My recently acquired Model 10

[EricandSuebee]

I will be picking up my 3rd model 10 hopefully tomorrow, FFL was closed today and missed the delivery, I will have the classic model 10 and the normal heavy barrel model 10 to go with my original 1969 10-5.

 

[daveboy]

I have never seen the point in refinishing. A couple of points/ examples:
You have a $300 shooter, you spend $300 on a refinish ,which results in having still a $300 shooter, no value added

You have a $800 somewhat collectible gun, you spend $300 on refinish and you now have a $400 shooter.

You have a finish worn gun you intend to use and carry, you spend $300 on refinish, and in a couple years the finish is worn down again.

For the most part from my experience ( been carrying blued guns now for 40+ years) finish relating to wear and use starts slowly then accelerates for a little while then stabilizes and slows down again.

The most basic of attention and care will prevent a finish worn gun from rusting, so refinishing them doesn't add anything except cost

Everything you are saying is true. However, not everyone refinishes a gun for the resale value. Although I have never refinished a revolver, I have certainly completely refinished several milsurp rifles. I'd never do it to a collectible that was deemed collectible solely because of its scarcity, or provenance. But, for Model 10s (that were produced in mass), I wouldn't hesitate to have one refinished if I wanted it to look better, didn't intend to resell anytime soon, and I had the money to spend. You say you don't see the point in refinishing, and you make good points. However, many people have no problem spending a little cash to make an old girl look new again.

 

[daveboy]

I have a 10-8 round butt with a 3 in heavy barrel that I purchased in 1980. It's had maybe 50 rounds run through it. Where could I find when it was manufactured?

Post some photos here, along with the serial number and you should get your answer.

 

[Rocketmedic40]

I'm very strongly considering picking up another M10; I've got a pre-10 M&P and my wife has a 10-7 I got her but I could use another one…

 

[BC38]

I do like a Model 10. Here's one of mine...

View attachment 771762

I got a 3" just like yours last year - a re-import from a foreign law enforcement agency IIRC.

 

[DrMark]

I got a 3" just like yours last year - a re-import from a foreign law enforcement agency IIRC.

Ah, yes, I think that describes mine. I got mine from Palmetto State Armory.

 

[BC38]

Ah, yes, I think that describes mine. I got mine from Palmetto State Armory.

Yup, same here.
Mine has a set of Pachmayer Presentation grips on it and its in comparable condition to yours - maybe just a tad better. It had a rack number sticker on it.

 

[GerSan69]

Ya know, OP, the fact is that many thousands of our dads and uncles carried Smith & Wesson revolvers in thousands of police departments across the country, into combat as jet and helicopter pilots in more than one war, and as MPs of several services as well. Your gun might be a lowly Model 10 but it represents a legacy of service second to none. Enjoy it not only for the superior craftsmanship, but for the history as well.
( Got a little carried away there, sorry. Must be that last glass of wine....)

 

[BC38]

Ya know, OP, the fact is that many thousands of our dads and uncles carried Smith & Wesson revolvers in thousands of police departments across the country, into combat as jet and helicopter pilots in more than one war, and as MPs of several services as well. Your gun might be a lowly Model 10 but it represents a legacy of service second to none. Enjoy it not only for the superior craftsmanship, but for the history as well.
( Got a little carried away there, sorry. Must be that last glass of wine....)

I don't think you got "carried away" at all.
Everything you said is 100% true and accurate.
The S&W M&P 38 that evolved into the Model 10 is a revolver that has seen many decades of dedicated service in both civilian law enforcement and military roles around the world.
It has a very long, proud, and storied history.
There are many very good reasons that S&W has been contracted to produced millions of these 38 Special revolvers over the last 120+ years - for law enforcement and military agencies, both in the US and around the world.
The 38 M&P/Model 10 is an iconic, timeless revolver design.
Enjoy yours!

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

My BIL and I used to squirrel with .38's........Mine was/is a skinny barrel mdl 10 and his was old Colt of some type......We used round nose cast bullets.......Which didn't cause any more damage than a Hi-Speed 22LR..........We killed a lot squirrels with those guns.