Hey guys and gals, I've been doing some reading up on Smith and Wesson revolvers and have come to like what I see in the Model 10; compact, decent caliber for self defense(38 Special), solid and reliable. I found a Model 10 online at my local LGS and was wondering if the price is in line for its condition or should I keep on looking for a better one to come along? Here's the link; Smith & Wesson model 10 .38 Special - Used in Good/Fair Condition - Hyatt Gun Store

Assuming it actually is in mechanically good condition, tight lock up, good timing, etc., that's an acceptable price for a very effective tool. No show piece, obviously, but there's lots of hidden beauty about a pre-83 Model 10 that's mechanically in good condition. Those light barrels are nice, too.

That looks a little rough for $300.00, I would avoid that like a Haitian prostitute.

Here's the picture.

I would save my money and wait for a nicer one to come along. There are a LOT of Model 10s out there.

Usually, if they look that bad on the outside, they aren't perfect on the inside either. But if you know the dealer to be an honest guy, it may be 100% mechanically, like he says.

Here is an example of a thread about BudsGunShop.Com which always seems to have some decent deals on S&Ws:
Buds has the 3" and 4" model 10s again

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You're shy a few manners.

I used to live in Charlotte, the nick name for Hyatt's gun shop was too high Hyatts...

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The American dream is alive

I was in my local gun shop this morning picking up a Sig when I noticed several S&W revolvers in the case. One was a like new model 10 pencil barrel. I didn't ask them to take it out of the case, but from what I could see it didn't have a mark on it. The asking price was $375. I'm not in the market for a model 10 but if I was, it would have come home with me.

That revolver looks awfully rough to me. Before you go for that one take a look at Bud's. His current price is $279 cash or check and he pays shipping. All you need is an inexpensive FFL to receive it for you.........about the same price as the one you are looking at.

Buy Police Trade Ins at BudsGunShop

Agree with the posts about Buds, and if you don't like it, you can send it back....

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

you can do better than what your LGS is offering. take your time and look around some more.

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There's nowt so queer as folk

I bought one earlier this year at a LGS that was in better shape for $250. I think I would pass, and wait for either a better price, or one in better shape.

GrkPranksta69, I'm also in the area and was at Carolina Sporting Arms last weekend. It's right off South Blvd. They had a model 10 in much better condition with a lot more bluing left and the grips were in nicer shape.

Can't remember what they were asking but I think it was similar in price. Might not hurt to give them a call or stop by for a visit.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

I agree with you on the attributes of the Model 10. It is the epitome of reliability, simplicity, and has a certain functional and esthetic elegance.
I also agree with the other posters. Keep looking.
I bought one two weeks ago from a local LGS/police supply house that was about 90% for $300 and am very pleased.

Take a look at the post labelled"model10 should I get wood grips".
Looks like you two should get together.
Having dealt with Hyatt's, I have nothing bad to say
about them, and will do so again.
That particular gun would only go home with me if it
was another Kitgun. JMHO, and good luck.
TACC1

Grk,

I'm with Jack Flash on this one. Looking for a good Model 10 is like waiting for the city bus. If you miss one all you have to do is wait 20 minutes and another one will come around. Just last week I found this at at my LGS that looked a lot better. It was actually a Military and Police probably from '49 or '50. I paid $290 OTD.

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You guys aren't thinking like Kalifornians...

"Wow, look at that Model 10, and ONLY $300, what a steal..."

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"Sacramento" Bruce Conklin

Even if the mechanics are acceptable and bore/chambers OK,,I'd pass at $300 because it is a M10.
Much too common a revolver not to be able to find a better one for the price.,,,Maybe not in Cali though...
The outside condition is just too worn and battered for the price.

Awesome deal.

Last year I sold a model 10 in very good shape (bore almost new, just a little bluing worn on the trigger and hammer, mechanically 100%) for $300.

Now you tell me!!
Why didn't you say something sooner?

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Georgia On My Mind

This holds true here in Southern Maryland as well. You simply will not find a functional hand gun for less than $350.

Unless you happen to stumble upon someone who has inherited one and is so freaked out about having it in the house that they just wanted it gone...

The ad shows the weight to be 1.15 pounds. That's a little light for a steel frame model 10. It would be about right for a model 12 but it says that it has a steel frame. I'm confused.

Thanks for the advice, I passed by there and looked at it in person. Not so great as I thought it would've been for the money.

Thanks for the link, I'm thinking I may just go with one of these for the price they're looking at.

They may be a bit too high on some things, but they've been good overall to me.


I actually stopped by CSA yesterday and saw that they have a Hong Kong Police Model 10 that looks incredibly nice for almost the same exact money as this one. And it has the cool factor of being a foreign service weapon.