Clueless

[Kmacdaddy]

I am a first time gun owner. I live in NM and grew up on a farm in Texas, but never had a gun. I was given a gun this year, and really am scared to death of it.

I think it is best described as follows:

Model: 10
Caliber: .38 S&W Special CTG
Capacity: 6 Rounds
Barrel Length: 4" / 10.2 cm
Front Sight: Black Blade
Rear Sight: Fixed
Overall Length: 8.875" / 22.5 cm
Action: Single/Double Action
Frame Size: Medium - Exposed Hammer
Weight: 36 oz / 1,020.6 g
Grip: Wood
Material: Carbon Steel Frame
Carbon Steel Cylinder
Finish: Blue

S/N: C117367

I was also given a year-long membership to a local gun club to learn to use it. I don't know what sort of ammunition to buy.

I plan to use it for home defense. I live in an area with a rash of home invasions out in the county. I live in the county.

I would like to know when it was made and anything special I need to know.

I don't know much about guns at all, but this does not seem to have a safety latch, which worries me a bit. What is the best way to avoid accidental discharge in this situation?

Thanks from a newbie. I do love history and I am proud to own a S&W considering their role in this history of this country.

Kmacdaddy

 

[jlrhiner]

Thank God it's not a GLOCK! Those things jump out of their holsters and go on rampages!!

Just kidding and welcome to the forum.
I'm out running around, so if someone else hasn't filled you in on the mfg. date by the time I get home, I'll look it up for you.

Your Model 10 only really has one safety. YOU. Don't point it at anything you don't want shot and don't pull the trigger unless..... Well, I'm sure you get the picture.

I would really advise you to take a pistol safety course, just to restart some old safety thinking you probably forgot. And if you've never been exposed to it, it'll be a big help.

Just about any factory 38spl. will do to get you started, as the Mdl 10 IMHO, is one of the bedrocks of pistol shooting. Unless you really try, or are very neglectful, you'll never wear it out.

Congratulations and again, welcome to the forum.

 

[Retired LTC USAR]

There is no reason to be scared of that gun. It is not dangerous untill rounds are inserted into the chamber. The gun will not go off by itself. The trigger must be pulled to make it go "bang". No finger on the trigger, nothing to worry about.


If you were given a year membersip at a local gun club, by all means use that membership to learn how to safely handle, shoot, clean, store and carry that smith. There should be a wealth of information/instruction and classes there.

 

[CelticSire]

There really is nothing to fear about your gun. Respect, yes, but remember that the gun is nothing more than a tool. It requires an operator, i.e. a living, breathing person, to make it function. It will not suddenly go off by itself, it will not assume a life of its own and go on a killing spree. It is merely steel that has been formed into a mechanism for a purpose. That purpose is NOT killing. The purpose is to fire ammunition. Only the operator can cause the ammunition to be fired with the intent of causing harm. Since the gun now belongs to you, you are the operator. The responsibility rests with you, not an inanimate object. So there really is nothing to fear, is there?

 

[vytoland]

I don't know what sort of ammunition to buy......38 special


I would like to know when it was made...............based on your s/n 1948 - 1951

 

[sps282]

CelticSire's advice to you is right on the money....there is nothing I could add to that!

 

[GJH77]

Congratulations on your new acquisition. It will be a great hobby, as well as a useful tool at the needed time, and you can have a lot of fun with it.

It can be very intimidating to go in to the gun club/range the first time and see all these folks who think they know what they are doing (but really may not know any more than you). So find a friend who has some experience and get them to go with you, and get the instruction as suggested.

Also by your title, it sounds like you might have kids. So most importantly if you have kids in the house, make sure you keep the gun under your control, or locked up at all times.

Stick around and you can learn a lot here.

 

[wbraswell]

Remember when you shoot. Use ear protection!

 

[M3Stuart]

Welcome to the forum!

Edit: I messed up. The first thing I tell any student is the three rules (everybody, outloud, together):
1. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
3. Always keep the ammunition stored separately until ready for use.

Memorize them. Practice them. Safety first.

Ok, back to the post:

Are you afraid of your hammer, circular saw or power drill? Well, you should be. Just kidding - you would be afraid of those things if you did not know how to work them.

And so it is with the gun. Whoever gave you that membership to the gun club should be given a gold star or something - that was brilliant.

