Model 10-5 Nickel

[JSticks]

For me buying an online auction firearm is always a bit exciting. No matter what the description is and the photos show, you never really know what you bought until it arrives. You hope for the best, but don't really expect it. Well I think I was fortunate with my recent purchase of a nickel Model 10-5.

It was listed with the following photos:







The auction had been pretty much ignored. Perhaps because the item was listed as a Smith & Wesson .38 Special, rather than a Model 10 nickel. The narrative said it was in good condition. So I thought what the heck if I can get a standard barrel Model 10 for around $160 no matter what shape its in I could get it running and let my son use it. Well, as auctions go, others seemed to have a similar idea, but I outlasted them with a final bid of $190.00, plus shipping.

I picked up the Model 10 from my FFL today. I was pleased. Here are some pictures. It has not been polished. This is the way it arrived from the seller. You may note that the side plate screws are oriented differently than in the listing. My FFL said it was bone dry so he took the plate off to lubricate it.








The S/N is C 9245XX. I'm thinking it is an early Bangor Punta model form the mid 1960's. Maybe somebody would be able to help with the date of manufacture?

[murphydog]

Two lessons for me from this:

Nice find and good for you taking a chance on it.

And the seller lost out on an extra $100-150 for not posting a decent description and photos. The ones on the listing make the sideplate look tarnished, or rusted.

[gmborkovic]

Hello Mr. Sticks, great find! and a great shooter.

[Narragansett]

I make it out to be 66/67. Nice find and nice price for a good looking 50 YO gun!

[kobsw]

I'll take it for $300.

Damn...... That is a really nice looker and be more than elated to have that in my collection.

Congrats,

Kobsw

[MajorD]

I was the other bidder! Glad you got it. Still on the hunt for a cheap beater model 10!

[JSticks]

Thank you for all the comments and year of manufacture. MajorD you were very close to winning the auction! I was bidding above what I had set as a limit. Looking at the seller's pictures, I thought at the very least I would be spending hours with Mothers Mag Polish cleaning the tarnish and yellow stain. I don't know how they took the listing pictures.

I really don't think this piece had been shot much at all. The fitter's 50 year old barrett file strokes are still sharp and clear on the ratchet faces.

[shouldazagged]

I agree with MurphyDog. The seller diddled himself out of a decent chunk of cash, to your great advantage.

That is a beauty. I love the standard barrel, both for aesthetics and balance.