What's similar to a Model 10?

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1911 guy

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A friend of mine has his heart set on a S&W Model 10. However, he let one slip through his fingers. Waited too long and it got sold out from under him. He's beginning to expand his search a little. I want to be able to recommend some other options to him that handle similarly. One things he's sure of is a 3" barrel. I'm not a revolver guy and don't keep up with whats out there much.

I know the SP101 has a reputation for being a great smaller revolver, but I can't compare it with any knowledge. They look similar to my eye, but I may as well be looking at rocket ships, for all I know about wheelguns.
 
Check out the Ruger Security, Service, and Speed Six lines.

Very much like a K-frame in size, but much more durable. Normally these are .357 magnums, but many are available in .38 special only.
 
Look for other used Smiths. The model 10 was the most prolific of the K frames, but if he liked it he may also like...
M64-SS version of the model 10
M15/67(?)-adjustable sighted version of the model 10
M13/65-357nmagnum version of the model 10
M19/66-adjustable sighted 357 magnum version of the model 10

Most were available with either a 2 1/2" or 3" (or both) barrel at one point or another

I've always been very partial to M19's myself.
 
Look for other used Smiths. The model 10 was the most prolific of the K frames, but if he liked it he may also like...
M64-SS version of the model 10
M15/67(?)-adjustable sighted version of the model 10
M13/65-357nmagnum version of the model 10
M19/66-adjustable sighted 357 magnum version of the model 10

Most were available with either a 2 1/2" or 3" (or both) barrel at one point or another

I've always been very partial to M19's myself.
I second this notion, while the Rugers are great guns in their own right if he's got K frame fever only a k frame can cure it.
 
There are so many good options in the K frame realm
I can tote a 4" 19 all day comfortably, but I do reserve hot ammo for use in my 627.

But, there's not realisticaly much that needs done that my typical 158gr LSWC @~1100fps wont do. My 19-3 shoots it like a laser beam.
 
Buds had model 10 on sale while back. They were Police trade in from over seas as I remember. I checked one out a guy had bought was in great shape mechanical , just blue hostler ware
 
J&G Sales has good prices on them to, at least from time to time. I scored a near mint Model 64 from them last year for $299.
 
IMO if he wants a M10 he will never be happy with a River but not because it's a bad gun, because they are nothing alike. There are still very reasonable surplus M10 revolvers available, have him hunt one down...
 
1911 guy

If your friend is set on a Model 10 there's still plenty of them out there! I would also recommend looking at a used Ruger Service Six or Speed Six if he's looking for a fixed sighted 3" or 4" .38/.357 service revolver.
 
I bought a 2" Model 10 on gunbroker.com - excellent choice.
The sellers there with a high feedback number have done a good job of accurately describing their guns.
 
Garrettsville, Ohio huh? Before looking for something else the Model 10 is likely the most common S&W revolver out there. Give Jimmy Davis a call at Northfield Gun a call tomorrow (Closed Sunday & Monday) at 330-468-0676. Last I was in there he had quite a few S&W guns including a few Model 10 guns from fair to excellent in assorted barrels. I haven't been in there for about a month but Jimmy generally has a large stock of used guns. I suggest a visit because sometimes he doesn't know everything he has in the place. Not a bad ride from your area. Maybe 35 -40 min on SR-82 I would guess.

Northfield Gun
34 W. Aurora Rd. (SR-82)
Northfield, Ohio


Ron
 
Garrettsville, Ohio huh? Before looking for something else the Model 10 is likely the most common S&W revolver out there. Give Jimmy Davis a call at Northfield Gun a call tomorrow (Closed Sunday & Monday) at 330-468-0676. Last I was in there he had quite a few S&W guns including a few Model 10 guns from fair to excellent in assorted barrels. I haven't been in there for about a month but Jimmy generally has a large stock of used guns. I suggest a visit because sometimes he doesn't know everything he has in the place. Not a bad ride from your area. Maybe 35 -40 min on SR-82 I would guess.

Northfield Gun
34 W. Aurora Rd. (SR-82)
Northfield, Ohio


Ron

Another good case for us having a 'thanks' feature on this forum ! Outstanding post,Ron ;).
 
Howdy

Well, he could always look at the predecessor to the Model 10, the 38 Military and Police. In 1957 S&W changed the name to Model 10, but they are the same gun. Go for the ones made after WWII as they have the modern hammer block inside. Gotta tell you though, three inches is not a very common barrel length in the Model 10 or the 38 M&P. They made lots and lots with four inch and six inch barrels, and a fair number with two inch barrels, but I can't say as I recall ever seeing one with a three inch barrel.
 
3" barreled k frames seem to bring a premium as they are in demand. You don't see that many of them out there for sale. If he wants a 3" model 10, I seriously doubt he will find any bargains.
 
Thanks Ron!

He lives in Champion, but I drive right past Aurora on my way to and from work every day.
Northfield Gun is right on 82 in Northfield Village just west of SR-8 or actuallu what they call Old Route 8. Worth a shot anyway. Jimmy has the place packed and do not hesitate to ask a best out the door price.

Ron
 
I've found that if I'm patient and keep my eyes open I can find any gun I set my heart on AND at a reasonable price in less than a year.

I have to agree too that if he's got stubby K frame fever then no pill but a K is going to cure that fever. And I can't imagine a better thing to be "sick" with.... :D

The list of stubby alternative K guns is one way out. But if he's after the real deal for the smooth top and classic feel tell him to keep looking and have a bit of patience. There's enough of them out there that the right one will come along soon enough.
 
S&W has re-introduced the model 66 and is making them again. It is a K-frame size and will handle 38 special and 357 magnum. Old model 10's and 66's in very good condition go for about the same price as the new model 66. If I didn't already have a model 64, I would jump on a new model 66 with both feet.

Gary
 
I wish S&W went for the 3" on the classic, I would buy one in a heart beat!
 
ECVMatt

Yeah I could go for a 3" barrel Model 10 as well. At least they gave it a round butt configuration so now all they have to do is give it a shorter barrel.
 
A Model 15 is basically a Model 10 with adjustable sights.

As stated, 3" barrels were not the norm. Rather, they were very uncommon.

I've got a 3" Mod 10 HB, but it's not original. It was cut from a 6", very professionally.

There are plenty of 4" models out there to be had at reasonable prices.
 
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