Used Model 10 or 64 for first gun?

[ShrinkMD]

I have a friend who wants to get started in shooting, but is on a limited budget. I suggested either of the above models, as currently available from Bud's (used 10's) or Robertson's Trading Post (large selection of 64's on GunsAmerica) I personally have a Bud's 4" Model 10 I am quite happy with.

My question is, for a new owner who is worried about not having a warranty and purchasing a gun that could be 10-20 years old, what do they need to worry about? I know that these guns supposedly run for many, many thousands of rounds. Besides maybe a new grip, what other hidden potential costs (besides ammo and reloading gear someday) might a new owner incur who would purchase one of these used guns as their first and only handgun? This would be their only gun for home defense, practice, dry firing, etc.

 

[photoman]

I would recommend a Model 64 without the lock. He will need to budget for some cleaning equipment also.

 

[Smith357]

Either would be a fine choice, with the model 10 requiring just a tad more attention because it's carbon steel and rust can become an issue. These police turn in are generally very holster worn but mechanically sound. The model 64s being SS can be brought back with a green or grey scrubbie and be made to look almost new whereas the M10 cannot.

There is a very slight chance the the gun may have mechanical problems, but generally speaking police did not do bubba trigger jobs to their guns. Parts are still plentiful though not as cheap as they used to be, and competent S&W gunsmiths are still around, they are becoming rarer but can still be found.

 

[TNFrank]

With revolvers going for what they do today and folks wanting $400+ for their M64's I'd say one of the M10's from Bud's would be a great deal to get started with.
I've read all kinds of reviews on em' from being really nice to being junk so just be aware that it's a cr@p shoot if you order one.
Baring a good 22lr handgun the 38spl in a full size gun is probably one of the easiest handguns to learn to shoot and would make a great Home Defense gun and plinking gun for someone just starting out.
If he'd like to learn how to handload the 38spl is an easy ctg. to get started with too.
I think in the day and age where everyone wants a semi-auto it is a wise choice to pick a good K-Frame revolver to start with.

 

[Steve in Vermont]

I've bought 2 M64s from Robertson Trading Post. They have them on Gun Brokers and Guns America. The prices run from $ 279 to $ 339 (what I paid, best of the group) and you can view the gun your considering from different angles and a complete description. The 2 I bought show little wear, lock up tight, and shoot fine. These are corrections guns, shot little and worn a lot. Former LE guns have usually been subjected to harsh conditions being exposed to the elements. Corrections guns haven't as much. And Robertson has a 7 day return policy. My own opinion, I wouldn't buy a gun over the Internet that (1) I couldn't view, (2) has a complete description, (3) a company/person with a good history (who I could call and talk to about that particular gun) and (4) a return policy. Good luck.

 

[vytoland]

the S&W model 64 is stainless steel and will be easier to clean and maintain. J&G sales on the internet as a good selection of model 64's for sale for less than $300. they are police trade ins with holster wear, but mechanically very good. my experience with the folks at J&G as been great.

 

[TNDave]

Either gun would be a good choice. Stainless sure makes life easier so my vote is for a 64. I know Tim at Robertsons and he is as honest as the day is long.

 

[squidsix]

The model 10 is THE "first handgun" like a bolt action .22 is THE "first rifle".
I can't recommend it highly enough.

 

[TNFrank]

The price that Robertson Trading Post has on their M64's is proof that you can still find K-Frames out there for under $300. If I can't find something local from a privite party I just may have to take a drive to Henderson to pick up a nice M64.

 

[ladder13]

Either gun would be a good choice. Stainless sure makes life easier so my vote is for a 64. I know Tim at Robertsons and he is as honest as the day is long.

I agree 100% on all that. And no dumb locks on most of em' either.

 

[mg357]

the s&w model 10 & model 64 are both good revolvers but since the model 64 is stainless steel from a maintenance stand point it is much easier to clean so i vote for the model 64.

 

[Tracer_Bullet]

Regarding hidden costs; cleaning supplies, holster if he plans to carry, and snap caps for dry-fire practice. The 64 is a good choice due to the stainless requiring less upkeep than the blued model 10s.

 

[18DAI]

I think the 10 or the 64 is a great choice. I wouldn't worry about no warranty on a pre lock S&W revolver. In 44 years of using K-frame revolvers, I've yet to need S&W's warranty service. They don't break easy.

I picked up a J&G 64-5 a couple of years back. Nicer trigger than my performance center revolvers. Tack driving accuracy too. I put it in the hands of new shooters before introducing them to any other gun. Loaded with WWB there is practically no felt recoil. The stunning accuracy builds a new shooters confidence real quick. Best gun money I ever spent!

I've dealt with Robertsons a few times and been very pleased. Good folks to deal with.

So my vote is for a nice clean no lock 64. Good luck with your search! Regards 18DAI

 

[OldBlood]

I have purchased 64's from Robertson's and the condition of each gun was as stated. Very pleased. I think they have a 7 day return on used guns. Check out their website. robertsostradingpost.com

 

[Broadside]

I realize I am the lone dissenter here, but I recommend against any used gun for a new shooter. The reason is that a new shooter doesn't know what they don't know. They don't know whether there is a problem with the gun or with their technique.

I realize that you can get a new gun that is a lemon, but you know the history of a new gun and you have a manufacturer who has to listen to you.

 

[OldBlood]

When it comes to a police trade in 64, I would have to disagree with Broadside. I have an awful lot of Smith's and have never called service, never needed to. The older ones seem, in some ways, better than the new. Police guns are usually checked by an armorer every year for function, and used hardly at all. Holster wear is nothing on stainless, i have a hard enough time not polishing the day light out mine with Blue Magic. A S&W 64 delivered for under $300 is a good deal.

 

[stantheman86]

Don't worry too much about Model 10's rusting.......some people act is if blue guns will turn to dust if they aren't religiously maintained.

I have plenty of blue S&W and Ruger trade in service revolvers that have almost no blue remaining and I carry and shoot them frequently and have never had issues with rust. I use Eezox on them and all is good.

 

[m4bgringo]

I bought one of those Model 64's. I can't stand the sites (or what I call the lackof). All my other S&W's have what I consider front and rear sites. The rear site on these guns are machined and part of the actual frame. My old eyes had a real hard time with them.

Up-close and personal, less than 10 yards, no problem, beyond that, forget it.

It is 100% mechanically sound though and a great deal price-wise.

 

[stantheman86]

I have 10's and 64's that shoot just as well or better as any adjustable sight revolver.

They can be hard to pick up, especially 64's with their light colored sights. A little $2 jar of Testor's Red paint can do wonders for front sights.

 

[Crazy88Fingers]

They're the same darn gun, and it's a good one. The stainless is lower maintenance. But a blued gun stored indoors with very basic maintenance isn't any trouble at all. And there's something special about a good blued revolver.