Marshal Tom
Member
Evidently, they all work and because there are different flavors, all are happy. Enough said!
The Model 10 - Why the bull barrel?
- Thread starter b737lvr
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OP
b737lvr
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Thanks. Whoever built this 10-9 in 1991 must have been a master. It is perfect in every single way. It's honestly been better than even the 10-5 I had previously. I cherish this piece. I shoot it a lot.
OP your gun is a beauty. I think a lot of people like the aesthetics of the heavy barrel. I have both and shoot them the same.
Model 15-4ever
Member
I think this one carries better.
Engine49guy
Member
Some interesting responses,
Might be as simple as the factory feeling it might sell better, might have also been some bean counters at the meeting saying it took less revolutions to turn down the barrel blank multiplied times X amount of barrels = $ cost savings in tool time and man hours... these are just guesses but bet alot of people traded in their old pencil barrel guns for the new version, bet alot wanted one of each which equals increased product sales.
BTW if you like the 4" Model 10 heavy barrel then imagine it with target sights and a raised ramp front site, now lookup Model 14-2 Hanen special or aka 14-2 Dayton gun.
if you dont want target sights but like a HB checkout the Model 581.
Ps, everyone knows you kabonk the bad guy with the heel of the revolver not the barrel silly
Might be as simple as the factory feeling it might sell better, might have also been some bean counters at the meeting saying it took less revolutions to turn down the barrel blank multiplied times X amount of barrels = $ cost savings in tool time and man hours... these are just guesses but bet alot of people traded in their old pencil barrel guns for the new version, bet alot wanted one of each which equals increased product sales.
BTW if you like the 4" Model 10 heavy barrel then imagine it with target sights and a raised ramp front site, now lookup Model 14-2 Hanen special or aka 14-2 Dayton gun.
if you dont want target sights but like a HB checkout the Model 581.
Ps, everyone knows you kabonk the bad guy with the heel of the revolver not the barrel silly
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rockquarry
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For most people, the heavier barrel makes it easier to shoot well.
VaTom
Member
I can’t add much more to the conversation. I like the looks of the 4” tapered (standard barrel) better. There is an industrial design philosophy of “form follows function” so there is a reason for the heavy barrel design. Two of the best .38 revolvers from the 20th century.. Carried a 4” Model 10 tapered barrel back in the day as a LEO. Maybe the reason for my preference. Pictured is my 1979 Model 10 and a 1956 Colt Official Police. Both are great shooters but the heavier frame and barrel of the Colt does reduce felt recoil and does seem easier to stay on target with follow up shots.
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gwpercle
Member
I find I can shoot the heavy barrel better ... the front sight just seems to hang onto the target steadier .
The thin barrel is more wobbley .
I shoot a 4" Heavy Barrel much better than a 6" tapered barrel .
So much for the longer barrel will be more accurate Bull-Shot ...
that old wives tale ain't necessarily True ... I discovered barrel weight has more to do with it than just length alone ...
I find a 5" heavy barrel will out shoot just about anything for me !
Gary
The thin barrel is more wobbley .
I shoot a 4" Heavy Barrel much better than a 6" tapered barrel .
So much for the longer barrel will be more accurate Bull-Shot ...
that old wives tale ain't necessarily True ... I discovered barrel weight has more to do with it than just length alone ...
I find a 5" heavy barrel will out shoot just about anything for me !
Gary
CAJUNLAWYER
Member
IT'S-NOT-A-PENCIL-BARREL
It is a standard taper barrel!!! Artdoc f/k/a Saxon Pig is currently rolling over in his grave right now. And since nobody is willing to pick up his cudgel (or more appropriately today-his Shillelagh)the task falls to me......
It is a standard taper barrel!!! Artdoc f/k/a Saxon Pig is currently rolling over in his grave right now. And since nobody is willing to pick up his cudgel (or more appropriately today-his Shillelagh)the task falls to me......
KurtC
Member
Tapered barrels are for carrying a lot and shooting very little.
Heavy barrels are for shooting a lot, especially during LE training and qualification.
Heavy barrels are for shooting a lot, especially during LE training and qualification.
Model 10 HB
I've got a 10 ND that is a HB. Roy says it left the factory in 1960. I can't remember the exact month.
I prefer the heavy barrel on a 4" Model 10. It balances nicely and feels a little more steady in hand. For a 6" gun I prefer the tapered barrel.
Here is my old 10-1. I believe these were the first heavy barrel 10s:
I've got a 10 ND that is a HB. Roy says it left the factory in 1960. I can't remember the exact month.
S&W-Keeper
Member
An old timer told me that the heavy barrel was a better head knocker that the std barrel.
First off, you have a very nice revolver. Barrel profile is kinda subjective and a personal thing. I first started shooting handguns at a young age back in 1965. I started out on .22 caliber guns that I could afford to shoot. My main interest was casual target shooting, and I was looking at Ruger MKI semi-auto pistols and I liked the looks of the 5.5 inch heavy barrel over the 6 7/8 inch tapered barrel. I had a chance to shoot both and also a Colt Woodsman Match Target, and this made me really like the heavier barreled pistols. Then when I looked at a Colt Python it was love at first sight. And then came the Smith & Wesson 586 - 686 revolvers and that seemed perfection to me. I like the forward weight, it steadies me, but that doesn't mean its for everyone. Plus, if it's a carry gun you don't want or need the extra weight.
I have both. I like both.
Skeptic 9c
Member
From "Handgunner's Guide" Copyright 1960 by Chic Gaylord (author)
Page 42 "Smith & Wesson is bringing out a redesigned .38-caliber Military and Police that has a heavy stovepipe barrel four inches in length. Douglas Hellstrom of Smith and Wesson assures me that the cylinder is made of a new and stronger steel. The gun has a very nice hang and balance. The sights are far superior to the sights on the current Military and Police. The cut in the cylinder for the cylinder stop is still the thinnest part of the chamber wall. If they would only move that cut over into the thick webbing between the chambers, I'd feel more comfortable about shooting hot loads. However, they do say that the new steel gives the gun sufficient strength to handle high-speed loads successfully."
People of the day considered the Colt stronger than the S&W revolvers. Mr. Gaylord recommended a heavier firearm for recoil control. He also favored the 200 gr "Super Police" load in the days before modern bullet design.
Geoff
Whose library is interesting.
Page 42 "Smith & Wesson is bringing out a redesigned .38-caliber Military and Police that has a heavy stovepipe barrel four inches in length. Douglas Hellstrom of Smith and Wesson assures me that the cylinder is made of a new and stronger steel. The gun has a very nice hang and balance. The sights are far superior to the sights on the current Military and Police. The cut in the cylinder for the cylinder stop is still the thinnest part of the chamber wall. If they would only move that cut over into the thick webbing between the chambers, I'd feel more comfortable about shooting hot loads. However, they do say that the new steel gives the gun sufficient strength to handle high-speed loads successfully."
People of the day considered the Colt stronger than the S&W revolvers. Mr. Gaylord recommended a heavier firearm for recoil control. He also favored the 200 gr "Super Police" load in the days before modern bullet design.
Geoff
Whose library is interesting.
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