Model 10 HB vs Pencil barrel

[def4pos8]

What recoil?

I've shot 4-, 5- and 6-inch K-frame .38s of different barrel configurations and NONE of them ever presented a recoil problem.

I suppose the I'm just not a "sensitive" guy.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I go along with scooter123 and haggis. Although I have occasionally enjoyed shooting HB K's at static targets, the tapered-barrel guns handle faster. I have no argument with what other people choose for themselves, but for me choice is obvious.

The lighter carry weight is just gravy.

 

[stantheman86]

"Pencil" barrel for looks, Heavy Barrel for shooting!

The 4" HB has a much more business like look to it, pure utility. The pencil barrel was just a holdover from when S&W was still trying to make thier revolvers "pretty" Still, the 4" pencil barrel has that "Classic .38 revolver" look to it that appeals to many people.

Overall, the 4" HB Model 10 and 64 with round butt profile is my overall favorite all purpose S&W. I'm glad S&W made this combo "standard" for the 64's and 10's some years ago! It conceals well, the standard RB magnas and a Tyler T-grip go together like cigarettes and coffee, and it feels great in the hand and points better than my finger!

 

[Art Doc]

The HB isn't to dampen recoil but to aid rapid combat shooting. A muzzle heavy gun swings on target better. that's why those custom PPC revolvers have those huge barrels.

"PC" doesn't bother me. Just "pencil barrel" and it drives me nuts.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

The HB isn't to dampen recoil but to aid rapid combat shooting. A muzzle heavy gun swings on target better. that's why those custom PPC revolvers have those huge barrels.

I'm probably missing something. Not only do I not believe that a muzzle-heavy gun swings "better," whatever exactly that means, I don't even understand what it has to do with PPC. I thought PPC had static targets, one to a stage.

AFAIK, a HB gun has the characteristic that changing what you're aiming at is smoother and slower. As others have posted before, a known characteristic of increased mass is that it is slower to start and slower to stop. Whether that is good or bad depends on what kind of shooting you're doing.

 

[Art Doc]

Most serious target shooters (and I am not one but I hear them talk) say they prefer a muzzle heavy gun for combat shooting. They say it swings on target better. That's what they say, don't ask me. But this is why the Combat Magnum (note the name) was designed with a heavier barrel, to give it that muzzle heavy feel.

I note that of all my 27s, the one that seems to move best in rapid target acquisition is the 8" version due to all that mass out in front. The HB concept works, IMO. The lighter (or shorter barrel) is like pointing your fist. Hang some weight (or length) out in front and now you're pointing with an extended finger.

I don't know how to explain it any better. .

 

[OIF2]

I like 'em both.
Bob

 

[Superflywimpy]

I have a 6 inch pencil barrel

And it works great for me. I was out at the Joe Foss Range today in Buckeye and I must have shot 150 reloads throught it and all I can say is "gun control" at 75 feet 90% were in the black.

 

[stantheman86]

I can't decide which I like better, I know I love M&P's/Model 10's so I'll keep buying plenty of both light and heavy barrels!

I have a 6" tapered barrel, I have yet to get myself a 4" and my 5" Victory doesn't really count because it's a beater....if I had to choose I prefer the looks and handling of the HB's.

My theory is that the HB helps control the gun in rapid DA shooting, which is basically the way a duty gun would be fired in "real world" mode. It was a way to keep the non-lugged barrel profile of the Model 10 while adding more meat to the barrel. Works for me, I'm no fan of underlugs.......

 

[JMusic]

Heavy barrel 10's were used in my class when I was in college. I had my own 15 but occasionally used the heavy barrel 10. I have to say they are shooters. Women in the class did much better with the heavy barrel. I bought one 10 years ago and sold it last week to a friend of mine. A tuned heavy barrel model ten is like shooting a target gun.

 

[Lt JL]

You guys are missin' an important attribute of the heay barrel. As some colleagues will attest, back in the day, the correct application of a 4" heavy barrel laterally to the area just above and behind the ear was widely known to settle many disputes. Of course, a 6" 28 was just as effective.

 

[Jack Flash]

AAAARRRRRRRRGGHHHH....

My Stars! What provoked that?

Was someone trying to shoot overly-powerful +P rounds through a pencil barrel?

 

[David LaPell]

I have owned four Military & Police revolvers and one Model 13. Only one Model 10 and the Model 13 were heavy barrels. I can honestly say that my pencil barrel 4-inch .38 Special would outshoot my heavy barrel. To me while the heavy barrel seems to have a little better balance, it wasn't enough to make any difference that I noticed when shooting it.

 

[bamacisa]

Different strokes for different folks......Get the barrel type that you like...they are all good.

 

[jpwhel]

I kind of like the pencil barrel in the 10-5 and the 64 no dash.

 

[4330Inroute]

You guys are missin' an important attribute of the heay barrel. As some colleagues will attest, back in the day, the correct application of a 4" heavy barrel laterally to the area just above and behind the ear was widely known to settle many disputes. Of course, a 6" 28 was just as effective.

Yes, very accurate assesment of it's intended purpose and a little known historical fact. The problem was if the front sight got caught in it's use (leakage) could ruin the blueing if not cleaned well right away. My first dept. had several M&P's with 6 inch barrels that were slightly bent (at least they shot that way) and the finish was just gone around the muzzle and the front of the cylinder. Makes you wonder doesn't it?

 

[SniperX]

i have a 10-8 which is of course a Heavy Barrel and LOVE it! I would love to also have a M&P in 2.5in, and 4in. iF I could find one! I did see a nicely cut down 4in on gb cut to 3in and it looked COOL! I should have bought it, it was tricked out a little too. Personally I have not shot a pencil barrel 10 so only can say the HB shoots like a target revolver as in super accurate and I love the way it handles.