My first model 10

[RalphK22]

Just pick up a 10-5 with a 2 in. barrel for $340 + tax and background check. It has been fired but there is no blueing ware and almost no drag line on the cylinder. The grips are numbered to the gun, but no box etc. I am happy with the price considering the condition and the fact that nice old S&W's don't show up that often in my area, and also I bought it from Gander Mt.
I assume it was made before 1968 as it has diamond grips. The serial # is C693XXX, can anyone tell me the date of manufacture? What years were the 10-5s manufactured?
I will have to work up a load and guess I will start with a 158 gr. bullet as I suppose that is what the sights are regulated for. I have a mod 37 and a 14-4 and don't really load anything too stout for either one, I would like to work up some +P loads and from what I know the model 10 should have no trouble with that.

 

[murphydog]

Nice gun, 1966 production from the SN. The 10-5 was made from 1962 to 1977. Enjoy!

 

[RalphK22]

Thanks Alan. How common is the 2 in. version?

 

[murphydog]

I think the standard lengths in order from most to least common are 4, 6, 5 and then 2". Others will correct me if I am wrong, rest assured .

Since several million M & P s and model 10 s have been made, 2" guns are not rare, however.

 

[rpg0123]

The model 10 snub is probably my favorite S&W. If not that, then the model 15 snub. You have a very nice condition item there. The K frame snubs with square butte are really nice shooters too. Model 10 snubs, while not too terribly rare, are becoming harder to find in that condition. I just looked for probably about 2 months before I found a round butte in mint condition. I have seen more square butte floating around out there, but usually at a higher price than what you paid.

 

[P&R Fan]

I think it's a law that to be a true S@W collector you have to own at least one M10. Just to be safe I have two.

 

[Slow Draw]

It really is in nice shape for a gun that old. Nice find.

 

[MacGuffin]

Very sweet find!

 

[sw44spl]

nice gun enjoy it.

 

[Art Doc]

The 2" M10 is probably the least commonly seen and usually brings the most money due to demand. The square butt is slightly less useful as the round butt conceals a little better.

I also have a square butt 2" 10-5 (1969) that I bought for $150 from a pawn shop about 12 years ago. This is what it looked like when I got it.

Regular readers know what's coming next. Here's what the gun looks like now.

This is my "open carry" piece. When I wear a handgun openly while in the woods or when shooting this is the one. Very stylish.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

A nice find indeed! I think you will find yourself owning a few more model tens, just one will not do!

 

[RalphK22]

SaxonPig, thank goodness my 10-5 five is in nice shape so I don't have to hide any faults with scratches and squiggly lines. Seriously that is a very handsome piece and I really like the leather too.
Is there any certain load your 10-5 favors?

 

[Art Doc]

This is a carry gun so it only shoots my personal defensive load (125 JHP@1,100 FPS clocked from a 2" barrel).

 

[StingrayG4]

The engraving on that gun looks beautiful. I'd really like to see some close-ups.

-S