Need some advice on revolver purchase.

[jdyer225]

Hi all I'm about to get a model 10 and I was wondering if I should get the new classics version or an old used one. I'd like to know of the differences and pros/cons. Thanks in advance.


Sent from my iPod touch using Tapatalk

[feralmerril]

While I own a nice old M&P ( thats what they were called prior to model 10) I have no experience with the newer guns with the locks etc. Just over all experience tells me that if I could find a older gun that is in excellent condition, I would buy the older gun even if it was close to the same money and probley, it will be significantly less.

[O2Guy]

No question about it, I would go for the older model.

[SJshooter]

+1 on the older model. These guns are built to last hundreds of years. 30 years old is nothing on a gun.

If you google "how to inspect a revolver" you will find some basic tips. In short, you want to check for obvious rust and pitting (especially inside the barrel), you want to check the gun's lockup, and learn how to check the timing. You can find articles and videos online showing you what you need to know.

There is really nothing wrong with the newer guns. But this is (mostly) a collector's forum, and most collectors despise the hole in the side of the gun (the lock) for both political reasons as well as fears that the system could engage during use (mostly unproven). The collectors here generally tend to appreciate some of the older metallurgy, the craftsmanship and attention to detail, and little other things (like the older-style cylinder release, which is shaped differently than modern production guns). Also, the bluing on the older guns is almost always better, as it was done using processes that are now mostly banned by the EPA.

Either way - new or old - you are almost certain to get a quality firearm that will not hold much, if any, collectability (there are literally millions of Model 10s out there, I think it has been sold more than any other Smith model by far) - but will be a fun shooter and a useful defense firearm.

[rwsmith]

My 1980 mod 10 was a piece of art. They haven't changed the design much. I'd be happy to have any model 10. Nowadays, price is a big factor for me so my first try would be for a used one, but I wouldn't fight if someone gave me new one. Functionally, I think newer MIM parts are as good as any.

[DeathGrip]

A new model reissued as a classic will never be a classic in most of our lifetimes.

Not to say the new ones are bad but they're just not the same.

I guess it depends what you want one for.

[Rpg]

In terms of fit, finish and overall execution, there is no comparison: the old M 10 hands down.

[brucev]

There are plenty of very nice high condition model 10 revolvers that are routinely available for sale. Find and buy a high quality older model 10. It will cost you far less than what you would have to pay for one of the new classic model 10. You can use the money saved to buy ammo, accessories, etc.

Later on down the line you will end up buying other S&W revolvers. Trust me. You will do it. When (not "if...") you buy another revolver, you will find your initial experience with the model 10 will stand you in good stead as you learn more about using these fine revolvers.

[Kiteman72]

I just bought a new Model 10 from the classics line (its a 10-14).
It is a very accurate shooter and I am quite pleased with it. Just ordered new stocks in fact.

I enjoyed buying it as a brand new pistol; unlike many I don't mind the modern features at all. Also, finding a new one was something of a challenge, I don't think S&W produces a very high volume of Classics revolvers.

A lot of used Model 10s I examined showed heavy use and the ones that didn't had correspondingly higher prices. I eventually decided that by buying the new gun, I knew for sure what I was getting. The fit, finish and execution on my revolver is outstanding and, in fact, superior to all the used Model 10s I examined, at any price.

Good luck w your choice, the Model 10 is awesome!

[GKC]

Well, assuming that the old model 10 is in good condition, that would be my choice every time. No lock, no MIM, and some nostalgia to boot...what more could you want?

My dad has a model 10 (I'm not sure of the year, but he's owned it for more than 50 years) that has been fired very little. He is going to leave it to me, and I will cherish it.

[blujax01]

The M64 is the stainless version of the M10.

I have an old square butt 4" M64 circa 1980 with the firing pin in the hammer and a new round butt MIM/IL/2-piece barrel 2" M64 circa 2007.
One is in my night stand and the other is on my hip.

You cannot go wrong either way. I think there is an appeal for the "old school made the old way" revolver as well as an appeal for a "brand new never been shot by anyone other than the tech at S&W" revolver.

I know, buy both. Worked for me!

[buddyarmstrong]

The older the better.