My advice? Go to the gun club. Take a class. Hang around. Ask questions. Listen and watch. Find some people who are shooting what you are shooting - namely a REVOLVER, who are doing it safely, and appear to know what they are doing - hang around with them.

In no time you'll be a PRO!

Oh, and take some pics of your super-cool shootin' iron and post them so we'll have excuses to post pics of ours and talk about them!

Here is my model 10:

Edit: on the ammo, start out with ordinary .38 Special (NOT the +P kind) for now.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Welcome to the forum. A lot of very good advice thus far, and not a lot I could add except the following:

Eye protection (safety glasses) is as important as hearing protection.

Ammunition: I'd suggest 148 grain Mid-range Wadcutters. Here is a link to give you an idea:

Ammunition To Go : 50rds - 38 Special Fiocchi 148gr Lead Wadcutter Ammo [38LA] - $17.95

This ammunition is designed for target shooting, so the recoil will be mild. There are several manufacturers for this ammunition including Federal, Fiocchi, Winchester, and Remington, and I would recommend you buy factory, rather than reloaded ammunition for now. A box of ammunition will hold 50 cartridges.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[gregintenn]

Congratulations. You were given a high quality firearm. You should learn to not fear inanimate objects. I'll bet there are several members here who would be happy to help you become familiar with it.

 

[linde]

I am a first time gun owner . . . I was given a gun this year, and really am scared to death of it.

Model: 10
Caliber: .38 S&W Special CTG
S/N: C117367

I would like to know when it was made and anything special I need to know.

Thanks for your willingness to ask questions and learn. There are many folks here on the Forum who are very knowledgeable and willing to share their insights and experience. Welcome.

The revolver you have is an ideal choice for learning. It was likely made in mid-1950. The 38 S&W Special caliber was the standard used by law enforcement for many years and is generally viewed as a good choice for self-defense. A revolver is inheriently a safe firearm but, as others have urged, take advantage of basic firearms training and then . . . practice, practice and practice . . . until you become proficient and confident so its use becomes second nature. You'll do fine.

Good luck,

Russ

 

[sophie]

S&W Model 10 is a very good gun.
Like the others before me have said, get some firearm training at a local gun range.
Above all, use EAR PROTECTION when practicing your shooting.
No reason to be afraid of the gun and and be sure and keep it secure.

James

 

[joeintexas]

Congratulations on owning a very fine revolver, it will be fun to learn to shoot and the more you shoot it the more comfortable you will be with it. What county do you live in? If it's san juan I could connect you with an old friend of mine there, he is a retired LEO and a former magistrate judge, and he is one of the best at firearm training. Good luck, be safe and have fun.

 

[Kmacdaddy]

Gosh, you guys were great. Thanks very much for all the information.

I had not thought about eye protection. I will take care of that.

I hope to shoot the gun during the Holidays with my son (19).

One more question, does the gun require periodic maintenance? It is very pretty and seems to have been very well cared for. I cannot believe it is 60 years old. It is very, very sharp looking with no blemishes that I can see. I am very proud of it. I just read a book outlining how the Texas Rangers were the first to use Colt's 6-shooter with stunning success in the Indian Wars.

Is there a manual or website to review for the maintenance schedules?

Thanks again, I am so pleased to have come across this site.

 

[P&R Fan]

Maintenance would be to clean it periodically, although you really don't need to overdo it. It needs to be lubricated enough to keep the moving parts moving, but again, don't go overboard with the lube, a little bit goes a long way. If it is a blued finish you would be wise to get a rust preventative rag to wipe it off with after you handle it. I use a RIG (Rust Inhibiting Grease) Rag. You can find them on-line or at the sporting goods stores. Fingerprints can cause rust if not wiped off a blued surface, so keep it wiped down.
I will echo the suggestions given about safety. A revolver has no manual safety, and doesn't need one. You really have to be trying to shoot it to make it go off, unless the hammer is cocked, then a lighter touch on the trigger will fire it. Keep the muzzle ALWAYS pointed in a safe direction, and your finger off the trigger until you have made the decision to fire. And always remember, there is NO SUCH THING as an unloaded gun!. Even if you have checked, double checked and triple checked and you know there are no cartridges in it, it is STILL LOADED. Treat it that way and you will be fine.
Oh, almost forgot, welcome to the Forum.
Jim

 

[truckemup97]

A basic firearm handling class should give you some pointers on cleaning it. Some folks clean it every time they shoot it, and some never clean it. If you're somewhere in between, you'll be fine. When you store it, keep it away from moisture. Spray it with a good protectant (I use RemOil, available at Wal-Mart), then wipe it down before you put it away to keep the rust at bay. Other than that, no maintenance should be needed unless you're shooting several hundred rounds a week.

