Trying to buy a shooter and am deciding between the two. Want to make sure I don't overpay.

So, what is the difference in value between a model 10-5 and an M&P 1905 4th change? (assuming they're in the same condition)

10-5 can still be had around here for about $300-400. 4th changes cover a lot of ground from very early 1900s to 1958, so it would depend on condition or what year the gun is. Hard one to answer, but I've seen many go for the about the same price as the 10-5s.

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Dick

The value of both revolvers depending on condition is not much difference. The model 10-5 are modern short action revolvers. M&P before 1947 are long action revolvers. Some people believe the long action revolvers had the smoothest double action and single action trigger that S&W ever made. If you can find a nice 4th change for about $350 I would jump on it. Later you can always by a 10-5 because they are more common.

Good luck,
Howard

I would buy both just so I know I have my bases covered. I have model 10 sickness and I would have a hard time leaving a good 10 or pre 10 behind.

I have a 1954 era 1905 4th change which has the short action trigger. It has the absolute smoothest double action stroke of any revolver I have ever owned except for my long gone (crying!!) Python.

Go for the 1905, you can find a decent model 10 more easily.

"I have a 1954 era 1905 4th change which has the short action trigger."

The proper name is the .38 Military & Police (Postwar) or pre Model 10.

bchaney,

If you intend to shoot a lot of jacketed ammo or +P ammo, go with the M10-5. Ask to dryfire both. Some folks prefer the old long action, some like the short action.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

There's something to be said for the improved metallurgy of the newer M10's in my opinion. For a shooter, I think that something from the 60's or 70's would probably be more reliable, would still have the S&W quality of workmanship that we all love, and you would also have the benefit of being able to send it back to S&W if any work was required that exceeded your own capabilities. Although the long-throw hammer mechanism is considered by many to be superior to the post-war design, there really isn't much wrong with the post-war k-frame trigger (mim parts and hammer lock excepted, of course). -S2

I had to look that up in the SC of S&W-and I stand corrected. Now if all the gun dealers would start labeling their revolvers correctly. Most if not all, call any pre-model 10 a model of 1905 4th change-which is what mine had on the tag. I looked up the serial number to find out it was made in 1954. And that dealer is a S&W collector with $$$$ worth of classic Smiths in his case.

Anyhow- your advice about the jacketed plus P ammo is very good. I wouldn't consider firing plus P out of my older S&W's. Plenty of newer stainless guns in the safe for the hot stuff.

Thanks for the help guys

Ended up going with the 10-5 because I plan on shooting it often and found one locally

Did I do good for $250?

Edit: hmm, posted pic but it didn't work... let me try again