About two years ago I gave away my well worn Model 10 4" HB to a friend. I've been meaning to replace it, but it wasn't really high on my priority list as I figured there are millions of them out there and they're fairly cheap.
But then things got crazy. The few I've seen in the last year or so have only been in fair condition and prices have been around $450 and up. Who would have ever thought plain old used Model 10s would get that high?
Yesterday I was at the Germantown, TN gun show and came across a dealer who had six on his table. According to the dealer these are Police trade ins. I thought he said Austin, but it was rather noisey in there. I looked them over. They all had a fair bit of holster wear and wore rubber grips. I'd guess the finish rated about 80%. But they were mechanically sound. Excellent bores and chambers and the timing was spot on. Typical examples of LEO revolvers that were carried a lot and shot very little.
But the best part was that in the middle of this group was a sign that read "Your Choice $300 OTD".
Yep, one of 'em came home with me.
When I got it home I went to replace the goodyears and found a stamped mark on the backstrap. "Group West Knox TN". I looked them up and found they are a firearms importer. So I'm guessing that what I mistook for Austin was actually Asian. Oh well, that doesn't bother me none.
Ain't nothing fancy, just a good solid workhorse at a reasonable price. I'm happy with it.

He probably said "Australian".

Nice catch, I like a gun with honest wear. Found a 10-3 for the same price you paid. Always wanted a 10 with a hvy bbl, the -3 is icing on the cake. Larry