Do I need a Model 10?

[45FMJoe]

I picked up a mechanically nice, but holster worn 4" model 15 that was a local LE agency trade in back home in Tampa a few years back. It is a -7 if I recall correctly. The firing pin is on the hammer and the hammer is not MIM. It has some Pachmyer grips I should replace because I'm not a fan but I figured it would be a good first centerfire revolver to teach my son fundamentals with. He won't be here until August, but you know the adage about poor planning...

Anyway, this week I received an e-mail from my local LEO supply house. They have LE trade-in 4" heavy barrel model 10s in "very good to excellent" condition with wood stocks, duty holster, speed loader pouch, speed loaders and a box of .38 special for $259. I sent the sales manager an e-mail and he said they have pinned barrels.

Soooooooooo. Do I need one? I've never warmed up to fixed sight revolvers, but I'm thinking for the price I might need a model 10 just because? I'm waffling over here, I need some help!

 

[Jtown]

For the price, I would be all over one of these guns, provided they are mechanically sound.
Walt

 

[Old cop]

Yes, you do need one but it's never about need. At that price I'd be there ina flash.

 

[BAM-BAM]

For that price...... YES!!

 

[fish hunter]

Yes you need one. I also thought I should have adjustable sights on my revolvers, but I have a M-10 and a M-64 that with 158 Gr. SWC they shoot to point of aim and make me look like a good shot. At that price buy two take your choice sell the other.

 

[weatherby]

I'll be the lone dissenter and say no.

For that price and what comes with it.
You do in fact need at least Two for you and your son..... congratulations also.

 

[SRG]

Yes, at that price it's a no brainer

 

[CajunBass]

Yea, I'm not even all that crazy about heavy barrel Model 10's but at that price, I'd grab one.

 

[jinx]

I agree with a poster above. You need 2 of them.

 

[Glashaus]

I will also say that yes you need one, especially at that price. The HB 4" K frames are sweet shooters, very easy to learn how to shoot a handgun with. The HB is very good at taming down the recoil.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Yes, get at least one.

 

[raisedin99]

Joe,
That is a fantastic price, pinned barreled guns are no more. Supply house might give you a better deal on 2 of them. Waffle no longer...

terry

 

[crazyphil]

I'd say grab it before it's gone. Here is my 10-6 (on the right) with the
heavy barrel. Some call it a bull barrel. It worked alright for Jim Cirillo.
On the left is my 10-5 with 2" barrel. I believe S&W .38 Spls with the
fixed sights were sighted in with 158-gr. so that's what I use in mine, and
they shoot to point of aim.
The fixed sight K frames fit a little sloppy in holsters made for the
adjustable sight K frame. You might have to go holster shopping.

 

[Stephanie B]

Everyone needs a Model 10.

 

[retnavyshooter]

BUY! BUY! BUY! I love my M-10 heavy bbl. Also, have a M-13 same configuration. Both are great shooters.

Mick

 

[Andy Lowry]

I just checked my Algorithm of Gun Purchases, and that's a solid BUY. I have seven .38s, including a 15, but the 4" 10 is still my favorite to shoot.

 

[kthom]

Yes, buy one for yourself and one for your son if you can! The Model 10, especially with the heavy 4" barrel (IMO), is something everyone needs at least one copy of. They are like the crescent style wrench or the slip joint pliers that we all have in our tool boxes. They are not specialty tools but work pretty darn well for just about any job that might come up. And they are like an anvil, very difficult to damage or bugger up. Of course, I've seen guys who could damage an anvil with a rubber hammer! But with any kind of decent care, these revolvers will go anywhere and do just about anything. They are easy to carry and easy to shoot. There is a reason why this model sold well enough to have become the model that has sold the most revolvers of any model S&W ever made as far as I know. That's a great price and I doubt you will be disappointed if you get one. I've got a few Model 10's, so I've already got spares, but that's tempting to me! I'd give that for one without all the extra stuff they offer with the deal!

 

[CelticSire]

NO! Don't buy one. Buy two, one for you and one for your son. It's hard to come up with a better all around revolver than a heavy barrel Model 10. It will do pretty much everything you need a handgun to do. Maybe not everything you would want a handgun to do, but everything you need.

 

[Jack Flash]

Just curious, did the seller mention blue or nickel finish? Either way, it's a good deal, if in the condition advertised.

 

[Absalom]

Yes, go for it.

You're not clear whether this is mail-order, but you mention "local". If possible, go there soon so you can maybe select. You'd be amazed at the range of condition within a batch of the same guns from the same LE source. In your neck of the woods, I would check the nooks and crannies closely for corrosion. But that is a great price.