S&W Model 10, Heavy or Pencil

[lamarw]

I think I know the answer, but I will ask the question. Which is more desirable the pencil barrel or the heavy barrel in the Model 10.

I suspect it is the pencil barrel. If so, how much money wise is the separation point between the two if the two were about 70 to 80% graded? It is a Model 10-7.

I am going to look at a heavy barrel tomorrow and need some additional knowledge for discussions with the seller over value.

Before any negotiations, I will look over the revolver to see if it worthy of acquiring. I already know the grips are wrong - way wrong. At the right price, I can find correct grips.

Your knowledge and thoughts will be appreciated.

 

[4011]

I like them both. The pencil looks like and old gun. The heavy looks like a new model. My son had a heavy when he was with UTA Arlington PD it was very fine firearm. If it's a good buy why not get and use as a trade down the road.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Pencil for me. Classic line.

 

[Dregg]

I'll buck the norm here and say....heavy for me.
I love the thick barrel.

 

[stantheman86]

Nothing beats a Round Butt 4" Heavy

Rubber grips just ruin the feel, it has to be factory Magnas....and perfect for a Tyler T grip.

If you can find a better balanced handgun than this I'm open to suggestions

 

[Isis1200L]

I love my 10-8. Heavy barrel. Shoots great! Looks great!

 

[Engine49guy]

I prefer the Model 10 and 64 in the thinner tapered barrel just because they are old school,

In HB configuration I would get a Model 13 or 65 (.357 version of the Model 10/64 ).

 

[ColbyBruce]

You can not go wrong with either version. A fixed sight K frame is a fine handgun.

There is a shop near Athens, GA that has some LE trade-in S&W 64 4" HB guns for $299.99. Another LGS has a blue 4" HB 10 for $349.99, with a good bit of holster wear.

Another LGS has a S&W 64 like mine below for $529.99.

I hope these prices give you some perspective on your possible purchases.

 

[Jdavis]

Desirability depends on your intended purpose. Since many thousands of the model 10s have been made, the collector value is rather limited so, their value will be as shooters. The pencil barrel is the old classic design while the heavy (bull) barrel is the modern version. While the pencil barrel may look really nice, it will be more difficult to shoot well than the heavy barrel gun. The reason is that the heavy barrel balances and points naturally while reducing muzzle flip better than it's lighter barrel cousin. For my use, the heavy barrel is the more desirable of the two.

 

[federali]

Heavy Barrel

If you're going to shoot the gun, the heavy barrel is definitely the way to go. The extra bit of muzzle heaviness dampens recoil and muzzle flip, getting you on target a bit more quickly.

I remember when NYPD switched over to heavy barrels. I could be wrong here but well before they eventually went to semi autos, they stopped authorizing Colt OPs and S&W pencil barrels for new officers in favor of the heavy barrel. Eventually all the newer officers had heavies while older cops were allowed to keep whatever they started out with.

 

[Fredo Batali]

You could get both, like I did. That way you could shoot either when in the mood for one or the other. I picked up my five-inch Model 10-5 taper barrel for $260.00 OTD at a local gun show. My Model 10-6 heavy barrel, I picked up at my favorite LGS for $450.00 plus tax. Either way you can't go wrong

De Oppresso Liber

 

[murphydog]

Personal preference, but most will shoot a slightly muzzle heavy revolver better, everything else being equal.

And (before others jump in) - standard or tapered barrels do not resemble pencils .

 

[Clovishound]

I have both, and agree, I shoot better with the heavy barrel.

 

[lamarw]

Thanks fellow forum members, I appreciate all of your comments.

I now feel a little more assured after reading through the thread.

I will make a decision tomorrow after seeing the revolver. It depends upon its condition. If I am still interested after seeing it, I will attempt to work a purchase at between $250.00 and $300.00.

I already have a Pre-War Colt Official Police in Chrome with a pencil barrel. It was shipped from Colt in Dec. 1941. It is a nice revolver, and shoots extremely well.

I will follow-up on this thread as to how things go tomorrow. Again Thanks for your advice.

 

[shawn mccarver]

Which is more desirable the pencil barrel or the heavy barrel in the Model 10.

Pencil barrel?

I'm calling Saxon Pig.

That term is an abomination!

 

[lamarw]

I am familiar with Mr. Saxon Pig.

Please do not turn that hog loose on me. I am pleading with you.

I have reviewed the Blue Book and no where does it use the term "Pencil Barrel". It appears to use the terms "disc. or heavy". I would like to know what "disc." is as an abbreviation term.

Therefore, I would say you are correct. Now call the hog back to his feeding station. My Grandfather was once almost eaten alive by a big boar hog. He got messed up bad and was lucky to of lived through it.

 

[sac-gunslinger]

Both would be the choice.

I prefer the heavy barrel, holds steadier when shooting, especially a fast string. BUT both shoot just the same. Either will serve you perfectly well and be around for your grankids as well.

 

[DWalt]

There is a "Standard" barrel and then there is a "Heavy" barrel. There is no "Pencil" barrel.

 

[lamarw]

Thanks DWalt for the clarification. I will use this term in the future.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I have both, the heavy barrel is a little easer to hold steady for me.