Do UNFIRED Classic Model 10s exist???

[PALADIN85020]

The Model 10s (1957-present) have been extremely popular - the very pinnacle of .38 Special fixed sight revolver development. I suspect that the HUGE majority of them have received at least some use, and that those that are unfired are pretty scarce indeed.

In all my years of Smith collecting, I've encountered just two that were made years ago, but have survived in their original boxes with no visible signs of use.

Here's the first - the extremely common 4" blued variety Military and Police Model 10-2, shipped in 1961 - but still unfired:

And here's the other one. This is a Model 10-5 2" nickeled example, shipped in 1977 - still pristine.

If you have one or more ANIB Model 10 examples that date from '57 through '80, let's see 'em! They may be common guns, but they are still classic works of S&W art, and even more so when they can be seen in absolutely original condition!

John

 

[Lobster Picnic]

I was just thinking that plain-Jane Model 10 looks better than anything being made today.

 

[FifthWheel]

I have a 5" NIB from '69. I'll take new pics soon, pics are on my old laptop.

 

[Narragansett]

This is as close as I can come. Both of these are 1968, and one belonged to a forum member's grandfather that shot half a box and put it away(4"). The 2" had a couple cylinders put through it. It is D138. The very beginning of the D numbers

 

[delcrossv]

I kinda doubt this had (m)any rounds through it. "C" series, pre mod 10.

 

[blaser1234]

Model 10's

A 4" pencil barrel Model 10, with blued finish was the very first Smith and Wesson revolver I purchased back in the early 80's. Bought it new and enjoyed it above all others I have subsequently owned. So representative of Smith and Wesson in its simplicity, grace and utility. Certainly not rare with the millions produced since 1899, but I do not think you can underestimate its importance both as an historic firearm but certainly as an icon in the Smith and Wesson revolver family.

 

[alwslate]

I found one a few years ago that was unfired until it fell into my hands. I bought it from a member on another forum. He got it from an estate
sale but had no real use for it. No box or papers but still unfired from
1963 or 64 C726xxx. Plain but beautiful. One of the seller's pics.

 

[JayFramer]

The Model 10s (1957-present) have been extremely popular - the very pinnacle of .38 Special fixed sight revolver development.

That would be incorrect.

The Model 64 is much more corrosion resistant and wears better overall. It is superior to the Model 10 in this regard.

 

[mikerjf]

Paladin, those are two heart-string-pulling guns!

Long ago I had a near-mint 4" I bought at a rummage sale, never should have passed it on.

 

[PALADIN85020]

The Model 10s (1957-present) have been extremely popular - the very pinnacle of .38 Special fixed sight revolver development.

That would be incorrect.

The Model 64 is much more corrosion resistant and wears better overall. It is superior to the Model 10 in this regard.

Good point. Perhaps I should have said the design of the Model 10 was the pinnacle. After all, the 64 is simply a 10 made from different metal.

I have one 64 that's maybe unique - this picture with its authenticating letter says it all... Although it has a spin mark on the cylinder, there's no evidence this one has been fired, either.

John

 

[Curry Bread]

Don't they test fire them at the factory? So they are all fired at least once.

 

[gman51]

I just wonder how many new guns bought during the last 10 years by people wanting a gun for protection have not ever been shot. They ended up in a drawer and possibly never given even a second thought let alone ever been shot. I bet there are a lot of them.
I think this is what happened to more than a few guns sold in the past 50 or so years. They are out there and they do show up from time to time.

 

[JayFramer]

Good point. Perhaps I should have said the design of the Model 10 was the pinnacle. After all, the 64 is simply a 10 made from different metal.

I have one 64 that's maybe unique - this picture with its authenticating letter says it all... Although it has a spin mark on the cylinder, there's no evidence this one has been fired, either.

John

Extremely nice revolver. Here's my police trade in Model 64:

It serves as my bedside gun. A lot of people feel these revolvers are antiquated and just not used anymore for serious purposes. This isn't true at all. I recall last summer visiting a Southern Illinois hospital and seeing several IDOC officers on prisoner transportation duty; they were carrying Model 64s.

Guys, these types of revolvers are still out there "on duty", being used by corrections officers, armored car drivers, security guards, etc. They're awesome!!

 

[PALADIN85020]

I just wonder how many new guns bought during the last 10 years by people wanting a gun for protection have not ever been shot. They ended up in a drawer and possibly never given even a second thought let alone ever been shot. I bet there are a lot of them.
I think this is what happened to more than a few guns sold in the past 50 or so years. They are out there and they do show up from time to time.

I think you've mentioned a valid reason why some older but untouched guns show up now and then. Their previous owners bought them for protection, and they spent all or most of the time in nightstands or dresser drawers.

Such was the case with this beautiful Model 67. A neighbor of mine died last year at the age of 100. His estate executor knew I was a "gun guy," and showed me this gun. On examination, it appeared brand new in every respect. He had purchased a holster and a box of ammo for it; they also looked new. The holster had no internal scratches that would show use, and the ammo box was still completely full.

I was offered the gun at a substantial discount from the appraisal estimate I gave, and it was an offer I could not refuse. I popped the sideplate on the gun, and it was completely dry inside. A proper lube job was all it needed.

Roy Jinks told me the gun was shipped in April of '78, and I believe my neighbor probably bought it new at that time.

It's sad, perhaps, but I think it's entirely possible that many LNIB specimens come from the estates of folks who bought them for "house guns" but never bothered to try them out...

John

 

[AZretired]

Those un-fired ones sure are purdy! They wouldn't be un-fired for long if I had them.

 

[Road Rat]

How can one NOT fire a Model 10??? Love the sweet trigger on all of mine!

 

[ACORN]

I traded my finish challenged nickel Dick Special for a like new 2" Mod 10. I doubt it's had more than a couple cylinders through it if that many.

 

[delcrossv]

It's sad, perhaps, but I think it's entirely possible that many LNIB specimens come from the estates of folks who bought them for "house guns" but never bothered to try them out.

There's a lot of them. Probably the majority of gun owners are not avid collectors/shooters.
More's the pity.

 

[JayFramer]

Those un-fired ones sure are purdy! They wouldn't be un-fired for long if I had them.

Yes indeed!

Ohhh... see how they shine, Georgie, see how they shine..."

They wouldn't stay that long with me either! I think the real beauty comes from the working guns that have "been there and done that" and have served as faithful companions in the darkest hour of men who needed them the most. The safe queens are neat, for sure, but they will never be as intrinsically interesting as those tired workhorses that answered the call to duty.

I applaud the countless men and women in arms who walked the thin blue line, or served in war, and the guns they carried that reflect that necessary burden.

 

[KalamazooKid]

I know the OP is looking for post 57 examples but this M&P 38 from 1951 is as beautiful as it gets.