I have a ton of 40 caliber, and I don't shoot 40 cal semi autos. But I do love my revolvers... So I thought a 10mm/40 revolver would be a perfect fit. I did plenty of online research and the 610 seems to get good reviews. Only thing I don't like is the lack of a fiber optic sight and the large size. An N scale seems to be an overkill for that round ? I know Ruger males their own version which is a tad smaller and has a fiber optic sight but I think it just looks kind of ugly. Anyone have any thoughts ? Oh, and the search feature doesn't seem to work on my smart phone...


Thanks,

I don't have a 610 but I do have a 4" N frame in .45ACP. Whether light target loads or 900'/sec big boy loads, the N frame handles it with ease. Since you didn't mention carrying this revo, I would suggest the 610. You can load light or go big time and not worry about shaking it apart or busting up a forcing cone. Have you spent any time with .357 mag full house loads in a K/L frame? It stops being fun real quick. Go with the N frame. YMMV

Thanks. I do have a 686 +P that I shoot .357 out of. I really do like that size. But it wouldn't be for carrying so maybe the bigger size isn't really an issue then.

If you want to shoot .40 out of a S&W revolver then the 610 is your only option. The 610 is virtually the same size and weight as a .44 Mag 629. It is a big gun, no getting around it, but a pleasure to shoot if the size is not a problem for your application. It can be had in both the 4 and 6 inch barrel versions.

And now the good news: the 610 comes with an interchangeable front sight. The factory sight is a black ramp but this sight is easily removed and replaced without tools or any gunsmithing. (Well, you might want a pair of pliers to grip the sight but that's about all.) Replacement sights, including fiber optics, are readily available at places like Midway, etc., but be sure to get the ones made for the interchangeable front sight.

You can switch the front sight to whatever you want.
Remember the 10mm is close to a .41 magnum in ballistics, way more than the .357. I have an L frame .40 S&W (sometimes called the 10mm short and weak), but no way will it handle the 10mm cartridges.
Some people ream out the 610 to 10mm wildcat magnums, and they really put 10mm slugs downrange.

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Science plus Art

Unfortunately S&W hasn't seen fit to put the 10mm Auto in the L-frame yet for us so we're stuck with just the N-frame option, but it's not a bad one.

Since the new M69 L-frame can handle the 44 Magnum then the 10mm Auto will be a snap in one.

I've got a 4" & I don't think it's size is overkill. Heck, people (myself included) love the N-frame .357.

As mentioned, the front sight is easily changed. I went with a red ramp though I have fiber front sights on some of my other revolvers.

I converted mine to 10mm Magnum. That gives you true 41 Magnum power.

Then you can shoot three different cartridges in it, if you like.

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Waiting for the break of day

I am a fan of the 610 because I like the 10mm and 40 S&W cartridges, the 610 gives me the flexibility to shoot both. I chose the 610-1 Classic because it has the interchangeable front sight, unfluted cylinder and 6.5” barrel for hunting and or range play. I like the 5” 610 no dash, but it doesn’t have the interchangeable front sight.

I like the idea of putting the 10mm/40 S&W in an L frame, but I prefer a steel cylinder, the 646 had a Ti cylinder. Moreover, the current production 610 can be had with a one piece 4” full lug barrel while the L frame 69 has a two piece barrel that I don’t find attractive. To my eye the two piece barrels look cheap.

If you can swallow the lock, I’d be all over a new 4” 610.

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213th FBINA

The 10mm is nowhere close to a 41 Magnum nor is it way more than a 357 Magnum. In fact at it's best the 10mm equals the 357 Magnum. The tales 10mm fans have convinced themselves of never ceases to amuse me...

I think you meant to say that the 10MM Auto is nowhere close to the 41 Magnum

That Urban legend was started with an article by John Taffin on the 10MM Magnum cartridge, not the 10MM Auto.

I forget how many decades ago it was published, but his conclusion was "Anything the .41 Magnum can do, the 10 Magnum can also do and perhaps do it even a little faster and a little better. That is a tough confession for an old sixgun man to make."

So just as your post failed to identify which 10MM cartridge you were talking about, folks that read the article tended to forget it was about the 10MM Magnum and just made the same mistake talking about the 10MM article .

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"Acta non verba"

S&W also made a M646. That is an L frame 40 S&W. The OP said he has a lot of 40. He did not say he wants to shoot 10mm anything.

I wanted a 646, but couldn't find one at a price I could afford, so made my own out of a 686. It's like a 3/4 size 625 45ACP. I shoot it a lot for IDPA matches, and love it. I put on my fiber optic sights front and rear. That makes it ideal for indoor ranges and other low light situations.

