The forgotten .38 snubby...

[PALADIN85020]

Today, the 5-shot lightweight J-frames are all the rage for discreet carry. The 642 and 442 lightweights do seem to offer ease of carry.

But back in the 1950s to 1970s, the weapon of choice for plainclothes detectives was often a Model 10 K-frame snubby, chambered for the .38 special. Re-runs of the TV shows such as "Dragnet" and "Highway Patrol" will verify this. When you think about it, these guns offer a 20% increase in firepower over the J-frames and don't seem to wear out very easily with a steady diet of +P ammo.

Here's an example of the breed. This is a Model 10-5 2" snubby, nickel finish, shipped in December of 1977. The more I think about it, one of these packed in a pancake strong-side holster could still more than get the job done. Admittedly a bit heavier, but way easier to fire, and offering 6 rounds rather than 5. Anyone opt for one of these forgotten revolvers for discreet carry today?

John

 

[DRYHEAT]

John, I couldn't agree more. I do carry my M64 almost as much as any one of my 5-hole Js. I like the heft and the extra round. I just has the right stuff.

 

[Dave T]

Since the barrel is the easiest part of a revolver to hide (the cylinder and the butt are much harder to conceal) I've never understood the appeal of a 2" K-frame. A 3" version of the same gun gives better ballistics, longer sight radius and a full length ejector rod and stroke.

Not trying to start an argument, just asking a legitimate question.

Dave



Dave

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Got a couple. Blue one from 1948, ex-LEO gun.

Nickel one from 1921 or so. This one I carry a lot.

Dave, I don't shoot competition but I don't have problems hitting a target at HD distances. That being said, if I can find a 3" at reasonable prices when I've got the money, I'll probably add it to my stable.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Since the barrel is the easiest part of a revolver to hide (the cylinder and the butt are much harder to conceal) I've never understood the appeal of a 2" K-frame. A 3" version of the same gun gives better ballistics, longer sight radius and a full length ejector rod and stroke.

Not trying to start an argument, just asking a legitimate question.

Dave

Dave,

You are quite correct. The only advantages of the 2" models are that they clear leather a mite faster, can be tucked in a hip pocket much easier due to their shorter overall length, and aren't quite as likely to "show" under a covering garment by one inch. You do make good points on ballistics and extractor stroke. As with all things, you don't get something for nothing, and most weapons of any sort are compromises in one way or another.

John

 

[Black_Sheep]

My 2" 10-5 is a little too nice to carry but I have on occasion packed a 2" 64...

 

[tompehret]

A 10-5 2" is my daily carry. I somehow manage the "discretion" thing. Not always easy, but manageable. As I've said in other posts, I don't mind the weight. I do appreciate the extra round and ease of control the weight gives. More fun to practice with too.

Has anyone, anywhere ever worn one of these out just by shooting it?

The wife is looking forward to getting her Kramer "Woman's" belt holster for her Colt Detective Special 2". The DS was her choice for a CCW piece after trying out several other types.

 

[DAinTX]

I sure haven't forgotten about them. I have 17 Model 10 snubbies , and carry one often.

 

[jglsprings]

Oh, I'll play...

It's not a Model 10 - it is the Model 10's silver haired cousin.

This is one of the surplus / turn in guns from the California Department of Corrections...

I often shoot it better than my snubby 66. (I think it is the grips that make a difference). I would like to think that this gun had a previous life as a parole officers gun, cracking heads and keeping the peace.

I don't carry this one very often. It goes for long rides in the car - kind of like a favorite dog. It fits the door carrier/slot very well.

 

[crsides]

this 1958 4 screw gets it's share of carry duty.

 

[BAM-BAM]

I have a 10-7 2" RB; I just got it for my wife (Birthday's in July) as she likes the K frame triggers better than the trigger on any of her/my Js.

But, funny, for me over the past 30 years it seems that when I move from J to K frame....... I go to a 3" barrel w/ IWB holster........ for all the reasons stated by David T.......

But this 2inch 10 is growing on me....... in a Don Hume Jit-slide holster the whole gun sits at my belt or higher........cross draw in the Jit slide it would make a good "driving " gun!!

To your point....... they are a forgotten gun.....it's rare to see one here in W. Pa........ can't tell you the last time I saw another one for sale in a LGS.

 

[quinn]

Just bought my first pre-10 snubby shipped in 1952. Former western New York state LEO gun. Will post pics soon. Also have 19 and 66 snubbies.

