Model 10 acquisition under consideration

[lkspohn]

As a new guy on the block at this forum, I would like to tap your expertise on whether to buy a Model 10-6 for $200. Gun seems to be a good working order and overall would probably rate 90 percent if it weren't for heavy holster wear on the barrel.
Is this a fair price? .
Also, can anyone give me a firm year of manufacturer on the serial number which is 54536.
Finally, since the barrel is only marked .38 special, would be unwise to use +P rounds in it.
Thank you for your help and advice for an S&W newbie

 

[mtime7]

$200 is a buy price, as for +P, It shouldn't be a problem

 

[GJH77]

I would say good price also. Does the serial number have a letter prefix in it-C or D?

 

[tac803]

That's a great price for the gun, IMHO.

 

[lkspohn]

GJH77,

No, the serial number has no prefix or suffix.

Thanks all for the advice. Old Lady says she's gonna buy it, so it seems to be unanimous.

 

[ColbyBruce]

I own several #10 & #64 revolvers. $200.00 is a very good price on one of these guns.

 

[murphydog]

Have a look at the bottom of the grip frame, there should be one or three letters preceding 4-6 digits, this is the official SN and from this we can tell you when it left the factory.

 

[scha]

The serial number is the one on the butt of the grip frame. A Model 10-6 should have a serial number that begins with a C or a D.

Hope this helps.

 

[Alk8944]

If it is a 10-6 then it does have a prefix letter which is part of the serial number. It will be either a C or D.

And price, I'd be on that like a Duck on a June Bug.

 

[lkspohn]

Yes, I see two numbers on the grip frame. the same number that is on the inside frame in front of the cylinder is there: 54536. But the second number has the C prefix: C644862
Thanks for all the input. She's buying, so I guess I'll have to be a good boy so I get to shoot the good buy!!

 

[sbcman]

Yes, it is a good buy. In fact, ANY S&W in that shape for that price should be bought immediately. Just my .02

 

[MP1983]

made between 1963 & 1966...that's a great find!!

plus p are no problem at all...do a search here on the forum...there is much on the topic as it comes up often...

does it have wood grips?

 

[lkspohn]

No it does not have the wood grips, but I understand they are not hard to find at all. This gun has the molded Hogue rubber grips, which are actually pretty nice for the hand.

Thanks all for your help. Gun is real nice and should be a good shooter. Might try it out Saturday at the range after our regular cowbay action shooting gig.

 

[BillyWayne]

I do not need anymore model 10s, but for that price I would have "pulled the trigger."

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I think that the major factor would be whether it has a standard barrel (AKA "pencil barrel") or a heavy barrel. With one, it would be a great buy, with the other, fuggeddaboutit. Opinions vary as to which is which.

 

[fyimo]

I think that the major factor would be whether it has a standard barrel (AKA "pencil barrel") or a heavy barrel. With one, it would be a great buy, with the other, fuggeddaboutit. Opinions vary as to which is which.

should I assume the pencil barrel is the forget about it barrel?

I kind of like mine

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

should I assume the pencil barrel is the forget about it barrel?

Absolutely not. Which is which is a matter of personal preference. Both preferences have excellent reasons. Mine is also "pencil barrel," strongly, even though I once owned a HB 4" K frame which was an excellent shooter.

 

[rhetlaw]

How Lucky

I am new to this forum and to S&W revolvers. I picked up my first S&W last April - a 10-7, 2" and blued. A very clean, pristine looking gun. It came from an estate sale and not many rounds put through it. As soon as I saw it, I jumped on it. I too was told not to worry about using the +P rounds. I absolutely LOVE it. And as guys at the range see it, they never fail to come over and admire it. Good luck with yours.

 

[97thSignalman]

I had a current Model 10 wirh a heavy 4-inch barrel. It was one of the best and most accurate handguns I ever had. $200 is a great price. If you swing out your cylinder and see a model number stamped on the part of the frame that was covered by the crane then it is new enough to handle +P ammo.

 

[scha]

If it is a Model 10-6 it has the heavy barrel. The standard barrel would be the Model 10-5. When the next major change came along, the 10-5 became the 10-7 and the 10-6 became the 10-8. Unless the barrels have been changed, the model number can often determine whether it is the heavy or tapered barrel.

Hope this helps.

Steve