Arthritis and Concealed Carry, An Argument for the Model 10

I like large calibers. My standard CCW is a full power 10mm Underwood 180gr Bonded HP. I've even been known to carry a 41 Magnum Night Guard or my Model 69 44 Magnum.

A couple months ago my fingers and wrists began swelling and hurting. After a multitude of tests about 2 weeks ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Now fortunately, my Doctor believes he can get me in to remission within 3 to 6 months (there doesn't appear to be any damage to my joints yet). That said there are some days I get up and can barely brush my teeth from the sharp pain. I can tell you it is an exhausting sharp and throbbing pain. Because of the pain I cannot easily rack a slide to chamber a round in a Semi-Auto nor is it comfortable to hold. Occasionally tendonitis kicks in making it hard to stead anything above shoulder level. The recoil and flip of the Semi-Auto is a little tough to manage.

So I began thinking about my options for CCW. What could I carry that has low enough recoil, concealable under a vest or shirt, and I didn't have to rack a slide or "slam" a magazine into? As I stared into my safe it dawned on me that the 10-6 my father used and I later carried for a time as a bodyguard (it was a requirement at the time) would fit the bill perfectly.

I never qualified less than expert with it. It never failed to fire. It is extremely accurate (I just watched the part 2 of Hickok45's Model 10 video and it is the first time I don't think I saw him miss a shot). And stacked with Underwood's 158r +P LSWCHP "FBI Load" produces good energy and reliable expansion. Recoil is on a different "axis" and for me is easier to tolerate.

No, the 38 Special isn't the most popular today but is still effective with good shot placement. I am ambidextrous and always practiced with both hands but when the arthritis is in both hands it doesn't really matter.

The Model 10 in it's many iterations goes bang every time. I can easily reload it (even when my hands are swollen and can't otherwise easily rack a slide) with a speed loader. I have an IWB leather/kydex holster for my K/L frames that fits it great. It is very comfortable to carry.

On days that I feel good, I'll carry my 10mm. But on those achy days I will happily carry my Model 10-6 Heavy 4" BBL and feel well protected. With its light recoil and all my experience with it, I can still put all 6 in the X-Ring out to 15 yards.

Sounds like a good plan. Good luck in bringing the arthritis under control.

I really can't answer the question about if you can still get X Ring hits with your M10, but see no reason not to carry that weapon if you still shoot it accurately. My M10 snub is mostly for home defense but if I had to carry it I'd do so absent any reservation.

Been there...RA hit me 22 years ago next month. I have been blessed to be in remission(using some amazing drugs) pretty much of the last 21 years.That first year was hell until we found the right drug.
I can tell you, until you get it under control, ANY recoil will pain your wrists/elbows/shoulders like you can't believe.
I pray that your doctor will prescribe the correct meds.

Arthur, Itis, and I

P33v3 said:

But on those achy days I will happily carry my Model 10-6 Heavy 4" BBL and .

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I retired at 62 in 2013 because of arthritis pain, just using hand tools was too hard. I carry a 4" Model 10 in a plain belt holster on my hip. Open carry is legal in Tennessee if you have a CC license. Sometimes I wear a loose button up shirt to soften the look for the sheeple. At the risk of being "kicked out of the club" I even have one I put a Houge rubber grip on, and man it is easy to hold onto on bad days. Better living thru chemistry helps a lot also. Getting by ok for now. Young people think they are tough, just wait!

I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis about eight years ago. At one point, it went after my wrists. Thanks to good treatment, things are good for now. Look into Remicade or a similar treatment. Oh, I occasionally carry a 10-5 with a 2" barrel. Great revolver. Best of luck.

The pain is real in the hands and wrist. I'll have to drop the +P's soon. But I'm hoping I can still handle the J frame as a carry gun.

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 16 years ago. I have a good doctor and he has kept it in remission for most of the time. If you the symptoms under control, there is no reason you can't carry whatever you want until a flare up occurs. Don't make any harsh decisions until you are sure your symptoms have smoothed out. I carry a 9mm Shield, a 380 Bodyguard, a Colt Cobra 38 special. When I have a flare up, I carry the Bodyguard. The rest of the time, I carry whatever I want. Hope your condition gets better.

