I just won a 6 inch Model 10 on GB and it seems to be in excellent condition. After a week with no bids on it, it was relisted at a lower price and I just couldn't resist.
I was wondering why this really nice Model 10 escaped notice when it seems that prices for mediocre looking 4 inch barreled guns are climbing. Do people just not like this length? I've got 4 and 5 inch Model 10's, but I've always wanted a 6 inch. Am I the only one?

On my wish list.

+1
When funds become available I'll have one

This was my Dad's before he passed and now it's mine.

"No Love for the 6 inch Model 10?"

Um... not really. I had a 6" M&P that I was uncomfortable shooting because of its 1917 manufacturing date and sold it. Fact is I don't know why I bought it as the 6" doesn't exactly call to me. My K22 and K38 Masterpieces (and the Colt Officers Models and Targets) are about the only 6" revolvers I own. My 29 and 25 are 6.5" and I can tell the 1/2" difference.

I love my 6in. Model 10. It's accurate. It sees lots of Range time, fun to shoot.

Best, Rick

I like all of the barrel lengths in the M10/M&P however I find the 5 inch to be the best balanced for me.

I do believe most 6 inch barreled M10s/M&Ps do go wanting sometimes.

Congratulations on your purchase and Semper Fi!

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Have guns...will shoot'em.

My Dad has one. I just picked up a 4" HB 10.

The 6" is probably the easiest pistol to shoot accurately I have ever fired. Amazing what that gun can do.

I've yet to spend anytime with the 4" but I will this week.

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One gun is never enough...

I have 6 in and 4 in Smiths The 6 in on N frames ( 657 and 25-1) the 4in is a Mod 10 HB. i use it as carry gun. 6 in would not be my choice for carry but "Differant strokes for differant folks"

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I picked up a very tight but ugly 6" very late pre-Model 10 last year. Apparently the previous owners had stored it unwisely and it was polka-dotted with rust, but it cleaned up ok and shoots great. I really like the balance and feel of it.

I passed on one the other day. You can't give them away around here.

This is what I'm kind of wondering about. This kind of revolver (like most) is out of fashion and difficult to carry concealed. Of course, it could serve for home defense, but so could a million other guns. I guess it just appeals to those of us who like Model 10's for the fun of shooting or collecting, or both.

Never liked model 10's myself, of any barrel length. Wouldn't give $75.00 new for 'em forty years ago, when you could get a model 15 for $10.00 more. Never shot one that POA & POI were the same for me. Besides the adjustable sighted K-frames were so much better looking, I always thought a pencil barrel 10 was about the worst looking revolver S&W ever made. My opinion only, I know many here like 'em & pay dearly for 'em.

The "balance point" of a revolver is an objective thing, and easily determined, when it's at rest. Pick it up and hold it at something approaching arm's length, and the gun's "balance" is apparently a highly subjective entity. A 5 1/2" Colt's SAA balances out better than any other barrel length, in my hand, yet I hear people say they think the 4 5/8" length barrel SAA is better balanced. Same way with Model 10s. No other factory barrel length hangs as sweet at arm's length for me as one with a six-inch tube. Obviously, many prefer the shorter barrels. (This may not be worth debating, as those folks may choose their barrel lengths for reasons other than balance.)

Preferred carry method? A 6" Moel 10 and an old 7 1/2" SAA are the only guns I've ever carried in my belt, small-of-the-back. Don't know how they'd ride over extended periods of time, but for short trips to the barn, it's my preferred method.

I've experimented with 10s for the past couple years, and am yet to shoot a 6-incher that goesn't group very nicely with 158 gr. cast bullets and sensible doses of any one of several fairly fast-burning pistol powders. Shooting deliberately and off-hand inside 25 yards, my 6" 10-5 and late-1920s 6" Model of 1905, 4th Change will beat the two best 4" pre-10s I've tried lately as well as my 6" Colt's Official Police which was issued to IBM during WWII.

I don't want to use mine as a carry gun simply because of the barrel length, but its a fun shooter. Shooting mine with 158 LSWC's over some Unique make me a happy man.

I've really never given any thought to selling or trading it.

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C & L

Seems like the 2" guns are popular with some people but not others. The 4" version is the most popular and a very nice gun. The 5" has the cool factor lately. The 6" gun is just too long to carry and without adjustable sights isn't really a target gun. I am not sure how old time police carried 5 and 6 inch guns in drop holsters and still managed to be comfortable.

I felt EXACTLY the same way until recently. The only Model 10 I could tolerate was the 4 inch Heavy Barrel, but I didn't have the time of day for the .38 special cartridge. But things changed for me and the .38 is now my favorite cartridge and I prefer the tapered barrel Model 10's, with the 5 inch my current favorite. BTW, all my 10's shoot to POA for me.

When I first joined the police department, I asked if I could carry my 6-inch New Service Colt. It was a .38 Special that had been altered for .357. Captain Clark, the range officer said absolutely not! The he ask, "Why would anybody want to carry a 6 inch barrel pistol on patrol?" And I answered promptly, "then I wouldn't have to carry a night stick." I was dismissed promptly.

I confess that I also prefer the 5"...but this one is very nice; a transition 6", almost NIB.
Bob

Now that makes a lot more sense !

I don't know about carrying one but that 6" tapered barrel (FYIMO, OIF2) just looks elegant. As I have said before, looks don't make a gun shoot straight, but like stocks, it becomes a personal thing. I'm wondering if the longer sight radius, even with fixed rear sights make any difference over say a 4".

I looked for a while and the only ^ inch m10 I found was a 1946 one.it is dead on great shooting gun.I am still looking for a 6incher from the 60s or 70s. my step dad had one that was a custom service gun.but he sold it.

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God save the SOUTH

My first Smith & Wesson & my first center fire revolver-
given to me in 1968 by my best friend's father for my 16th
birthday.I still shoot it now & then & hit as well with it as
I do with most of my other revolvers. Always been one of my
favorite revolvers & always will be, I guess.
Regards,
turnerriver
SWCA # 1426
SWHF

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turnerriver

I love my 6" 10-5! I found it about 5 years ago in a local shop for $199! It didn't even have a turn line (still doesn't). It was wearing Hogue rubber stocks, which I have since corrected. I like the longer sight radius and added velocity of the long barrel. However, they are very uncommon around here. Mine is the only one I've ever seen in person:

While this is a pre-10 in .32-20, I would love to find and pick up a nice .38 Model 10 or pre-10 with the 6-inch barrel. I love the balance of this gun.

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Vaya con Dios

I view long barreled 38 S&Ws kind of like I view Buntline Colts. I think they're cool, I like seeing pictures of them, I think they are impressive when drawn from a holster.....but I don't have a burning desire to own or shoot one. I started with longer barrels when I first began acquiring revolvers, and with each one I buy the barrel choice gets shorter.

This one made the long trip from Rhode Island to South Carolina at some point during its life.



Buck

Was this a duty gun with that lanyard loop?