The last handgun on my "Must have" list (as opposed to my endless "Want List") is the venerable Model 10 (without the lock, please). I would like to see any Model 10's that you would care to show off to give me any ideas of possible variants to look for as well as the classic factory models. Pro and con opinions of this weapon as well as anything else relating to Model 10s that anyone cares to throw in: stories, quality concerns, finishes, barrel lengths, grips, etc. Pictures are always much appreciated. Thank you!-Rick

The last handgun on my "Must have" list (as opposed to my endless "Want List") is the venerable Model 10 (without the lock, please). I would like to see any Model 10's that you would care to show off to give me any ideas of possible variants to look for as well as the classic factory models. Pro and con opinions of this weapon as well as anything else relating to Model 10s that anyone cares to throw in: stories, quality concerns, finishes, barrel lengths, grips, etc. Pictures are always much appreciated. Thank you!-Rick

There are millions upon millions of .38 M&P's (I understand that it is the most produced handgun ever...yes, I'm sure there are many more M1911's, but by a zillion different manufacturers). Probably the one you're going to run across most often is the 10-5. Usually can be had for about $300...sometimes more, sometimes less.

An outstanding, almost completely trouble-free gun. Simple, reliable, accurate. I have two! (plus a 1949-ish "pre-model 10")

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"I also cook."

Here's mine. I don't yet have any photos of my actual model 10's.


A 2" M&P (especially a round sight, purty-hammer one!) is just the neatest thing there is!

Carried a 4" M10 with the heavy barrel for 17 years. Fine, fine weapon.

Be safe.

There is almost no recoil using my 4" 10-8 with standard pressure rounds compared to the snubbies I have and it is very accurate.

I bought a 97% 4" pencil barrel with rubber grips for $161 about a year ago off of Gunbroker. They are one of the best guns you can still get pretty cheap if you look hard. A 3" round butt would be an awsome carry gun but they are pretty hard to find. You can find 4" guns everywhere.

1967,began D serial prefix at D1(Stardard Catalog of S&W)NIB 10-5 ser.# D3.Shipped
10-15-1971,to Richard SherburneCo.Amherst,Ma.
Dick

I have two four inch model 10s. One heavy barrel and one skinny. Shooting the heavy barrel one is unlike shooting any other handgun I've shot before. Just a slight bounce from the recoil and right back on target. The skinny barrel has slightly more felt recoil, but I think that is more from the grips I have on it. Needless to say if you get a model 10 set up to fit your hand correctly it may quickly become your favorite gun to shoot.

Rick-

I think the two elements to look for are that the gun will accept Plus P ammo, as any Model marked one supposedly will, and to get one that has the threads on the extractor rod turning in a direction so that the rod doesn't unscrew itself in use. I think that change was in 1961, but someone here can provide the dash suffix for it. I haven't time to look it up right now.

One from the 1970's or later will have better metallurgy and heat treating, I guess, but any post 1957 one should be safe with occasional use of Plus P's. Older ones won't blow up, but will loosen sooner.

This isn't based on Internet posts: I wrote the factory years ago, and was advised that I could fire .38/44's in an emergency, but that continued use would loosen the M&P far sooner than if I used normal .38 ammo in it. (This was before Plus P came into use, so the high velocity load then was the hotter .38/44 round.)

Personally, I find stainless (Model 64) well worthwhile, but I yearn for four-inch std. barrel and five-inch M-10's, myself.

I think the five-inch barrel may offer the most in looks, balance, and velocity in a handy size. But holsters are hard to find and if concealed use is a factor, the three or four inch barrels are better.

For a five-inch holster, I suggest El Paso Saddlery, but there is usually a LONG wait.

T-Star

I seem to recall a Mas Ayoob article where he praised the 4" pencil bbl Model 10 over a 3" heavy bbl Model 10. It seemed to come up on target quicker and that little longer sight radius helped accuracy.

I'm suprised that the .38/.44 loads were OK for occasional use. My (likely wrong) understanding is those were nearly hot as modern .357's.

I don't have a M10 either, but I do have 2 13's. I figure they are sorta the same. I passed on a nickel Detroit PD marked 10 at a gunshow last year and really should not have let it go. The dealer and I got within $50 of where I wanted to be.

Model 10 (no dash) 2":



According to the SCSW3, the Military & Police .38 Special revolver was renamed the Model 10 in 1957. It was made through 1958 and then the Model 10-1 came out.

10-5 ROUND BUTT

I only have three, a 4" HB SB, 4" tapered barrel RB, 2" RB.

10-5

10-5

1941 M&P

10-11. Last of the pre-locks, I think. Joe

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Wisdom chases me; I'm faster

I used to think that the 4" Heavy Barrel was perfection on the Model 10 (M10-6 Nickel Pictured)


But after buying this Model 10-7 with a Mid-Heavy 3" Barrel, I changed my mind. It is the perfect K-Frame:

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You're shy a few manners.

Rick-living in Houston, I would suggest an alternative-a 64 no dash pencil barrel.
When you get it-get Patrick to make you a set of bone service (not magna) grips and pair them up with a Tyler and you've got a wayyyyyyyy cool retro Smith to dazzle your friends with-plus it won't rust in a heartbeat in that nice dry Houston climate (After thinking-another alternative is a 5" (or 6) pencil barrel Nickle plated Model 10 with the grip package earlier noted)

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Forum consigliere

very good guns you will need to get one very soon.and shoot it alot.good hunting.

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God save the SOUTH

Here is a 2" M10-7 I found on a shelf a few years back. I brought it home.

