Model 10. Issue or normal condition?

[Owly]

This is a potentially stupid question about the operation of a Model 10 in single action usage. A colleague of mine is selling a Model 10 that I'm interested in purchasing. I handled it breifly yesterday and the guns feels great. Cylinder lock up is tight and the double action trigger pull is very smooth. I was confused, however, when I tried to cock the hammer to test the single action pull. The hammer does not lock back. The hammer simply falls when released without ever touching the trigger. Are Model 10's double action only?
The seller seemed unsure whether or not this was normal. Seems odd the hammer would have a spur if it was DAO. Has this gun been tampered with? Please enlighten an ignorant fool.

 

[Hapworth]

Not normal.

Either the single action sear has been ground off to make a DAO revolver and (oddly) the hammer spur has been kept, or the revolver has push-off, a potentially dangerous malfunction in which the single action sear and notch aren't mating proper.

Push-off needs to be fixed by a professional who can recut the mating points; if you buy the revolver and push-off is in fact the issue, the final cost should reflect that it isn't operating properly, and you shouldn't use the gun until it is.

An aside: push off is sometimes a sign that someone who didn't know what they were doing worked on the revolver; there could be other issues.

This is a good resource for learning how to check a revolver for issues prior to purchase:

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6F...hLWE4YzMtOTdmN2YwNmY4NzM2/edit?hl=en_US&pli=1

 

[Alk8944]

There are four possibilities:

1) The single action notch was deliberately removed to make the gun single action only.

2) The gun has a push-off that is so well developed that the hammer will not engage at full cock at all.

3) The gun was dropped while cocked, fell on the hammer and severely damaged the hammer and/or trigger.

4) The gun was dropped on the hammer and the spur is bent to the point where it strikes the frame before the full cock notch is reached.

Actually there is a 5th possibility. The hammer stud could be bent, or even broken, screwing up the hammer/trigger geometry to the point it won't cock. It could function somewhat normally in double action, sometimes, even with a broken hammer stud.

There are a lot of Model 10s out there, most in good mechanical condition. If you can get it for no more than $125, and are willing to pay to replace the hammer and trigger, another $200+ including labor, then consider it. Otherwise walk away!

 

[Owly]

Sounds like I'll walk away from this one. Warning bells and whistles started going off in my head when I noticed the condition, but I needed more insight. I definately need to warn my colleague that his revolver could have a problem and is a potential liability if he were to sell it.

 

[vipermd]

Ignorance can be treated, mine is usually daily. Stupidity is terminal. If you here the bells and whistles you are prob best heading away. Seems strange that the "owner" was not aware of this condition?? It could be simple or a major problem. Where are you in N Wi? I am in the UP. Be Safe,

 

[Art Doc]

A replacement hammer is probably $20. I would not walk away if the price is right.

Is it push off if it never cocks? It's only risky if the hammer actually cocks which this one apparently does not. It is effectively DAO.

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I'm with SP on this one. Probably a police trade-in. You might have to pay a little more than $20 for a new hammer, if you even want one, but if you don't have to pay much for the gun in the first place, it could be well worthwhile. If you do replace the hammer, you may have to use the original DA sear. Most replacement hammers are drop-in if the original (to the gun) DA sear is used.

 

[Owly]

With this issue, I don't think the price is right. He was asking $350 which sounded a little high anyway. It is nickel finished and has the newer style barrel (not the thin tapered one).

 

[ralph7]

With this issue, I don't think the price is right. He was asking $350 which sounded a little high anyway. It is nickel finished and has the newer style barrel (not the thin tapered one).

I like nickeled guns.
Were it me I would see how low he'll go with the knowledge of the problem and potential costs in mind.
Can't hurt.

 

[peterdeb]

With this issue, I don't think the price is right. He was asking $350 which sounded a little high anyway. It is nickel finished and has the newer style barrel (not the thin tapered one).

Run, don't walk away from this one. Keep looking as there are many many many Model 10's out there that are in correct working order for the same money and you don't have to mess with chasing what's wrong with it. just my 2 cents.

 

[Art Doc]

That price is not horrible. If I could get it for 3 bills because I need to replace the hammer I would do it. A nickel plated heavy barrel M10 is way cool.

 

[STCM(SW)]

That problem would not bother me, I have some trigger's & hammer's for all S&W revolvers.
But the last M10 I got was only $303. OTD & it was 98% or better.
Was in some grandma's nite table for many years.....

 

[Harrison]

Some police departments, for liability reasons, rendered their Mdl 10s double action only. If this is the case the pistol is perfectly safe. It might be worth having a gunsmith pop side plate and take a look at it.

 

[ikor]

Some police departments, for liability reasons, rendered their Mdl 10s double action only. If this is the case the pistol is perfectly safe. It might be worth having a gunsmith pop side plate and take a look at it.

This...absolutely. I would have zero qualms about shooting a DA only M10, provided it was deliberately set up that way. Also, the LE guns I am aware of that removed the SA capability from their guns kept the hammer spur so the gun was still retained in the duty holster.

 

[Owly]

Interesting... the gun was a LE retiree and does show holster wear. Perhaps it was deliberately set up this way. Maybe I'll take a second look at her after-all. If I buy, I will have it checked out by my local smith before shooting. I would prefer to restore the single action operation. Now to see if he'll budge on price.

 

[H Richard]

If a LE modified gun, it may be able to be returned to single action as well as double action for minimal cost. Have a gunsmith pop it open and look into and give you an est. This might be an opportunity for a bargaining point to knock the price down some, at least the amount to return it to original operation.