mod.10-5 just can't...

[eazyrhino]

Just can't bring myself to take my 1971 mod.10-5 on it's maiden first shot. It's as pristine as the day the original owner bought it, only factory fired three shots. Took it to the range the other day, but just couldn't bring myself to do it. I'm a shooter, more than a collector. I'm in quite the pickle. I've had the gun for about three months now. I posted a pic before, but here is another one for you guy's. Guy paid $82 for it brand new and with an ear to ear grin I paid over $500 for it.

 

[kbm6893]

Shoot it. It's not like it was the gun Jack Ruby used to kill Oswald. Just don;t holster it. Clean it lovingly, rub some Renassaince Wax on it, and safe it till next time.

 

[fyimo]

They are plentiful but hard to find in that condition. However, you bought it to shoot it so shoot it and like the other poster said give it limited holster time is that's what really hurts the bluing.

 

[semperfi71]

Very nice sixgun.

"SafeQueenitis" seems to sometimes be too endemic here and on the Colt Forum. A mint, NIB RARE revolver might be worth locking up. A revolver such as yours may not.

As otherwise posted here they made a bunch of K-Frame snubs after WWII to now. As suggested above shoot it intelligently and don't holster it and when it becomes time to sell it you will still do well. I would add that you should pull the grips and use "shooters". And if you use "rubbers" periodically pull them and clean and oil underneath as they will rust a gun in the humid areas.

I have a mint, probably never shot M10-5 that was probably made within months of yours. I have the gun only, no box or stuff. I too thought a bit about not shooting it. But I didn't think its value would be compromised one way or the other since they made a bunch of them.

It can be a tough choice. They don't make them anymore and it appears, as reported in this forum, that the new S&Ws just aren't "making the grade." But then again, all revolvers are starting to look a bit passe to a lot of the newer and younger shooters. So our "safequeens" might end up being not so desirable several years down the road.

 

[K-framer]

I'm not going to say "shoot it"....or "don't shoot it". You are the only one who can make that call. I'm just going to express my empathy for your situation. Tough decision. Just remember, whatever you decide, it will be the "right" decision. It's YOUR gun - and YOUR decision what to do with it.

I bought a 10-5 snubby, like yours (except a square butt), not long ago. Mine is nothing like the condition of yours, except internally. I can't help but believe that it was almost unfired - the barrel and cylinder were pristine. It certainly seems as if it's not yet broken in. The exterior was not so perfect - the gun clearly had been neglected. No box or papers, as well. But still, it is nicer by far than my other 10. But, I bought it to SHOOT - not as a display piece (nor as an investment). I bought it to compliment my 10-8, so I could have a "spare"....and be able to switch off for carry purposes. As such, I don't feel the least sentimental about my 10-5. It has a purpose - to be used.

What you have to do is decide on your priorities here. If you bought the gun to shoot....well then. If you consider it too nice (and valuable) to shoot....then there you go. Look at it this way - if this 10-5 is "too nice" to shoot, then just put it up and look for another, shooter-grade gun. You can never have too many, right ?

 

[M2MikeGolf]

I'm a shooter, more than a collector

Shoot it. That's what it was designed for; it wasn't made to sit in a safe. Model 10s in particular love to be fired. Use it, take care of it, otherwise, sell it to a collector. I'm a shooter, and I simply would not own a weapon I didn't use, even if it was a rare once a year range trip for something collectable.

If you are a shooter like you say, you won't be sorry, and you won't look back.

 

[CajunBass]

I'm not sure if I'm a shooter or a collector. I've got guns I've never fired. I've got a couple I don't think have ever been fired. But, I don't have any guns I won't fire.

I say if you want to shoot it. Do so. If you don't, don't. Neither is wrong.

 

[sqhead]

the tape on the gun box holding the sold label,I'd take it off as soon as you can.Use something to heat it up,heat gun,hair dryer.....cause down the road it will pull up the blue on the box and ruin it.

 

[Allen-frame]

You did not pay $500 for a model 10 to shoot it.

Put it away and enjoy being its caretaker for a while.

There are millions of model 10s in lesser condition to buy and shoot and carry.

Good luck
Allen Frame

 

[Retired W4]

I understand your dilemma. That is one sweet round butt snubbie. If you do shoot it just be very careful and don't bang it around. My range here does not cover the shooters position, so I always bring my cleaning rug so I can have a good surface to put my guns on. Others have mentioned not holstering it. That will most likely take some blueing off the muzzle and other places. Once you start shooting it you might like it so much you will want to start carrying it. Yours is actually a good problem to have. Good luck.

 

[18DAI]

I'm usually one of the "just shoot it" guys. In this particular instance I sympathize with you.

I've got a NIB, unfired since the factory 5 inch 10-5 that I just haven't shot. I don't want to put a mark on it. It is a beautiful example of a bygone revolver makers craftsmanship. Blue you can see your ancestors in.

To paraphrase Lone Wadi from Josie Wales; "Its for lookin at, not shootin." Regards 18DAI

 

[Franciscomv]

If you're having doubts, leave it in the safe. Buy another, used, Model 10 with a bit of holster wear and shoot the hell out of it.

 

[ladder13]

You did not pay $500 for a model 10 to shoot it.

Put it away and enjoy being its caretaker for a while.

There are millions of model 10s in lesser condition to buy and shoot and carry.

Good luck
Allen Frame

I'm with Allen, get another 10 and put that away for awhile, it will surely be worth more later. NIB guns are getting harder to find every day. If money is an issue then that's another story. Good luck.

 

[Art Doc]

Send it to me and I'll shoot it for you. I'm an Aries and we love to be first.

I have lost count of how many pristine guns I have shot. Doesn't faze me in the least.

 

[Knightenforcer]

I dont blame you, It's a beautiful gun.
I'll prob feel the same way.

 

[SixGunHunter]

I'm usually one of the "just shoot it" guys. In this particular instance I sympathize with you.

I've got a NIB, unfired since the factory 5 inch 10-5 that I just haven't shot. I don't want to put a mark on it. It is a beautiful example of a bygone revolver makers craftsmanship. Blue you can see your ancestors in.

To paraphrase Lone Wadi from Josie Wales; "Its for lookin at, not shootin." Regards 18DAI

+1 with 18DAI.

There are several 10-5's out there for you too pick up and shoot. Keep this prime example of a time gone by. Not one of us here at the S&W Forum will get sick of you posting pix of it.

 

[Texan]

Don't shoot it !!

Send it to me and I will guard it for you.....

It would be a hard choice, but in the end I would shoot it.

Texan

 

[C Islander]

Every now and then there's that one that needs to be put on a pedestal. Your M10 is one of those.

 

[eazyrhino]

Thanks for the the replies guys and thank you sghead. I took your advise and removed the red sold tag that was taped on the box since 1970. I did it with a hair dryer,come right off no marks or anything very nice. Thanks dude.

 

[KEN L]

Man, that thing is a real ****! I'd shoot it, you ain't gonna hurt it........Seriously, its a very nice piece, but I'll guarantee you'll never shoot it enough to hurt it. Shoot it and enjoy it. As long as you do your part it'll hold its value forever!