 

[redlevel]

I have tried to carry the 2" k-frames, but I just can't quite find a way to do it both comfortably and discretely. I think the 2" Model-10 rb is one of the best looking guns S&W ever made. Looks like it is ready to "do bidness." I have found, though, that I can conceal and carry two j-frames easier than I can the Model 10. I fairly regularly carry a 2" Model 60 or 36 in a wonderful little belt holster Ray Cory of Lobo fame ginned up for me, while carrying a 3" Model 37 in a hip pocket.

I still like the looks of the snubby k frames.

 

[pace40]

My favorite Sunday BBQ gun is a 38 snubby...

My favorite Saturday BBQ gun is, shall we say, slightly less professionally inscribed...

 

[crsides]

My favorite Sunday BBQ gun is a 38 snubby...

My favorite Saturday BBQ gun is, shall we say, slightly less professionally inscribed...

Oh yeah !!!

 

[Old cop]

I'm a bit of a trader here. I recently went back to carrying my 2" Colt Cobra & traded the 442 for a back-up Cobra. This offers me a better sight picture and six shots in a package that is only about 2 ozs. heavier.

About mid way through my LEO career I was promoted to lieutenant and was permitted to shed the heavy duty belt and was issued a stainless version of the 2" model 10 (forgot the model number). I shot that gun as well as the 4" (range guys joked that I could stand 2" closer to the target), and kept that until we moved to the Glock.

 

[loc n load]

Snubs

I started carrying a 2" 38 spl in 1973 in the form of the S&W M-49......I have carried that little companion everyday since as my back up gun.....A lot has changed in my world from 73 - 2013....but one thing that has remained a constant is that M-49....

 

[kennyb]

i carried my 10-5 snub on and off for years...i purchased it in 1975...i gave it to my son on his 21st birthday

 

[Waywatcher]

I've owned a few J frames, and they always left me wanting. Wanting another round, another inch, a better trigger, a longer ejector rod, and more durability.

I think I found a winner. I recently purchased a 10-5 with a 3" barrel (Aussie police trade in from Buds) that I am looking forward to carrying when my holster arrives. It sure does shoot great, much better than the J 38s, for sure.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

I carry a 442 every day because it drops into my pocket and disappears. I can't do that when I carry one of my snubby Model 10s. (I am in awe of he who has 17!!! I have but 5!). But when I'm properly dressed for a belt holster I am delighted to carry a 2" Model
10. If I ever lose weight I might try to carry one again in an IWB rig but my belt holsters work well with a proper cover over them. I have said it before and I'll say it again, I LOVE Model 10 snubbies!

I have a 2.5" Model 19 that I should carry more, too, actually. What a sweetheart!

***GRJ***

 

[KLYDE]

I figure that if I'm going to carry in a belt holster I would rather have it filled with a K than a J.
64-2----Lobo E Pancake

 

[kenjen]

befor i got my airweight 642 i carried a colt detective spl. always liked the feel of that gun.

 

[jsfricks]

I don't carry mine, it's more of a range/safe gun. Police marked S.C.P.D. 10-5.

 

[rockyrider]

All of the above including, my 37, 38, 642, 66, and 2 D-Spl's.

 

[UncleEd]

Don't forget that in the "old days" the Colt Detective Special was probably just as popular as the Model 10 2-inch model. I know of a former NYPD officer who owned 3 or 4 models of the Colt, the DS and Agent.

 

[rwsmith]

In an HD or SD situation

In an HD or SD situation the short barrels makes it less easy for someone to either take the gun from you, hold it by the barrel pointed aside, or just knock it aside.

 

[semperfi71]

I have a mint (used to be, I shot it) M10-5 2 inch, round-butt and just bought a M64 2 inch two weeks ago. Looking forward to shooting it.

 

[H Richard]

This 10 (no dash) 4 screw fits the bill well.

 

[87hurricane]

My next handgun purchase will be a snubby .38, and I too am a fan of the slightly larger, heavier snubs. I'll probably end up with a 10 or possibly a Cobra/D- Special/Agent, I've always really liked the snubby Colts. Plus, since I sold my 1911, I don't own a Colt, and somehow that just doesn't seem right....

 

[Black_Sheep]

Nothing more to add really, I just know how much you guys like pictures...

10-5

California Dept. of Corrections 64-2