Model 10 preferred barrel length??

[Cdnbacon]

For range use, IPSC and casual carry... I have a 2 inch rd butt 10-7, a 4 inch pencil barrel 10-5 and a 2 inch 15 (that I haven't shot because the timing is off and it doesn't carry up to full lockup). I like both the 2 and 4 inch very much and find the 2 inch clears leather faster, points really quick and is reasonably accurate. The 4 inch is also a quick pointer with the tapered barrel and I like the increased sight radius and very visible tall front sight. I am now thinking about a 5 or 6 incher model 10 and am looking for some advice as I have never shot either in a tapered barrel K frame. Am I kidding myself or will the extra inch or two make much difference on a pencil barrel fixed sight revolver for practical accuracy?

 

[shawn mccarver]

For range use, IPSC and casual carry... I have a 2 inch rd butt 10-7, a 4 inch pencil barrel 10-5 and a 2 inch 15 (that I haven't shot because the timing is off and it doesn't carry up to full lockup). I like both the 2 and 4 inch very much and find the 2 inch clears leather faster, points really quick and is reasonably accurate. The 4 inch is also a quick pointer with the tapered barrel and I like the increased sight radius and very visible tall front sight. I am now thinking about a 5 or 6 incher model 10 and am looking for some advice as I have never shot either in a tapered barrel K frame. Am I kidding myself or will the extra inch or two make much difference on a pencil barrel fixed sight revolver for practical accuracy?

The one that fills all uses best is probably the four inch ROUND BUTT, as it will shoot well at distance, has full ejection and still conceals well. The three inch round butt is also a good choice.

 

[GLV]

2" M&P and 2" 10-5. Both used for occasional carry.

 

[RussellD]

I have several 2" and a 4". I keep wanting a 5 inch model 10, however none have crossed my path.

 

[GyMac]

I have a 4 inch and a 5 inch Model 10 and I seem to shoot the 5 inch better, almost as well as my K-38. I would like to own a 6 inch Model 10, but so far, the 5 inch is my favorite.

 

[OIF2]

The 5" is an awesome barrel length and balances well. A classic. The 3" is also great; easy to conceal with full-length extraction.
Bob

 

[sunday bill]

Some shooting friends and I have shot quite a few Model 10s this late spring. The concensus now seems to be that, at its yardage, my 6" 10-5 is as accurate as any adjustable-sighted 38 Spec or 357 Mag S&W any of us own. It doesn't appear choosy as to powder as long as it's fed 158 gr. cast SWC or RNFP bullets. Charges of Bulls Eye, W231, Trail Boss or Tight Group that propel the bullet along at about the equivalent of factory velocities seem about equally accurate. Unsupported, one-hole groups aren't uncommon at 13 yards.

We agree that 5" Model 10s, probably owing to longer sight radius, are marginally more accurate than the 4 inchers, but the 4 inchers handle better.

Of the 4" Model 10s and their predecessors with which we've experimented, a ca 1951 Pre-10 appears to be the most accurate. It's probably had an action job and prefers 125 grain cast bullets for point of aim shooting, as do the other 4 inchers. They seem to group 158s tightly but point of impact is a little high.

A beautiful 4" nickel 1920s-era Model of 1905, 4th Change, (which I bought for $312 otd, sporting Goodyears) seems barely-fired but has a trigger that rebounds so slowly it discourages even moderately rapid double action fire. A special effort has to be made to "get off the trigger". At the same time its trigger-pull is hard enough to hurt its accuracy potential. A change of springs is planned for this ol gal.

Man, these old guns are fun, accurate, and still relatively inexpensive!

 

[revolvergeek]

Hard to say. I love all my Model 10s (2, 4 and 5 inch). I have had the 5 inch the longest and probably shoot it the best of the bunch, but that may be more to the action on it and long term acquaintance than any real difference in accuracy.

I have been thinking about picking up a 6 inch 10 (never had one), and I must confess to having this urge to make a 5 inch round butt 10 if I ever collect up all the right parts to do it.....

 

[Cdnbacon]

thanks for all the responses....I really like em all and will probably pick up a 5 or 6 when the right one comes along. I really like the looks of the 5 incher with the tyler grip adapter.

 

[Jack Flash]

Since I bought this SB M10-7, I've come to believe that 3" is the ideal length for a fixed sight K-Frame.

Of course, if you are interested in best accuracy beyond 15 yards or so, you probably want a longer barrel. Thing is, you probably would want target sights too.