Suggestions S&W Model 10

[jumbeaux]

I am trying to decide which S&W Model 10 I should grab. Can't grab both. Both are like new.

Number one is a 4" 10 (no dash) Pencil Barrel that is probably unfired.

Number two is a 3" 10-5 that has been fired very little 99% (like new).

Plinking, field carry and some limited HD use. Mostly 148 gr WC, 158 gr SWC and some 130 FMJ (I have several boxes of the 130 FMJ)...

I would appreciate honest opinions and your thoughts.

Thank you,

rick

[jeepyj]

I'd vote for the 4" but you probably can't go wrong with ether one. Sorry not much help. I'm a sucker for the old Smiths and would probably buy one and put the second one on lay-a-way.

[EMC45]

I would go with the dash 5. I know I would be reluctant to take an unfired model 10 woods bumming myself. The 3in is a neat one and kind of harder to find too.

Be advised that the 130gr. bullet will shoot low. The sights are regulated for the Model 10s for 148-158-60ish bullet weights. With 148gr. WCs or 158gr. RNFP or SWC my 10s will shot right to the sights like a target gun. With the lighter 130s they are low.

For HD that gun will do it. Load it with some 158gr. cast solids or HPs or even factory 158gr. HPs and you're good to go.

[RKJ]

I would go with the 3" myself, but I not a big fan of pencil barrels. I like the idea of getting one and putting the other in Layaway.

[Petrol & Powder]

They are both fine guns but I would go with the 4", pencil barrel, no dash model.

For starters, even though I have a HUGE admiration for 3" barreled DA revolvers, of those two choices I would prefer to have the no-dash 4" model.

For about as long as I can remember, I've had some type of 4" 38 Special K-Frame. They hold just about the perfect balance of capabilities for a handgun: accurate, reliable, reasonably powerful, incredibly versatile and easy to carry. I've owned (and currently own) both the pencil barrel and heavy barrel models and I have a slight affinity for the pencil barrel models. They are just slightly easier to carry.

If the 3" model 10-5 has a heavy barrel and the 4" model has a pencil barrel - there's a good chance they will be close in weight. If that's the case; the 4" will give a little more sight radius and velocity without being unwieldy.

With standard pressure 148 gr wadcutters and 158 grain semi-wadcutters, either of those guns would be excellent tools but the 4" may be slightly easier to shoot due to its slightly longer sight radius.
Now, I really like 3" barreled revolvers and if I already had a 4" DA 38 Special revolver, I might go with the 3" 10-5.

[jimb16]

I'd go with the 4 inch barrel too. I like the slightly longer sight radius. 158 gr lead round nose works great in those guns.

[buckwheatpaul]

When I was a young L.E. we were issued 4" heavy barrel Model 10's...they were tack drivers.....my dad had a navy pencil model....not near as accurate....

[Outpost75]

The dash-5 will be easier to find replacement parts for. The no dash is an older gun.

[marlin39a]

I have a 10-5, 3" HB. Great shooter. I'd buy another in a New York Minute!

[dubber123]

The 3" is MUCH harder to find. The 4" tapered is pretty common. My first GOOD gun was a 4" tapered, and I still have it, but my vote is the 3" based on rarity. The 4" tapered can be replaced any day of the week.

[Petrol & Powder]

There's no doubt in my mind that a heavy barrel revolver, "hangs" a bit better (is easier to hold steady) due to its extra muzzle forward weight. There is also little doubt that the muzzle heavy guns are faster on follow up shots due to that heavier barrel.
The counter to those points are the times when you are NOT shooting the gun. The 99% (or 99.999%) of the time that the gun is just riding in a holster, that extra weight isn't a benefit.

There's a difference between a target gun and a carry gun.

As to the no dash model vs. the dash 5 model - I must say that Outpost75 is totally correct. If you find yourself in need of parts, the dash 5 will be easier to repair. That being said, if the no dash model 10 isn't abused, the need for spare parts will be minimal. If it was the ONLY 38 Special DA revolver in my inventory, I might be inclined to go with the 3" dash 5.

