Model 10-6 vs 10-8 at the Range

[EricR]

Acquired a large amount of 38 spl ammo as a gift from a very generous co-worker. Assorted bullets including +P. Had a gas blasting away with my 10-6 and 10-8. But when it came to single action "precision" shooting I was reminded of the difference between these two Model 10's of mine. The dash 8 would always group markedly tighter. Not that the dash 6 wouldn't do it's job at close range. But it would lose out to the 8 on bullseye shooting.

Is this sort of difference between models normal? And full disclosure I've not yet taken the time to reference my 4th Ed. Standard Catalog.

They are both in great condition.

https://i.imgur.com/oZCa2qo.jpeg

 

[Hapworth]

It comes down to variables between each specific gun; there's no meaningful difference between the -6s and -8s.

 

[Chuck Edwards]

From what I've read on other forums, S&W refreshed their tooling at the beginning of the 10-8 (which was probably the beginning of the 10-7 too) production. This enabled them to hold tighter tolerances. The 10-8 is considered the high point of M10 production.

My own 10-8 was capable of 1-1/2" at 25 yards back when my eyes worked that well. I used it when I was heavily involved in IDPA. It went through the Performance Center for the Combat Revolver package back when the old guys were still there, and wears a set of Spegel Boot Plus grips.

 

[Pisgah]

Here's the reason I never answer the "what's the best ammo for my Model XYZ" questions: there is NO honest answer, because what might be the cat's pajamas in my gun might be pure **** (NOT the 4-letter word our Nannies object to, but same meaning) in yours. Many guns are similar; no two are exactly alike.

 

[Ameshawki]

You’ll find just as much variation from one 10-8 to another as you well from a 10-8 and a 10-6. Or any other dash.

 

[EricR]

You’ll find just as much variation from one 10-8 to another as you well from a 10-8 and a 10-6. Or any other dash.

Would you say the same for a Model 14?

 

[Muley Gil]

Would you say the same for a Model 14?

Yes. All firearms tend to have their own preferences.