2 questions regarding model 10 & 15's

[trikster]

What is/are the differences between the model 10 and model 15? What is the best revision of both? I have been a fan of the 10 since I was a kid. I was looking at both models today and couldn't tell much in the way of difference. The only difference I saw were the sights...

 

[cgt4570]

Target sights!

 

[Art Doc]

Most of the engineering changes were to facilitate manufacturing and don't have much effect on shooting the guns. Any version with a pinned barrel will be a good one.

 

[Andy Taylor]

Sights are the main difference. If you get one before the MIM trigger/hammer were added it should be a good gun. Both are plentiful and not to expensive considering what a new one would cost, and you get a better gun.

 

[trikster]

What revision did they implement MIM parts? What exactly are MIM parts?

 

[Jason68]

Metal Injection Molding - a modern (cost saving) manufacturing process where a slurry of metal particles is injected into a mold, put under extreme pressure and heat treated. The result is a part needing very little machining. Used for hammers, triggers, other small parts that are usually not subject to heavy stress.
According to Std. Catalog:
Model 10-10 introduced 1988, in 1997 some MIM parts added.
Model 10-11 introduced 1997 full compliment of MIM parts.
Model 15-7 introduced 1994, in 1997 some MIM parts added.
Model 15-8 introduced 1997 full compliment of MIM parts.
(by full compliment I mean whatever MIM parts were going to be used were fully in place, the number of actual MIM parts is relatively few. Mostly used for curvy, complicated hard to machine parts - like hammers & triggers)
One easy way to tell on the guns I own is look at the back of the trigger - if it looks like a solid piece of metal it is pre-MIM, if the back of the trigger looks hollow or concave it is MIM.

 

[fyimo]

I have both and I like the sight package on the Model 15 better. Some Model 10's have the tapered barrel often called a pencil barrel and the Model 15's come with a heavier barrel as part of the design.

 

[Art Doc]

I may have misunderstood the question. The only real difference between a 10 and a 15 is the adjustable sights. They make the latter more useful.

 

[trikster]

Thanks for the info folks. I am looking at a 10-5 that looks like it has been refinished (looks like a matte charcoal gray color, no idea what the finish is) that is marked at $350. I am in the market for a shooter so I am not super concerned with the finish. I haven't had the chance to handle the gun yet, but initial look appears good. Other than the sticky for checking out the gun, anything else I should be concerned with and look for?

 

[geneboy]

the adjustable sights on a model 15 makes them a great range gun. the fixed sights on the model 10 make them a better defense / carry gun. don't worry about the MIM verses the older guns, same goes for pined barrels, That is the minutia collectors worry about, New or old if the S&W is in good shape Shoot Away

 

[Qmark]

Thanks for the info folks. I am looking at a 10-5 that looks like it has been refinished (looks like a matte charcoal gray color, no idea what the finish is QUOTE]

I picked one up at J&G and the finish looks like what you described. My guess (and it is only a guess) it was parkerized rather than blued at the factory. J&G's 38's are police trade-ins. It is possible a police dept specified parkerizing.

 

[GyMac]

Thanks for the info folks. I am looking at a 10-5 that looks like it has been refinished (looks like a matte charcoal gray color, no idea what the finish is QUOTE]

I picked one up at J&G and the finish looks like what you described. My guess (and it is only a guess) it was parkerized rather than blued at the factory. J&G's 38's are police trade-ins. It is possible a police dept specified parkerizing.

I have two guns like that I picked up at a gun show, a HB 10 and a 14. I always figured they were police trade-ins with a lot of wear that were refinished for resale.

 

[celticfisherman]

The model 10 4" HB is in my opinion one of the finest guns made. I love it. Love to shoot mine. I have a 10-5 and a 10-4 in 6".

Never owned a 15. But I would like to. I don't see as many of those as 10's around here. But the difference that matters is the sights. Fixed vs adjustable.

 

[trikster]

That is some good info. If I can get a buyer for my Victory, I will look at it some more. It has been in the case the last two months I have gone in checking on my Arisaka on consignment. If it is still there when I go in next, I am going to take a hard look at it. I will try and get a pic of it so you guys can see the finish. It looks exactly like a dark primer paint finish. I also don't think the grips are correct, if memory serves, they look like the bigger target grips.

I would prefer a 15 as I will primarily be using it against targets, but there are a couple contests at the range for police issue style guns with fixed sights...looks like fun even if I finish last.