Unfired Model 10-5 from '69-'70 with box? Shoot or not? w/pics.

[chief38]

Well all I can say is that my Dad passed away just about a year ago and I inherited all of his guns. When I shoot them I feel a little "more connected to him" and I like that feeling. Like someone else posted, IF YOU DO NOT SHOOT THEM, SOMEONE ELSE WILL DOWN THE LINE. It's a gun and it was meant to be shot. Who cares what the collector value is......you're not going to sell it anyway, you're going to pass it down. Just keep it clean and in good shape and I think you will get much pleasure form owning and shooting it. Well, that's my 2 cents.

Chief38

 

[WB5MHA]

Bud's Guns has surplus shooter grade model 10s that shoot like new. Around 250 bucks delivered to your ffl; keep your pristine revolver that way.

By the way, the box in it's beautiful condition is valuable. Check them out on Ebay.

 

[goldenbb]

If I read your post correctly, it was a gift from someone, so you don't have anything in it yourself. I say shoot it. What the hell good is some gun sitting around in a safe in a box? I only buy used guns these days, so it's never been a problem for me. the very few new guns I bought were to use, not look at. If you're really worried about it being some kind of collector's item, sell it to a collector and buy a good condition 10-5 for $250-$300.

 

[Fish.38]

Well I took the leap and fired the gun. Proud to say I have no regrets. I love it.

I dry fired the gun about 500 times before taking it to the range to help break the trigger pull in. It's a lot smoother now then when I received it. I bought an old Pachmayr grip adapter off Ebay because I like the look of the old grips and I find the smooth curve of the Pachmayr less distracting.

I also snagged some nail polish from my girlfriend and painted the front sight. I taped off the edges, top, and bottom with painters tape and put down very light layers of white as a base coat. After letting that dry for a bit I put two layers of red on top and let it dry over night before removing the tape. I'm pretty happy with the results as it helps focusing on the front sight when aiming at a black target.

I'm very happy with how the gun how well the gun shoots. I'm still learning the DA trigger. This was at 15 feet using cheap Federal American Eagle. The top X part was my first run taking my time. Then I aimed at the bottom and tried to speed up a bit. I put 100 rounds through it today and the groups got better as I got more comfortable. After my first time to the range with this gun, I'm hooked on S&W. Can't wait to get another.

 

[WaMike]

Jeez....not only did you shoot it.....and I agree with all who say you should have....but you already are a good shot! Congratulations.

I've also "enhanced" the front sight on many of my handguns; it's an easy task, easily removed, and won't harm the gun. And you've inspired me to find a Taylor T-Grip or Pachmeyer for one of my Mdl 10s.

Good for you!