smith and wesson model 10

[totallycustom]

I have seen some ad for S&W m10 38special revolvers, I think they are police trade-ins in 3 and 4in barrels blued bull barrel fixed sights. Has anyone got ahold of one? They looked like an ok deal for an all around gun.  Are they a K-frame?  What do you think about police trade ins?  I am looking for my first real centerfire revolver for a good price, I am getting married in two weeks and want something with easy handling to keep at home.

-TC-

[TNrifleman]

The S&W Model 10 is a fine double action revolver. The Model 10 is a K Frame. police trade-ins can be excellent buys. Most police sidearms are carried a lot and shot a little. The 3 and 4" barrels make great self defense guns and are nice for informal range practice. You didn't mention a price, but if you can get one for $250 or less, I'd consider it a good buy. BTW, the Model 10 is a very durable design and you aren't likely to wear one out in your life time...even a used one. Often, for a few dollars more, you can get a "select" grade gun. It is probably worth the extra money to do so. Another thing to consider is the fact that most anything that needs repaired on a Model 10 can be done at a reasonable cost. Parts are widely available. I'm a retired police officer and served as a firearms instructor for many years, so I know a few things about S&W revolvers.

[rockbilly]

They were advertised in "Shotgun News" a while back for $135.  These are police trade-in, and like TNrifleman said, they were likely carried a lot, and shot very little.  If you can find a bull barrel, it would be a good choice.

[S.S.]

Excellent handgun..
That was what I carried for several years
during My LEO days... I also used one in my first 2
competitions. I still have the Steve Herrit grips from mine !
one day I will get another model 10 to wear them!

[Dee]

There used to be a time when most 38 smith target pistols were built around the model 10 which is indeed a k frame. The FBI used it as an issue weapon for years, shooting a 158 grain lead hollow point as issue ammo. As was said earlier, police issued guns are carried much and shot little. I should know, I was an instructer for 19 years on a dept. and it was quite apparent on qualification day that few officers had praticed in the last 12 months prior to qualification day. Most cops as a general rule after the new wears off carrying a gun, slow way down on pratice. Most are mediocre shots because of it.

[totallycustom]

I am going to start seriously looking soon, I saw some DAO stainless ones for a good deal.  Hope I can hook up with one. Thanks for all the info guys,  hope we can keep it up. -TC-

[aaronrkelly]

I recently picked one up from Century Arms for $174.  Mines a 4" bull barrel 10-6 model.

Mechanically its top notch........the finish, however, is pretty poor.

Here she is:

[Almtnman]

I recently picked one up from Century Arms for $174.  Mines a 4" bull barrel 10-6 model.

Mechanically its top notch........the finish, however, is pretty poor.

Here she is:

I've been looking for one like that to use it as a woods carry pistol. I have an old Victory model, but I would like to have the model 10 with bull barrel.

[Old Griz]

I found a 4" 10-5 for $175 in excellent condition. Probably sat in a drawer by someon's bed for the last forty years. Very accurate. Has to be one of the best handguns in my little collection. My brother and I were shooting at clays one day. Had one set out to 126 yards. I didn't hit it, but I burried it by hitting all around it. I was pretty happy with that. Great little gun. Now I just gotta get some gips worthy of it.

[mikedb]

I recently picked one up from Century Arms for $174.  Mines a 4" bull barrel 10-6 model.

Mechanically its top notch........the finish, however, is pretty poor.

Here she is:

I believe Smith will re-finish it for a reasonable price...Like$50??  .  I have a 5 in. that is in pretty good shape there is holster wear but the breech face looks new.  It is very accurate.  Based on the sn it was built about 1948 or 9.(I think mine is actually called a Military & Police)  Great trigger. 

[Almtnman]

I believe Smith will re-finish it for a reasonable price...Like$50??  .  I have a 5 in. that is in pretty good shape there is holster wear but the breech face looks new.  It is very accurate.  Based on the sn it was built about 1948 or 9.(I think mine is actually called a Military & Police)  Great trigger. 

The older models have better trigger pulls and the action on them are a lot smoother than the new ones. They are also noted to be very accurate and from what I have been told, they are capable of handling plus P ammo.

[HiPressure]

Hi all,
A few years back I picked up several of the M10's being sold as police trade-ins, at dirt cheap prices. I had the luxury of being able to paw through a couple of dozen and picking the best of the bunch. All of the ones I picked had a lot of holster wear but were tight and in time. This fit in perfectly with using them as "car guns" and taking new shooters (shootists?) out to the range. For that, who cares how they look? The rest are carefully stashed around the house as emergency weapons and again, who cares how they look. Simple, reliable, accurate and inexpensive- how can it get better than that?

[totallycustom]

Fellas,

I have not been able to locate one in any shops around here.  I was hoping that you all could recomend a variety of sites/ companies that an FFL can order from, I have someone that can order and transfer for me. I am hoping to stay away from the auction sites though. 

I do have another question, are any of the model 10s strong enough to be bored out to 357mag? I'm not sure they are but thought I should ask.

Thanks,

-TC-

[Almtnman]

totallycustom, I see them for sale all the time on the gun auctions.
gunbroker.com
auctionarms.com
gunsofamerica.com

When you get to one of those auction sites, type in "smith&wesson model 10-6"

Sometimes typing in "smith&wesson model 10" will pull them up that way too. The 10-6 model has a bull barrel with a ramped front sight and fixed rear sight. Makes a great pistol for carrying around the farm or woods.They are strong actions capable of handling plus p rounds.