Model 10 Barrels! Pencil, Heavy, Whats the Deal?!!

[Peter J.]

Ok, I love M&P's and Model 10's. I myself prefer the "pencil" barrel, have never owned a heavy barrel. Don't hate them, just think they look "clunky". What was the reason for the introduction the heavy barrels on the Model 10's? I always believed they came up with the heavy barrels for law enforcement so a cop would have a little extra weight on their gun in case they came upon an unruly suspect really resisting arrest (wink wink). But I don't think anybody would officially admit to that. Those of you who like the heavy barrels, what do you feel are the advantages? Look cooler? Balance better? Convince me!

 

[ColbyBruce]

I absolutely love a S&W #10 revolver, it is near perfect.
I think the HB balances better, but that round butt skinny barrel in the middle was my woods gun for many years so I am partial to it.

 

[canoeguy]

Having shot both in competition, IPSC and IDPA, the heavy barrel dampens recoil somewhat, allows you to get back on target faster.

 

[M29since14]

...the heavy barrel dampens recoil somewhat, allows you to get back on target faster.

Didn't some PD (NYC, or the FBI, maybe?) request this mod for these reasons way back when - early 60s? I don't particularly like the HB as far as looks go, but it does make the gun more manageable, particularly with the hotter .38 Special +Ps and +P+s.

 

[kle]

My only Model 10 is a 10-6, with the heavy barrel. At the time I bought it (last year), the dealer had a bunch of Model 10s on the table, some with the standard barrels, some with the heavy barrels, so I got to handle both types. I felt the heavy barrel balanced more naturally for me, but then my first Smith was a 617-6, 6", so I'm used to the barrel-heavy feeling.

In carrying it, though, I think I might've done better to get the tapered barrel, as it would've carried a little lighter (and might have even worked better for IWB concealed carry).

Oh well; now that I have a 642-2 (with the lock...ugh), my 10-6 is a range toy once more, where its heavy barrel will definitely be a plus.

 

[bronco45]

When Model 10s reigned supreme in law enforcement holsters; the discipline of point shooting from the shoulder was the prescribed methodology of combat shooting. The heavy bbl (my favorite) was a natural pointer and stayed on target better during rapid fire double action strings.

One of the first things you learn in the academy is not to hit someone with your gun. They are poor impact weapons; use a LAPD hickory baton, great impact weapon. Probably the most used police defensive weapon.

 

[texasjarhead]

Hello all- I had a Victory, which is essentially a Model 10 with a pencil barrel. I later bought a Model 10 Heavy Barrel, and liked it so much, I sold the Victory in order to purchase a second Model 10 Heavy Barrel. As previously stated in this thread, I feel they balance better, and are better suited to my shooting habits.

 

[panamajack310]

I like both the barrels. I think the model 10 is one of the best built revolvers ever made. I think it is perfection.

 

[Andy Taylor]

Nothing to add that hasn't already been said. HB's ballance better and allow for faster follow up shots by dampening felt recoil. Tapered barrels carry better and look better (IMHO). When I worked for Uncle Sam, I had my choice of 4" M10's to carry. I chose a HB.

 

[safearm]

Before the introduction of the Model 19, Bill Jordan used a Model 10 with a custom bull (heavy) barrel for his shooting demonstrations. I believe he had a lot of input to the Model 19 having a heavy barrel, unlike the tapered barrel of the Model 15. I've carried a Model 10 with a tapered barrel, a model 65 with a heavy barrel, a Model 15, and a Model 66; of all of them, I think the Model 65 had the best balance.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
The first Model 10 H.B. I saw was in "Jessie Harp Gun Shop" in Tampa Florida around 1963. A new Officer in My Agency purchased it. Jessie said the H.B. was made for the U.S. Border Patrol.
Jimmy

 

[Landpimp]

still pissed I got screwed on a 64 pencil barrel......had a deal the dude cant be found...and I know him.

 

[Art Doc]

Cringe... Cringe... Cringe...

