610 10MM

[Russ M]

First of all, please excuse my ignorance, I enjoy firearms but don't know as much as others by any means. I was at the range today talking guns to the guy next to me and when I said I had a 610 I thought his jaw was gonna hit the ground. Now I know some are worth more then others, just trying to find out if I have something here. Any information would be appreciated. The info on the box is as follows;

Model No. 610 Caliber 10MM Barrel 5 Fin. S Stock CS F/L
Features SEMI TAR Serial No. BFN0867 Product Code 103578
Spec. Ord. 0236 top left corner of the sticker is the number 770

I bought the gun 1/26/1994- yep I still got the receipt.

The guns is excellent shape, probably been fired 20 times.

So...do I have something here? Thanks in advance for any info you can shed on this pistol.

 

[TNZ71]

You have a revolver that wasn't made in large numbers. Recently demand for those Revolvers has pushed the price towards 4 digits but condition is everything and original box with accessories adds to value. I'm no expert but I want one I think they shoot .40 as well.

 

[epj]

These guns have probably achieved cult status. Very popular these days. The main advantage I see to them vs a .41mag is their ability to fire .40 S&W which can be had cheaply compared to 10mm or .41 mag.

 

[BRatliff]

The Model 610 is a very desirable revolver having a nearly cult following among some, myself included. The five inch barrel is fairly difficult to find, as is the three inch. I would guess it is probably worth as much as three times what you originally paid if in "like new" condition. Consider me "very interested" if you should decide to sell, just send me a PM.

Best regards, Bob

 

[reddog81]

10MM has seen a resurgence lately and the 610 is has also regained in popularity. Many manufacturers have released new models in 10MM but no one has done a revolver lately. I'm not an expert on pricing but I think the 610 hit the "4 digit" price about 10 years ago now a package with everything should easily bring $2,000.

 

[colt_saa]

Welcome to the Forum.

You have a fine example of the gun-maker's craft. Shortly a fellow Forum member or two will come along and ask to see pictures. Do not worry, it is our way.

This is a simple case of demand greatly exceeding supply. The Cult like status that these revolvers currently enjoy have driven prices up over the past decade

The Model 310/610 revolvers(any configuration) have been a highly regarded firearm by many, pretty much since their introduction. Unfortunately there have only been short periods of time when these models were being manufactured.

Those of us that own them, tend to keep them, thus price goes up since the available supply on the secondary market keeps shrinking.

While the revolvers leave the factory chambered for the 10MM Auto cartridge, they can chamber and fire the 40S&W round as well.

My 310/610 revolvers have been rechambered for the 10MM Magnum cartridge so that now they can shoot all 3 cartridges. If you handload, this will yeild an additional 200-400 FPS depending on projectile weight. Only a few small shops are manufacturing 10MM Magnum ammunition these days

As already stated, the 3" 610 commands a significant premium over the other configuration since only 300 were produced.

The second rarest configuration of the 10MM revolver is the model 310 Night Guard. This lightweight snub nosed revolver is a great carry piece. The Scandium frame drops the weight of the big N-frame down below what a K-frame model 16/66 snubby would weigh

When it comes to N-frame revolvers in any caliber, the 5" guns have been favored for many years due to their shooting balance and visual appeal.

Though, I must admit to a love of the 6 1/2" 610

According to the information off of your box's label your revolver was manufactured on August 24th of 1990. So that revolver sat on a distributor or dealer shelf for 3 1/2 years before you came along to rescue it.

Unless you need money, shoot your 610 and enjoy it. You will always be able to sell it for much more than you paid for it.

 

[hkcavalier]

There is an unfired 6.5" 610 with combats at a store near me for $2k. This is a store that prices fair, high-end of retail, not pipe dream pawn shop pricing.

An almost unfired 5" with box should bring about the same.

 

[joedegs]

Mark, that's a nice looking 5" you got there.

 

[Russ M]

Thanks

Thank you everyone for the information, I truly appreciate it. I still have all the paperwork and box that came with it, which I now know to hold on to. I intend to hold on to it, I bought it when Walmart was getting out of the handgun business and was discounting all their guns. I just looked at the receipt and I paid $187.00 for it brand new! Wish I'd bought a dozen of them!

 

[epj]

That's kinda adding insult to injury. I hate you! Not really, but I am jealous.

 

[Izzydog]

So is the 4" unfluted 610 "Classic" common, or less desirable? Mine has given me nothing but headaches. I won't sell it, because I was with my father when I bought it. And it is a fairly simple fix,I just don't have much time, or motivation to fix a safe queen.

 

[joedegs]

610

Russ M, you truly do have a wonderful revolver. Like Colt_SAA said enjoy it. Both shooting and showing.
Joe

 

[alexrex20]

I'll give you $400 for it. Double your investment.

Sent from my LGLS991 using Tapatalk

 

[Richard Simmons]

Congratulations to the OP. As others have stated the Model 610's have been increasing in popularity by leaps and bound with the 3" followed by the 5" leading the charge. I've got both, (please excuse the G29, she wanted to be in the photo with her big brothers) and feel lucky to have them. At a recent estate auction I let a 6.5" get away from. It went for $1,150.00. Had I not had my eye on some other pieces I would have liked have brought it home.

 

[kaaskop49]

J-hound with a ?

How do 40 S&W rounds headspace in the 610 cylinder? Seem too short to headspace on the case mouth. Moon clip perhaps?

Thanks in advance.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[colt_saa]

How do 40 S&W rounds headspace in the 610 cylinder? Seem too short to headspace on the case mouth. Moon clip perhaps?

Thanks in advance.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Correct, Smith and Wesson Revolvers that fire rimless cartridges originally intended for auto-loaders are designed to head space on the moon clip, not the case mouth

The older 686 and 627s that were chambered for 38 Super can fire 38
Super, 38 ACP, 356TSW, 9x21, 9MM Luger, 380ACP and others from a single firearm with no changed necessary

My 8 shot, 627 Pinto pictured below had a 2nd cylinder chambered for 9x23 Winchester. In addition to 9x23 Winchester it fires all the cartridges listed above.