My service revolver in 1971 as a rookie cop!

[dabney]

In 1971, my first year in the PD, I was issued the Model 10-5. The features of that 71-era Model 10 are reflected in these photos. A 4-inch standard barrel length in blue steel, with 12-spare .38 Rounds in loops on my duty belt. In 2014, my S&W duty six-gun is a pre-War .38/44 I qualified with earlier this year. The photos of my big .38/44 (5" bbl.) are within this website. The workhorse of this post is this Model 10-5 that the elderly Lt. is posing with. I used this same six-gun, several months ago, in a local service pistol match to "place 3rd A-Class" with a "442" with 14-X's. I was shooting against my old nemesis, the Crock, er, Glock, I mean. We all had a good time that day. I thought I would share my Model 10 here with my friends. This was the only revolver shooting that day and it only proves, again, that a M&P Revolver, in trained hands, is a viable combat sidearm. Thank you for the 'honor' of being with you here on this forum.
David

 

[Shooting Padre]

I carried the model 15 in the AF, but my first personal purchase was a 10-5 like this one. At first I thought it kind of ugly with the tapered barrel. Now, every time I pick it up I love it a little more. What a sweet little revolver, very accurate. I agree with you 100% on all points.

 

[ColbyBruce]

Got to love the Barney Fife poster behind you!! Did he train you? If so, make sure you put the bullet back in your shirt pocket.

1971? I guess you started without a vest, but likely had a five cell MagLite as a club?

 

[ronnie gore]

model 10

I also had the model 10 in 1971 when I started but mine had the heavy barrel and we had to buy our own back then.

 

[gruntdeputy]

Dabney,

You are a stud!

I did not come on until 1974 and bought my own Model 19. I picked up a Model 10-5 last year in a sweetheart gun deal, and it is a NICE SHOOTER! There is something almost elegant about that K-frame and the tapered barrel.

Thanks for posting the pictures.
Frank, deputy (ret)
San Diego Marshal/San Diego Sheriff

 

[Jim1392]

I also had the model 10 in 1971 when I started but mine had the heavy barrel and we had to buy our own back then.

Same gun here in for me in 1970. The only difference was they were department issued and I had to return it when I left.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Still using the same holster and handcuffs?

 

[much ado]

Back in the day/Model 10

good post!

 

[old bear]

David, as you said, in the right hands a wheel gun is still more than ample 99% of the time.

 

[Engine 21]

Nice post....a Model 10 - that brings back some memories.

 

[jimbo728]

My first DA revolver was a heavy barrel 10-6. That revolver was a champ. I used to get "you`re not shooting that in the match, are you?"
This was always accompanied by a snicker smile. It was a different tune after the match. I am thankful that I had a super accurate Model 10. That gun even out shot my Gold Cup.
Thanks for the terrific Model 10 post. Hope you win the next match!
Jim

 

[bananaman]

Somebody looks like "a world of mean" in the 3rd photo! Who would want to tangle with him? Neat post! Bob

 

[cmj8591]

This was my first issue gun in 1981. I think they got the victory models from the Gov't in some type of grant program. They gave me the gun, a badge, some brass buttons for my coat, a couple of patches and a box of 158 grain, round nose lead bullets. After my training I bought a model 19 4" and carried it with forbidden 145 grain, Winchester Silver Tips. At that time, everyone carried something different and I think there were a couple of guys who only carried intermittently. It was a whole different world back then!

 

[ColbyBruce]

So, how much did a brand new S&W 10 cost back in 1970? I guess somewhere between $85.00-$100.00?

 

[Nightowl]

So, how much did a brand new S&W 10 cost back in 1970? I guess somewhere between $85.00-$100.00?

Quite a bit less, if i recall. I remember around then that a Python and Gold Cup were around $125 and a Model 27 around $75. For folks making $400 a month, that was a big difference!

 

[neubert500]

Elderly Lt?

The "elderly Lt." looks like someone I would be glad to answer calls with as a "Retired Elderly Captain."
I like the weapon. I did not offically come on duty until 1976,however I had been riding with my father for 4 years! My dad was the Dispatcher, Jailer,Patrolman, Sgt, Lt., then Capt. I was lucky to follow in his path. Between us we were on duty locally from 1969, until my retirement in Dec 2012! I spent many hours as a young guy cleaning his nickled mod 10! When I started getting paid, I had to prove how much more modern I was and bought a Dan Wesson 357 for me and one for him. He never carried the Dan Wesson on duty, but did carry it in a shoulder holster through the White House on a tour once! I inherited it 3 years ago.
Sorry about the book length trip down memory lane but this reminded me that ther are a few dinosaurs left.

 

[DWalt]

Nice to see that someone else likes Hogues. Most get their kicks by ridiculing them. I could never understand why.

 

[dscampbell]

My first duty weapon was a 6" model 28 in 1973. In 1979 the sheriff started issuing a model 59 but we had so many problems with them that Smith & Wesson offered 4" model 66 in replacement. Currently the issue sidearm is a sig 229 or 226 (Deputy's choice) in .357 sig. In retirement I carry a 3" model 10-5 ex Victoria Australia police gun. It is my favorite revolver.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 2

 

[Clovishound]

Nice to see that someone else likes Hogues. Most get their kicks by ridiculing them. I could never understand why.

IMO they are not the most attractive grips out there, particularly with blued guns. Having said that, I bought a new to me model 10 a couple months ago. It had factory magnas on it. I took it to the range and after about 25 rounds, I went and got a set of Hogues from the store and finished up the rest of my ammo that day with the Hogues on it.

 

[4011]

No Mag lights back then. Only " Kilites"!