Can you tell me what version M10 was used by helicopter crew members during Vietnam? Thanks
My recently acquired Model 10
- Thread starter daveboy
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Elder Shooter
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Back in the days when guns were cheap and unicorns were plentiful, my mother-in-law wanted a home defense gun so I found her a Model 10-7 for an inexpensive price. It is in great condition with nary a scratch on it. I don't want to mar it so I have replaced it with its relative, a Taurus Model 84, for everyday shooting.
I took my MIL to the range to show her how to shoot the Model 10, and she was a real Annie Oakley. I asked her if she had ever shot a pistol before and she said, "No, I just used to shoot squirrels with a 22 when I was a girl."
I took my MIL to the range to show her how to shoot the Model 10, and she was a real Annie Oakley. I asked her if she had ever shot a pistol before and she said, "No, I just used to shoot squirrels with a 22 when I was a girl."
How about Nickel, Gold and Pearl lol. Probably a bit much on a model 10. But I was much younger when I did that.
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Still have my late father's 10-5 Detroit PD service revolver with Crimson Trace grips.
I think it would have been mostly pre-10s to Model 10-6, covering the Vietnam years. If I remember correctly, pistols and shotguns were typically bought commercially by the services and issued as needed- there wasn’t a “dedicated” secondary service handgun for units outside the 1911, likewise, shotguns seem to have been whatever was at hand and available so there were Remingtons, Mossbergs, Ithaca’s and High Standards. Plus, Vietnam was the last war soldiers could credibly bring their own weapons to an extent…not really a thing in conventional forces today.
My grandfather was issued a .38 when he got to the 71st Assault Helicopter Company in Chu Lai, but lost it when he was wounded. Probably more than a few dotting the landscapes of Vietnam.
heeter3
Member
Nice model 10 daveboy.Enjoy it.
There were a lot of contracts for model 10’s during the Vietnam era, and from my research they would be model 10-5’s with a significant number of them being round butts. Serving along side them would be older WWII victory models, as well as older colts procured during WWII
beharney
Member
See several beautiful examples in this post. I have carried several Model 10’s, 12’s, 15’s and a 28 over the years both on duty in the military an enforcement, and can think of no finer handguns. I keep practiced with these and would never consider my self under armed with them. Nice collection that you all have and keep up the practice. Revolvers never die!
I could buy a 'ho-hum' model 10 every week and never get tired of them. It's one of the great guns of the world.
EricandSuebee
Member
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.
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.
Post some photos here, along with the serial number and you should get your answer.
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…
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.
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.
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....)
( 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!
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.