[fcvan]

I started in LE and we had pencil and heavy barrels. I had a 3" 357 Taurus, but it was a square butt and now have a 4" M13. I really wish I could find a 3" M10 or M13 Round Butt. I love the way they feel. My brother has one of those short run 3" RB in 9mm they were trying to market to the French Police in the 1980s. Don't know how it shoots, never will, nor will he, as there are not many around.

[9.3X62AL]

I would be happy with either example. I give slight favor to the -5 x 3" due to it likely being "+P certified" by the maker, and Outpost 75's point about relative ease of finding repair parts is good counsel.

[Lloyd Smale]

id take the 3 inch

[Greg S]

I've got a 4" model 10 HB suare butt. I like the HB profile over the pencil barrel. Originally planned on cutting it back to 3", dovetail lamped front sight and the Novakish style rear on the new pro models. Smoothed and rounded the narrow trigger and left the hammer spur for now, undecided. If ya want, we can trade. Been looking for a cheap 13-3 or 65 to do this too also.

3" hands down. I carried a 2" model 10 for 4 years and shot a 284/300 min or better every qualification. The only thing you miss alittle of with a 3" over a 4" is alittle velocity but gain a bunch of carry comfort. You really want to make it slick, send iut the cylinder to get cut for 6 shot moon clips.

[Murphy]

I'm with the 3" crowd. Once you own and shoot a 3" K frame, you pretty much feel empty if you don't have one in your stable. I have two in 357 Magnum. I'd snap up a 38 Special without hesitation if the opportunity arose.

Murphy

[Mike Kerr]

I would go for the 3". They are much harder to find especially in the condition you describe.

[Hickory]

If the 3" has the round butt grip jump on it!

[bluelund79]

I prefer the heavy barrel profile. Grabbing the 3” would be my decision if I were in your shoes. Good luck in your decision!

[Petrol & Powder]

If the 3" has the round butt grip jump on it!

Ah, I didn't even think about the 10-5 3" having a round butt grip frame, that would probably push me in that direction.

[Wayne Dobbs]

Get that 3" gun. It will feel alive when you shoot it. It will work better with 148-160 grain boolits. My favorite and most used charge is 3.5 grains of Bullseye with either a 148 DEWC or a 158-160 boolit of almost any configuration. Shoots at the standard pressure level; shoots to the sights and handles any legit .38 Special task very well.

[JonB_in_Glencoe]

I am trying to decide which S&W Model 10 I should grab. Can't grab both. Both are like new.

Number one is a 4" 10 (no dash) Pencil Barrel that is probably unfired.

Number two is a 3" 10-5 that has been fired very little 99% (like new).

Plinking, field carry and some limited HD use. Mostly 148 gr WC, 158 gr SWC and some 130 FMJ (I have several boxes of the 130 FMJ)...

I would appreciate honest opinions and your thoughts.

Thank you,

rick
Maybe I'm having a brain fart? but what is HD
Harsh Duty?
Huntin' Ducks?

[ShooterAZ]

HD=Home Defense? I don't know why it would be limited though. I have a 3" Model 10-7 that lives on the nightstand in case there is an confirmed unwelcome "bump in the night". I would also choose the 3" even though I already have one.

[metricmonkeywrench]

the -0 would be a 5 screw model that is desirable for some in the collectors side. The -5 would have the updated extractor assy (the star) and depending on the model it may be a 4 screw for the standard barrel frame or a 3 screw for the heavy barrel version. In either model I would check the barrel to cylinder gap (.003-.008) and cylinder recoil shield to cylinder (.062) right off the top to see if either is excessive.

[Outpost75]

My understanding is that the Model 10 -5 and later versions were all +P rated and the 3" barrel would also have a full-length ejector rod, not the short one used on the 2-inchers.

I know from personal experience and having done the repairs and having Rockwell hardness tested the frames, that the no-dash and earlier versions prior to -5 were SOFT, often not even registering on the Rockwell "C" scale. If you have ANY plans to EVER shoot ANY quantity of +P ammo in the revolver, get the -5!!!!

