... a 4-inch pencil barrel or a 2-inch heavy barrel? Logically the 4-inch should be heavier but it sure feels lighter in my hand. Maybe it's a balance thing?

Hi:
Balance.
I was not aware that there was a two (2) inch Heavy Barrel Model 10.
Jimmy

Are you sure its not a 3 inch heavy barrel? Like jimmy I have heard of a 2 inch heavy.

I meant to say have not heard of the 2 inch heavy.

Sorry, I probably used the wrong word. It's a standard 2-inch barrel, but it looks thicker than the pencil barrel.

If you can wait until tomorrow, I have 2" and 4" (pencil barrel) model 10's, both RB. I will weigh them and report.

Hi:
Via Postal Meter:
S&W Model 10-5 4"Standard Barrel Square Butt Blued #C759789 1 lb. 5.3 oz

S&W Model 10 2" Standard Barrel Square Butt
Blued #C539146 1 lb. 1.3 oz
Jimmy

Aren't heavy barrels pretty much straight, taper wise from frame to muzzle? Standard barrels taper. Thus a muzzle would be thicker 2" from the frame on a standard barrel compared to 4", giving it a more HB look.