Yeah, I know it's just a Model 10, and they are just ho-hum service revolvers produced in great numbers. But, this is my first. I have a couple of the earlier M&Ps with the pencil barrels, but no numbered model, and none with the "bull-barrel". I'd been looking for quite awhile because I wanted one in really nice condition and I finally found this -8 on GB. I got it for a touch over 4 beans, but with tax, shipping, fees, etc., it was about 5. Still, not bad for a gun in this condition, IMO. I don't collect museum-quality collectibles, but I prefer guns with a little honest wear that I can also have a good time shooting. This gun has just enough thinned bluing at the muzzle, front edge of the cylinder, and front of frame to tell me that it has been in and out of a holster a few times. But, it has definitely not been fired much. Its barrel/cylinder gap measures .005" with end shake of .004". Removing the sideplate, it appeared that it might not have been removed since manufactured, circa 1972. There was a lot of gunk. A little cleaning, polishing, removing two coils on rebound spring, and gently filing of strain screw got me a very smooth 3 lb SA pull, and 9 lb DA. To me, this is perfect for anything other than a strictly target gun. I did a tiny bit of touch-up bluing on the worn spots, refinished the stocks (numbered to the gun) because a previous owner had scratched his illegible initials into the bottoms, and am pretty proud of the results. I fired two cylinders just to ensure everything worked as it should, and plan to load some ammo and test for accuracy soon. "There are many like it, but this one is mine."
My recently acquired Model 10
- Thread starter daveboy
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smithman 10
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Got a 10-7 that serves as the "house" gun. Yours looks nicer.
Great piece! I "need" a bull barrel M10.
I have never been a fan of the aesthetics of the 4” heavy-barreled Model 10. They just look “clunky” to me.
That said, if I had to pick one of my several M&Ps for “serious” purposes it would be my 10-6. I found it languishing in the corner of a shop several years ago and a price too low to pass on. A previous, well-meaning owner had apparently injected oil into its innards regularly, and it had turned to something akin to varnish. A complete disassembly and thorough cleaning revealed it to be a true gem.
It’s a nice reminder that it’s the beauty on the inside that counts.
That said, if I had to pick one of my several M&Ps for “serious” purposes it would be my 10-6. I found it languishing in the corner of a shop several years ago and a price too low to pass on. A previous, well-meaning owner had apparently injected oil into its innards regularly, and it had turned to something akin to varnish. A complete disassembly and thorough cleaning revealed it to be a true gem.
It’s a nice reminder that it’s the beauty on the inside that counts.
My first department issued service revolver was a S&W 10-5.
You just gotta love those models 10
You just gotta love those models 10
Nice pickup, OP.
These were my father's.
The K frame Model 10 has a good feel in the hand.
The top pistol, a 4" standard barrel round butt, is U.S. issued and letters to 1969.
These were my father's.
The K frame Model 10 has a good feel in the hand.
The top pistol, a 4" standard barrel round butt, is U.S. issued and letters to 1969.
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Very nice find, have 4 but all pencil barrel versions ,someday I will find a heavy barrel version
Congratulations, it's nice that you found one in great condition. I once had an opportunity to buy a mint, blue 4",10-8 with a round butt frame but passed because I thought it was priced too high for the time period. I've regretted that decision for a long time. I did eventually manage to obtain a nice nickel 10-10 but blue guns are my preference. Earlier this year I picked up a 13-2 that I figured also scratches that itch for a blue model 10, 4-inch gun. 
Very nice, Dave! The gun looks great! Model 10s are a true 20th Century classic. (And the 4" HB is my personal favorite among them.)
YouveHadYour6
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The Model 10 and its forerunner the M&P are IMHO iconic of what a 'police service revolver' should be, alongside the 19, a few others, and a few of Colt's offerings.
My only current heavy barrel, a shooter-grade 1960s 10-6:
My only current heavy barrel, a shooter-grade 1960s 10-6:
The looks took a little getting used to. I found that my Model 19 and 586 have the same barrel profile, but look more "balanced". I'm thinking it has to do with that exposed ejector rod. The 19 has a shroud, and the 586 has a full-lug. The looks are beginning to grow on me, though.
Nice collection.
That's a fine looking handgun you've acquired, Dave.
I think anyone would be proud of owning such a nice example of a classic handgun.
Congrats.
kbm6893
Member
I’ve rescued quite a few revolvers. Seen some nasty stuff under the sideplate from well meaning owners squirting oil into the action. But cutting coils off rebound springs and filing down strain screws? No thanks. I figure S&W engineers knew what they were doing. I get maybe trying out a Wolff spring pack, but cutting coils is not for me. Easy enough to replace it if you get light strikes, I guess.
sousana
Member
Mod 10 can kill just as well as a 6k dollar wonderful. Those that count out the mod 10 or any revolver read too many gun rags and watch too much navy seal movies.
Doriangray6
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Very nice vintage K. The Heavy Barrel 4” Ks are by far the most desirable of what some might consider a relic. I’ve had one for decades, it was carried alot and fired a little. Back in the day the gunsmiths at S&W were considered some of the best and would put out models that were just dialed in right. This is one of them, still tight with a factory trigger that’s solid and feels surprisingly smooth yet not jewel polished.
Like most former service revolvers, it shows plenty of honest wear, that be it not for one NIB, I’d have it no other way. I’m considering selling it because I haven’t carried it in quite some time. So your post certainly caught my attention.
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