Found The Ideal Training Pistol

[doc540]

I teach a beginners handgun class (mostly women).

After classroom training we go out to the range.

Start them on a Model 63-3, .22 revolver. Doesn't scare them.

Next they shoot a .22LR semi-auto.

Then they take the BIG STEP UP to a .38 Special. (remember, most have never fired a handgun)

I found this 3", refinished, Model 10-6, with a big, soft rubber grip and a SUPERB action. (must've had a gunsmith work it over and change springs).

Then (if they choose) they shoot my Colt 9mm Commander.

The most popular gun and the one they go back to is the old 10-6! It is the perfect training pistol for first-time shooters.

 

[shouldazagged]

One of the countless useful attributes of the Model 10.

 

[RichCapeCod]

I concur. The model 10 is great for training. Make the students first shoot "ball and dummy" (leave spent shells between some of the loaded chambers) so they can see their trigger control issues.

Rich

 

[rwsmith]

I like your method...

Some like to give them the biggest gun they can and laugh when it kicks like a mule and say that if you don't have the guts to take it then you shouldn't be shooting.

And the mod 10 is great for ANY occasion. Talk about a GP gun.

 

[midwesternmutt]

I love the Model 10!

 

[bronco45]

Since the turn of the 20th century K frame 38 Specials have been providing meaningful protection to male and females around the world. It's nice to see you building on that heritage!

 

[weatherby]

Then they take the BIG STEP UP to a .38 Special. (remember, most have never fired a handgun)


I throw some others in the mix on the way up 22 mag and 32 S&W long are both good cartridges for newer shooters

 

[doc540]

Then they take the BIG STEP UP to a .38 Special. (remember, most have never fired a handgun)


I throw some others in the mix on the way up 22 mag and 32 S&W long are both good cartridges for newer shooters

I agree.

But due to stiff actions on the .22WMR's and the additional expense of buying another pistol, I skipped from .22LR to .38.

They seem to make the jump just fine.

Besides, I've only found one .380 semi that had a reasonable slide action. The rest are way to strong for people with hand strength issues.

 

[GyMac]

Yep. I let some new shooters (a husband and wife) shoot one of my Model 10's while they were at the range with the girl's father. Her dad had a bunch of autos and a Ruger SP101 for them to try. You can guess what they did best with. The girl outshot her husband and I heard her tell the father she liked my gun best.

 

[jd67]

Like Bo Derick?
the model 10 is a "PERFECT 10!

WHO LOVES YA BABY!!!

 

[RV4driver]

In my classes, my 686, and now my model 10 are usually favorites.
FYI, I have a Walther PK380, and racking the slide is a non-event. I always include it the classes also.

 

[nyeti]

I just finished an article for a major publication on the 3".38 with a lot of focus on 3" Model 10's. Hopefully, it makes the cut.

 

[Old cop]

A Model 10 snub is my home protection gun.

 

[Kframerbluvr]

I just finished an article for a major publication on the 3".38 with a lot of focus on 3" Model 10's. Hopefully, it makes the cut.

Maybe your article would influence S&W or another quality manufacturer to focus on 3" .38 K-frame size revolvers.
If S&W would make a K-frame lightweight fixed sight .38 +P rated revolver with a 3" barrel and round butt, I would buy at least two.

 

[H Richard]

The ideal training revolver to start with is the one you mentioned, the Mod 63, 22LR. Once they find out it doesn't hurt, and is fun, they won't hesitate to go to a CF handgun. You have a great approach.

 

[ma96782]

Back in the late 70s I joined the local PD. We started with the S&W M18 4" in 22LR. Then, we switched to the S&W M15 4" in .38 Special with reloads. Finally, we shot duty ammo. At the time the duty ammo was the .38 Special +P 125 gr SJHP from Remington.

Most of the detectives (and for off duty) were using the S&W M36 2" and there were some M60s around. The same duty ammo was used there too.

One of my first paychecks went to the local gunshop to buy this beauty. S&W M18

As a class, we also put in an order to buy S&W M60s for off duty usage. But, before they were delivered I managed to pick up this M60 (no dash) from a fellow Officer.

Aloha, Mark