Model 10- single action only?

[richdonn]

Hi. Newbie here. My BIL gave me a .38 S&W revolver, model 10-5, K-frame. It is in nice condition, however when I manually hold the hammer back, it doesn't catch and stay in that position. I took the side plate off and nothing appears to be bent or broken. Some have suggested that police depts had their Model 10's modified to DA only. Does anyone know which parts I would have to change to restore the single action feature? Thanx in advance.

 

[richdonn]

Hi. Newbie here. My BIL gave me a .38 S&W revolver, model 10-5, K-frame. It is in nice condition, however when I manually hold the hammer back, it doesn't catch and stay in that position. I took the side plate off and nothing appears to be bent or broken. Some have suggested that police depts had their Model 10's modified to DA only. Does anyone know which parts I would have to change to restore the single action feature? Thanx in advance.

 

[Wayne M]

If it's double action only you need a hammer or trigger or both(without seeing it, it's impossible to tell what the Dept altered). If you've got a local smith have him look at the parts.

 

[bountyhunter]

The easiest way to convert to DAO is to grind the little "step" flat on the SA sear so the hammer can't hold in the SA cock position.

I agree you are likely to need at least a new hammer and maybe a trigger if they buggered that too.

 

[richdonn]

Thanx guys. I was trying to avoid the expense of a gunsmith, but I guess I should find one here in Norfolk, Virginia (actually Chesapeake). Or maybe just leave it as-is as the action is pretty smooth and the gun is only worth about $225.