MODEL 10-6 BACK FROM S&W

[gtoppcop]

All,

I recently received my 1976-vintage Model 10-6 back from the "Mothership". She had some chemical etching to her barrel, which destroyed the bluing. A cold blue was enough to make her "presentable", but it irked me.

In mid March, I sent her off to S&W for a basic Service Blue finish. While there, they gave her a clean bill of health and replaced her hand with a new one I provided them. They also chamfered the charge holes at the Performance Center.

When I got her back ($260 w/ shipping), I was truly amazed at the wonderful work they did to her. Granted, she didn't have any warts that needed attention, but the overall fit and finish of the job they did was first rate.

This particular Model 10 is one of my top shooters. Attached is a picture of her in her "before" state. She shoots to the sights. The refinish of this fine revolver is one of the last things that she will need.

In the next few days, I will receive from Mag-Na-Port a set of high-polish stainless (from a donor Model 66 no dash) .265" Service Trigger and Hammer. The trigger will be radiused and the hammer will be Semi-Bobbed by the Mag-Na-Port artisans.

After I install them (along with a highly polished rebound slide), she'll be sent off to Amerigun where Chris McVety and his Team will install a front Trijicon sight (like the one they installed on my Model 13-1). The Ahrends Retro Combat grips are from Gripseller on ebay and are of Bocote (Cordia).

When the Model 10-6 is "done", I'll be sure to post pics and a range report. I wanted to let some of the folks I've spoken to previously know its progress. BRAVO ZULU goes off to The Performance Center (Vito-now retired) and Roz Sousa who wrote the work order up. Thanks for a job truly well done!

 

[rjm6120]

Wow, toppcop, they did a beautiful job!

 

[SCPalmetto]

That looks very nice!

 

[boykinlp]

It is really nice to see a happy S&W customer service customer. Unfortunately most (we hear about) are unhappy folks. I think we all know most of the people that use CS are happy, we just hear more from the unhappy ones.

 

[shouldazagged]

Very nice work.

 

[paragain]

What a beauty!

 

[M3Stuart]

Very nice! I'm agreeing with you that that is the way to go; just pick one you like a whole lot and fix that one up until it's perfect.

Question: is that a round or square butt? I'm thinking it looks like a round butt with conversion stocks?

 

[S&W SS Revolvers]

Sweet and thanks for giving new life to this fine firearm. It was worth every penny!

 

[Art Doc]

It does look very nice and if it was worth $260 to you then that's all that matters. But generally I wouldn't refinish a working gun.

 

[gtoppcop]

M3,

It's a S/B. I messed around with a few S/Bs that were round butted. Good theory, but when you start mounting the conversion stocks, it makes you stop and think about what you've done...

I have a few special revolvers that have some custom touches. The only thing I do with the actions is to polish the rebound slide (not on the top...only the sides and bottom). I find that it'll smooth the action considerably with the factory main and rebound springs. I don't mess with anything else, as I don't want to bollix up the ignition reliability of the piece.

The old Military and Police guns are wonderful shooters, provided they were clocked from the factory for windage. I can deal with high/low, but windage issues really irritate me.

I've been blessed that my fixed-sight Models, 10-5 (2-inch), 10-6 (above), 13-1 (4-inch) and 65-3 (3-inch) shoot perfectly straight.

The addition of a good front Tritium sight is a true force multiplier. I find that the white outline around the Tritium vial really draws the eyes during daylight. It comes right into focus. I tend to hold the front sight about 1/8-inch proud in the rear sight channel. This will assist if I pull the shot under stress. I always shoot DA, hence the obligatory Combat Trigger modification by Mag-Na-Port (pictured).

Thanks for the kind words.

 

[cherrypointmarine]

I've been wanting to do the same to one of mine, but just wasn't sure of the job they would do. It's nice to see they still take pride in what goes out the door. I'm sure after people see this, S&W will be getting more business. What was the turn around time?

 

[Sgt 127]

"basic Service Blue finish"

Really? Thats an awesome blue job if they consider that "basic"....

 

[Jack Flash]

Thanks for posting this interesting information. I am thinking about sending one to S&W myself.

What do you estimate your total investment in this gun will be?

 

[gtoppcop]

CherryPoint,

I used to be stationed there too. Did a lot of shooting at B&R and at the New Bern Police Range, next the the Weyerhauser Tree Farm.

The gun took about 6-weeks. I originally sent a request to my CS contact, Dave Valenze ([email protected]).

Dave sent me a FedEx label. I printed it and sent it off from my FFL. Easy.

After about a month, I got a quote in the mail. I thought $260 was very reasonable. While there, I asked that the charge holes be chamfered and the piece's timing be checked (they do a full-systems check anyway...). They installed a new hand. It's good for another 100K miles.

I should get the hammer and trigger from Mag-Na-Port shortly. When I do, I'll install them and send the piece to Amerigun for a new Trijicon blade. Yes, they do a WONDERFUL job!!! Look at some of my previous posts to see their work.

Nice modern touches to bring these wonderful guns into the future. The trigger and front sight are my two biggest mods. Have to have a radiused trigger for fast DA work. The front sight is what I use to put the 125gr Golden Sabers where I want them.

Thanks to all of you for the kind words. Nice to see that the Model 10 and 13 are alive and well.

 

[Mark6005]

Returned to you a beautiful m10 enjoy

 

[midwesternmutt]

Oiled Bocote grips from Ahrends?

 

[NZshooter]

"basic Service Blue finish"

Really? Thats an awesome blue job if they consider that "basic"....

LOL. So true.

Why can't their new guns be just as basic??

 

[OLDSTER]

WOW ! Beautiful bluing.

 

[gtoppcop]

All,

Thanks so much for the kind words. The blue was wonderfully executed. I did, however apply some of the green FLITZ liquid with my bare hands and took off some of rust that was left from the bluing process.

The look is still the same, but the feel is like glass. I customarily use the less-aggressive FLITZ liquid to remove surface contaminates and to polish the inside of the barrel (less friction = more velocity?)

The grips are the semi-rough textured oiled Ahrends. I like them because I break the sharp edges on the top of the speedloader cutout with a file and 1500 grit paper. I then use 3 in 1 oil to "finish" the small area. Easy.

 

[raylan007]

M10-6

I think $260 including shipping for those results is very reasonable although I still don't understand if the chamfering was included in that price. Also could you clarify for me whether when they send you a shipping label does your firearm ship directly from your residence and what shipping vendor do they use? Also on the return shipping do they have to ship your firearm to a FFL. I have always wondered how that works and have heard conflicting versions.
The only down side to the re bluing I can see is now it is to pretty to shoot.
I was just taking photos of a M10-6 I purchased a couple of years ago for its finish which I payed a little more for to the tune of $550. Even model 10's have gone up in price in that time when in desirable condition. I wouldn't think of a re blue on this but do have one or two others I might consider now that I see how reasonable it is. Thanks for sharing your re bluing.