[jumbeaux]

Well folks I appreciate your suggestions. I have the unfortunate task of paring down my modest firearm collection. (Notice I said grab not purchase) These are just two of my current S&W revolvers...several have to go for various reasons. Have all of my heirs taken care of and retirement plus health are limiting my time afield/range. I am fortunate enough to have family with UTVs that are willing to haul the old crippled guy around for some informal plinking. Enough about my situation...leaning toward keeping both of these and letting my 357 S&W revolvers go. Thank you all...

rick

[buckwheatpaul]

maybe i'm having a brain fart? But what is hd
harsh duty?
Huntin' ducks?

heavy barrel

[Char-Gar]

The Model 10 is an American classic and for that reason I would want a 4" skinny barrel if I could only have one. Avoid +P loads except for occasional defense purposes, and you will never need to replace any parts.

My 10-2 Skinny barrel saw service with Montreal Police before falling into my hands.
I also have a 64 HB. Fortunately I don't have to choose just one.

[stubshaft]

I'd go with t he 3" myself. I have and old Ron Shirks 3" 66 that balances just fine and is still small enough to conceal.

[Chill Wills]

I had my 4" Smith M-10-8 out today after shooting my two BP rifles. This hand gun was retired from service from somewhere on Long Island, NY.
Elevation is good with my WC load at 7yds and out to 25yds, BUT (!!!) it puts everything about 3-4" left. Maybe it shows it's liberal bias. :kidding::p

Can the windage on these fixed sight revolvers be adjusted ? easily?

[Outpost75]

I had my 4" Smith M-10-8 out today after shooting my two BP rifles. This hand gun was retired from service from somewhere on Long Island, NY.
Elevation is good with my WC load at 7yds and out to 25yds, BUT (!!!) it puts everything about 3-4" left. Maybe it shows it's liberal bias. :kidding::p

Can the windage on these fixed sight revolvers be adjusted ? easily?

At the factory they rotate the barrel to correct windage. Any competent gunsmith or factory-trained former police armorer should be able to do it if you don't want to return it to the factory.

[Texas by God]

I like your idea of keping the two M10s and selling the .357s. I think a .357 should be in a stronger frame than a K and I think that's why there's L frames- for lots of magnum shooting.
My dad has a 66 snub and since we only shoot .38s in it, it might as well be a 67 snub......

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Chill Wills]

At the factory they rotate the barrel to correct windage. Any competent gunsmith or factory-trained former police armorer should be able to do it if you don't want to return it to the factory.

I may try a few other bullets and loads and see what is what. Then if it is a consistent problem I will talk to the local gun smith here. He is a grad from Trinidad State Collage and I think is reliable. Clockwise tighter! moves right!

I had the same problem of a 4-5/8"Colt 45 Colt Model P shooting left also, until I tried a load Elephant FFg under the bullet and then it shot to the sights, windage corrected. Wow!

[Bill*B]

I love my 4" pencil barrel. Whichever one you choose, thumb your nose at the collectors, and send it to Robar for their NP3+ finish. It will cost as much as the revolver, but you will be glad that you did.

[Drm50]

I have a bucket of S&W revolvers and I would take the 4" no dash. They print good with standard
158gr which is what they were designed for. The older S&W are a lot better fit and fininish than
newer models. Shooting a few +Ps are not going to hurt it. When you plink & target you don't
need +P. It is true 357s on K frame will not hold up to a steady diet of magnum loads. The 19 was
built for police to have a light revolver firing the 357 mg. It was a trade off weight for power at
the time only other choice was N frame 27&28 wich are heavy and big for cops to carry. The Colt
Python is like a 19, they won't handle full power mag loads only. If you want to use mags by a L
or a Ruger.

[Oily]

They still sell the wonder sight that attaches to to the sideplate screw and gives a traditional sight picture on these great revolvers and are adjustable. But they do add bulk on the top side. Still can be purchased on the website we cannot discuss