Choose one and why: 1006, 1066, or 1076

drno4 · Feb 6, 2017

Friends --

I live in California and for those who may not know, S&W 3rd gens are fairly hard to come by in our state; and by law, we must buy them from sellers residing within our state lines.

I collect .40 caliber models chiefly, but today a friend of mine reached out to me who is selling off a couple of his 10mm 3rd gens, and he's graciously giving me first pass. At the prices they command in our tight California market I may only be able to afford one at this time.

If you were me, all other things being equal, which one of the following models would you buy, and why? My buddy is offering to sell me any one for the same price as the other, all are gently used, and all in the same very good to excellent condition; unfortunately no box or papers with any of them.

1006
1066
1076 (probably *not* an FBI model, but only a S&W letter *after* I potentially buy it will determine that for sure)

Looking for realistic and thoughtful answers and perspectives here; not "buy all three"! Thanks for your input.

Sevens · Feb 6, 2017

If it's all about the model and it's features and it is not about the value or resale of any of them... then my answer is so easy, it's 1006 with no hesitation. The 1006 is the full 5" which truly only makes sense to me since I wouldn't consider concealed carry for any of the S&W 10mm pistols so size is better.

It also isn't hampered by complete lack of grip options (including OEM replacement!) as the 1076 is, and it uses all the traditional parts that S&W made a million of, unlike the oddball decocker version of xx26 and 1076 pistols.

The 1006 is the one (of six) total models that they made the most of, so it is likely the least "collectible" of the six that they made.

1066 would be my second choice.

I will say, however, that if any of them has the adjustable rear sight, I perhaps drop that right to the bottom-- because it looks simply hideous and cannot be fixed easily.

drno4 · Feb 6, 2017

Sevens said:
If it's all about the model and it's features and it is not about the value or resale of any of them... then my answer is so easy, it's 1006 with no hesitation.

That's great insight and helpful perspective. And yes, since these are "already shooters" (i.e. gently-used, *not* NIB, no papers, etc.) then in my mind it is more about the model and features and availability of parts in this case.

To say it another way, for example: if I knew the 1076 was an FBI model, and came with its box and papers, I'd buy that one in a heartbeat, never shoot it, and make it a safe queen. But that's not in view in this particular case. Similarly, the relative rarity of the 1066 (only 5,067 made) might also sway me to buy that one over the 1006; but again, it's not a collectible NIB model, so it's rarity is less significant to me in this instance.

Does that make sense?

Again, I deeply appreciate your perspective and helping me think this through. Blessings.

bigggbbruce · Feb 6, 2017

I own a 1006 and 1076. I prefer the trigger on the 1076 and it carries better. Both handle full power loads just fine.
I doubt the 1076 you're looking at is an FBI issue. Many more weren't than were. I much rather carry the 1076 with the DA first pull and no spur on the hammer. I carry AIWB and it just works better for me. FBI or not I'd carry it and enjoy the 1076.

Mainsail · Feb 6, 2017

OK, I'll be 'that guy' and suggest something not on your list.

I would choose the 1026.

You get the decocking lever on the frame (personally hate the slide decocker) and you get the longer barrel. Living in CA I doubt you're asking about a carry piece, so go with the longer barrel and slide.

After that I'd say the 1076 for the frame decocker.

ladder13 · Feb 6, 2017

Make mine the 1076 because it's purty

Then a nice clean line 1086

03Fatboy · Feb 6, 2017

I'm in CA too. I'd get the 1066, almost without hesitation. The 1006 will pop up for sale way before the lower production 1066. When was the last time a 1066 popped up for sale? I have both and they are both fantastic. Tough to really say one is better than the other.

I have zero interest in a 1076, don't care for the frame decocker. Just me.

Denver Dick · Feb 7, 2017

I have all three, 1006, 1066 and 1076. They all shoot great. However, I would first go for the 1066. It's Commander size (4 1/4" barrel), that's a plus in my book. There are fewer (5,000+) of them made as opposed to 13,000+ of the 1076 and 25,000+ of the 1006. I think those numbers explain why I initially sought a 1066, but found and bought the other two first. It should be noted that, IMHO, the 1076 is very cool, but it's more difficult/tricky to disassemble/reassemble and I've seen more of them available here in So. California than the other two.

Anyway, my BEST advice is to FINE THE FUNDS to get at least two, the 1006 and 1066.

