I'm considering a Smith & Wesson Model 10 for my next gun purchase. Would anyone who owns one care to share their opinion of it? Shooting is a fairly new interest of mine and I sometimes prefer to get input from those who are more experienced. Thanks to all.
Considering a Model 10 Smith & Wesson
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A model 10 is a great gun for self defense and plinking. The lack of adjustable easy to use sights limits it target shooting but they are good sturdy guns. Depending on barrel length the primary uses may vary a bit. Grips can be easily changed for a different feel with many original and aftermarket grips available.
Great basic guns!
Great basic guns!
Hondo 60
Member
Stop wasting time considering!
Run as fast as you can to the gun store and buy one!!!!!
I have a 4" 10-5 and it's without question the most accurate gun I have.
Ammo is available & not too terribly expensive (a whole lot less if you reload).
I think my next gun is gonna be a 6" M10 if I can find one reasonably priced.
Run as fast as you can to the gun store and buy one!!!!!
I have a 4" 10-5 and it's without question the most accurate gun I have.
Ammo is available & not too terribly expensive (a whole lot less if you reload).
I think my next gun is gonna be a 6" M10 if I can find one reasonably priced.
I have 4, 5, and 6 inch tapered barrel models and two 4 inch heavy barrels. I think, of them all, the 5 inch is my favorite, but they are all great. Very accurate and easy to shoot. For years I looked down on the .38 special, but now it is one of my favorite calibers. You cannot go wrong with a Model 10.
MrDig
Member
I have one with a bad case of holster rash and a grip that looks like 1/2 of the K-9 unit chewed on it. It came from Buds Guns over a year ago and I would not trade it for Love nor money.
They are great Guns.
They are great Guns.
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The model 10 has a blued finish and the stainless steel version is the model 64 which you may also want to consider. These are excellent basic revolvers which shoot .38 Special ammo.
Bear in mind that a .357 revolver will shoot both .38 Special and .357 Magnum making it a more versatile choice.
Regardless, you won't regret owning a model 10 or model 64.
...
However, since you already own a model 36 and 686 you REALLY need to get a semi-auto... And then move up from plinking into some competitive games like IDPA, Steel Challenge, Pin shooting. Any of these will help you take your shooting to the next level and put you in the company of some experienced shooters with invaluable advice.
Bear in mind that a .357 revolver will shoot both .38 Special and .357 Magnum making it a more versatile choice.
Regardless, you won't regret owning a model 10 or model 64.
...
However, since you already own a model 36 and 686 you REALLY need to get a semi-auto... And then move up from plinking into some competitive games like IDPA, Steel Challenge, Pin shooting. Any of these will help you take your shooting to the next level and put you in the company of some experienced shooters with invaluable advice.
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Go ahead and buy one! They are excellent revolvers and if we all went through life trying to buy the most versatile item it would be a drag. 38 Special is a fine cartridge with a very long history. Plus for the money you will never find firearm of the same class and craftsmanship.
JVaughn
Member
They are outstanding. A true classic. Can't go wrong.
Go for it! My first pistol over 30 yrs ago was a model 10 (used). It has always shot accurately and never needed repair after way over 1000 rounds. Also a very safe gun and a good pistol to train others with.
It was dumb luck that I chose that pistol to be my first 35 years ago. I'd make the same choice again. Good luck.
Kcace
It was dumb luck that I chose that pistol to be my first 35 years ago. I'd make the same choice again. Good luck.
Kcace
For a long time police surplus Model 10's (or pre-Model 10 M&P's) were available at very reasonable prices and some still turn up from time to time. These (along with Colt Police Positive revolvers) were for decades the quintessential police revolvers in the U.S. and much of the western world. They are rugged, reliable guns, though the Colts now suffer from a lack of factory support and parts. But in reality, neither brand is likely to need parts or repair in the foreseeable future (unless damaged by improper attempts at "improvement").
Jim
Jim
Grab the Model 10 quick as you can! I
I have a 10-6 HB 4" that shoots POA at 13 yards and lollypops a 25 yard bull.
Single action is the most accurate shot but I am working on the DA Mode and getting better! Very hard to learn DA shooting! You makw so many subtile movements that throw the sight's off when tou shoot DA!
