S&W 10-7 2" barrel

[deputy599]

My grandfather gave a new in the box S&W 10-7 2" heavy barrel serial number 3D59xxx. Can I shot 38 SPL +P and what's a good self defense ammunition? I believe it was manufactured 1977.
Rob

 

[sigp220.45]

Welcome to the forum. Your gun will handle all the +P ammo you can stand.

Opinions vary on good self defense ammo. I'm partial to +P 158 lead semi-wadcutter hollowpoints - usually called the FBI load. It can be hard to find, but it is a well-proven design.

 

[deputy599]

At range, what kind distances should I shoot at. I was thinking 5 to 10 yards maximum.

 

[RussellD]

Practice at 7, 15 and 25 yards. Strong hand, weak hand, both hands.

 

[shouldazagged]

Another vote for the old FBI load. I've carried it for years. But some people like a 125gr. +P jacketed hollowpoint like the Remington Golden Saber, which I've also used.

 

[Marshal Tom]

I agree with the above but many seem to like the Speer Gold Dot short barrel 135gr. loading. I carry that one in my 340 M&P.

Tom

 

[boykinlp]

deputy599,
You know we need to see some pics of your gun.........

 

[deputy599]

You can engage targets at 25 yards with snub nose. I'm impressed. The old myth like 1911A1 you can't hit side of barn.

 

[captainjohnsofd]

If you use a load other than 158 grains the load will shoot low- fixed sited S&W revolvers are sited for the standard bullet weight, in the case of .38 Special it is 158 grains...so the FBI load will shoot to point of aim- Buffalo Bore makes a non+P 158 lead hollow point load that seems to be just what you want- check them out

 

[sac-gunslinger]

Take a look at Buffalo Bore's 158 grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Hollow Cavity Gas Check (LSWHCGC) loading. It is a +P load that will generate an honest 1,000 FPS out of a 2" barrel. Expenisve, yes, but it works wonders out of a 2" barrel.

I would recomment starting at 3 yards for practice, working out to 7 yards then on to greater distances. Too many people start shooting at long distance and do not see success quickly and get discouraged.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Hmmm....I can't keep track, I thought 2" 10-7s were all standard barrels. I have a couple of them.....

Anyway, I like +P .38 Special ammunition for my .357s but I usually avoid it in my .38s. I guess you can do it, especially with a heavy barrel, it's just not my cup of tea. I wouldn't fire it continuously with +P ammo. I'd practice with standard loads, then do some practice with the +P loads, just to get the feel and to see how it hits. Maybe I'm just a wimp on this subject......but I'm afraid of damage with +Ps in guns not marked as rated for +P. That's just me....

***GRJ***

 

[sac-gunslinger]

Yoda, back in the land before time (pre-1980) manufacturers printed much less information on their firearms, including whether or not your 38 Special was +P rated. Smiths have been since the late 50's as I recall.

 

[alwslate]

I have two 2" md 10s, a 10-5 and a 10-7. I think the short barrel makes
them look as if they are heavy barrels when in fact they are not. I have
a 10-8 with a 3" heavy barrel and a side by side comparison makes the
difference obvious.

 

[deputy599]

I maybe wrong about heavy barrel. Thanks for all information and I'm off to range today. The sad part no one at work(range officers) knows anything or teaches revolver, just semi autos.

 

[tac803]

I maybe wrong about heavy barrel. Thanks for all information and I'm off to range today. The sad part no one at work(range officers) knows anything or teaches revolver, just semi autos.

Good catch on the model 10. I have a 2" that used to belong to a USAF General officer and believe it or not, I have been able to hit a silouhette at 100 yards. Never more than 2 or 3 times out of a cylinder, but that gun is scary accurate. Some of the guys coming up now have never held a revolver...that's sad in it's own right.

 

[dscampbell]

If you use a load other than 158 grains the load will shoot low- fixed sited S&W revolvers are sited for the standard bullet weight, in the case of .38 Special it is 158 grains...so the FBI load will shoot to point of aim- Buffalo Bore makes a non+P 158 lead hollow point load that seems to be just what you want- check them out

The non +p 158 grain SWCLHP is what I use. It also has a lower flash so my night vision does not get screwed up as bad.

 

[squekydad]

Congrats on the 10-7, should be a bold warning label on the box, "Danger - Addictive!" I missed the label when I got my 10-5
and has been costing me since. There are few guns finer to shoot than a K-frame S&W, enjoy your inheritance, I have.