You can't shoot 10mm auto or magnum in a 646, but then I don't want to anyway. I have other 357 and 44 magnums for hot loads.

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protocalldesign.com

Nobody thinks 10mm Magnum when anyone on the planet writes 10mm. So no I'm not incorrect by anything I stated, and it still remains correct. But if trying to state there's confusion by me not separating the 10mm Auto from a caliber 99% of the people on here don't even know exists makes you feel better, good for you.

WOW, I really struck a sore spot with you

There is no cartridge called the 10MM, so what you said still remains inaccurate, but if it makes you feel better to be wrong then who are we to correct you

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"Acta non verba"

I agree with the previous poster. When someone says 10mm everyone but you knows exactly what they mean. Its like someone saying "car" and your asking if they meant "horseless carriage" or the type pulled by a horse.

The 10mm Magnum is such a small, niche cartridge you need to specify if that is what you mean. And in terms of this discussion S&W has never produced a gun in 10mm magnum. Nor has any other major manufacturer.

Nothing wrong with the 10mm magnum if you like customized guns chambered in wildcat cartridges. But most shooters have never seen a gun chambered in it and never will.

Dave,
If you go back and read the post that got uncleted327 all bent out of shape, you will see that I am trying to explain the origin of "the 10MM is as powerful as the 41 Magnum" myth

You have made my point, when Taffin wrote that article about the 10MM Magnum, people ignored the word Magnum and associated all of his comments to the 10MM Auto cartridge.

Then all it had to do was circulate around the Internet for a decade or so and POOF, "the 10MM is as powerful as the 41 Magnum" becomes common knowledge.

Is it fair to say that you do not consider AMT to be a Major Manufacturer?

The 10MM Magnum was created for one of the AMT Auto Mags

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"Acta non verba"

As the OP here, I was only looking at this revolver due to my large amount of 40 that I have no use for anymore. I wish that made that revolver in an L frame but I guess I should be happy there is any option at all for a 40 caliber recover. I read the Ruger version doesn't even take 40 well in it. I think I'll be picking one up sometime in the near future

If it matters to anyone, I made the original post using the generic "10mm" intentionally, and in fact made reference specifically to the 10mm magnum later in the same post. What I was trying to point out was that in the "10mm caliber" or bore size, there are 3 cartridges (.40 S&W, 10mm Auto, and 10mm Magnum), and the S&W 610 can be chambered for all 3. Most of my fellow Oklahoma shooters that have a Model 610 have done so, and I have fired all 3 in their 610s. (see post 6).
I almost bought a 610, but instead bought a S&W 646 (when S&W was making them) for use in IDPA. The 646 only chambers .40 S&W, being a lighter L frame.
As to 10mm not being precisely .41 caliber and 10mm magnum not being exactly the same as .41 magnum, I know that, but who cares?
The OP asked "school me on the 610".

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Science plus Art

The 646 is a S&W L frame 40 S&W. It holds 6 rounds and uses moonclips.

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protocalldesign.com

Too bad that isn't made anymore. The 610 will do. With the larger size too bad the 610 couldn't have squeezed in a 7th round. I guess the 10mm is just too big for that ?

You'll probably be quite happy with a 610. I have two and I love them. The first one was a 5' version made in the early '90s, and then about a year or so ago, I got a 4".

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Let's be careful out there

Do you notice any real difference in recoil? I am also contemplating a 610 and keep going back and forth between the 4 and 6" versions. The 5" version seems to be a bit rare and I do not believe are they are in production as of the present time.

If you have the money, a S&W 310NG will solve the weight problem for you.

I too have tons of 40s&w and not too many guns I enjoy shooting it out of. I work for one of the best LE agencies in my land and they will never dump the 40s&w. They will have to run me off from this place; my free flowing 40 is likely to continue for a long time.

I have always wanted a 610. I picked up a 625 right before the 610 was reintroduced. I may actually still get a 610 though because I was recently told no more 1911 S/A duty weapons. A 1911 or two may get sacrificed.

I don’t know why people say the 10mm is equal to a 41 mag nor do I understand why they also say it is equal to a 357 mag. The truth is a 40s&w is pretty equal to a 357. Both launch 180gr bullets 1000fps or a 155-165 about 1200fps. Of course there are some boutique examples of all; I’m just talking mass produced major manufacturers. Your average 10mm of the same manufacturer is about 15% hotter is all. Where 41 mag shines is bullet weights and handloads. Getting 700ft/lbs of energy out of a 4” 41 mag is not too hard. It’s nearly impossible with a Glock M20 or M40, and about the heaviest bullet is 210grains if you hand load.

