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

[Frizzman]

Both

When I was hired by first LE agency I worked for, I was issued a well worn M-10 HB and carried it for several years. My first training officer carried a nickeled 4" with the slimmer barel. It had faux stag grips. I thought it was the dumbest looking revolver I ever saw. he qualified "Distinguished Expert" with it. During the many years that I carried the M-10 HB as well as a M-64, I fired thousands of rounds and found it to be just right for me. Now, as an older guy, I like the traditional look of the slim barrel but prefer the HB for extended shooting. I like them both.

 

[phils]

I like the bull barrel , but both work just fine.

 

[GyMac]

I have both a 4 inch HB and a tapered barrel and love them both. It's been a while since I shot it, but I took the HB out to the range today and it shot great. But it's going back in the safe now, while a 4 and 5 inch tapered, as well as a Model 15, will continue to be shot. The front sight just doesn't stand out as well for me, and this can be a real issue on the black reduced silhouettes that I usually shoot. I did move in to the 7 yard line to fire a cylinder-full at speed, at the head, and the result was ridiculously small.

 

[Wee Hooker]

Lets see....What day is this?

 

[DGNY]

Tapered or Heavy Barrel?

Last two buys were a ca 1920 nickel M&P 4" in 85% shape [this one did occasionally escape its dresser drawer] and then a ca 1980 nickel 10-6 4" in 95% shape. Both astonishingly tight, bespeaking careful manufacture, with evidence of brilliant polish at factory.

Come spring, I shall know which I prefer. The old one with its small grips is really sweet...The newer is really steady on imagined target...

Great to have these choices.

Dyson

 

[rock doc]

I never knew there was a difference before I read this thread. My 10-5 has a tapered/pencil barrel, so by default, I like it more than the heavy barrel.

 

[cjw3]

Tapered; I like the film noir look.

 

[nicky4968]

As to the use of "pencil barrel", maybe it doesn't look like a pencil but everybody knows what it is.
Perhaps we could use the term I've heard applied to the barrel of my Remington 700 Mountain Rifle in 7X57; "wand-like".
I have a 10-5 5" and it is a pure delight.
On the other hand, years ago I passed on a RB 4" Heavy Barrel and have been kicking myself ever since.
Of course, I could get one today with the lock that everybody hates, and probably will when money isn't so tight.

 

[dave-arlington-va]

I own them both. a 10-11 heavy barrel and a 10-5 standard. the heavy barrel 10-11 shoots a bit better for me but I really like the look and pointing of a standard barrel. on this one I'll have to go with the standard barre.

 

[Bill in Pa]

Model 10

I have a 10-5 with a tapered barrel. Great at the range and the wife likes it cause its not too heavy. Get the one your looking at and enjoy!!

 

[WVfishguy]

I like both, but I like the heavy barrel better. My wife says she likes the pencil barrel, but I think that's just an excuse to buy another gun, since all her Smiths, Rugers and her Python are all heavy barrel guns.

 

[gerhard1]

I prefer the tapered barrel. It just looks better in my view.

 

[feralmerril]

I go with the pencil.

 

[Sebago Son]

Tapered Barrels For Me....

Especially if the frame is a Round Butt....

 

[Beans]

Mr first issue gun (LEO, 1973) was a model 10 with a heavy barrel and I have been partial to them eve since.

 

[Butchbird]

tapered for me

 

[GoHogs]

In a M10, the tapered barrel is the one for me.
It just turns me on.

 

[Bloodhound]

I don't dis-like the standard barrel...But I love the heavy one of my favorite guns of all time is the S&W 10-6...I have owned several...have one now that is like new...its my truck pistol...have it with me when I am hunting or headed into the mountains...its my "take along" gun.