 

[Kelly Green]

It may be your first gun but like most of us here, I'll bet it won't be your last.

 

[TACC1]

Besides the hearing/eye protection, try going to the NRA website' and either calling them or calling one of the certified instructors in your area for a basic training class. Or, since you live out in the county, ask the next LEO you see about trianing. There's different ways to get where you're going, and they all revolve around those safety rules
earlier posted.
You've got a fine firearm, one you'll enjoy shooting, and it'll
outlast you.
Good luck and keep us posted. TACC1
P.S. Under NRA in New Mexico, there's a website for New Mexico Shooying Sports ***'n., with contact info.
Hope this helps.

 

[CelticSire]

I am a first time gun owner.

I was given a gun this year, and really am scared to death of it.

I plan to use it for home defense. I live in an area with a rash of home invasions out in the county. I live in the county.

I want to commend you on not letting your admitted fear of this firearm stand in in the way of learning its proper use and handling so that you may do what is necessary to defend your family and home. It takes strong character to do what is right vs. what is convenient. It would be convenient to say "I don't need a gun" but you realize that it is your responsibility to protect your loved ones and your home. You mentioned that you will be shooting with your 19 year old son. You are also to be commended for sharing the desire to do the right thing with your son. I have a strong suspicion that the two of you are about to discover a new activity that you will share for years to come, the shooting sports. Many of us here have very fond memories of the times we spent with dads, uncles, grandfathers, brothers, and in some cases, sisters and aunts and mothers. Many of us also share our hobby with our significant other, or "SWMBO" (She Who Must Be Obeyed).

I do love history and I am proud to own a S&W considering their role in this history of this country.

Welcome to the Forum, and be proud knowing that you have now become a part of that history.

 

[thndrchiken]

No sir, you titled your thread wrong, you are not clueless. You recognize that you do not have the knowledge about your fine pistol. You came hear and asked questions, that puts you ahead of the game compared to many. As has been stated, find a NRA certified instructor in your area and take a first steps pistol class. Just about any gun shop or range can point you in the right direction on who to contact. I have always felt that gun ownership includes a responsibility. If you have young ones in the home by all means, once you become educated teach them. The children that know what the gun is, what it does and how it does it are not mystified and curious, they are educated and will not seek out the pistol when your not around. We all can go on and on with tips. But your in good hands here, very knowledgeable people on this site. Like I always say, the only stupid question is the one that is not asked.

 

[Stevens]

First thing to do is thank whoever it was that gave you the gun and club membership they have done you a great favor.!
Steve W.

 

[venomballistics]

First thing to do is thank whoever it was that gave you the gun and club membership they have done you a great favor.!
Steve W.

and the second step is to find an instructor to help familiarize yourself with the fine art of handgun marksmanship.
Guns are nothing to fear for the most part .. most would agree that cheaply made Saturday night specials might be an exception
what is to be feared is ignorance ... you can fix that.

 

[snowman]

Sir,

Welcome to the forum and to responsible gun ownership. Keep asking questions; we WILL treat you well(WON'T WE, FRIENDS).

I always tell people that are unfamiliar with and/or afraid of guns that I feel safer carrying a loaded gun through the house than I do carrying an opened bottle of bowl cleaner or some other household chemical. Let me explain:

The rules for handling firearms safely are few, simple, and extremely easy to practice(You heard them more or less enumerated above by previous posters). Young children have learned and practiced them for generations. And they overlap in such a way that even if one of them is violated, a tragedy will be averted simply by practicing the others(don't do this, though). I would explain further if I weren't pressed for time right now.

Let me suggest that you take the pistol course already suggested as soon as you can, and start practicing with the gun. If there is a home invader on the loose, don't put things off.

Keep us informed how things are going, will you?

