opinions on S&W model 10-12 ??

[oldfool]

I do not need yet another S&W, but there 'tis

LGS has a batch of used model 10s
some 10-11s that look hard used for $275, used rental range guns would be my guess, no thanks
some 10-12s that look under glass like new

10-12, 4" heavy barrel, fixed sights, real nice deep blue, real decent grips, 38 sp
yeah, I know it has MIM hammer/trigger (but no extra holes, you know)
asking $350, which I would not, but it would not be the 1st S&W I ever bought from these folks for less than asked, and for $300 I just might "just because"
(I have a woobie thing for k-frames, but don't have a 4", good e'nuff excuse)

but did not actually pick up any of 'em in hand to really check 'em out, lest temptation take hold you know
but that's the problem with dropping by just to see what's under glass

so... just looking for feedback, opinions

 

[Guillermo]

I know it has MIM hammer/trigger

you answered your own question

pass on this one

 

[roaddog28]

I am not a fan of the internal lock and mim parts. Over two years ago I bought a brand new S&W 10-14 4 inch on Gunbroker for $334 including fees. The surplus store was not going to sell guns anymore and I got lucky.

I have put hundreds of rounds on this revolver. Anything from light target loads to Buffalo Bores +P 158 LSWCHP. I have not had one problem with the revolver. Its as accurate as my old model 10s. The lock does not bother me because I don't use it. I bought this revolver to shoot the heck out of it and it has not failed me.

If I were in the market I would look at the 10-11 or 10-12s from LGS. In California a model 10 of any dash series is going for $400 or more.

Good luck,
Howard

 

[oldfool]

so does a 10-14 have MIM parts ?
I also prefer "real" steel over MIM, but have no big phobia about it
somehow thought that the 10-12 was about the 1st in the series to use MIM, but don't really know, Old Fuff I ain't, and neither is google

but did they drop MIM in that series later on ( I would guess not) ??

 

[Remllez]

MIM be damned.....guns of all manner have had MIM parts for years and "actual" failure rates are very very low...I have had 2 S&W K model target hammers snap off completely just below the top joint and these were made in the early 1950's. If you could snatch that 4 inch heavy for $300 I would do it if I REALLY needed one LOL. The heavies just look good and the weight is nice for target shooting as well.

 

[roaddog28]

Yes old fool the 10-14 has MIM parts. According to the S&W book I have the 10-11 does not. The 10-12 has a MIM hammer with floating firing pin/MIM trigger/change internal lockwork on the heavy barrel. I have a model 66-4 4 inch made in 1994 and it has a mim trigger. It is one of my best shooting revolvers. Sure I have a lot of pin and recessed old Smith and Wessons too but other than the trigger being a little lighter in double action there is not much difference in accurately. The only real gripe I have with the new S&W revolvers they cost over $200 more than a Ruger revolver. A person would think since S&W can save money by making revolvers with MIM parts they would pass the savings down to the customer. Instead they keep bumping the prices up. Go figure.
Regards,
Howard