You couldn't askfor a tougher,time proven design thanthe Model 10. It is made for Duty carry and use, No frills, just business!
The .38 Special is a proven fight stopper with a long track record of Poilice and Militaty use. The Model 10 is designed NOT to faileven under the most stringent conditions and keep you alive in the end.
Todays premium Self Defense ammo is head and hells above ammo from just a decade ago! Bullet design is built around penetration, expansion, and maximum Bullet weight retention. It can be counted upon to preform even under the worst conditions. Heavy Clothes, auto glass etc.
Back to the Model 10; I think S^W ought to make a Package deal consisting of a all steel Model 36 and a Model 10. That's what I own and I can't think of a better combination of fighting revolvers!
Don't hesitate too long, that Model 10 won't ladt long if it has a good price on it!
My best advice for ya!
BPDave
I have a 10-6 HB 4" that shoots POA at 13 yards and lollypops a 25 yard bull.
Single action is the most accurate shot but I am working on the DA Mode and getting better! Very hard to learn DA shooting! You makw so many subtile movements that throw the sight's off when tou shoot DA!
You couldn't askfor a tougher,time proven design thanthe Model 10. It is made for Duty carry and use, No frills, just business!
The .38 Special is a proven fight stopper with a long track record of Poilice and Militaty use. The Model 10 is designed NOT to faileven under the most stringent conditions and keep you alive in the end.
Todays premium Self Defense ammo is head and hells above ammo from just a decade ago! Bullet design is built around penetration, expansion, and maximum Bullet weight retention. It can be counted upon to preform even under the worst conditions. Heavy Clothes, auto glass etc.
Back to the Model 10; I think S^W ought to make a Package deal consisting of a all steel Model 36 and a Model 10. That's what I own and I can't think of a better combination of fighting revolvers!
Don't hesitate too long, that Model 10 won't ladt long if it has a good price on it!
My best advice for ya!
BPDave
marv
Member
Go with it. I started too late. I found that there are so many options and variations of the Model 10 that one could spend a lifetime and a fortune trying to get them all. It would be a most interesting pursuit. And I've never heard of a bad one.
Onward Allusion
Member
Great workhorses. Good plinker and does SD, too. Everyone should have at least a couple of 'em.
Twiki357
Member
They’re good guns. I have an M&P (Pre model 10) 5” bbl that started life back in in 1950 or 1951 with a Sheriff Brown according to the name scratched in the grip and a 4” bbl no dash from 1960. Both are great guns.
CDawg
Member
I've heard it said that the S&W Model 10 has everything you need and nothing that you don't. That's a very accurate statement. I prefer the 4" tapered (pencil) barrel, but I'm sure the heavy barrel versions are good to go too. They have been going up in price lately like everything else, but if you keep your eye out and are patient, you'll find a nice one.
ArkieVol
Member
Buy it. Smith & Wesson started making them in 1899, have made over six million and are still making them. Got to be doing something right!
I have a 2", 3", 5" , 2 4" tapered barrel, and 2 4" heavy barrels, and two heavy barreled model 64's (stainless version of mod 10). Dang! Didn't realize how many I had until I read this post and started counting.
Carried a 4" taper barreled mod 10-5 for 17 years and a 4" mod 64 for 13 as duty weapons. They are like a woman's little black dress and a mans Ford F-150 pick up...dependable and effective..
I have a 2", 3", 5" , 2 4" tapered barrel, and 2 4" heavy barrels, and two heavy barreled model 64's (stainless version of mod 10). Dang! Didn't realize how many I had until I read this post and started counting.
Carried a 4" taper barreled mod 10-5 for 17 years and a 4" mod 64 for 13 as duty weapons. They are like a woman's little black dress and a mans Ford F-150 pick up...dependable and effective..
Attachments
Good gun, I have a Model 10 HB, my father used it to teach me when i was young. always told me if you can't solve the problem with 6 shots then you aren't going to solve it. Single action is dead on, double is good enough for most non-target applications.
The only thing i would say is that you should also look at a Model 13, it is basically just a model 10 HB in .357 i found one a while back and have been happy with it, same feel just the option for more power.
