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

Fish.38: I do suggest not firing jacketed bullets or +P loads because firing such ammunition will cause more wear to a Model 10-5 than firing standard pressure lead alloy bullet ammunition. Another reason to limit a Model 10 to standard pressure lead alloy bullet ammunition is that .38 Special Model 10 revolvers' fixed sights are regulated for that ammunition. For us reloaders, part of the fun of reloading for any fixed-sight handgun is discovering "the load" that shoots exactly to point of aim for our particular handgun. Yes, Model 10 revolvers were built in millions, but each Model 10 is unique in its apppetite!
 
I have a different view of this since I have the same gun that you have and only a few serial numbers different than yours. Mine also is as close to unfired as can be and looks like it just came from the factory. However I don't want it to get worn/scratched so I bought a trade in (a 10-11) from Buds for dragging to the range for some target practice. I also plan to give it to my grandson someday.
 
Believe me it will mean more to your son if you and him shoot
grandpa's revolver. What memories will he have with a gun in a safe. Plus if he shoot's it he will less likely sale it when you are gone. I have all my father's gun and remember shooting
every one of them with him. Would not sale any of them. My
three son's have hunted and target work with them. They will
get them all.
 
Thanks for all the imput everyone. I've slept on it and decided I'm gonna shoot it and I can't wait to do so. Can't enjoy it with it in the box all locked away.

Went on ebay today and bought myself an old Pachmayr grip adapter. I might eventually replace the grips just to keep the originals in good shape. The aftermarket rosewood ones I've been seeing would really make the gun stand out.

Larry8, I see you are from Cleveland as well. Can you recommend any ranges? I'm originally from Youngstown and not familiar with what's in the Cleveland area.
 
I have never understood the idea of taking a gun and never shooting it. That is its sole purpose. If you want art buy a picture and hang it on the wall. A gun is meant to be shot, not stared at. You are right in keeping it in the family.

Tex
 
Nice model 10. Its really your decision on whether to fire the revolver or not. You will not decrease the value that much if you fire the revolver. Like others have said, model 10s are not rare. S&W made millions of them. You have a very nice shooting revolver. Go enjoy it. And you can shoot +P 38 specials through your model 10.
Enjoy this classic.
Howard
 
Nice model 10. Shoot it and enjoy it in good health. Think fondly of your Grandfather while you do. Thanks for posting pics of your treasure!
 
An adaptation of a Clark Gable quote from "Gone with the Wind": "You should shoot it, and shoot it often".
 
If it was your grandfather's gun and you plan to keep in the family, shoot it, shoot it and shoot it with your kids. Talk about your grandfather while shooting it too.

Oh, did I mention to shoot it! :D
 
shooting any normal ammo in the M10 is just fine...that includes +p,hollowpoint,lead,what have you...S&W states any model marked handgun is fine with this type ammo...i have shot many many hot loads (reloads) in M10's for years...heck yes shoot it,let the next owner deal with the depreciation...which will be little or none with proper care...great find!wish my grandpa had left me one
 
Glad to see you are going to shoot it, that is what it's for. Enjoy it with your son, pass it along to him, and always keep it in the family.
 
Fish.38 happy to see you are going to use that great mod. 10 . i am from Youngstown also but have lived in MN. for over 30 yrs. where did you go to school? i went to Chaney on the west side. lots of good times in Mill Creek Park.
 
Glad to see you are going to shoot it, that is what it's for. Enjoy it with your son, pass it along to him, and always keep it in the family.

No children yet, but it will definitely stay in the family. My girlfriend said because I want a son so badly she's probably going to pop out twin girls. If that's the case, they'll be sharing this gun.

Fish.38 happy to see you are going to use that great mod. 10 . i am from Youngstown also but have lived in MN. for over 30 yrs. where did you go to school? i went to Chaney on the west side. lots of good times in Mill Creek Park.

I'm from Niles. Mill Creek Park is a great park. Used to spend a lot of time out there.
 
Not exactly the same situation, but similar.

My uncle was the positive male role model in my life. Somebody that really set me on the right path. Lucky to have had him.

I inherited a .45 caliber percussion black powder rifle that my uncle built. And he had used it to kill the largest buck during black powder season in Clearfield County PA back in 1971. So it has a lot of memories attached to it.

Every year around the holidays I break that thing out and make some smoke and lots of it. It is about the most fun, and what makes it even better is the memories that go along with it.
 
It's a museum piece for sure, but I'm glad you're gonna shoot your 10-5. A handgun as pristine as yours should be seen and heard, and not sitting inside its box collecting dust. I clean my 5 inch 10-5 after every firing at the range, and the bluing is as immaculate as the day I bought it! And your dearly departed grandfather will be smiling down on you whenever that very first round goes sailing downrange! ;)
 
Shoot it and enjoy it!:D

I can say 100% that I will not be leaving any mint unfired guns for my heirs so they will never face this dilemma.......plus I have a weakness for trade-ins so new in box is not something that is found in my collection, more like the 20 years in the holster look:rolleyes:
 
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