It may not be your thing, but I had a Charter Arms Pitbull in 40 that was pretty darn nifty. They are built in the Bulldog frame and could be found for $350ish before the panic. It was accurate, strong, reliable, but it felt like shooting a 357 j frame. A few rounds a trip was ok but it would take me a year to shoot a case of 40 with the Pittbull. One of my best friends shot it and talked me out of it.

Recoil is just about the same with both lengths. This might sound a bit strange, but I actually felt less recoil with the 610 than I did with my 625 and the math tells me that this cannot be.

When I got my 5" in the early 90's there were just the 5" and the 6" made. Now it is the 4" and the 6.5".

What I wish is that if S&W ever makes the Mountain Guns again is that they include the 10mm.

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Let's be careful out there

Excellent post. The 310NG is the perfect fit, whether one believes 10mm is equal to or greater than 41 Magnum, 357 Magnum, blah, blah, blah... The OP was inquiring about a S&W 40S&W projectile launching device...

The 610 lying around here somewhere is vintage 6". Just saw the new 4" version at the local store and it is a tempting addition. The 5" is pretty darn hard to find and I'd jump on one of those if the price was below the stratosphere. Can personally recommend the 610 as accurate, and great for shooting both 10mm and 40S&W. I roll my own 10mm to levels that approach unsafe and unsound, or at least max loads, and the 610 can handle every load I've tested with it. Will probably be the easiest and least expensive route for the OP.

Now back to the 310NG... Was at the local store over the weekend and chatting with the guy there, was saying how back in 2008, the case we were standing in front of was full of one of each model Night Guards they made and they had inventory in the back. I kick myself to this day for not grabbing a 310NG, actually should have bought one of each! Well, a 386NG showed up and seeing as how I may never have a 310NG in reach, I grabbed the 386NG like a fat kid on a candy bar. Oops, can I say that here?

And the Charter Arms? They work but in my opinion aren't as aesthetically pleasing as the S&W offerings.

Looks like a 610 is about a grand and a .40 Bulldog is $350ish.

I think I'd get a Bulldog .40 and see if I even like a .40 wheel gun

He stated “ I converted mine to 10mm Magnum. That gives you true 41 Magnum power. ”

Thanks. I never even knew there was such a thing as a .40 Bulldog. I’ll check it out... But my original intent on getting the 610 was to have a nice plinking revolver for the large amount of .40 I currently have no use for. Is that Charter Arms something I could comfortably for an hour long range session? Seems kind of small, but ill do some online research on it...

I have a .40 Bulldog in my collection that I haven't fired. I'll get a pic up later. If your'e in the Tampa Bay area we can try it out sometime.

While I was in Tampa for spring training this year, I live in NJ but thanks for the offer. From my quick research on the bulldog it seems like the 610 would be a better fit...

Understood, sir. I'll bust out the 'dog tomorrow and at least compare and contrast to a .357 N.

Anyone ever considered converting a Charter Arms into 10mm? And I think it’s the Pitbull, not the Bulldog.

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

You have sparked my interest in a conversion sir... did you do this your self?

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This is the way....

Yes, I've been building my own custom S&W revos since the early 80's. I built a 4" and a 6". I bought the 4" barrel from someone who was getting a custom (longer) barrel on their 646, just lucky to find it. Then sent out a 6" 686 barrel and had it rebored and rifled to 40 cal. It still says 357 on the side, so I need to fix that one of these days. Bought a custom chamber reamer from Manson and reamed the cylinders to 40 S&W and cut them for moonclips. Did action jobs and fiber optics front and rear.

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protocalldesign.com

Groo here
Got my Gp100 10mm before S&W brought back the 610.
As the Gp100 is a might large to be 357 the 10mm is about perfect.
The N frame being a little small for a 44 mag, the 41 is about perfect.
The M-69 wound be a Great 41 mag , but makes a Nice 44 spec..
We always seem to want to want to mismatch the frame to the round.

The 40 S&W in an L frame doesn't seem like a mismatch at all to me. I have shot mine quite a bit, so have some history with them, not just wishful thinking.

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protocalldesign.com

There is a reasonably priced Taurus 405 on gunbroker right now. They don’t come around very often.

Don't fret about Unclete327. He's just exhibiting the well-documented '10mm Butthurt.'

Okay, dear, point to where the hurt is. Mommy will soothe it.

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I shot a 6" 610 at a demo event just before the 'rona. It is the first S&W with a lock that I was actually tempted to buy. If I hadn't just given away all my .40 ammo, empty brass and dies, I probably would have closed my eyes, bought it and invested in a plug. As it was I found a great deal on a 629-2 Mountain Revolver a month later.

