notsofast
Member
I have been interested in getting a Model 10 and the 5” barrel appeals to me. It’s a 10-7, 5”, is that length barrel desirable and/or does it up the value?
Thanks
Thanks
5” barrel
- Thread starter notsofast
- Start date
I like the 5" best for the balance. Both of mine are postwar .38 M&Ps -- a decade before the Model 10 moniker.
I wouldn't think the 5" would contribute to a higher value like a 2" does, but maybe some of the folks who are up on the modern ones can help with that.
I wouldn't think the 5" would contribute to a higher value like a 2" does, but maybe some of the folks who are up on the modern ones can help with that.
Bosquebass
Member
Later M10s with a 5" barrel don't seem to be all that common but I don't think it would effect the value all that much, but I could be wrong. The best thing to do is to search the sold items on the auction sites and see what a gun like you are looking at sells for.
The 2" round butt guns seem to bring the most money of any M10/M&P of any era and 4" heavy barrel guns are the most common and also the cheapest. FWIW
Just for grins I've been looking for a 6" 10-5 or 10-7 but so far no luck for what I was willing to pay.
The 2" round butt guns seem to bring the most money of any M10/M&P of any era and 4" heavy barrel guns are the most common and also the cheapest. FWIW
Just for grins I've been looking for a 6" 10-5 or 10-7 but so far no luck for what I was willing to pay.
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Absalom
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
The 5” barrel length was very popular on the M&P during the first half of the 20th century, maybe even the most common for police guns up to WW II.
I agree with Bob in that I find the 5” guns to have the best balance.
By the 10-7, which would be 1977 or later, I think the 4” barrel length dominated and one doesn’t see a lot of longer barrels on fixed-sight revolvers anymore (although I have no data to back that up).
If you like it and plan to shoot it, buy it, but I don’t believe it has any particular added value due to the barrel. It will always be too new and the Model 10 is too common to be a desirable collectible in our lifetimes.
I agree with Bob in that I find the 5” guns to have the best balance.
By the 10-7, which would be 1977 or later, I think the 4” barrel length dominated and one doesn’t see a lot of longer barrels on fixed-sight revolvers anymore (although I have no data to back that up).
If you like it and plan to shoot it, buy it, but I don’t believe it has any particular added value due to the barrel. It will always be too new and the Model 10 is too common to be a desirable collectible in our lifetimes.
VaTom
Member
Carried a Model 10, 5" when I first became a LEO in 1976. It shot very well. Downside was that it was not as comfortable when riding and in and out of a patrol car with bench seats as the end of the holster pushed into the seat. The department issued new Model 10, 4" standard barrel, nickel around 1978 and about the same time patrol cars started coming with bucket seats. Better! Don't see many 5" Model 10's when I have gone to gun shows, shops, etc. Picture of Model 10, nickel, 4" standard barrel like what we carried.
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ABPOS
Member
For a range or woods gun, I find the 5" tapered barrel model 10's to be the best looking. I don't have one though. I wouldn't want to try and conceal it though. But bedside gun and all that. Very cool. I'd be all over a 5"er if I had the dough.
This is my favorite 5" model 10 thus far:
This is my favorite 5" model 10 thus far:
Targets Guy
US Veteran
The 5” model 10s are not as common as the 4 and 2”, but may be at or about the numbers of 6” guns. Detroit PD were big fans of these for several decades in nickel finish.
People like symmetry and the 5” barrel length is about the same as the K frame from the attachment of the barrel to the back of the grip frame. That is my explanation anyhow.
People like symmetry and the 5” barrel length is about the same as the K frame from the attachment of the barrel to the back of the grip frame. That is my explanation anyhow.
Targets Guy
US Veteran
I saw on gunbroker a Model 10-7 5" with target stocks sold for $431 last December.
Art Doc
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
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Wow. Somebody's posted a great big photo...
Bit of a cult following for the 5" barrel. Include me. Bought this one new in 1979. Think it was $130 retail. Lived in my mom's nightstand until 2012. Can't bring myself to shoot it or sell it.