 

[digi-shots]

Originally posted by SaxonPig:
Cringe... Cringe... Cringe...

pencil barrel, pencil barrel, pencil barrel

 

[Speedo2]

fish on....lol

 

[smitty_bs]

Here's my 1961 Model 10-3 HB that is unfired since leaving the factory.

 

[shil]

Nice gun, smitty! Any plans to ever shoot it? No criticism implied. Perhaps you just wish to continue owning a pristine, beautiful revolver.

 

[shouldazagged]

Guess I'm odd (hell, everyone says I am), but my standard-barrel 10-5 feels better in my hand than a heavy-barreled gun. Balance feels better, or something--can't really explain it more clearly.

Aesthetically I prefer the look of the standard barrel, so that may play into what feels right.

 

[Broker50]

I don't care for fixed sight K-frames, I always spent the few extra $ to get a mod 15, 67, 19, or 66. But, if I were forced to carry a mod 10, it would be a HB. the HB balances much better, & looks much better than a pencil barrel, IMHO. I suppose it's good they made both of 'em!

 

[tekarra]

I prefer shooting the heavy barrel, but the pencil barrel sure looks nice.

 

[xfarfuldog]

The company I now work fo used to issue the model 64 heavy barrel. I am the branch instructor. During requlifications, an employee had abad round with either a low powder charge or bad primer. There were two bullets stuck in the heavy barrel. Barrel was ruined but no injury to our employee. I don' t believe a pencil barrel could have held up.

 

[mrrick]

6 inch pencil barrel, best of both worlds. Balance, and aesthetics.

Sold my 2 model 10 4 inch heavy barrels when I found this.

 

[GyMac]

6 inch pencil barrel, best of both worlds. Balance, and aesthetics.

Sold my 2 model 10 4 inch heavy barrels when I found this.

Agreed, my 6 inch tapered barrel Model 10 is beautiful, but I still have my two 4 inch HB's and a tapered barrel, too.

 

[Jeffkframe]

I appreciate the history of the pre/model 10 's with the pencil barrels, but I just cant get over the huge front sight.

 

[Coaltminer]

Had a few 10's, 4&6" tapered, 3" heavy, prefer the heavy in a 3 or 4", rd. butt, just seems perfect balance. Love the fixed sights, a lot more light on the sides than the adjustable, the red ramps don't help me unless in bright sunlight. Face it people, handguns are mostly short rangers unless specially set up for long range. Yeah, you can make some long shots with handguns, but I'm not Jerry Miculek, that's what I use rifles for. Plus, I'm sure he shoots almost every day with a limitless supply of ammunition. I can't say that, can you?

 

[bmcgilvray]

First ever handgun was acquired at 18 and it was the Model 10 Heavy Barrel. It's a natural extension of my hand to this day. I think the tapered barrel looks better and even balances better than my old familiar friend though. Having used both styles in 4-inch I can't tell the difference in recoil and control.

The 4-inch with the half-moon front sight, especially the pre-war K-Frames with the larger ejector rod head represent the very best looking Military & Police/Model 10s of all, in my view.

 

[peterdeb]

They are both beautiful! That's why I have one of each in 4". They are the nicest feeling guns in my hand, excellent shooters and I would never part with them.

 

[OIF2]

Here's the best of all M10 worlds...5" tapered and 3" heavy. Yes, you can have it all.
Bob

 

[bgrafsr]

When I first got into PPC shooting, I used my Model 10-6 with heavy barrel. Didn't do too bad for the 1st time, but then just had to have a "real" PPC revolver with competition holster, etc.

 

[Dave T]

I had an instructor in the academy who threatened our entire class. If he ever heard of anyone hitting a suspect with their gun, when the trial was over he would personally find us and shove the gun where the sun don't shine.

Using the handgun as an impact weapon was seriously frowned upon and strongly advised against. Only exception would be a life and death situation and all you had was the empty gun in your hand. Otherwise it was considered totally unprofessional.

Dave