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July 4, 1776 not Jan 30, 1909

Here's my 10-6 I picked up not too long ago. It has since become my favorite carry gun. You will not be disappointed with a Model 10.

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Jon

Here's a couple M10's , always looking for more.

10-8, 3 inch



10-7



M&P 5 inch



10-9



1902 Target



10-5



M&P



1905



10-6



Victory



10-8 3 inch



Mike
SWCA 1975

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Sure you did

The 5 inch guns are pretty nice and are getting hard to find. This one is from 1984:

I own a heck of a lot of handguns, from various Colts, S&Ws, Glocks, Walthers, Rugers, whatever. If I had to grab and go with only one handgun, it would be my old police service revolver, my model 10. Bought new by me around 1971, it is the most accurate handgun I own. Period.

The M10 and M&P is the one S&W that I believe you can enjoy more so than any other [other than .22s].

It handles superb, packs well, has history and persona, and is easy to load for. Ammunition can be loaded to a level of soft recoil target loads or not too "recoilly" self-defense loads that will do well.

Shop well and be patient there are lots of them out there and in very good condition. And you can still find NIB with accessories as well.

The heavy barrel versions handle the best. The 5 inch tapered barrel handles best for me in the tapered barrels although I like my 4 inch as well. The 6 inch tapered "hangs well" for the serious offhand shooting. The 2 inch snub has "1940s/1950s Cops-N-Robbers" written all over it!!

You need at least four. Here's pics of three and I have a 2 inch but no pics yet.

Good luck Texican!

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Have guns...will shoot'em.

Here's a couple-an M&P 4" and a 10-5 5". The M&P hangs out in the safe and the 10-5 gets shot weekly.
Bob

Here are mine, nothing to really brag about but I really like them. The 4 inch model I bought in the late 80's has not been fired.

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Dave

Great posts, everyone. Some beautiful iron.

Just nostalgia, but if SmithNut were still among us, he would chime in with some excellent pix and information.

Thanks, all.

Regards,

Dyson

Mod 10 no-dash I picked up at a show today...

For me it's either the 4" heavy barrel K frame M10 or M13. Mine are well used and well enjoyed. With a smooth trigger they are everthing revolvers (or any handgun for that matter) should be.

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The earth laughs in flowers

Why no love for the Model 64? It's jus a M10 in stainless, after all. Not a good photo, but all I have at the moment.



The k-frames with 4" barrels are just about perfection in a revlover, IMHO. I have three in .38spl and two in .357mag.

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With S&W, you're holding history in your hand

Houston-Rick, i suffer on the same illness. I am looking for a 10-4 with 3 or 4 inch barrel since some years. I drive all the dealers, that i visit regulary, crazy with my ongoning asking. (beside my search for a Model 16, 30, or 31).

Swissman

Just bought a 10-8 today, 3" round butt like ladder13's. Has a nice weight to it, 300 bucks out the door.

For those interested, there is an excellent book titled "America's Right Arm" by John Henwood that is really a great read about the M&P's. It's out of print but can be found at various used book sources by searching on the title/author.

Here's my M&P's:

10-7 5" bbl



Pre 10 M&P Snubbie - 1947:



1905 4th Change - 1922:



1905 1st Change - 1906, this one I call 'ol ugly. Can't really tell by this pic, but there is bluing stripped off along the barrel and lower frame by some kind of cleaning fluid where it dribbled out of both end's of the barrel. But, I'm pretty fond of it as it has a long and distingushed career by a retired (now deceased) SFPD officer that used it in matches.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

10-5. IIRC the serial number dates in to 1967 or thereabouts.

new on forum, I just get one look like the picture than vrichard sent on dec 11.
Someone can tell me more about?
When pin were put between barrel and Frame? (mine have not)
May I know the manufacturing date with the serial #BHV4907 ?
looks unfired in his original box, same # on box and gun, just some small polishing defect (because I'm focuse on in my job, may be usual user cannot see them)
what can be the value?
I really like this piece of history

Model 10's are great, whether pre-war or post war!

Here are a couple of pics... post war, military and pre-war:

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Linda
SWCA #1965, SWHF #245

10-8 2 1/2"




1946 5"

I too love the Model 10, but I use a SS Model 64 (4" pencil barrel) for ease of maintenance. The M&Ps are just the right size for me - not too large and not too small. They are fine for all-day carry.
I prefer the look of the pencil barrel, but would guess that the heavy barrel would be an advantage at the range.
John

DGNY,
Has something happened to Smithnut? I so, I am very sorry to hear that. My 3 10s are in this pic:
model 10-5 6" (1969)- 4 o'clock
pre-model 10 4" (1953 5 screw, stamped U.S. Property on backstrap) - 6 o'clock
model 10-5 2" - center above pre-model 10

sw357nm-I'm "wit'chew" on the 64 pencil bbl. I've got a 10-7 std. bbl. and am looking for a stainless sibling for it. If I can find two, one will be my "go to" gun. The fun is in the looking!

Hello mem08 and welcome.

The pin you noted on vrichard's gun was discontinued in 1982.
The serial number you provided (BHV4907) should be from a Model 10-10 made in the first half of 1994.
Without a picture it's hard to determine price. Where I live a 99% Model 10-10 with box is probably a $350-400 gun.
Where are you from? I'm guessing it's not the US.

I was able to find a copy of this book at http://www.idsabooks.com/cgi-bin/idb455/101399.html for about $40. Love these guns and the photos and info from this thread.

Mine from the 50s.

Just happen to have purchased a Model 10-5 nickel over the weekend.