New (to me) toy... S&W 10-8

[chaim]

So, I went to the gunshop to pick up my consignment check from my Colt Gold Cup that finally sold.

I have long had a big hole in my revolver collection... no 4" medium framed revolver (my only 4" is an N-frame .45LC S&W 625MG). I can't say I got one of the leftover 20 year old deals for sub-$300 for a mechanically minty M10 that just has serious holster wear. No, I paid $500, the finish is in great shape (not 100%, but quite nice), and the lockup is tight.

Unfortunately, I didn't pay close enough attention to whether it is a RB or SB, but I think it is a SB. Unfortunately, it has large Pachmayr and I've never been a fan, though they are pretty period correct (a -8 is a 1977 to 1988 gun). I'll use the MD 1 week waiting period to shop grips (shop, but I'll wait till have have it to buy so I can be sure if I need RB or SB grips). I was initially thinking period correct wood grips, but with what original S&W wood grips are going for these days, I may finally break down and buy some Elk grips like I've wanted for years. Hmm, Elk grips with bark or without? I really like both, but at around $200 a pair for the cheaper brands/craftsmen, I'm not sure I want to buy two pairs.

 

[CajunBass]

That's about the going price for a Model 10 these days I'd say. At least that's what decent ones are tagged for at my LGS.

Congratulations. You've got one of the most useful revolvers, no, handguns, ever made.

 

[trackskippy]

Call or stop in at the shop and ask them to look, or pull the grips and look. Ive asked them to do it a couple of times while looking at guns and they never had a problem doing it.

 

[Speedo66]

There are several makers that produce conversion grips to change the shape of a round butt to a square butt if that’s your preference.

Lots of Thai grips on EBay that do just that.

Good luck with your new gun!

 

[Gork10]

Around my neck of the woods 500 is about average. I paid 450 a couple of years ago for my model 10-5 2 inch barrel. Hope it's a good shooter for you.

 

[Armored farmer]

I paid $449 for this three inch pre-10 s&w off Gunbroker. I had north of $500 in it by the time I got it home.


It was wearing plastic grips but my lgs that it was shipped to happened to have these wooden combat grips on the bargain table for $10....so I bought them too.

This gun is a square butt.
No model markings on it except the s&w .emblem. It has been refinished and a rear sight milled into the frame. The barrel has been shortened too. I don't know what I bought....but if it shoots straight....I like it.

 

[Gork10]

I paid $449 for this three inch pre-10 s&w off Gunbroker. I had north of $500 in it by the time I got it home.
View attachment 1174600View attachment 1174601

It was wearing plastic grips but my lgs that it was shipped to happened to have these wooden combat grips on the bargain table for $10....so I bought them too.
View attachment 1174602View attachment 1174604
This gun is a square butt.
No model markings on it except the s&w .emblem. It has been refinished and a rear sight milled into the frame. The barrel has been shortened too. I don't know what I bought....but if it shoots straight....I like it.

Nice. I like it. That's the type I look for at shows. The grips look like they might be a set of old Harrett's sanded down on the left side to use a speed loader. Like these.

 

[tubeshooter]

Congrats - I'd say you did fine. I picked up a model 10-5 about 5 years ago, and after the pandemic the prices on such guns went up to about $450 or so for rather average specimens. At least from what I could see, and in my neck of the woods.

Since a new model 10 costs what it does, the new pricing kind of makes sense for what you are getting. I consider it a form of "price correction", I guess. They were priced fairly low for a long time, and although they made a whole bunch of them the secret got out...

I really like mine; a solid arm that is mild mannered and most people can use. It's given me a whole new respect for my folks' old stainless M&P, which is basically the same gun 20 years older (and stainless, of course).


I didn't appreciate dedicated .38 Special guns nearly as much until I picked that gun up. One of my favorites. I think you'll be pleased.

 

[mcb]

I picked up this Model 10-11 for ~$375 in late 2014 from a gun shop that took in lots of police trade-in with local PD and security. I was pleased to find it was a round butt when I got it home and took off the huge Pachmayr grips that were on it. I tried several different grips and settle on the new OEM grips that came off a new 617. They have been tough comfortable grips for a utility revolver.

 

[Riomouse911]

You bought a very good gun at a price reflecting the times, I don’t think you did bad at all.

An actual Model 10 is one I don’t have. My Great Uncle left me his pre Model 10 M&P 4” and I have a pretty nicked up but otherwise OK stainless Model 64 4”, so I guess these will have to cover the Model 10 spot in the collection. (Until I find one I can’t say no to .)

I know the pain of a waiting period, it’s 10 days here in Ca. At least you can order the grips you want and probably have them when the gun is ready. Let us know how it shoots once you re grip it and get a chance to shoot it.

Stay safe.

 

[Pat Riot]

Congratulations @chaim You picked a good one.

I played the grip game Pachmayr, Monogrip, S&W Target, some off brand grips and ended up back at the service panels only I added a BK grip adapter (think T-Grip). I liked it that way so I bought a snazzie pair of Altamont service panels and that’s how I like my model 10-7 C&E.



I just bought a Tanker holster for it that will arrive next week. It’s going hunting with me when I go for Fall Turkey and Whitetail Deer. Can’t wait!

This is the holster I bought. Nothing fancy.
World War Supply M3 Victory Revolver Premium Brown Drum Dyed Leather Tanker Shoulder Holster Marked JT&L 1943 Holster Only https://a.co/d/6fUvYk1

 

[Sovblocgunfan]

I ended up with a DAO Model 64 that was finish-challenged (some inventory clerk went crazy w an electropencil) and was in pieces. But it cleaned up great and was mechanically excellent once put back together. No grips, tho.

I’ve cycled thru 3 different grips on that gun-some rubber pachs that i got for free, a set of interesting walnut-finish Mustangs, and a brown set of Thai grips.

Find something you like that helps you shoot the gun better and roll with it. You won’t regret it. K-frames are awesome!