Need help on model 10/13/15 choice!!! Please help!

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Zosozoso

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Hey guys so I have a choice for my first revolver that I'm having a hard time with. This is what I have t choose from

Model 10-8 nickel with a police badge printed on it, bull barrel-$625
Model 13-4 blued that is dao with hammer still on, bull barrel-$500
Model 15-3 nickel normal barrel? -$375

I want the 13 but I'm worried about the dao. The gun shop guy said the police department did it so the cops would only shoot da. He said he would have his gun smith put it back to da/sa if I bout it. I like the 13 bull barrel and that it can shoot and 38 and 357. Is this true that the police departments altered guns like this?

Let me know what your thoughts are on my chooce! 3 are my 3 best options local in like that last 3 months. FYI my budget is 3-700$. Thanks for all the help guys!
 
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Was also looking at used guns only but and a little hesitant on buying an older guns gun online!
 
I do love the model 13 and it's what I have been looking for forever, but the dao kinda concerns me. The gun is clean and has not apparent issues and I don't mind shooting dao. It's just the fact that someone has been in the gun that is making me question it. Does this sound normal for police agencies to do back in the day?
 
Some agencies did make their revolvers DAO. I would not get the nickle gun. They look nice but the finish isn't as durable as blued or stainless.

Unless you're gonna be shooting .357 that often (I hardly ever do in my .357 revolvers), I'd get a nice .38. And a primo model 10 can be had for less than 600 bucks.
 
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kbm6893 said:
Some agencies did make their revolvers DAO. I would not get the nickle gun. They look nice but the finish isn't as durable as blued or stainless.

Unless you're gonna be shooting .357 that often (I hardly ever do in my .357 revolvers), I'd get a nice .38. And a primo model 10 can be had for less than 600 bucks.
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I will not be shooting 357 that much at all. But I would be nice to have the option. I'm really looking at the 13 because I know it will be more likely to stand up to a 38 +p hot round than a model 10. I really like the model ten as well tho. Where can you get a nice model 10 for $600? Online? Has anyone bought a used gun online here?
Thanks again for the the help guys, really helping me out!
 
Also did those agencies shave the hammer or do work internally. The model 13 is in nice condition, a little holster wear but grips are clean.
 
A Model 10 will handle +P all day. If you want a .357 then get one. For $600, you can get something nice. Check out the Ruger Six series revolvers. Shoot .357 all day and same size as a Model 10. Less than 600 bucks easily.
 
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357 is not make or break. I want a model 10 or13 tho. I am a big fan of fixed sights. Do you think buying a gun online, such as gin broker is too much of a risk. I live in portland or and have not seen too may old smith besides the ones I have listed.
 
SA shooting can be gunsmithed out of the S&W revolvers. Most larger departments that insisted on the DAO feature, ordered them from the factory that way.

Best,

Jack
 
^^^ do they came shaved hammer or would that department order them from factory with internal work done. I just want to make sure this is not something that you don't see a lot or if it is a somewhat common thing.
 
I know s&w doesn't make any parts for these guns anymore but if it is and easy fix for a gun smith I should be fine. Like I said the gun shop said they will have their gunsmith return to da/sa.
 
Most places give you the right to inspect the gun before you accept it. They said they'd return it to the regular type trigger so that's not an issue. BTW, if the gun was altered for a Police Agency then you can bet it was done by a certified gunsmith or the factory not just a guy with a screwdriver.I've owned a M13 and a M65, they are great guns. You will not be disappointed in a M13. Let us know what you get.
 
Is that a common part to get still or is it something that needs to machined?
 
Is that a common part to get still or is it something that needs to machined?
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I looked for a hammer and trigger about 2 years ago and found several places with'm.
 
What do you guys think about a 10-14, I see a lot of nib in my price range but not a lot of info on them?
 
What condition are they all in? The 10 and 13 are at the top of the price range.


If all those guns have the factory finish, the 15 is a very good price.

Are they all 4"?

The 13 is a great gun. Ok at that price. Most agencies bobbed the hammer spur off also when they converted to DA only, but, some left the spur on so the previous issue holster would still secure it either with a strap over the hammer or a thumbreak.

Any gunsmith can swap out a hammer. K frame hammers are pretty easy to find and usually require little or no extra fitting if you swap the DA fly out of the old hammer.

IF the 13 or 10 are 3 inch, they are much more sought after and will command a higher price.

I think so highly of the 3" 65 (stainless version of the 13) I have one I carry often and a spare in the safe.

If you plan on using it at the range more than carry, get the 15. If you plan on carrying it, the fixed sights are a little better.

Just curious...what department badge is on the 10? That might be worth a slight premium to a LE collector.
 
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Sgt 127 said:
What condition are they all in? The 10 and 13 are at the top of the price range.


If all those guns have the factory finish, the 15 is a very good price.

Are they all 4"?

The 13 is a great gun. Ok at that price. Most agencies bobbed the hammer spur off also when they converted to DA only, but, some left the spur on so the previous issue holster would still secure it either with a strap over the hammer or a thumbreak.

Any gunsmith can swap out a hammer. K frame hammers are pretty easy to find and usually require little or no extra fitting if you swap the DA fly out of the old hammer.

IF the 13 or 10 are 3 inch, they are much more sought after and will command a higher price.

I think so highly of the 3" 65 (stainless version of the 13) I have one I carry often and a spare in the safe.

If you plan on using it at the range more than carry, get the 15. If you plan on carrying it, the fixed sights are a little better.

