I had the same opportunity some 6 years or so back when the Ohio Department of Corrections dumped a fat load of them on to our large local gun store. No idea how many more they had in the back but there were 8 in the case and I was able to handle all 8 and the one I selected ended up being a 10-10, made 1994, did not have the pinned barrel. Paid $250.
I handled each and chose the one that felt as if it had the best double action trigger feel and timing and lock-up, the finish was somewhere just better than atrocious. Some seriously misguided armorer or perhaps idiot property room lackey chiseled a 3-digit rack number on the bottom of the trigger guard with what looks like a rusty nail.
It's not easy for me to explain how much fun it is for me to own a revolver that works -SO- well, it this boringly accurate, looks so neglected and cost so little money. It's a total sweetheart.
Side story...
A buddy of mine also bought one right around the same time and we found out shortly later that his barrel had a bulge in it. This is always a possibility with a revolver, especially if you are picking from a big load of former issued guns. But my point is -- you could see it, feel it, and feel it especially when you cleaned the bore but on paper you simply couldn't tell, at least with jacketed and plated bullets. With lead maybe we would have?
His revolver... even with bulged barrel, STILL worth the $250+tax he spent on it. Mine is a prize to me and the exterior looks more like every previous custodian hated it.
They will steer you off one or 2 now and then, because they were not a good value, or to messed up. But, if the prices is right your not going to get much in the way of help deciding not to get a S&W from a forum full of addicts. 
