I may be buying a 10-6 that's in modestly tough shape on the outside (see pics). Asking price is $375. Wondering what I might do with it.

I could just shoot it and enjoy it (after replacing grips) chalking up the looks to honest wear.

Or I could??? Reblue it? Some trigger work? Other?

Wondering what the investment would be to reblue? I see a fella is Florida is asking $300+ and a 20+ month turn-around time!! (Five months?)

Is that the going rate? I'll be checking with the mother ship for their prices and turn around. And ask my local smith if he does bluing. Are there any other folks around someone might recommend.

And then I have to decide if putting 400 dollars or more into it is worth it. Won't have any collectors value I'm thinking, it'll just be a fine looking shooter. (My son's wife already has my good model 10, and I've got both a 1942 not Victory and 15-3, so I think I'm pretty covered in the K-frame category, so this isn't a necessity, but I do like those guns.)

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Buy it and shoot it. If you spend much at all to have it re blued it would have to be for your own pleasure as the only way you would ever get your money back is by inflation. $750 dollar refinished 10-6 prices are a ways off. A nice model 10 is about a $500 gun. An as new in box one might bring $750.

I have bought 6 10-6 and 7 frames missing barrels from J&G sales for $159 and $179 and am making them into project guns, 327 federals, a Smolt a fake model 13 pinto ect. One I just fitted a heavy 4" barrel on and called it good. I have blue solution and will eventually blue them. I enjoy tinkering with them. It wouldn't pay to do it for money.

I'd do what steelslaver wrote. And I'd use that $400 to go towards another, and possibly better, gun.

I've a couple 10-6's. One from '65 with original diamond magna's and it shows considerate holster wear in high spots. It's a guilt free shooter.

IMO, too much money for that condition. Look around some more and prove me right or wrong.

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Formerly Model520Fan

You have reached 1000 posts, buy it and celebrate. Value is dependent on your location, you might find a gun for less on gunbroker but add on shipping and fees, then not so much. I say buy it and 'choot it."

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Made it, Ma! Top of the world!

Yep, buy it and shoot it, don’t overspend on a reblue, enjoy it for what it is, a retired working gun.

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Life NRA, Life TSRA, C&R FFL

Not sure if I would pay $375 for that one, there are model 10s available for less, but I do like the pistol, that kind of shape is exactly what I like to shoot


Used Smith & Wesson Model 10-5 Revolver, .38 Special | Gander Outdoors

I would search for a less cosmetically challenged handgun.

^^^^^^^^
My thinking also.

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SWHF #595

Leave it alone (if it functions properly) and stick it in the glove box. That's what I did to the last 10-5 4" I bought for $300 . . .

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

Unless there is something about the gun that you really like, I would pass. That being said, I wanted a snub. My 1st 1. 10-5 2" RB. Got the gun for $329 shipped & insured. I knew that the grips were junk, and some finish issues. Boy, does it shoot well! I have dolled it up some. Mechanically sound. Bob

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I just rescued a Model 15-2 from a pawn shop for $225...It's a good shooter after some minor tweaking to cure the pushoff, but I can't stand to see the poor thing have to endure the shame of having no clothes on...It was practically naked after scrubbing the filth of years of neglect off...Even the broken grips were taped on...As its adoptive daddy, I can't afford the expense of hot bluing, but I'm taking it to my gunsmith today to discuss bead-blasting and Cerakote, maybe a deep gray or even gloss black...Then I'll treat it to a set of grips...Trust me, it can't look any worse......Ben

Clean it up and shoot it!

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Ed

Do not buy it! You will not be happy. You will regret the purchase every
time you look at it. Look around and find something better.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Offer $300 for it. If they accept, then you have a shooter. If they don't then you aren't out anything. Plenty of Model 10's, many in better shape, around.

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Only a cold warrior

Too high for a gun in that condition. I agree with the $300 max opinion. I would wait for a better one.

Do what my buddy Troy would tell you ... CHOOT IT !

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

I would pass on that one and keep looking. I recently purchased a beautiful condition 2" M&P SB for $450. They are out there in much better condition.

