S&W Model 10-6: Another Gun Age/Value Question:

swcanovice · Sep 17, 2013

Another Gun Age/Value Question:

I have a Smith & Wesson Model 10-6, presumable a nickel finsh gun that I inherited from my Dad when he died.

It says 38 S&W Special CTG on the barrel and also has a pearl handle.

Any idea of the value. Is this considered a collector's gun?

It is not in great condition (I don't think), but my Dad really liked it and had it for more than 30 years.

There is a 6-digit serial number on the bottom that starts wiht C824 and is located on the bottom of the handle.

I have attached pics..

I also posted the same question on an older thread from 2011. I decided to repost on a new thread hoping that more people would see it and have comments.

Please advise if you have any info on this gun.

Thanks.

swcanovice · Sep 17, 2013

Oh-The barrel length is 3.5in

swcanovice · Sep 17, 2013

I got a response from the older thread.

Thanks all.

Messer · Sep 17, 2013

I believe you'll find the gun has a 4" barrel if you measure from the muzzle to the front of the cylinder.

The grips are also plastic, made to look like Mother of Pearl.

All in all, I'd say the condition puts it more in the shooter category instead of collector, but as a link to your Dad, it should have great personal value to you.

The way it sits, I'd say it's a $200-$300 gun.

Take care,
Bob S.

swcanovice · Sep 17, 2013

Thank you.

DWalt · Sep 17, 2013

About the only 10-6 revolvers that are legitimately in the serious collectors category are those LNIB with paperwork and accessories. Many would be interested in one in 98%+ original condition, even without box and accessories. Most any good condition Model 10 will now bring at least $300.

Jack Flash · Sep 17, 2013

It looks like a good, serviceable revolver, very capable of doing what it was designed to do for many years to come.

I would agree with others that the retail value would be about $300 or so. Some shops might put $400 on it, but then negotiate.

If you ask a gun shop what they would pay, be prepared for an offer of about $125. They are in business to make money and it may sit for awhile before it sells.

I bought this M10-6 eight years ago or so for about $250 OTD IIRC. It was dirty, but cleaned up to be close to Like New. Of course, I've shot it a fair amount in the last eight years. I would expect to pay more like $400 for it now. I got those Football Targets for $25 at about the same time. I would guess they have at least doubled in price.

armybass · Sep 17, 2013

I also have a nickel 4" M10-6. Mine is in really good shape but I am confused about the Serial number and what the SCSW says as far as the date. My serial number is 3D13XXX. The book says that 10-7's started in 1977 so I would think my 10-6 would be earlier than that. BUT..the bok also says that 2D serials go from 1977 through 1978 and 4D serials start in 1979 with no mention at all of 3D serials. So what year is my 10-6?

Jack Flash · Sep 18, 2013

armybass said:
... My serial number is 3D13XXX...

That's interesting. My M10-6 (see picture in previous post) is also s/n 3D13xxx. From looking at the book, I just guesstimated that its year of manufacture was 1978, give or take a year. Maybe 1977 is more likely. The only way to know for sure is to pay $50 for a Roy Jinks letter.

S&W had two parallel branches of the M10 (Standard Barrel and Heavy Barrel) in production at the same time. Thus, the M10-7 replaced the M10-5 (Standard Barrel) and the M10-8 replaced the M10-6 (Heavy Barrel). Both the engineering changes -7 and -8 were introduced in 1977.

So you would still think that 1978 is a little late for a -6 YOM. However, the dates in the book are approximate and only meant to be used as a general guide. S&W used up old parts and phased changes in over a period of time. So who knows? And who is going to pay to have such a common gun lettered?

DWalt · Sep 18, 2013

"And who is going to pay to have such a common gun lettered?" My feeling is that it is seldom worth $50 to letter a more recent and very common revolver. I'd just assume that it's from the late 1970s, and let it go at that. I don't get excited about knowing (or not knowing) the exact shipping date. Knowing within a few years is plenty good enough to me.

armybass · Sep 18, 2013

Jack Flash said:
That's interesting. My M10-6 (see picture in previous post) is also s/n 3D13xxx. From looking at the book, I just guesstimated that its year of manufacture was 1978, give or take a year. Maybe 1977 is more likely. The only way to know for sure is to pay $50 for a Roy Jinks letter.

S&W had two parallel branches of the M10 (Standard Barrel and Heavy Barrel) in production at the same time. Thus, the M10-7 replaced the M10-5 (Standard Barrel) and the M10-8 replaced the M10-6 (Heavy Barrel). Both the engineering changes -7 and -8 were introduced in 1977.

So you would still think that 1978 is a little late for a -6 YOM. However, the dates in the book are approximate and only meant to be used as a general guide. S&W used up old parts and phased changes in over a period of time. So who knows? And who is going to pay to have such a common gun lettered?

I was actually wondering if maybe it was a misprint in the book. I was thinking that maybe they meant the 2D's serials were 2D80001 to 3D99999 in 1978 instead of 2D99999. That would make more sense being as the 4D00001 started 1979. But that is probably me just thinking too hard. I am sure you are correct that we should just consider the numbers as a guide instead of gospel.

Swissfan · Sep 19, 2013

S&W Model 10-6: Another gun Age/Value

The 10-5 I just bought from a co-worker has those exact same grips. I will probably change them out, just don't know which ones I want to put on it yet.

S&W Model 10-6: Another Gun Age/Value Question:

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