What do you prefer in a Model 10 -- tapered or heavy barrel?

[UnderDawgAl]

Hey, guys.

I'm partial to the looks of the heavy barrel in a Model 10, but I've just found a 10-7 (standard taper barrel) in great shape. Any pros or cons to one or the other, aside from the personal preference of looks?

 

[kenpofan]

I prefer the tapered or standard barrel just for balance and ergonomics.

IHMO its just purtier..

 

[Iggy]

My preference is for the standard barrel, but it is based on looks and feel alone.

Heavy barrel always felt, well, heavy.

I guess it would be a better skull cracker if you were so inclined.

 

[cowboydave]

I prefer the standard barrel as it is more pleasing to my eyes.
Dave

 

[Glock 'em down]

I like the LOOKS of the ol' pencil barrel, but I like the heft of the heavy barrel when shooting.

 

[diamonback68]

The standard tapered barrel just has IT, the heavy barrel doesn't. If the 10 (or M&P) was supposed to be with a heavy barrel, it would have started out that way, but it didn't. Long live the standard barrel!

 

[pred]

Pencil barrel is for me too!
But the Model 13 looks so nice with it's 3" heavy barrel.
And to top it off
I prefer the 5" pencil barrel for overall playtoy!
Peter

 

[LOBO]

I prefer the heavy barrel m10's. They just feel "right".

 

[Yurko]

I prefer the standard tapered barrel.

(especially seeing that's what my 10-5 has)

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Standard. Would really like to get a 5" 'er
If it's to be a heavy barrel, just as soon it be a 13/65

 

[Andy Griffith]

I have mostly been partial to tapered barrels, although I do like heavy barrels on some models.

I have one "Jordonized" late Model 10-11 with the heavy barrel that shoots uncommonly well.

As for the tapered barrels, the pre-war contour is more attractive to me than the post war variant. I suppose it is the look of the half-moon sight that I prefer.

 

[Andy Griffith]

Also, I know that it started many years ago and stuck, but why call a tapered barrel a "pencil barrel?"

Pencils have no taper to them, except when you sharpen it.
Tapered barrels bear no resemblance to a pencil.

 

[j38]

The classic, standard barrel. Love 'em!

Jerry

 

[danski]

To avoid angering those who detest the description "pencil" barrel,
let's henceforth call it the shapely barrel as opposed to the obese barrel.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Well, I'm sentimentally attached to the "obese" barrel but prefer the appearance of the "shapely" barrel.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

I like the heavy barrel for looks. If I am going to
shoot I prefer adjustable sights, like a model 14,
15,or 19 etc. Don

 

[m657]

IMNSHO, the anemic anorexic appearance of the wafer-thin barrel simply is a grotesque machinist practical joke that went unnoticed for far too long...

The Rubenesque qualities of an m10 with ample structural design added to the ergonomic artisanship are far more satisfying to the eye as well as actual use....to some of us....

 

[jpwhel]

The standard or pencil barrel is the classic. Everyone should own at some point. I only own one, a M 10-5 and like the classic lines.

 

[Gutpile Charlie]

Different strokes for different folks.

True, the 4" pencil barrel is absolutely the classic, however there is nothing sweeter than a HB 3" Model 10!

 

[j357p]

My 10-7 has the tapered barrel but I actually prefer the heavy barrel.
Actually I'm happy to have "any" barrel!