Model 10 Fans: Heavy Barrel or Standard Best?

bmcgilvray · Aug 13, 2009

I've been intended to get a "round tuit" and ask this question.

For shooting fans of the Model 10 revolver with 4-inch barrel: Can you tell a difference between the standard tapered barrel and the Heavy Barrel variation when shooting it?

I cut my teeth on the Heavy Barrel but can't really tell much difference when shooting the two. Though I'm more familiar with the feel and balance of the Heavy Barrel I actually think the standard barrel balances a bit better in the hand. Recoil with all loads from target wadcutter to +P rounds feels the same to me with both barrel styles.

Smee78 · Aug 13, 2009

I love the heavy barrel, but it may just be the looks.

AKAOV1MAN · Aug 13, 2009

My first issued weapon (from the US Army) was a M10, RB HB. Then I found a "couple of "Pencil" barreled guns in the arms room, and asked for one, and got it. I liked the way the weight sat a little further back in my hand. Then they had some 2" barrels both M10s and Colt DSs, and I fell for snubs. Eventually my unit was moved and colocated with the USAF in Ubon. We had to take a sidearm with us. I took a HB M10, and the armorer at the AF did an action job on it that is still the best I have ever had, why I turned that gun in is still a mystery to me, other than I was very young and was lacking the experience (balls) I later acquired.
I still like the "pencil" barrels, and when a 38 is required, I carry my 4" M64 RB I acquired in 1972-in Italy of all places. It also has had an action job, trigger and hammer replaced, and the rear sight notch gouged out as wide as possible.

Glock 'em down · Aug 13, 2009

I like the way the "pencil" barrel looks and the way it balances the entire revolver better in the hand than the "bull" barrel.

However...

When it comes to range time, I think the heavy barrel shoots better.

But back to good looks...

The standard barrel looks like crap with a big ol' set of Target stocks on it, where the heavy barrel has that classic S&W look about it while sporting the big grips.

Just like the other side of the coin...

The standard barrel looks like a work of art with a gorgeous set of Magnas and a Tyler T-grip.

I dunno man...I NEVER met a Smith & Wesson revolver I didn't like.

Blue, nickel, stainless, short, long, fixed sights, adjustable sights - I love 'em all!!!

SMMAssociates · Aug 13, 2009

I've got an M10HB from about 1969. Standard grips, no-name grip adapter. I just preferred the appearance....

My regular range buddy's got an M10 with the pencil barrel. Police pullout, apparently - no idea the age, but it's a bit "used". Mine got some wear, but only a "NIB" enthusiast would turn away.

I don't see any difference on the range.

Regards,

cmort666 · Aug 13, 2009

I think the tapered barrel guns look better. I've got an ex-NYPD gun that bought from Vivas a few years ago.

panamajack310 · Aug 13, 2009

I like both...The bull barrel looks cool, the pencil barrel is just very classy looking.

jpwhel · Aug 13, 2009

i'm not sure there is any difference in shooting the two, I don't notice that one shhots better than the other.

However, the pencil barrel has the look of a classic, one of the nicest looking revolvers around.

klondike · Aug 13, 2009

I like the heavy barrel in the 3" length. My 10-8

tyusclan · Aug 13, 2009

I prefer the heavy barrel.

TNDave · Aug 13, 2009

I have had both over the years and have come to prefer the skinny barrel. It is lighter, has a really big front sight, and they tend to be cheaper. Plus they have the cool factor.

j38 · Aug 13, 2009

Tough question, Bryan. I suppose I would pick the standard barreled Model 10. I think my eye runs down the tapered barrel to that big front sight and puts me on target just a little bit quicker.

I should admit that I've shot the standard barrel Model 10 much more often than the bigger tubed model... but I'd be very pleased to have either at my side.

Jerry

Vulcan Bob · Aug 13, 2009

I love the looks of the four inch pencil barrel, but with rapid DA fireing the heavy barrel gets the nod, the extra weight up front keeps front sight bounce to a miminum. With that said, they are all cool!

roaddog28 · Aug 14, 2009

jpwhel said:
i'm not sure there is any difference in shooting the two, I don't notice that one shhots better than the other.

However, the pencil barrel has the look of a classic, one of the nicest looking revolvers around.

I have had both. I still have a model 10 with the heavy barrel. I did not notice any difference shooting them. I agree that the pencil barrel is the classic that made the miltary & police hand ejector famous. I feel both are accurate. More accurate than I am! It is really a personal decision. If you want one to collect I suggest a victory or a revolver made between 1945 to 1956. These are worth more depending on condition than most model 10 made from 1957 to present. If you want a shooter to have fun then buy the later model 10s.

Hope this helps,
roaddog

walnutred · Aug 14, 2009

I've had many pencil barreled guns over they years and one 10-6. I still have the 10-6 and the only standard barrel I regularly shot is a 32 WCF, which was never offered in a HB version to my knowledge.

BreakerDan · Aug 14, 2009

I like the looks of the skinny barrel best, they just look good to me.

deanodog · Aug 14, 2009

I like both and this 3 inch also. I guess I just like them all.

45/70 marlin · Aug 14, 2009

I like both,but prefer the heavy barrel.

judge · Aug 14, 2009

If your going to carry it 8 hrs a day, I go for the std bbl. You can really feel the difference in the weight. If the goal is speed shooting and or using Hi-Vel ammo, go for the heavy bbl. It will slow down the recoil, and give less muzzle lift. You can never tell about accuracy until you fire the gun with match grade ammo - either one can come out on top. Looks mean very little when it comes to match shooting.

bmcgilvray · Aug 14, 2009

Can't remember offhand; was the 4-inch standard barrel said to weigh 31 oz. and the 4-inch Heavy Barrel 34 oz.?

Thanks for posting. Some who've posted do notice a distinct difference in perceived recoil. I never really could tell that there was much difference in recoil, only in the balance.

I have several Model 10s around the house but only one is pristine looking and it's a 2-inch gun that I purchased new. These represent the best of 4-inch guns here and they are "well used." After these it goes down hill. All are fine shooters though. Model 10s are amazingly accurate.

Model 10 Fans: Heavy Barrel or Standard Best?

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