I am not what I would call a S&W collector, but I do appreciate a nice revolver. I am looking at getting into PPC shooting, and will be shooting the Gov's 10 in a week. This time, I will be shooting my department issued gun, but have always been facinated with match revolvers. It just so happens that I also met a guy who purchased the remains of a gunsmiths shop. while going through his stuff, I located 2 aristocrat ribs (1 4", 1 6") and two heavy barrels that appear to be for smiths. One is in great shape, while the other needs some work and to be shortened. I only have 4 smiths, a M&P 340 snub (backup for work), a model 19 (wont be touched because it was my grandfathers), a model 53(wont be touched because it was my other grandfathers), and a brand new 3" RB model 10 in the box. I have been trying to find out some info about the model 10, but have not found another one in that condition. Would it be more prudent to sell the 3" and buy a different gun, or is the model 10 that I have not anything special. Thanks for any help, nick

IMHO:

I would keep the S&W Model 10 3" RB Model. They are not as common as other config. Especially NIB

I'd buy a S&W Model 64 K-Frame from JGSales as the platform to build off:
Revolver

Have a great one

Hi Nick,
I would think you could find a good solid builder K frame for 250.00-300.00 pretty easy.
Years ago I tried to get Ron Power to build me a PPC gun. He was backed up at the time and advised me to buy the tools and take a shot at it myself. He did offer to advise me but, all in all, it was a pretty easy undertaking.
There are any number of books and videos now that will guide you through the action and rebarreling. I ended up building quite a few and did them with out machine tools other than a drill press.
I did not find it difficult to get them to shoot well and live long.
Read all you can about it and if you think you can handle it you will find it a worthwhile, rewarding project.
Best of luck.
Mike