You don't have to buy it. I wouldn't. I've got this 13-3 earlier this year that is nearly mint. $400

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You mentioned a trigger job. The only way that .38 would be a buy for me at that price is if it already had an outstanding trigger.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

Do you know where you can get a cheaper one? It has been a while since I've saw a Colt or S&W in .38Spec. or bigger in good mechanical shape sell for less than $400. I have a M19-5 that I carry around the homestead and it looks worse than that gun but it shoots as good as when it was new. Larry

I just bought a Model 10-5, in a little better shape for $400, at a gun shop, but it was for my brother in law and he paid me the total of what I paid, so it was a no-brainer for me. But this is PA, I don't know what Washington prices are like, but I don't think that's toooo much at $375 as long as everything seems to work right. It will probably be a good shooter for as long as you can shoot it. I would at the very least check the right grip for the serial number; if it matches the gun, keep them in case you want to sell it, or whoever you pass it down to. It would really be nice for 375 that they include the paperwork.

Ya know what else? You could try to find an old holster for it & you could tell your buddies "Yeah, I got her new back in the sixties! (Or new in box in the '70s, I don't know how old you are so you'll have to do the math!) She's been with me ever since!" I would probably believe you!!

Keep Looking!! This isn't the revolver for you if the first question you ask is should I re-blue it...Add another hundred bucks and get one that is more to your liking, cosmetically.

Here's what $300 out the door got me for a 10-6 a couple years ago at a gun range store. Probably the only blued revolver under the roof. Practically speaking only holster wear. The stocks, which number to the gun, are in incredible shape.

I took these pics just now as I posted. It's my first floor house handgun most of the time.




I added the BK grip adapters.

I would say keep looking. I know prices are different in geographical areas and go up and down from time to time. I spent about 5 years looking for a nickel Model 10, 4" pinned standard barrel that was priced what I was willing to pay. The patience paid off 4 years ago. I bought this 1979 10-7 for $300 after negotiating (tagged price was $400). The nickel was a little dull but cleaned up nicely with Flitz and grips are not numbered to the revolver but are period correct. It has a tiny ding on the barrel. After pointing these out to the seller he took the $300. If you really want it offer the seller $275, bet he would take it.

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That was a former police gun, almost guaranteed. Buy it, get it lettered, maybe look for a period-correct grip adapter, and enjoy it. Any refinish would just kill the collector value, and nice Model 10s are boring

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Normally I would agree but in this case we are talking about the initial cost PLUS the cost of a reblue, and all the associated costs the latter entails (shipping/insurance both ways, possible FFL fees, ... )

Let's remember that we are talking about a very common revolver here, not a Triple Lock or a Registered Magnum. S&W made a lot of M10-6s, not to mention all the other M10-xs if the OP wants to expand the search a little.

So yes, you can find a better one for less total out of pocket.

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You're shy a few manners.

Just chiming in here, and I have some experience in this area. $375 plus the cost of even a very reasonable refinish (plus shipping, etc.) and 2 things will almost be certain.

1) You will likely have around $700-800 in a revolver not worth even close to that amount because it’s a refinish.

2) You can take that same amount and get a really nice revolver with equal or greater value if you shop wisely.

Been there, done that, got the t-shirt, do yourself a favor and go buy something else...or talk them down to about $300, clean her up, and have a decent shooter.

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Danny
SWCA #3370 - SWHF #672

This question is asked over and over by potential buyers. If you are buying it to shoot then condition really doesn't matter. A new paint job won't make it shoot any better.

If you do refinish it, you have destroyed any collector value so again it is just a shooter. Those stocks can probably be cleaned up and look a whole lot better. If you aren't sure how to do the work, there are several folks on this forum that can make those babies shine.

As others have said, if you don't like the condition, don't buy it. Take the money that you would pay for the gun, add to that the cost of the work that you want to do and look for a better gun in that price range. You will be much happier, you won't have to send the gun out and wait 6 months to get it back and you can be shooting it now.

If you are looking for a truck gun then buy this one and don't worry about the finish as long as it shoots where you point it.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Just to add to the cacophony of opinions:

Firearm Plating -Mahovsky's Metalife

If you can negotiate the price a bit lower ($300-$350) and wait for its return (probably 6 months), you could have a very nice (reliable, corrosion resistant and hopefully accurate) handgun for a reasonable price (~ $500) and with the satisfaction of having saved an ugly gun from the dustbin of obscurity.

