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Recently I was reading some gun articles concerning NYPD legend Jim Cirillo and his Model 10 duty arm. A four-inch heavy barrel model that he used, per PD-regs, while involved in stakeout work. On page 34 of "Tales of the Stakeout Squad" by Paul Kirchner, Cirillo states that while deployed inside a likely holdup target (convenience store) he carried "4" handguns. Two Model 10's, Colt Cobra snubbie, and a Walther PPK in .32acp chambering. The two Model 10's were his first and second duty arms with NYPD. In 1954, when Cirillo joined the NYPD, he chose a S&W M&P (pre-10) over the Colt Official Police as his duty arm. Cirillo stated that he preferred the M&P's trigger-action over the Colt, which "stacked" at the end of the trigger-pull. Later, post 1959, when the "bull" barrel Model 10's came on line, he purchased one (40-bucks) and that was his primary carry from then on. After reading/studying several of these shootings that Cirillo was involved in, how and what happened, the skill/courage level all rolled into one, I became convinced that Cirillo couldn't possibly have originated from this planet! In one robbery attempt, he (Cirillo) literally shot "3" bad guys from around a store clerk, that was being held as a shield. Now he successfully shot down all three in nano-seconds and not from a position of comfort and certainly no time for precise single-action fire. I just wish this incident had been captured on video for generations of cops to view in training. Unbelievable, is all I can muster at this feat! The other shootings Cirillo was involved in, while trying to protect innocent merchants from "deadly" predators, determined to rob and possibly kill in the effort. These too, are great for rookie cops, including veterans, to study and reflect upon. No doubt about it, the greatest modern day gun fighter in my time, hands down. He could make that Model 10 sing and dance.

The Colt Single Action Army is attributed to taming of the wild west so can the Model 10, in modern times, become a symbol of taming the barbarians, in this present time. For most of the 1900's, the Smith & Wesson M&P was the right hand of law enforcement. I'm honored and proud to carry one on duty, in this day and time of the Glock Pistol for law enforcement. Maybe for them, not for this senior citizen cop! Thank you my friends!

David

I vote yes - The Gun that Tamed the East!!!!!

There is a short story about him on the back page of this month's Guns & Ammo.

He was the real deal! And undoubtedly had pretty good hand/eye coordination and he was always READY and WILLING!

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So long ... Ken

I had the priledge of meeting and competing with
Jim Cirillo on several occasions. He was not only the "real deal", he was also a fine person. I ALWAYS enjoyed his company. Good people, for sure.

FWIW
Dale53

He was a product of a different time, and he had shot a LOT in competition. His skills were developed with a ton of shooting, under pressure, to high standards. I know of no agency that even pretends to train like that.

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NHI, 10-8.

I have his book and read Massad Ayoob's material about him. He was a remarkable man. Did he die in a car wreck?

I saw Bill Jordan and Elmer Keith shoot, so I know that such feats are possible. But to kill three perps by a hostage...wow!

A friend in South Africa sent me a clipping from the , Johannesburg Star about an off duty officer there who killed four AK-47 wielding thugs in a bank with a Star PD .45, but I don't think they were shielded by hostages. Still, that was a nice piece of work. The Star was his off-duty gun.

Cirillo favored jagged-nosed handloaded bullets that he claimed were less likely to ricochet off of a skull. I don't think they were ever commercially available.

Having protected some convenience stores that were likely to be held up, I understand what he was up against. I'm just glad that I never had any robbers enter while I was on duty.

Texas Star;
Yes, Jim died in a car wreck. It is ironic after the many REAL gunfights he was in to die in a car wreck (I believe the responsible party went left of center and hit Jim head on).

He had retired from the NYPD and was a Federal Training Officer (I believe in Atlanta, GA at the time). I can testify that he was a REALLY good Training Officer.

FWIW
Dale53

Good stuff from a man who knows something about 4 inch Model 10s.
An old lawman and his Model 10:

Actually, I think Jim erred and turned in front of a semi. That never works out well. It's a shame.

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NHI, 10-8.