Model 10 Barrels! Pencil, Heavy, Whats the Deal?!!

Peter J.

Peter J.

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Ok, I love M&P's and Model 10's. I myself prefer the "pencil" barrel, have never owned a heavy barrel. Don't hate them, just think they look "clunky". What was the reason for the introduction the heavy barrels on the Model 10's? I always believed they came up with the heavy barrels for law enforcement so a cop would have a little extra weight on their gun in case they came upon an unruly suspect really resisting arrest (wink wink). But I don't think anybody would officially admit to that. Those of you who like the heavy barrels, what do you feel are the advantages? Look cooler? Balance better? Convince me!
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I absolutely love a S&W #10 revolver, it is near perfect.
I think the HB balances better, but that round butt skinny barrel in the middle was my woods gun for many years so I am partial to it.
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...the heavy barrel dampens recoil somewhat, allows you to get back on target faster.
Click to expand...

Didn't some PD (NYC, or the FBI, maybe?) request this mod for these reasons way back when - early 60s? I don't particularly like the HB as far as looks go, but it does make the gun more manageable, particularly with the hotter .38 Special +Ps and +P+s.
 
My only Model 10 is a 10-6, with the heavy barrel. At the time I bought it (last year), the dealer had a bunch of Model 10s on the table, some with the standard barrels, some with the heavy barrels, so I got to handle both types. I felt the heavy barrel balanced more naturally for me, but then my first Smith was a 617-6, 6", so I'm used to the barrel-heavy feeling.

In carrying it, though, I think I might've done better to get the tapered barrel, as it would've carried a little lighter (and might have even worked better for IWB concealed carry).

Oh well; now that I have a 642-2 (with the lock...ugh), my 10-6 is a range toy once more, where its heavy barrel will definitely be a plus.
 
When Model 10s reigned supreme in law enforcement holsters; the discipline of point shooting from the shoulder was the prescribed methodology of combat shooting. The heavy bbl (my favorite) was a natural pointer and stayed on target better during rapid fire double action strings.
Model65rightside.jpg

One of the first things you learn in the academy is not to hit someone with your gun. They are poor impact weapons; use a LAPD hickory baton, great impact weapon. Probably the most used police defensive weapon.
 
Hello all- I had a Victory, which is essentially a Model 10 with a pencil barrel. I later bought a Model 10 Heavy Barrel, and liked it so much, I sold the Victory in order to purchase a second Model 10 Heavy Barrel. As previously stated in this thread, I feel they balance better, and are better suited to my shooting habits.
 
Nothing to add that hasn't already been said. HB's ballance better and allow for faster follow up shots by dampening felt recoil. Tapered barrels carry better and look better (IMHO). When I worked for Uncle Sam, I had my choice of 4" M10's to carry. I chose a HB.
 
Before the introduction of the Model 19, Bill Jordan used a Model 10 with a custom bull (heavy) barrel for his shooting demonstrations. I believe he had a lot of input to the Model 19 having a heavy barrel, unlike the tapered barrel of the Model 15. I've carried a Model 10 with a tapered barrel, a model 65 with a heavy barrel, a Model 15, and a Model 66; of all of them, I think the Model 65 had the best balance.
 
Hi:
The first Model 10 H.B. I saw was in "Jessie Harp Gun Shop" in Tampa Florida around 1963. A new Officer in My Agency purchased it. Jessie said the H.B. was made for the U.S. Border Patrol.
Jimmy
 
still pissed I got screwed on a 64 pencil barrel......had a deal the dude cant be found...and I know him.
 
Nice gun, smitty! Any plans to ever shoot it? No criticism implied. Perhaps you just wish to continue owning a pristine, beautiful revolver.
 
Guess I'm odd (hell, everyone says I am), but my standard-barrel 10-5 feels better in my hand than a heavy-barreled gun. Balance feels better, or something--can't really explain it more clearly.

Aesthetically I prefer the look of the standard barrel, so that may play into what feels right. :)
 
I don't care for fixed sight K-frames, I always spent the few extra $ to get a mod 15, 67, 19, or 66. But, if I were forced to carry a mod 10, it would be a HB. the HB balances much better, & looks much better than a pencil barrel, IMHO. I suppose it's good they made both of 'em!
 
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