MCorps0311 · Feb 7, 2017

Make mine the 1076,just my choice.

Ross3914 · Feb 7, 2017

I have all three as well. I'd go for the 1066. They are all great guns, but the 1066 has the mix of features, balance, etc. that if you had to go with only one, that would be the one to go with IMO.

TTSH · Feb 7, 2017

drno4 said:
Looking for realistic and thoughtful answers and perspectives here; not "buy all three"! Thanks for your input.

Sounds like you already know the correct answer but don't want to hear it.

That said, if you can only have one... and absent any information about intended purpose/use/collectability/value/etc.... I go along with Sevens: Go with the Model 1006 as long as it is the fixed sights version.

ladder13 · Feb 7, 2017

For the squeamish among you, please close your eyes, you've been warned.

1006

drno4 · Feb 7, 2017

Denver Dick said:
IMHO, the 1076 is very cool, but it's more difficult/tricky to disassemble/reassemble...

Denver Dick: tell me more. Have field stripped and gotten up close and personal with quite a few 3rd gens, but never a 1076 (yet). What makes it tricky or difficult? (Presuming something to do with the frame-mounted decocker?)

Charlie Foxtrott · Feb 7, 2017

I would go with the 1006 without hesitation.

It is just a better shooter than the 1066 which I also have. The DAO of the 1076 does not do anything for me. As for the sights on the 1006. The two of them that I have both wear the adjustable sight which I really like. It is far better than the Novaks on my 1066.

Aegis · Feb 7, 2017

Charlie Foxtrott said:
It is just a better shooter than the 1066 which I also have. The DAO of the 1076 does not do anything for me. As for the sights on the 1006. The two of them that I have both wear the adjustable sight which I really like. It is far better than the Novaks on my 1066.

The 1076 is not DAO I think you meant the 1086 as it is DAO or 1046.. I live in Ca also and have all six models of S&W 10's I shoot the 1006 the most of the lot. . I also reload as 10mm ammo is rather pricey.

84Carrera · Feb 7, 2017

drno4 said:
Denver Dick: tell me more. Have field stripped and gotten up close and personal with quite a few 3rd gens, but never a 1076 (yet). What makes it tricky or difficult? (Presuming something to do with the frame-mounted decocker?)

I'd like to know also as I have a 1076 and I see no difference in field stripping it vs. my 4006, 4013TSW, or either of my Shorty-Forties. Here is a YouTube video on field stripping the 1076.

Fieldstripping a 3rd Gen S&W 1076 - YouTube

Elkins45 · Feb 7, 2017

I have a 1006, 1076, 1086 and a 1071 (1066 slide on a 1076 frame) and I would choose either the one in the best condition or the one I could find at the best price. But since they are the same that really doesn't help.

As a shooter I like the longer barrel of the 1006 and as a carry gun I like the simplicity of the 1086.

Denver Dick · Feb 8, 2017

drno4 said:
Denver Dick: tell me more. Have field stripped and gotten up close and personal with quite a few 3rd gens, but never a 1076 (yet). What makes it tricky or difficult? (Presuming something to do with the frame-mounted decocker?)

84Carrera said:
I'd like to know also as I have a 1076 and I see no difference in field stripping it vs. my 4006, 4013TSW, or either of my Shorty-Forties. Here is a YouTube video on field stripping the 1076.

Fieldstripping a 3rd Gen S&W 1076 - YouTube

You are correct about fieldstripping, guys. However, I meant "disassembly/reassembly", not fieldstripping. And you are correct, drno4, it's all about the frame decocker.

nocents · Feb 8, 2017

1006 for me......and especially if it has the adjustable sights

BLUEDOT37 · Feb 8, 2017

I like the look of the shorter 4-1/4" bbl. & bobbed hammer of the 1066 & 1076 models.

I have a 1076 but only because it's the first reasonably priced 10xx I found.

I have no complaints with it's de-cocker but the 1066 is more "traditional".

So, traditional or non-traditional?

.

.

Choose one and why: 1006, 1066, or 1076

Active member

Well-known member

Active member

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

US Veteran

US Veteran

Well-known member

Guest

Well-known member

Active member

Well-known member

Attachments

Well-known member

Well-known member

Well-known member

US Veteran

Well-known member

Well-known member

Similar threads