Refurbishing my Mod 10-8

[RGVshooter]

I gave S&W a phone call and in minutes they emailed a return shipping label. I've decided to go ahead and send in my 4" heavy barrel model 10-8 38 special to get refurbished back to like new. I am incredibly happy with the work S&W has done to my Victory 22 pistol that was sent in for repair and even more thrilled with the quality of work done to my M&P 9mm. I sent that in for the m&p action package..

I included a note with my mod 10 requesting a quote to inspect and replace any worn or out of spec parts, tune the action and a reblue & polish. I know it won't come cheap but this is a pre lock police trade that has also been my EDC. It's going to stay with me for life and I want it in top shape when it's time to pass it on...

Has anyone else sent in their revolvers for similar work, and how did it come out? Show me some pics!


How it looks now.

 

[wood714]

Looks in perfect shape as is for a EDC.

 

[Sixgun100]

I believe you should do whatever would make you happy. That Model 10 looks pretty good, but if you want to have it refinished, then you should. I had this Model 10 refinished by Fords in FL. Not concerned about value, just wanted it to look good. Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Targets Guy]

For some reason I thought S&W would not work on older models. Nice to know a 10-8 will still get a once over.

Mine has been to Jordan and back but I like the "character" and it still shoots just fine.









Very anxious to see the after results.

 

[RGVshooter]

For some reason I thought S&W would not work on older models. Nice to know a 10-8 will still get a once over.

I forgot what the cutoff year was but mine was made in 1985. I want to say revolvers prior to 1957, but that's just my guess.

I called S&W CS and they informed me of the date of manufacture and I asked if I could send it in for a look over and replace any worn/out of sec parts and they emailed me the shipping label. The revolver mechanically seems tight, good lockup, timing is spot on. Good shooter. There is some shiny wear marks on the ejector star that makes contact with the hand. A few screws that look like they were abused with the wrong screwdriver, and maybe some new springs here & there. Other than that just normal wear & tear for a 33 yr old gun. But yeah, this 4" old police revolver is one of my EDC's but not to worry, I still have my 642 & 4" 686 that will protect me until I get my mod 10 back.....In a few months

 

[Targets Guy]

I forgot what the cutoff year was but mine was made in 1985. I want to say revolvers prior to 1957, but that's just my guess.

I called S&W CS and they informed me of the date of manufacture and I asked if I could send it in for a look over and replace any worn/out of sec parts and they emailed me the shipping label. The revolver mechanically seems tight, good lockup, timing is spot on. Good shooter. There is some shiny wear marks on the ejector star that makes contact with the hand. A few screws that look like they were abused with the wrong screwdriver, and maybe some new springs here & there. Other than that just normal wear & tear for a 33 yr old gun. But yeah, this 4" old police revolver is one of my EDC's but not to worry, I still have my 642 & 4" 686 that will protect me until I get my mod 10 back.....In a few months

I hope you mean after 1957. Mine is a 1981 so there is a chance for it to get pretty again.

 

[RGVshooter]

I hope you mean after 1957. Mine is a 1981 so there is a chance for it to get pretty again.

I think you're fine

 

[Warren Sear]

I would not even consider re-finishing the gun in the OP.

 

[NCBeagle]

Looking forward to the follow-up picture post.

 

[326MOD10]

I have sent in a Model 19 and a Model 64 for the Combat Action Package.

While the finish on both are a Matte, and not the original blued/stainless, I was very pleased with the work.

The action came back superb and both look great!

While many think this is a waste of money to refinish an older revolver I was very pleased I did and have bordered on sending in a 3 inch Model 10 for the standard refinish.

Here is the work on the 19 and 64 and a current shot of the 3 inch Model 10 that was matte finished by a local gunsmith.

I am concerned that having it done locally may hinder getting S&W to do a refinish on it and I should have waited. It looks better in person, and after having shot it some I can tell you that it is a very accurate revolver.

 

[ImDrRich]

Model 10

One of the true classic S&W. Reliable, durable, and just plain works.

Nice job!

 

[CapnB]

I have a theory about refinishing. While it may be frowned on today by serious “collectors”, I suspect in the future as these old guns become more and more scarce, a good professional reblue won’t detract at all from an otherwise solid firearm’s value. Some may not agree. Having said that, if it has any real historical or sentimental value, leave it alone.
Doug

 

[Eddietruett]

I have sent in a Model 19 and a Model 64 for the Combat Action Package.