I'd do what ever I wanted with no regret. It's fun fixing up guns and making them just how you want. Not much "collector value" on that gun anyhow.

Parkerize that 10-6 and shoot it.

I would leave it as it is. Just think of all the shifts that it rode in A Police Officers holster. All the buildings searched, All the Traffic Stops made, and all the Domestic disputes it went on. It was there and done it all before Political correctness were ever thought of. Just think of the stories it could tell if it could talk. To refinish it would be to diminish it and to diminish the Police Officer that carried it. Along with all the sacrifices that that Police Officer made during his or her career. Just my humble opinion.

Everything you say is true, and I feel the same way. If you do a nice refinish, maybe a trigger/action job by a competent gunsmith, and treat her to a new set of grips...that pretty gun will still have all those stories under her belt. The only thing better is if you then returned it to the officer as a gift.

Me and a buddy have two old M10's at a gunsmith getting the full boat. Cut to 3" & crowned, gold beads, trigger/action, bluing, case color hardening parts, chamfered and so forth. Spending more than I'll admit here since I was laughed at in an old thread. I'm excited like a little kid though and nothing wrong with supporting your local 'Smith! Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday: Drop something of at your gunsmith.

You know you straight stole that!

There’s a bunch of YouTube videos on at home rust blueing...

I have a couple of guns I’ve pondered doing that to.

I’m very good with the metal work and polish. But, never had a way to reblue...

May try it.

Clean it up and shoot it as is. It is one of my very favorite S&W revolvers and a wonderful gun. You could add a BK adapter if needed.

I would just clean it, shoot it, repeat.

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Pine_Worker
Ex-LEO, NRA Life

I'd save your money or look for a law enforcement surplus bargain like this one that at least has some history and would probably be in better shape for about the same money. The one you are looking at looks pretty scruffy and the so-so stocks came from a way earlier revolver. For me, not even worthy to be a shooter when you can do better.
John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

I would buy it, and leave it as is. Always good to have a beater.

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Nemo Me Impune Lacesset

Leave it as is.
It all depends on which State you live in, as to gun ownership and what you can do with your firearm's.
Now,go buy a Model 19 Smith&Wesson.
Your Model 10 makes a nice car or truck hand gun.

Go shoot it now. Get used to it.
It is not fancy, collectible, nothing special, so you can go shoot the dickens out of it, and then you will probably get to love it.
Depends on where you live and what you do as to whether you can keep it in your pick-up or car,, or carry it, etc.
So,,,there you have it.
When I lived in Texas, gun ownership was respected and obtaining carry permits was easy.
My wife of 57 years wanted to live in the same town as our grown children, so we moved to Bishop, CA.
My past full career was the Federal armed Ranger out here in the National Forest. That is exactly why I am here with Donna.
I am too old and crippled up too much to have done anything else.
I do miss Texas,though.
I still wear my Class of '60 AGGIE ring though!
That's Texas A&M for those who may not be anointed.

If you want it buy it. I bought a 10-5 from a member here a few months ago that's in better shape for 375.00 and he paid shipping but I also had to pay 35.00 for FFL fees. The only extra money I would put into it is for ammo.

My wife has an affinity for big revolvers, they just suit her I found a 10-5 that was very well used but in good shape for about $350, plus shipping and fees. I like it and furthermore she likes it, as it.

Check out Gunbroker.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

My wife has an affinity for big revolvers (not J frames), they just suit her I found a 10-5 that was very well used but in good shape for about $350, plus shipping and fees. I like it and furthermore she likes it, as is.

Check out Gunbroker.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

Shoot it!!! Picked up a Model 10 can't remember the dash # and I am not going to wake up the wife to look at it. Have had it for 10 or 12 years, really looked bad but it was IIRC $150. Came out of a DOC trade in and there were numbers vibro-peened into the frame just under the cyl release. Really ugly but a super trigger and very accurate. Nothing wrong with a gun like this if you want a good shooter. I remember they had two of these and after shooting mine I went back to get the other one but it was gone. Jim.

Mine is a 4 inch and was originally bought for my wife but she liked my 6 inch M&P better so I traded her.