Model 10 is the designation for the S&W Military & Police Model of the hand ejector series tracing its roots to about 1896 or so. Medium (K) frame, modest weight, extremely reliable, minimal training time to proficiency, minimal maintenance requirements, and chambered for a proven cartridge with plenty of effective ammo selections readily available. I just don't see why the Model 10 requires any argument, pro or con! A very well proven choice for personal defense.

I will never feel less than well armed with either my 3" Model 10 or 2" Model 64 (stainless variant). Both are great side arms.

My arthritis is of the osteo-variety, not rheumatoid. Moderate discomfort under some circumstances, but not debilitating. I wish you well on your treatment program.

I carry a S&W Model 60 2" 38cal.& love it! Only prob.I have is I can't shoot it as accurately as my Clock 30s or my Kimber ! There IS a good side ...I get to go shooting more to make sure I will eventually shoot as accurate as the others!It will happen!!
Jim

PV33, I feel your pain. I have developed osteoarthritis over the years. For now mostly in my off (left) hand. But doc says it is likely to show up other places. I have good days and bad ones. About the time that happened, my wife decided she needed to carry. As she is very recoil sensitive and can't rack the slide on anything larger then a .22LR, we had to find a suitable weapon. After a long search, we decided on a snubbie in .32H&R magnum. Unfortunately the only current manufacturer is Charter Arms. We went with the "Undercoverette". My wife loves it. I began to shoot it and was impressed too. It is a J frame size revolver. It can shoot the 32H&R, 32S&W long, 32S&W and (some say) the 32ACP. She can shoot all day at the range with the SW long wad cutters, the recoil is about the same as a a 22LR to me. For carry she steps up to the 32 Mag. I liked it so much, after a great deal of searching I bought a SW 432pd. It has become my EDC, at least in the warmer months. The J frame is a perfect pocket gun, IMO. It also accommodates my arthritis flairups well. It will in all probability become my permanent EDC weapon at some point. No offense intended, but somewhere along the way we have we developed a "bigger is better" mentality. This applies not just to guns but to almost everything in our lifestyle. Pickup trucks, cars, skyscrapers, convenience store fountain drinks, etc., etc., etc. I believe it is a sad commentary on modern life.

As an aside, Ruger just announced the LCR will now be available in .327 Federal Magnum. I wish they had done this before I overspent on my 432. I would have bought it. One gun capable of firing 4 (or 5?) different rounds. I may still do it. Bottom line, as your disease progresses, consider the .32 caliber of cartridges. They might be exactly what you need.

LoboGunLeather said:

Model 10 is the designation for the S&W Military & Police Model of the hand ejector series tracing its roots to about 1896 or so. Medium (K) frame, modest weight, extremely reliable, minimal training time to proficiency, minimal maintenance requirements, and chambered for a proven cartridge with plenty of effective ammo selections readily available. I just don't see why the Model 10 requires any argument, pro or con! A very well proven choice for personal defense.

I will never feel less than well armed with either my 3" Model 10 or 2" Model 64 (stainless variant). Both are great side arms.

My arthritis is of the osteo-variety, not rheumatoid. Moderate discomfort under some circumstances, but not debilitating. I wish you well on your treatment program.

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Osteoarthritis here, too. Mobic (meloxicam) got me off my canes (needed 2 some days). Didn't work for my brother, though. A K-frame in 2/3/4 inch variety is an excellent choice in .38 Special or .357 Magnum for anyone. (I prefer the round butt versions.)

My hands, wrists and shoulders are all arthritic.

But I still carry a 10mm that hurts to shoot.

I will endure that pain in a gun fight.

For me, the hardest thing is racking the slide, so any revolver that I can accurately shoot and can carry concealed well, is the one I choose.

For home purposes, I can still manage the scattergun.

LoboGunLeather said:

I just don't see why the Model 10 requires any argument, pro or con! A very well proven choice for personal defense.

I will never feel less than well armed with either my 3" Model 10 or 2" Model 64 (stainless variant). Both are great side arms.

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Agreed, I just thought I'd point out that it is STILL a valid option even in today's Hi-Cap, plastic, spray and pray society.

And I want to thank all of you who have responded. It has actually helped me feel a bit better about this. I think the methotrexate is kicking in as I've noticed a color change from brownish back to my normal skin color on the joints in my hands and the joints just feel different. So hopefully that is a good sign. I feel good enough today to be CCW'ing my 1076. So today is a good day.

I hope this post gives others some comfort should they be diagnosed with it.