While the finish on both are a Matte, and not the original blued/stainless, I was very pleased with the work.

The action came back superb and both look great!

While many think this is a waste of money to refinish an older revolver I was very pleased I did and have bordered on sending in a 3 inch Model 10 for the standard refinish.

Here is the work on the 19 and 64 and a current shot of the 3 inch Model 10 that was matte finished by a local gunsmith.

I am concerned that having it done locally may hinder getting S&W to do a refinish on it and I should have waited. It looks better in person, and after having shot it some I can tell you that it is a very accurate revolver.

I personally wouldn’t do a thing to the 3”. I really like a matte finish blue. Gives it more of a combat ready look.

 

[RGVshooter]

I have a theory about refinishing. While it may be frowned on today by serious “collectors”, I suspect in the future as these old guns become more and more scarce, a good professional reblue won’t detract at all from an otherwise solid firearm’s value. Some may not agree. Having said that, if it has any real historical or sentimental value, leave it alone.
Doug

I'm the OP.
This is for a 4" heavy barrel model 10. There's what? About 6 million more or less of these produced? The model 10 is by far the most common police duty revolver for many many years. In fact mine was a ex police gun. I shoot a lot. At least 300 rounds a week. this revolver is also my EDC. I sent it in to get refurbished due to its age and that it is not a safe queen but a working gun. I want it to look good and last another 30+ years of weekend shoots at the range.

 

[CapnB]

I'm the OP.
This is for a 4" heavy barrel model 10. There's what? About 6 million more or less of these produced? The model 10 is by far the most common police duty revolver for many many years. In fact mine was a ex police gun. I shoot a lot. At least 300 rounds a week. this revolver is also my EDC. I sent it in to get refurbished due to its age and that it is not a safe queen but a working gun. I want it to look good and last another 30+ years of weekend shoots at the range.

I think maybe you misunderstood me, or rather I wasn’t clear. I’m all for refinishing your nice Model 10. My post was actually aimed at the fellow above who said he would leave it as is. What I was trying to communicate (poorly, it seems) is that the only reason I wouldn’t have one refinished is if it had some historical significance, which, as you say, yours clearly doesn’t. I guess if I had done this quote thing with the other fellow’s post it would have been more clear. Sorry if I offended you. I would never intentionally do that.
Regards,
Doug

P.S. Very much looking forward to seeing the finished product

 

[RGVshooter]

I think maybe you misunderstood me, or rather I wasn’t clear. I’m all for refinishing your nice Model 10. My post was actually aimed at the fellow above who said he would leave it as is. What I was trying to communicate (poorly, it seems) is that the only reason I wouldn’t have one refinished is if it had some historical significance, which, as you say, yours clearly doesn’t. I guess if I had done this quote thing with the other fellow’s post it would have been more clear. Sorry if I offended you. I would never intentionally do that.
Regards,
Doug

P.S. Very much looking forward to seeing the finished product

Oh no, I wasn't offended at all. No worries

I'm really looking forward in seeing the finished result too. It's a great revolver that's going to be even better.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I have always liked Model 10s, and looked at a lot of them considering buying one, but I keep coming back to their only flaw which is that they are not chambered for 357 Mag. I look forward to reading that your "tune up" on your Model 10 exceeds your expectations.

 

[RGVshooter]

but I keep coming back to their only flaw which is that they are not chambered for 357 Mag.

S&W produced a variant of the model 10 chambered in .357 magnum called the model 13. It's based on the same K frame. Then we have the model 19, which is basically the same gun but with adjustable sights. The model 65 is a stainless version of the mod 13. These revolvers were used heavily with many police and federal agencies throughout the US.

 

[deputy584]

I thinking of doing the same thing, I got a good deal on mine and plan on carrying it.

 

[BlackJack10]

This thread might just inspire me to do something with the finish on mine. It's a CDC (California Corrections) trade in, carried a lot and shot little before I got it. I had it machined for moonclips and put a Miculek grip on it and shoot it in ICORE and IPSC. Very reliable, plenty accurate and lotsa fun. I'm looking forward to seeing your finished product back from S&W.