Model 10-5 from Centerfire Systems

[KFW]

Centerfire systems has been selling some used and mostly rough looking Smith and Wesson revolvers. I finally found one on their website that didn't look too bad and the price was right. It was also one that I have been wanting for my collection. It was a Model 10-5 snub nose with a C99 serial number. According to Roy Jinks it shipped in May 1968. It had some surface rust and a lot of dirt and grime. Most of the rust cleaned up with some Kroil and 0000 steel wool. It did have a couple small places where some pitting had occurred. I touched those up with some Oxpho-Blue and q-tip. I paid 400 for the revolver including shipping, tax and transfer fee. I like shooting my guns and it was one that I didn't have, so I am pretty happy with it. Additionally, I made a quick video about it here:
Smith and Wesson Model 10-5 Snubby - YouTube
Let me know what you guys think.

 

[Jim Watson]

Looks like it cleaned up well. Lots cheaper than a Turnbull Restoration which seems a common recommendation by folks spending your money.

 

[Goony]

Well done. I, too, like to look beyond superficial cosmetic distress and be able to rescue a gun utilizing simple techniques. What imperfections remain give it character.

 

[JohnRippert]

Reminds me a lot of one I picked up about 15 or 20 years ago for $249, which would probably be about what you paid in today's dollars. Had some finish issues but mechanically excellent. With a Tyler-T it fits my hand perfect. The only thing that would make yours better in my eyes would be if it were a RB like mine. Good snag.

 

[MajorD]

I have looked at some of the centerfire systems guns, some look pretty shaggy that looks pretty nice.
While I KNOW it is worth what you paid, I still have a hard time dropping that kind of money on a model 10 shooter grade. But, if I am ever going to have another model 10 shooter I will have to face it!

 

[bananaman]

Good Job on that 1! It should serve you well. I picked 1 up that looked iffy. Looks pretty good, and functions great! Mine is from 1974. Bob

 

[peterdeb]

Congratulations on the rescue!! Takes a bit of heart to rescue these.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Looks like you have a good shooter there. A careful cosmetic cleanup and some Ren wax should work wonders on its overall appearance.

I too have a 10-5 snubby - this one is nickeled and has the round butt but works the same. It dates from December 1977. These are very reliable self-defense revolvers.

John

 

[wvs&w]

I think you did very well, should make a fine carry and shooter. Good job!

 

[Farmer17]

Model 10, square butt snub noses in decent condition are pretty darn hard to find. Around here that would be a $600 gun.

 

[Igiveup]

OP, was that the posted price or did you make an offer? I see some of their revolvers and rough, but asking price seems way out of line.

 

[KFW]

Looks awesome. Nice pick-up.

 

[KFW]

That was the listed sale price. Yes, most of them look very rough. It took a lot of patience and looking to find one that looked serviceable.

 

[Farmer17]

I think the square butt looks really cool and "old school". They seem to be much more rare than the round butt.

 

[Muley Gil]

I think the square butt looks really cool and "old school". They seem to be much more rare than the round butt.

Maybe in your area, but I have seen many, many more square butt Model 10s than I have round butt ones.

 

[Justamessenger]

Farmer17 was right

The subject isn’t Model 10s overall, it’s Model 10 snub nose. The square butt is indeed rarer. Of course, in the 4” it’s the opposite, but that isn’t the subject here.