[rbmac52]

Buy an older version of the model 10, you won't regret it.

The fit, finish, mechanics, and quality of the old guns cannot be debated, whereas, with the new guns...

[cmort666]

Originally Posted by jdyer225

Hi all I'm about to get a model 10 and I was wondering if I should get the new classics version or an old used one. I'd like to know of the differences and pros/cons.

I've got a pre-10 M&P that I got from R.M. Vivas and Son.

1. No lock.
2. No MIM Parts.
3. Pinned, one piece barrel.

Get an original M&P or Model 10. You won't be sorry.

[therevjay]

Are you a collector? Or just want a collectible? If yes, get the old one. If you are just wanting a good handgun get the new model. Either one (assuming the old model is in good shape) will do you just fine.

[peterdeb]

I couldn't decide either so I bought both, a model 10-5 with the tapered barrel and a model 10-6 with the heavy barrel. Manufactured 1966 nd 1972 respectively. Love them both, I started off thinking the classic tapered barrel was beautiful but now the heavy barrel looks equally beautiful. Buy both and you'll never regret it.6

[pharmer]

I've got a 10-5 2" from 1969 that is very nice but this 10-11 from 2004 is also very nice. Even has 2 keys with no hole to fit them. Joe

[Dave_n]

Well I have a fair number of M&P Model 1905s in 32-20, 38 S&W, 38 Special and their younger siblings the M10, M13, M15 & M19s, plus their SS variations in the 64, 65, 66, 67 & 68 variations. All date between 1906 and 1986. Would I buy anything newer? NO. All are second hand, all go bang when the trigger is pulled and will I sell them? NO. Buy the older versions and enjoy them. My 1906 32-20 is still fun to shoot and accurate. The looks on the faces of the "youngsters" (meaning under 45) are priceless when they realize that that pistol is almost 110 years old. Then I bring out an 1895 S&W 0.32 3rd version that still works. It is around that time that the "combat Tupperware" lovers depart muttering under their breath!! Dave_n

[dmar]

If you like the new model one, and it has a good trigger, then go for it. If you can find an older one in good shape, for a good price, then you really can't go wrong. This is especially true of you are looking for any kind of collector gun. That being said, they've made about a billion and a half Model 10s, so I've never been drawn to them as 'collector' pieces.

Personally, I prefer the older Smiths, but I've handled new ones that are great. In fact, my LGS has a new 'classic' model 586 that has a beautiful blue finish and a great trigger, and it's new... And when I say a great trigger, I mean a really, really great trigger. I'm very tempted to get it, even with the little hole in the side plate. I've also handled a new model 66 that has a terrible trigger, so I guess you have to check them (same could be said for some of the older Smiths, too).

[LL617]

I bought a well-used model 10-5 which once belonged to a policeman. I am very satisfied with my choice.

[Bat Guano]

I came to Model 10s late but it's not for nothing that they were THE police revolver for many decades. My 98% 4" pencil barrel 10-5 is a joy to hold and shoot. They've made 'em fancier, but I don't think they've ever made 'em better.

Even the WWII Victory Models were very fine guns.

[2hawk]

jdyer, welcome to the forum!

If you are kind of new to revolvers, this is a good read. I've saved it just to review from time to time myself.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6Fh.../edit?hl=en_US

And, the old saying about how they "don't make them like they used to" cuts both ways. While I don't have any S&W revolvers newer than c.1999, and admit I prefer the older ones, the modern manufacturing and engineering methods being used now can produce some fine firearms. As always, every era has it's share of lemons, so it does pay to give any potential purchase a good once over, or make sure you can send it back if it has any problems. Good Luck on the Hunt!

[Old 44 Guy]

You won't be having any trouble finding a M&P. S&W made over a million of them. The pre war M&P I had would run forever & I shot the Hell out of it. My later M-10 was a good gun but the M&P had a better double action. Just my opinion.

[chief38]

Go OLD, is what I say.

[Randy Bill]

I'm very pleased with my model 10 Classics, purchased new. Proud to do my small part to support this most unique American treasure called Smith & Wesson. I buy new; the "1980 to the present" area of the Forum may help with your inquiry.