Best wishes,
Andy

 

[Tom K]

I would also recommend handling the gun a lot (unloaded, of course). Always make sure it is unloaded, each time you pick it up, even if you haven't bought ammo yet, even if you put it down just a minute ago. It's a good habit to get into - vital, really.

As long as you don't flip the cylinder shut like they used to do in gangster movies, there is little you can do to harm it. Dry fire it a lot, both double-action (by just pulling the trigger) and single action (by cocking the hammer first.) Dry firing even thousands of times will not harm this gun - if it does, something was defective! Become intimately familiar with its feel. Try handling it and dry firing it with your eyes closed. When you pull the trigger, try to move your trigger finger and nothing else. When you dry fire with your eyes open, focus on the front sight. It should not move when you pull the trigger (or at least very little).

Learn how to de-cock the gun after you've cocked the hammer. That will be something that you will undoubtedly need to do at some point, and it's best to learn it at home with an unloaded gun than at the range with a live round under the hammer. (Briefly, to uncock a revolver hold the hammer back with your off hand and pull the trigger. Then keeping control of the hammer, ease it down to rest against the frame, releasing the trigger after the hammer starts to move.)

When you do go to the range with your gun, go with someone who is familiar with firearms and can help you out with regard to stance, sight picture, etc. Under ideal circumstances, go with someone who owns a S&W .22 revolver so that you can start with that instead of your .38. It's much easier to learn on a .22 than anything else because recoil and muzzle blast are negligible (with proper ear/eye protection of course).

First time, don't even worry about accuracy. Turn your target around so that it's just a blank sheet and just aim to the middle of it. Don't worry about where the holes appear. Load a single round and without looking where it's at, close the cylinder - like Russian roulette, with a target. Aim at the blank paper and focus on the front sight. When you pull the trigger try to move only your trigger finger so that when the hammer falls on the empty chambers, the gun should not move at all. When the hammer falls on the live round it should be a complete surprise. This is a good way to detect whether you're "flinching" or not. Once you've graduated to fully loading the gun, leave one round out every now and then as a check.

That'll get you started. By the way, shooting is a lot of fun!

 

[Krogen]

Would it be possible for the person giving you the gun to provide some training?

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

You have gotten a lot of good replies. There is not much to add to them. You could hardly have gotten a better first gun for the stated purpose. As others have stated, never point that thing at anything you aren't considering killing, even if it is unloaded. [The reason for this is that if you think it's loaded, of course you're not going to point it at anything you aren't considering killing. It's when you know it's unloaded, but it isn't, that you are ready to have an accident. Thus the rule applies even when you "know" it's unloaded.]

If you end up getting a holster, be very sure that when you holster the gun, the edge of the holster doesn't catch the trigger. There are probably several ways to do this, including picking the right holster. The way I do it is to hold the hammer down while holstering, so that if holstering started to cock the hammer, I would feel it and stop immediately.

Good gun, good friend!

 

[EchoBravo]

I don't think anyone mentioned this yet, but there is an extra rule for revolver safety- don't put any part of your fingers across the front end of the cylinder (the "cylinder gap") when you do shoot it. There is a slight gap that will let a burst of flame/gas out when you fire and could do serious damage to anything that crosses that plane. Nothing to be afraid of if you hold the gun correctly.

Here's some more info: Mind the Gap: Cylinder Gaps on Revolvers and Their Effects on Power (and Fingers) - Gun News at Guns.com

 

[HERMAN.40]

If you contact S&W, they will give you a free owners manual for your gun. You can either phone or E-mail them. Good luck with your new revolver. Also, visit this forum often. It's amazing what you'll learn.

 

[Kmacdaddy]

Thanks for all the great information. I have read and appreciate every post. I am definitely going to contact S&W for that owners manual.

We did meet yesterday and we did get to fire it quite a bit. My son and two daughters all went along and got to fire it. A great deal of practical pointers. All of us kept missing high, but got better as time progressed.
Couldn't get my wife out, too many Christmas things to do…

I bought the Rem Oil and hit all the points that moved with it. It came with an old leather holster and I will be careful with it.

Thank you all very much, I will keep checking back and may hit you guys up for some additional info.

Merry Christmas, we have had snow all night, and it is supposed to snow all day and all night and on and off tomorrow. We are going to have a White Christmas!!