Just curious...what department badge is on the 10? That might be worth a slight premium to a LE collector.
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Condition
Model 10(cop badge unknown) clean Nickle gun, clean og wood grips, barrel has a dark line in one of the barrel grooves. Not sure if that is fine or not. Bull barrel 4 "

Model 13- some holster wear on the barrel, normal cylinder line around the rear of the cylinder, grips in good shape, barrel is clean. 4" bull barrel

Model 15 clean gun besides some wear on the front left of the barrel( almost looks like when you peel a sticker off and the goo is there still, but smooth. I'm guessing that is nickel holster wear. Very clean barrel. 4" standard barrel( not sure if they made any other barrel options in this model)

This gun will be used as a range gun, shooting around 200-500 rounds of 38s a month. Just looking for a gun to have some fun with on the weekend. I would like the option to shoot 357 but is not make or break as long as the gun can shoot hot rounds of 38s. Would be nice to have 357 for home defense, but again not make or break.
 
Zosozoso said:
Condition
Model 10(cop badge unknown) clean Nickle gun, clean og wood grips, barrel has a dark line in one of the barrel grooves. Not sure if that is fine or not. Bull barrel 4 "

Model 13- some holster wear on the barrel, normal cylinder line around the rear of the cylinder, grips in good shape, barrel is clean. 4" bull barrel

Model 15 clean gun besides some wear on the front left of the barrel( almost looks like when you peel a sticker off and the goo is there still, but smooth. I'm guessing that is nickel holster wear. Very clean barrel. 4" standard barrel( not sure if they made any other barrel options in this model)

This gun will be used as a range gun, shooting around 200-500 rounds of 38s a month. Just looking for a gun to have some fun with on the weekend. I would like the option to shoot 357 but is not make or break as long as the gun can shoot hot rounds of 38s. Would be nice to have 357 for home defense, but again not make or break.
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Most people who have a .357 load it with .38's for target and home defense. A .357 fired indoors would be vicious with the blast and flash. I fired one outside once and it felt like an icepick in the ear.

$600 will get you a near new Model 10, and not one of the newer ones with the lock and the MIM parts. And while they will shoot +P all day long, I can't imagine why you would shoot +P for range fun. Maybe a cylinder or two of the carry of home defense ammo every now and then is all. Aside from the cost of 200-500 rounds a month of +P (couple hundred bucks of ammo, at least), why do it to punch a hole in paper? I reload my own .38 ammo, and it would cost me almost nothing extra (couple tenths of a grain of powder), I don't load to +P levels. Doesn't seem to be a point to it.
 
DAO was getting to be fairly common in the 80s before the switch to autos..... IIRC were't all NYC revolvers DOA???????

Is the 13 a 3" or 4" barrel.........

I've had a DOA 3" 65 (stainless 13) since about 1986/7 one of my favorite revolvers.... generally carry it with +P .38s. but switch to .357 if woods bumming with it.......

The 65 was my every day carry for about 4 years..... until I switched to a 3913 (9mm auto).
 
Of the three you mention and the stated condition, the model 15 is the best value. If there is any chance you will use different ammo velocities and bullet weights you will appreciate the adjustable rear sight, trust me :). A steel K frame .38 will handle all the +P your wallet can handle, no concerns at all there.

The model 13 (which you seem to lean toward due to the .357 chambering) may be at a good price if the shop throws in the SA/DA conversion. You will not use it much with full .357 loads.

As stated above, you also have the option of waiting or looking elsewhere. Lots of clear photos, a good description, response to questions and good feedback from online sellers are key should you look there.

Good luck in your decision.
 
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I'm going to vote Model 15. I've had Model 10, Model 19, and 686...yet my Model 15, which started me on the S&W quest, is still my favorite. For range work, you can't beat the 15. I just can't seem to miss with mine.
...And for home defense, I'm comfortable with the Model 15 loaded with good ammo. Mine is loaded with short barrel Gold Dot 135gn right now.

The 13 is an attractive option...I like the 357 a lot. But the 38spl can do just about anything you need it to, from light wadcutters to +P hard cast swc's.

If you are willing to order, Allen's Armory has both 15's and 13's, former correctional guns.
 
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I have bought several firearms on internet auction sites. Check feedback on the seller and the number of sales. Fuzzy pictures and incomplete descriptions are a red flag. But where I live, good used revolvers of any maker are very scarce, so the internet or the for sale section of this forum are the only options. I think the prices for the 10 and the 13 are on the high end. But that's just me.

I'd probably opt for the 15 for the price and adjustable sights which are just as durable but more versatile than fixed sights. I have a several .357 revolvers, but shoot and carry .38 plus P in them and practice with standard .38 ammo.
 
I want adjustable sights for the proverbial "range gun." Not saying THIS M15 is the gun for you, but I like the type.
In fact, I just got a text from the gunsmith that my M67 was ready with smoothed DA, fibre optic front sight, and Weigand "barn door" rear sight.
I foolishly sold an M15 and an M19 and had another M19 stolen.
I won't part with this one.

I will be "range gunning" to see if I do better at IDPA Rev. with K, L, N, or E/I (Colt). Or if I can tell a difference at all.
 
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Welcome to the FORUM! I too, don't think that there is anything spectacular on the list. Better guns w/ good prices come along. I have bought Smiths as old as the 60's on G.B. and never had any issues. Look at pics, ask seller questions, or even call seller.
I did pick up a 13-2 at Sept. gun show. My 1st 13. Shoots like a dream!
$475 OTD. Wasn't looking for 1, but I bought it! Bob
 

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I have five Model 10's and I bought them all on-line; mostly from Bud's Gun Shop (he is currently out of police trade-ins). I never paid more than $350 for any of them.

I also have a 19-2 which I paid a bit more for;). I bought it at a local gun show.

IF the shop will throw in the return to single-action and maybe eat the sales taxes(?) I would go with the Model 13. I like BLUE revolvers!!

Enjoy the search......it is almost half the fun of the chase!!
 
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