s.

 

[Black Knight]

I am a firm believer that everyone should have at least one S&W Model 10 in their collection. It is the backbone of the S&W line. BTW the 64 is just as good. I have a model 10 and wish I could have bought the 64 I was first issued when I became a police officer.

 

[SaxonPig]

You seem slightly embarrassed by the notion of acquiring THE classic fighting handgun. The M&P and later Model 10 enforced a lot of law in its 100+ year history as well as doing duty in numerous wars. I feel no shame at all in proudly sharing some of mine.









You might also consider the Combat Masterpiece or Model 15 if you really prefer adjustable sights.

 

[20nickels]

Just for giggles!

A model 10 is no laughing matter. The deals are out there, just look around. An S&W at a bargain basement price is always on my shopping list.

 

[22-rimfire]

I have a 4" Model 10-5. It is a real nice gun which balances well. I think they are a real bargain these days.

 

[Hawk]

A model 10 is no laughing matter. The deals are out there...

Good luck to y'all.

Since shortly after I "discovered" revolvers, a M10 has been on the list. So far there's only been one - a bull barrel at near 500.00 that I took a "pass" on.

No others - none - nada.
I've picked up 3 M57s and 3 686s and exactly 0 M10s in the same time frame.

These bushel-basket quantities and Hi-Point prices are taking on the aspect of Forest Faeries: if they exist, they hide from me particularly well. I'm beginning to question if S&W sold any locally.

 

[BlindJustice]

The adjustable sight K frames in .38 Special - Post WWII
came out in '48 or '49 - they got the 2 digit model #s in '57. =

Model 14 K-38 Target Masterpiece 6" & 8 3/8" Bbl.models
w/target hammer and target trigger - Patridge front sight
Model 15 K-38 Combat Masterpiece 4" Bbl. Plain ramp front sight
w/standard trigger/hammer
both have the adjustable plain black notch rear sight.

You'll have to find them on the used market.

The current production Model 10 looks like it has a
Heavy Barrel as well as more substantial grips than the
old Magna

Go for the used 10 if it's the right price.

Randall

 

[Plinker Craig]

I recently picked up a S&W Model 10 with the heavy barrel and fixed sights from my favorite gun shop. And I could not be more delighted with it. Mine has a lot of holster wear, which means that I only paid about $200 for it. But I am delighted with it. And its accuracy is amazing. When I first took it to my range and shot it single-action I placed 6 shots in a 5 inch group right at point of aim at 25 yards. I thought that was super considering that it has fixed sights and it was at such a bargain price.

Actually this purchase got me hooked on police .38 and .357 revolvers and I bought an old Colt and a newer S&W 586 in the weeks afterward.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

I agree that everyone would be richer of soul if they owned and shot a model 10. They are simple, rugged, often with silky smooth actions, and more dependable than 90% of the self defense guns in use. I had to have one, and settled on a 1950's 2" square butt "Dick Special". Mine looks like SaxonPig's 1949, only SB configuration., with that cute little half moon front sight. It shoots close enough to center at 25 that I don't need any Kentucky adjustments.

 

[20nickels]

Hawk,
Mine was a local PD gun. Rough shape cosmetically, but mechanically sound. Came with a chipped hammer spur, hogue grips, and extra skin flakes inside. $175 OTD. Couldn't be happier.

 

[Daizee]

The model 10 is great if you want it for shooting .38spl specifically.

I had a 6" model 14 which doesn't make IDPA standards. Knowing I'd be shooting 100% .38spl+p in IDPA, I wanted a .38spl-only gun. Why shoot a .357-sized gun and scrub scummy chambers all day? The heavy-barrel model 10 is the ticket. Accurate, reasonably rugged, lots of grip options.
For the price on a used one, it just can't be beat.

-Daizee

 

[Duke of Doubt]

I recommend the Model 10 to all new shooters as their first gun. I keep a 10-7 loaded on my nightstand. It is NOT my primary home defense arm, but it is the one I trust myself the most to grab, pull, hold, sight, and shoot accurately while sleepy, in the dark, against the unlikely but conceivable hypothetical fast moving incoming intruders. All of my guns have their roles. The 10-7 is the nightstand gun and a teaching gun. Also available for light open-carry holstered duty around the building.

 

[Oro]

I agree with most that the Model 10 is a "Must have" gun for a true revolver fan. I have had the 15 and the 67 (38 with the adjustable sights). However, there is a very noticeable difference in how they handle vs. the 10. The frame is heavier (technically, it's not the same frame, it's the "KT" frame, not the pure "K"), and it balances less naturally.

FYI, if you are a reloader, the way to avoid dirty chambers is to load your .38 loads in .357 cases. Problem solved.

My advice is to get a pre-war one (or more accurately, pre-1948), with the super-silky "long action" trigger. Clever shopping online or in local shows and pawn shops can get you a cherry one of these for no more than a clean late model 10. Here are my two favorite that I have:

1) 1942 US Navy Victory - newly acquired, but will get carried in the field occasionally this season:


2) 1947 M&P - 5", which balances amazingly well: