Gentlemen,

While in a local pawn shop today looking at another gun (Ruger Blackhawk 45LC/45ACP convertible), I noticed a model 10-8 heavy barrel in the display case.

It has a (very) rough finish and incorrect grips (Hogue rubber), but the action is SMOOTH as glass, both double and single action, and the trigger pull is great.

I can probably get the gun for $250 or less (because of the rough finish), so I was kicking around using it for a 38 Special target gun, maybe even putting a dot sight or scope on it (after having it drilled and tapped, of course).

So, my question is, what sort of accuracy at 25 yards are others getting from a 10-8 HB with target ammo (148gr WC)?

The main thing that draws me to this rough one, despite it's external condition, is the action/trigger pull. It would make target work a joy. Of course, I would do my due diligence to ensure that the action is sound before purchase, but it seems to be solid. The action on this one is so nice, I would probably do a low cost refinish if I buy it.

All thoughts appreciated. The gun isn't going anywhere for awhile.

Thanks

TRE

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Fine guns and fine smokes.

My Model 10-10 pretty much shoots ragged hole groups at 25 yards off sand bags with 148 grain wadcutters. The action and trigger are superb. Stock fixed sights. I've pretty much given up shooting off a rest once I get the load dialed in. That's cheating and doesn't make you a better shot. With optics, the sky is the limit.

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Some collect art; I shoot it!

Just a word of caution: take the grips off and look at the strain screw. Triggers that are too good make me suspicious.

A pic is worth 1,000 words. Rust/pitting? If it's "rough" on the outside, there's a chance it's rough on the inside as well. 250$ is a good price ??? if it's serviceable & only cosmetic. My 4" 10-6 HB is an accurate favorite, & great for 1st timers/ women (not too heavy) & everyone that's shot it so far.

HB 10s were the "meat and potatoes" for service weapon accuracy for years and Smith and Wesson deserves many Kudos for producing this variation to the old Model 10. Very accurate weapon!

I own a bunch of Smiths in all of the frame sizes. The smoothest and most accurate one is my heavy barreled 10-8 Twin Falls PD trade in that cost every bit of $120.

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“What you got, ain’t new.”

If you can live with finish "as is" I think you will be happy. Most K frames will shoot better than the person holding them. Buy it Care for it. And be happy for the rest of your life! (It is going to last at least that long)

As an aside: Most of us know Bill Jordon (Of Border Patrol/ NRA/ exhibition shooter fame) as the "Father" of the Model 19. But many do not know that he did the bulk of his exhibition shooting with a slicked up model 10 HB.(At least most of the stuff that appeared on TV)

Thanks everyone for the replies.

The finish is just rough and faded, no pitting that I noticed (will look closer if I do a deal on it), looks like it has been carried a lot.

I've owned and shot more than few K frames in my misspent life, current favorites in the safe are a 19 and a 15, but others are in there, so I love the K frames. In my opinion, for MY uses, there is no more perfect handgun than a K frame Smith. My M19 will do anything I need of a handgun where I live (2 legged or 4).

This old horse just "speaks" to me, due to the smoothness of the action. I'll probably drop by on Monday for a closer look.

TRE

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Fine guns and fine smokes.

You can't get much rougher than my 10-8. It is one of my best and favorite shooters.



It shoots pretty good too.

Paid $267 for it with the original stocks.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

I have a 10-8 HB and it is one of my best shooters. Buy it and keep it as it is. The 10-8 does not need any extra do dads to be accurate as long as you do your part. Mine will shoot right along with my 6" Colt Python any day of the week.

I am a big fan of K-frames, and I think a cosmetically challenged but mechanically sound model 10 makes a great shooter. Almost all K-frame revolvers are capable of excellent accuracy with good ammo, and I would be very happy to acquire a model 10 for $250.

However, I would offer a caution about putting a red dot on it. I am not sure you will find any desirable way to attach an optic. There are quality optics mounts available for K-frames with adjustable sights. But I am not aware of any very satisfactory way to add an optics rail to a fixed sight model 10.

If you drill and tap an older revolver with adjustable sights, then the holes go under the sight, and if you put the adjustable sight back, everything looks fine. With a fixed sight model 10, I am not aware of rails that are designed to go on top of the fixed sights. And if you ever took the rail off, there would be no way to make the top of the gun look right.

For the price and condition you described, I would get the model 10 and shoot it the way it is.

Well used former duty guns can have incredibly smooth actions .

Once upon a decade I maintained and shot a decent percentage of a mixed herd of well worn .38 duty revolvers . My mental par score for K frames was 1.5in @ 25yds ( 2 hand braced, known good ammo). I once was issued an M15 with 0% finish, that shot 1.0inch . If any aproached 2.0, would likely be deeply borderline timing, or ugly crown.

A green laser grip will give you a single, adjustable aiming point that is visible to at least 25 yards in any light without requiring any extra holes in the gun. You can continue to use the factory sights if/when desired, and you can probably use your "regular" holsters, too.

I'd get something with adj. sights.