New Smith&Wesson Model 10 Classic

Joined
Mar 26, 2025
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I am seriously considering purchasing this new Model 10 Classic- I own a 2014 model 686+ 5" and love it.
Has anyone have experience with this new model?
 
Register to hide this ad
I can't speak directly to the new model 10 in terms of performance, but I have handled two of them at two different gun stores, and they both appeared to be well manufactured and functional. I have purchased and used two new others. A 686-7 Mountain Gun and a Model 36-11 Classic Snub. Both are working out really well. I would suggest not ordering one online. Find one in person for your inspection and satisfaction, prior to purchase.
 
Compared to the new no-lock Model 10 Classic (SKU 14074) which are generally going for $820-900, I might be inclined to look for a vintage gun instead. I do have a Model 10-6 with obvious holster wear, but a very clean bore that I picked up on GunBroker for $300. Unbeknownst to me when I bought it, it had a broken DA sear pin, which was easily replaced by me. An extra few hundred can get you one with less finish wear.

That being said, if you don't care about the lock and are fine with the heavy barrel, the previous Model 10 Classic (SKU 150786) can be had for under $650.
 
S&W has been building and selling the .38 Military and Police aka Model 10, for over 125 years with virtually no change that is important to function! The most notable change with the new "Classic" model is the internal lock has been deleted and the front sight is the half-moon style like guns before 1950. The only reason I would not buy one of the new guns is the cost ($965 MSRP) compared to the millions of used .38 M&P revolvers that are available for much less, and that will all do everything the "Classic" model will. Used M&Ps in good condition can often be had for $300-$400 compared to nearly $1,000 for the new one.
 
Last edited:
The only statement I'm seeing here that's not realistic, is the notion a good condition model 10 can be had for $3-400. Not in Texas. $6-800 maybe. I'd love to find one that's not beat to heck for $3-400. I'm not seeing them.
 
Why buy a "classic" when you can get a real classic?

Speaking only for myself, a NIB gun should eliminate concerns with lots of things. Timing issues, leaded bbl, corrosive ammo, all sorts of unfriendly things a former owner may have been involved in before one buys it.

There's obvious pluses & minuses in buying new or used. I generally buy used in order to save $$$. I try not to buy used on-line, but I have done so a time or three. So far, I have been very, very lucky with my used purchases on-line. In person, I inspect that thing like my life depended on it.
 
I am not a condition buyer, quite the opposite. I carry and use my guns so one that comes with some dings and finish wear is fine by me, and that makes them affordable. My last one I picked up a couple weeks ago, came home for under $300. Not shiny clean or pretty but perfect function and accuracy. If you are going to shoot and carry it and induce wear, get one already rough on the outside for an affordable price. The key is PATIENCE ! To find my sub $300 model 10-5 I lurked on auction sites and combed over gun shop and show racks for a couple years. The distinct possibility of getting 2 model 10's for less than the price of the current classic to me is a no brainer. Now if S&W was smart and brought out a 3" 13 in the new classic line, I would happily pay the current rate, and that is about where prices on good condition older ones are, and they are tough to find in any condition
 
S&W manufactured approximately 6 Million Model 10 revolvers over an extended period of time.
There are some fine condition pre-owned samples on the market.
I got a great deal on a pre- Modal 10, 5 screw in almost pristine condition. Slight wear to the muzzle area and some edges of the cylinder is all. I only paid $250.00 for it about @0 years ago.
 
I have one, along with about twenty other Model Tens. It's nice, Smith did a good job on these. Haven't shot it, probably won't. The smooth walnut grips are nicely done but I swapped them for some Thai grips that mimic the grips from the 30's. Put the smooth walnuts on a 10 heavy barrel.
 
I own the current classic no lock model 10, as well as a 1960's model 10 and a model 1905, all great guns. I know the new model 10 can be a bit expensive, but if you really want a model 10 with potentially no issues out of the gate, I see no problem with getting the new model 10 if that's what you want.
 
Back
Top