S&W Model 10-8 Heavy Barrel

[Frequent Flyer]

Saw this in my LGS yesterday. The price was right -- and I couldn't resist buying it.

Serial number dates the revolver to 1981. I live in CA, so won't be able to get my hands on the gun for nine more days.

Here are some crummy gun store photos. What can you guys tell me about bull barrel Model 10's? Do these grips and sights look original for this revolver? Do they shoot as good as they look?

 

[S&W Rover]

Yours looks to be in good shape. Mine is a holster-worn ex-Victoria police Mdl 10-10 HB (4") that is exceptionally accurate. It is regulated for 158 grains, and shoots a little low with 125 grain bullets -- yours probably left the factory the same way. Your grips look like the ones that came on mine -- since replaced by VZ G-10's.

 

[j38]

Maybe I'm missing something - but looks all original to me. Great gun. Enjoy!

Jerry

 

[viceunit]

The stocks are correct for a HB 10. I believe the red front sight insert was added after the factory. I have a HB 10-6, great, durable and stout .38 special. I prefer the balance of the HB over the tapered barrel 10.

 

[Frequent Flyer]

Maybe I'm missing something - but looks all original to me. Great gun. Enjoy!

Jerry

Thanks. That's what I figured, just don't have a lot of experience with this model.

 

[ejjeff]

Welcome and congratulations on a beautiful revolver.

 

[Frequent Flyer]

Yours looks to be in good shape. Mine is a holster-worn ex-Victoria police Mdl 10-10 HB (4") that is exceptionally accurate. It is regulated for 158 grains, and shoots a little low with 125 grain bullets -- yours probably left the factory the same way. Your grips look like the ones that came on mine -- since replaced by VZ G-10's.

Thank you. Can't wait to get it to the range!

 

[VThillman]

I have a 3" heavy barrel 10-8 round butt from 1979 (bought it late that year I think) that shoots fine. Plain black front sight on mine, but that doesn't mean the red insert wasn't available in 1981. The grips on mine extend close to the trigger guard on top, don't know if that means anything either.

 

[lebomm]

You simply can't go very far wrong with a Model 10. Yours looks completely legit from your pix, and if it's in any kind of good shape at all, it will be a fine shooter. As above, they're generally regulated for use with the 158 gr. service load, and will shoot to about the same POI with 148 gr. wadcutters. The model 10 is a tough, reliable, no-nonsense revolver that will handle any and all .38 Special factory ammo, including the +P. Good shooting !

Larry

 

[dubshooter]

I just got me a 10-5 4" and 2" couple weeks ago. I think you'll find it shoots great! Here's my target from the other day, 10 yards with 148gr wadcutters. They're great guns!

 

[Frequent Flyer]

Looking good, dubshooter. Thx.

 

[shouldazagged]

Everyone needs at least one Model 10. It's the ultimate practical workhorse revolver, with everything you really need and nothing you really don't.

There are very good reasons millions of them have been sold.

You'll love that one.

 

[Targets Guy]

Nice looking Model 10-8. Mine is probably my favorite shooter. Love the heavy barrel. Mine shipped in Dec 81 and I believe it went to Jordan at some point in time.





They are indeed good shooters.



Mine does not have the red inset on the front sight.

 

[Frequent Flyer]

Nice looking 10-8 with honest wear and an interesting history. Good shooting, Targets Guy!

 

[Targets Guy]

Nice looking 10-8 with honest wear and an interesting history. Good shooting, Targets Guy!

Thanks, Frequent Flyer. I forgot to post a shot of the grips as they are the original grips (the s/n matches on the right grip).

 

[Pocketrocket]

10-8

Nice find. Good used Smiths are getting harder to find here in California, and pricey too. I bought a nickel 10-8 earlier this year. It shoots very well. I like the look and feel of the HB. Mine is a similar vintage. But yes, the wait....
Try to include the hang tag in the photo so we don't have to ask...lol

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congratulations!

 

[spad124]

Everyone needs at least one Model 10. It's the ultimate practical workhorse revolver, with everything you really need and nothing you really don't.

There are very good reasons millions of them have been sold.

You'll love that one.

Agree 110%. Everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't!

For the record I have two, both 10-8s: an ex-Vitoria Police like S&W Rover and a nickel 1981 ex-LEO that's had a nice action job somewhere in its life. Both are accurate and reliable.

Congrats Frequent Flyer and welcome!

 

[Frequent Flyer]

Nice find. Good used Smiths are getting harder to find here in California, and pricey too. I bought a nickel 10-8 earlier this year. It shoots very well. I like the look and feel of the HB. Mine is a similar vintage. But yes, the wait....
Try to include the hang tag in the photo so we don't have to ask...lol

Ask and you shall receive... the revolver was listed for $499. I offered $450 cash. We shook hands and the gun was mine.

What are you guys in other states paying for model 10's like this?

 

[nachogrande]

DITTO WHAT VICE UNIT SAID.

Can't speak about a -10. Mines a -6 4" HB & I & EVERYONE who have shot it, shoot it well & think a lot of it. A terrific teaching gun for 1st timers to seasoned shooters. It feels light to me for what you get & fits a lot of hands well. Is that paint/nail polish on the front sight or an insert? I paid 325$ 3-4 years ago.

 

[Frequent Flyer]

Is that paint/nail polish on the front sight or an insert?

It is a red insert.

 

[EricR]

I bought both a 10-8 and 10-6 within the last month (N GA). Got the 10-8 in a trade but it's asking price was $450. Bought the 10-6 at a LGS for $325 (asking price $350). Both of mine don't appear to have been shot much at all. 10-6 has quite a bit of holster wear. Even my nice 10-8 doesn't look to be in as good as condition as yours. And I've since replaced the regular magna's with pc's like on yours.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I was issued a Model 10 when I worked as an armed guard several years ago. I regret not offering to buy it when the company got rid of their armed accounts. During qualifications I would shoot that gun better than the custom 1911 I had.

I'm no expert, but I've only seen red ramp inserts on adjustable sight S&W revolvers. I suspect it was a later add-on, but I could be wrong.

 

[Targets Guy]

I bought both a 10-8 and 10-6 within the last month (N GA). Got the 10-8 in a trade but it's asking price was $450. Bought the 10-6 at a LGS for $325 (asking price $350). Both of mine don't appear to have been shot much at all. 10-6 has quite a bit of holster wear. Even my nice 10-8 doesn't look to be in as good as condition as yours. And I've since replaced the regular magna's with pc's like on yours.

I've still got the 10-6 on my bucket list but I do have a Model 13. They do make a nice pair don't they.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

... What can you guys tell me about bull barrel Model 10's? Do these grips and sights look original for this revolver?...

The pictures aren't great, but the front sight looks like it might be pinned in place. If that's the case then that pinned sight was an aftermarket modification. Normally -8's had an integral plain black ramp.