Is a model 10 really a $450 gun now?

[Frank46]

My Model 10 was aquired way back in the mid 90's for the princely sum of $100 bucks. Mine I felt at the time was the best of the bunch out of an old cardboard box. Bought it at a give away price cause no one wanted a 6 shot revolver when they could get one of the new wonder 9's currently on the market at the time. 35 or so years later I still have it an it goes to the range. No chasing brass on this baby. Frank
+

 

[rwsmith]

Pawn shops or ......

Not at the shows in my neck of the woods the price is the price

Pawn shops or shows? If they won't deal, walk.

 

[jeffrefrig]

I would jump on that if I were in the hunt for a M10 in good condition. I'd not buy a new one for $800+; the used one would be more reliable. IMO

 

[Truckman]

Pawn shops or shows? If they won't deal, walk.

Yes, for me at least 50% of the fun is in making the right deal......Ben

 

[GerSan69]

I went to one of my local pawn shops today ( a rare day off for me to poke around the numerous local gun shops ) and they had a near mint 4” model ten. Price was $450. I know I am living in the past admittedly, feeling like $200 ( and less ) model 10’s were around not too long ago ( which in reality is so 20 years ago!)
.....Is a really nice let’s say 98% finish with matching grips model 10 ( no box or papers) really a $450 gun these days?

In a word, yes. The market has exploded in the last few years, a lot more than most people think and faster than I personally have seen since getting involved with guns decades ago. IMO the younger generations who haven't bought many guns before have responded to the over-all political atmosphere since the last presidential election by going to their local gunshops and internet sellers in droves. This created shortages in some parts of the country, and as we all (should) know, shortages drive up prices. Combine that with ammunition availability driving up those prices and you have today's "crazy" prices for firearms.
That said, there are still bargains to be had if you do the work and search diligently. Frankly, if you've found a Model 10, and if it's in very good to excellent condition for $450, that qualifies as a very good deal in 2023. Best of luck.

 

[Adam Baker]

It's worth what someone is willing to pay

I just bid up to and won at $480.00 a 64-3 on Gunbroker.
It's a LEO agency marked with a rack number only trade in.
It's a $250-350.00 gun in my opinion. I wanted it for a specific reason.
Yes, the cheap surplus days are gone. It all depends on when you got into collecting.

 

[Jack Flash]

Pawn shops or shows? If they won't deal, walk.

That's generally good advice, but not in this case if you actually want this one.

Actually, most of the time, when I walk then decide to go back and get it the next day, it's gone.

 

[Shoebox1.1]

I paid 430.00 iirc for a really nice LEO model 64 last year. A nicely blued 10 would be worth 450 to me!

 

[THE PILGRIM]

At one point when working the Shows I got knee deep in RedHawks.
Down at Alamogordo and here comes a Guy I know and have done business with.
He sits a bag on the floor and says hello.
Then he looks down and picks up a 5 1/2 in Redhawk off my table.
He wants it! Reaches into his bag and pulls out a 7 1/2 Redhawk.
I say, these guns book for the same money.
But - the 5 1/2 is way more popular and much easier to sell.
Need Boot, not sure how much. He nods.
Reaches into his bag, pulls out a 6 in pencil barrel Model 10.
Will this do? Yes!
Only 6 inch Model 10 I ever had.
Don’t remember how much I sold it for.
Probably closer to $200 than $450.

 

[paplinker]

Sometimes I am surprised to hear Model 10s are bringing over 400.

I see quite a lot of model 19s for sale at gun shows in the 450-600 range.

Most shows I help out in Pa, lady smiths and model 36s are the majority of fixed sight Smiths sold.

I think the price of 38 special is changing the market more towards 9mm around here for newer gun owners.

 

[S&W-Keeper]

I sold two model 10-5's mint condition nickel with Tyler T's this year for $750 each.

 

[VaTom]

Yes a nice Model 10 is worth $450. Glad to see vintage fixed sight .38 revolvers bringing the good money that they deserve. Anyone who has carried one as a LEO can attest to the fact that they are a reliable, trusted workhorses and if taken care of will likely be shooting far into the future. Pictured are two of mine purchased 8 years ago. The prices I paid are long gone!

Colt Official Police (1956)-local auction, $325 bid ($395 out the door-Tax, buyers premium, background fee.)

Model 10-7 (1979)-Nickel-collectors gun show - private sale - $300 cash. (seller had $400 on the tag).

They don't make them like they used to so if you want one better buy it now.

 

[Bald1]

Sometimes I am surprised to hear Model 10s are bringing over 400.

I see quite a lot of model 19s for sale at gun shows in the 450-600 range.

Most shows I help out in Pa, lady smiths and model 36s are the majority of fixed sight Smiths sold.

I think the price of 38 special is changing the market more towards 9mm around here for newer gun owners.

In W. NY model 19s start at $600. And go up to $1000. I’m talking run of the mill “used” 4” models. Sometimes I wonder if guys even want to sell their stuff.

 

[dsk]

The only gun store in my area with any used pre-lock Smiths for sale wants close to a grand for them. They also have a used Rossi for $550.

I can complain all I want, but I'm not going to find them any cheaper than that in my neck of the woods. Those of you who live where the guns are cheap and the girls are pretty are really lucky.

 

[Major 2]

My LGS has a 95% Mod. 10-5 right now
asking $525 and I'm sure that will deal to $500 cash out the door....

I have no dog in the fight, but if someone has interest PM and I'll
PM back the contact

 

[balin]

As the price of most things double ever 20-25 years from inflation. With valuable things rising even faster. $450 doesn't sound bad.

 

[stansdds]

My LGS has a 95% Mod. 10-5 right now
asking $525 and I'm sure that will deal to $500 cash out the door....

I have no dog in the fight, but if someone has interest PM and I'll
PM back the contact

Given its condition, I think that particular Model 10-5 is over priced at $525.

 

[Muss Muggins]

In all fairness, S&W makes a model they call 10, but it ain’t that 10 . . .

$450 would be a good price in that condition. S&W still makes the model 10 and the MSRP is $869

 

[Jack Flash]

Given its condition, I think that particular Model 10-5 is over priced at $525.

That one could be a decent deal at $500 OTD, if you live in Florida and could go check it out in person.

Add on shipping and FFL fees just to get it in your hands then maybe have to pay them all over again if you determine it's not for acceptable, you would be better off looking for a common gun like that locally.

 

[Major 2]

That one could be a decent deal at $500 OTD, if you live in Florida and could go check it out in person.

Add on shipping and FFL fees just to get it in your hands then maybe have to pay them all over again if you determine it's not for acceptable, you would be better off looking for a common gun like that locally.

agreed, shipping and your FFL fee's would render the deal moot.