Bit of a cult following for the 5" barrel. Include me. Bought this one new in 1979. Think it was $130 retail. Lived in my mom's nightstand until 2012. Can't bring myself to shoot it or sell it.
T. McIntyre
Member
The 5" barrel (in my opinion) offers the best balance of packability and shootability. While the 4" barrels certainly pack the easiest, and the 6 and 6.5 (Referring to N frames in regard to 6.5" bbls)" barrels are where I personally do the best shooting, the 5" barrels seem to be pure Goldilocks.
They are short enough to pack, and long enough to shoot well at extended distances.
They are short enough to pack, and long enough to shoot well at extended distances.
cstanmiller
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I shoot my 6 inch Mod 10's most of the time in our Military Revolver Matches.
Gave my daughter one of my 5 incher's and I still have a NIB in the safe.
Gave my daughter one of my 5 incher's and I still have a NIB in the safe.
Texas Star
US Veteran
I asked a member of the RCMP why the Force chose five-inch M-10's, which they wore from 1954-the 1990's when a DA-only 9mm replaced them.
He shrugged and said that someone up top probably thought they offered the best compromise between four and six-inch barrels. A good answer. And I think the holsters looked best in their uniforms, particularly the red dress coats.
Holsters for five-inch M-10's are uncommon in the US, and you'll probably need to get one made. I suggest that you contact El Paso Saddlery and see if they have what you need. They'll make custom lengths.
If a seller wants a premium for a five-inch barrel, tell him you won't pay it, unless his particular gun is about new. And then, don't pay much more. Remind him that you'll have to have a holster made and that most buyers overwhelmingly prefer a four-inch barrel. His gun will be harder to sell, and he'll have to find an enthusiast willing to buy a five-incher.
The only rub with a five-inch gun is that they weren't made in stainless. But if you avoid oceans and rain forests and use a good lined holster to prevent finish wear, that's not as great a burden as it may seem.
He shrugged and said that someone up top probably thought they offered the best compromise between four and six-inch barrels. A good answer. And I think the holsters looked best in their uniforms, particularly the red dress coats.
Holsters for five-inch M-10's are uncommon in the US, and you'll probably need to get one made. I suggest that you contact El Paso Saddlery and see if they have what you need. They'll make custom lengths.
If a seller wants a premium for a five-inch barrel, tell him you won't pay it, unless his particular gun is about new. And then, don't pay much more. Remind him that you'll have to have a holster made and that most buyers overwhelmingly prefer a four-inch barrel. His gun will be harder to sell, and he'll have to find an enthusiast willing to buy a five-incher.
The only rub with a five-inch gun is that they weren't made in stainless. But if you avoid oceans and rain forests and use a good lined holster to prevent finish wear, that's not as great a burden as it may seem.
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I am also a huge fan of 5" barrel revolvers. I've lost track of how many I actually own, but among them are both prewar and postwar examples. Most are K frames, but some are N frames. In both sizes, I consider them the best balanced revolvers I own or shoot.
Among my later fixed sight K frames, I have two Model 10-5 revolvers that are in high graded condition. One is an ANIB 4" blue example, the other is a 5" nickel without the box, but in 98% condition. It is a great gun at the range and I prefer shooting it over any of the 4" guns of similar vintage.
Among my later fixed sight K frames, I have two Model 10-5 revolvers that are in high graded condition. One is an ANIB 4" blue example, the other is a 5" nickel without the box, but in 98% condition. It is a great gun at the range and I prefer shooting it over any of the 4" guns of similar vintage.
Pointing and balance , as well as aesthetics - the 5" barrel does it all for me. Personally , I would be willing to pay a small premium for a 5" barrel ; 4 inchers are everywhere.
Rare/collectable? Not really. Desirable? Yes.
Rare/collectable? Not really. Desirable? Yes.
I just reread what I wrote here an hour and a half ago . . .
The exception is probably my 4" HP group. Those are still among my very favorite shooters. Even my love for 5" barrels can't trump my enjoyment of the 4" Highway Patrolman. Over the past 50 years I think I have sent more bullets down range with those than with any other revolver, except perhaps my K-22 Masterpieces.
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