The 610 with 10mm (Auto, so as not to provoke anyone) feels like .38 Special (not S&W, Super or Long Colt) +P in my 28, so I'm betting .40 S&Ws would feel like midrange wadcutters - in other words, pleasant plinking.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

I would love a 610 but I have never shot one. I’m shocked to hear they feel like warm 38s in a N frame. Keep in mind, a lot of 10mm isn’t any hotter than 40s&w. My observation in a 40 pittbull was that .40 in the gun felt like a warm to hot 357mag in model 60.

My other comparison is Remington 10mm, which is pretty warm for bulk big three ammo, in a 40 oz 5” 1911 feels like shoot 45acp in a lightweight commander. I own both of these guns and shoot them all the time.

I have a 610 with the 3&7/8” barrel and while it is an N frame, it balances nicely and is not particularly heavy. One plus is that the moon clips that Smith supplies do not require a tool to load and unload....... very easy with just your fingers. You can shoot full power 10mm to light 40 S&W. Mine likes 200 gr Zero jtc’s loaded to just over 1000fps. Easy shooting in that N frame and accurate.

Thanks for the the info. I just went ahead and ordered one online for $799.99 shipped. I didn't want to wait any longer before things started to sell out or go up in price. Anyway, the revolver comes with 3 moon clips. I would like to get more. And ones in particular I should get ? And should I buy any kind of tool to extract the spenr casings from them easier ? Never used moom clips before...

TK Custom Everything you'll need

Moonclips & Moon Clip Accessories - TK Custom[]=1&sortby=

For casual use, or informal range time, I like the polymer Rimz. Easily loaded/unloaded by hand for on-demand use.

Alternately the rounds can be fired without any moonclips & the empties easily extracted with a flick of your finger using your fingernail.

I've shot hundreds & hundreds of rounds (even 10mm MAG) w/o moonclips & no problems as long as the brass is within SAAMI (length) specs.

The metal moonclips are fine too.

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Waiting for the break of day

Bought one Saturday, Looking forward to shooting it. Have 2k rounds of 40s&w, 10mm hard to find...

For me the 40 is harder to find

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213th FBINA

I had one. I sold it because it was pointless to have an intermediate cartridge between 357 and 44. Better to get a 44 and download 44 Magnum or use hot 357. All are commercially available.

10mm is a great round in a revolver. I think it's just nice to have one or two.

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If everything had to have a point, we would all still be shooting 45LC and 30-30 win.....Had a Glock 37 for awhile and thought the 45GAP was a fine round but it was D.O.A....but then i've always been a little "contrary to ordinary"....LOL

Sounds like the OP might enjoy a 646.
It balances beautifully, like all L-frames do.
I can’t speak to recoil impulse, because this sample is unfired.
I like that it is drilled & tapped - a nice red dot could be fun...

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Regards,
-MrMoose

I love the forty caliber for many reasons, among them, excellent defensive round, compact, light recoil (snappy, uh, ... yes), won't kill your ear drums if you have to shoot it without ear protection, etc.

I recently picked up a 610-2 LH to shoot along with my performance center 646. I have a ton of .40 cal bought during the Cali ammo scare (pre covid).

The 646 PC is my favorite revolver of all, but now I can shoot 10mm as well with 610 once the ammo becomes reasonably available.

The 610 with the N frame and unfluted cylinder handles the .40 recoil with ease, though I still prefer the light L frame "quickness of the PC 646 with titanium cylinder (plus 7/8" more "skeletonized" barrel).

I always wanted a 610 and I'm very fortunate to have the best of both worlds with it's versatility.

Sorry about the crummy photos, but it gives a comparison of the frame/cylinder side by side (At a recent range appearance). Oh, I use the BMT L40 & N40 moonclip loaders.

http://

http://

To answer your original-question; the 610's are burly field-revolvers.
They give you the option/alternative to shoot both 10mm, and .40 S&W.
Most folks who own 610's are usually 10mm mavens; who collect handguns chambered for this round. Typically, they own/acquire S&W's 10xx-series of autos: 1006, 1026, 1046, 1066, 1075, and 1086 pistols. Not to mention: a plethora of other pistols like the Bren Ten, Glock, or 1911's. I have 1911's in my case, chambered for the 10mm. A S&W SDVE in .40 S&W also; sits on my dresser. It's nice, to have a lot of versatility cartridge-wise in this day, and age. The Smith revolvers give a better-trigger in my opinion, over the Ruger Match Champion. Having a straight forty revolver is also, a nice-option. I own four revolvers chambered in autopistol cartridges, and like them all. You can either load-up your own rounds, or opt to carry heavier-loads when afield. Since, the big N-frame will handle the recoil. You should have alot of fun with your new revolver.