The only thing i would say is that you should also look at a Model 13, it is basically just a model 10 HB in .357 i found one a while back and have been happy with it, same feel just the option for more power.
il.bill
Member
Be patient in your search for a Model 10, and then jump on it when you find the deal that feels right. Read through the 'Stickies' at the top of this forum, especially "Common S&W Identifying Features" and the "Revolver Checkout" for some valuable information.
A Model 10 is a superb choice for a dependable and accurate handgun, but do some research on the S&W K-frame Revolver. For example, a Model 15 (with adjustable sights) or a Model 65 (stainless steel .357 magnum) will give you very much the same experience with some added features.
I would recommend a 4" barrel S&W K-frame to anyone as a good 'first' choice in a revolver. Adding a 2" snubbie and a 5" or 6" barrel version to your collection is then a natural progression. Many folks consider the 3" version to be the perfect one for carry - that size is one of the few firearms on my current long term wish list.
I usually take three to five different handguns with me when I go out to enjoy my shooting hobby and close to 99% of the time at least one of them is a S&W K-frame revolver.
A Model 10 is a superb choice for a dependable and accurate handgun, but do some research on the S&W K-frame Revolver. For example, a Model 15 (with adjustable sights) or a Model 65 (stainless steel .357 magnum) will give you very much the same experience with some added features.
I would recommend a 4" barrel S&W K-frame to anyone as a good 'first' choice in a revolver. Adding a 2" snubbie and a 5" or 6" barrel version to your collection is then a natural progression. Many folks consider the 3" version to be the perfect one for carry - that size is one of the few firearms on my current long term wish list.
I usually take three to five different handguns with me when I go out to enjoy my shooting hobby and close to 99% of the time at least one of them is a S&W K-frame revolver.
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Thank you to all who replied with great advise and comments. They're all very helpful.
In response to btg3, yes I will be looking into a semi auto and getting some shooting experience beyond the range. Like many other shooters, money and time are also considerations. What caliber semi do you suggest starting with? Thanks again.
In response to btg3, yes I will be looking into a semi auto and getting some shooting experience beyond the range. Like many other shooters, money and time are also considerations. What caliber semi do you suggest starting with? Thanks again.
My primary choice was 9mm because:
1. .380 not allowed at IDPA
2. 9mm ball ammo is less expensive than .380 or .45 (savings add up)
3. 9mm SD ballistics have improved significantly over the years
4. 9mm capacity typically exceeds pocket pistols and the 1911 platform
5. A majority of shooters have also chosen 9mm
In recent years, IDPA stats show that 9mm participation has increased, while .45 has declined. The top brand is Glock, however the M&P introduction has steadily gained on Glock.
Learn the proper grip for semi-auto (not the same as a revolver) then see what feels the best at your LGS toward finding the right gun for you.
If you're not inclined toward IDPA, a standard size 9mm polymer gun still has a lot of flexibility to enjoy. (I've also shot mine at Steel Challenge, Pin Matches, 2-gun matches)
1. .380 not allowed at IDPA
2. 9mm ball ammo is less expensive than .380 or .45 (savings add up)
3. 9mm SD ballistics have improved significantly over the years
4. 9mm capacity typically exceeds pocket pistols and the 1911 platform
5. A majority of shooters have also chosen 9mm
In recent years, IDPA stats show that 9mm participation has increased, while .45 has declined. The top brand is Glock, however the M&P introduction has steadily gained on Glock.
Learn the proper grip for semi-auto (not the same as a revolver) then see what feels the best at your LGS toward finding the right gun for you.
If you're not inclined toward IDPA, a standard size 9mm polymer gun still has a lot of flexibility to enjoy. (I've also shot mine at Steel Challenge, Pin Matches, 2-gun matches)
Thanks again.
bannockburn
Member
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- Apr 24, 2007
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SKL
Definitely can't go wrong with selecting a quality revolver like the S&W Model 10 as your next handgun purchase.
Definitely can't go wrong with selecting a quality revolver like the S&W Model 10 as your next handgun purchase.
W.E.G.
Member
Utility-grade S&W wheelguns can be addictive.
Brace yourself!
Brace yourself!
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