The S&W Model 10 thread...

SaxonPig · January 16, 2016, 04:52 PM

That was resurrected after 3 years got me to thinking. S&W made millions of the Military & Police / Model 10 revolvers. Blue, nickel, stainless (Model 64) and the wartime models in "Black Magic" finish.

Hard to imagine anyone who is into revolvers not loving them a M&P or Model 10. I know I do.

How about a few photos. I'll share a couple.

A Victory Model made for Great Britain. This one is unmolested except for swapping on Magna stocks for shooting comfort. Repurposed as a civilian police revolver after the war in the Saxony region, it was carried by a...wait for it...Saxon pig.

Nothing fancy or unique. Just a Model 10-7 from the late 1970s. But it's real pretty and it was a birthday present from my wife a few years ago.

A couple years ago I picked up some ivories at a good price.

A 5" blue Model 10-7 that I bought new in 1979. I think the retail price was about $130. It's had maybe 30 rounds put through it.

Model 64-2 made in 1976 and stamped for the Corpus Christi PD. Fairly scuffed up from duty use when I got it so I polished it some. Didn't make it exactly pretty but it's a working gun anyway.

upstate81 · January 16, 2016, 05:54 PM

Thanks so much for sharing saxonpig. I need to go clean the drool off my key board now...my dad has an m&p snub that is a riot to shoot!

Mannlicher · January 16, 2016, 06:20 PM

over the years, I have probably owned a dozen or more Model 10 Smiths. Down to one at the present time.
This old timer came as 'boot' on a trade. It was in terrible shape. My gunsmith put on a new barrel, all new innards, and Parkerized it for me.
Now, it's a great shooter, and my wife has confiscated it for her own.

aarondhgraham · January 17, 2016, 11:02 AM

I don't own a Model 10,,,
Does that mean I'm not really a gun nut?

I plan to remedy that one day,,,
When I do it will definitely be a pencil barrel model.

They are an absolutely elegant looking handgun,,,
Everything that is needed with no frills at all.

I do have a Model 12 though,,,
Basically the same gun but much lighter.

I would love to have a book hollowed out to hold three handguns,,,
A blue Model 10, a blue model 12, and a stainless Model 64,,,
All three of them with skinny barrels of course.

A few years back a lady friend asked me about a revolver,,,
She didn't want a snubbie or a .22 caliber gun,,,
So I recommended a Model 10 I knew of.

She got it at The Evil Pawn Shop for $350.00 OTD,,,
It was in very nice condition and shot great.

She purchased a Gun Tote'n Mamas purse for it,,,
Thinking she would upgrade to a better gun later on,,,
That was 3 years and several thousand rounds of ammo ago.

She became a very good shot with her Model 10,,,
In actuality it's probably all the gun she will ever need.

Aarond

.

LockedBreech · January 17, 2016, 11:09 AM

I've been shopping these a lot lately. The variety in the used market for them is staggering.

I really want a excellent or better nickel variant. Yours with those pearl grips has an absolute classic flair.

Lee6113 · January 17, 2016, 05:18 PM

I love the look of model 10s! What would you consider a "good deal" for a decent model 10? Probably some holster wear, etc, but still shoots well? $250? $300? $350?

Edit: I just purchased a model 10-8 off gunbroker for $262. Plus $25 shipping, 9.6% tax, and $25 ffl transfer fee, I should be out the door for $339.55 if my math is correct. I'm super excited to pick it up!

Any recommendations on where to buy new grips for it?

**Mike Irwin** · January 17, 2016, 11:12 PM

A very well patina'ed Military & Police from the mid 1920s...

It's a 5". Picked it up for a relative song. Action is smooth as can be, it's accurate and a lot of fun to shoot.

Jayhawkhuntclub · January 17, 2016, 11:13 PM

I don't think $339 OTD is too bad. I picked up a similar condition prison guard trade in 2 or 3 years ago for $230 + a $20 x-fer fee. I thought it was a steal. From what I hear, the prices on M-10s have gone up since that time. Regardless of what the market is for them, a well functioning S&W 38 spl for $339 is a lot of gun for the money, IMHO.

Driftwood Johnson · January 18, 2016, 12:48 AM

Howdy

I only have a couple of Model 10s.

But I have lots of M&Ps.

Here are just a few.

This 5" M&P shipped in 1906.

This one is a little bit unusual with its 6 1/2" barrel. It shipped in 1908.

The precurser to the K-38 and the Model 14, this M&P Target Model shipped in 1917. The tiny screws on the rear sight make it a pain to adjust the sights. Need a really tiny screwdriver.

I was looking for a 4" M&P with a round butt when I came across this one. It shipped in 1938. I love the old hard rubber grips.

Around these parts you are doing well if you can find a Model 10 or a M&P for under $500. I know Bud's discounts their guns deeply, but I would never buy a firearm sight unseen over the internet. Inspecting in person is worth a lot to me.

This Model 10-5 is one of only two actual Model 10s that I own. It shipped in 1968. It is also the best deal I ever got on a Smith. $125 out the door about ten years ago. I have always assumed the number 54 stamped on the frame was a police armorer's inventory number.

LockedBreech · January 18, 2016, 02:25 AM

$125?! That won't buy a Hi-Point now and you got an M-10. Good get.

A pause for the COZ · January 18, 2016, 02:39 AM

Center row top to bottom.
Model 14-3
Model 10-4
Model 64-4

gyvel · January 18, 2016, 03:52 AM

You just can't beat a Model 10. That's my first choice as a grab-n-go gun since I know it's always going to work, and I will always be able to find ammo for it.

LockedBreech · January 18, 2016, 04:44 AM

Is there any consensus on the quality of the current new production M10 Classic?

CajunBass · January 18, 2016, 08:25 AM

I've probably owned a dozen or so Model 10/M&P's over the years. Maybe more, I had a half dozen at one time a few years ago.

Great shooters, but they've always ended up being trade bait for something else. The closest thing I've got to one now, is a 1954 Colt Official Police.

Quote:

Repurposed as a civilian police revolver after the war in the Saxony region, it was carried by a...wait for it...Saxon pig.

Now that's funny, I don't care who you are. Even my wife, who's ancestors came from the Saxony region, laughed out loud.

Corona · January 18, 2016, 08:58 AM

Driftwood: "This Model 10-5 is one of only two actual Model 10s that I own. It shipped in 1968. It is also the best deal I ever got on a Smith. $125 out the door about ten years ago. I have always assumed the number 54 stamped on the frame was a police armorer's inventory number."

Perhaps you have found the elusive Gunther Toody/Francis Muldoon model 10.

aarondhgraham · January 18, 2016, 11:23 AM

I didn't know they lost their gun too?

For some reason my Mom absolutely loved that funny little show,,,
We would always be in front of the TV set when it started,,,
Mom, my sister, and I would sing the theme song.

Aarond

.

A pause for the COZ · January 18, 2016, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockedBreech

Is there any consensus on the quality of the current new production M10 Classic?

I dont have one, but I dont think they are a bad deal. The 10 maybe over priced comparing it to what you can find in good condition used. There are just so many 10's out there.
So its not been on my radar. I suspect the collector value would be low.
Say you find a real nice 10-4 for $400 or so. Unless you beat it up. Its going to interest some one. If not for more at least what you paid. ALWAYS.

Model 29??? Thats a different story. If I had a 29 in minty condition I would not shoot it. So a new one that you can blast away is well worth the cost of admission.

gyvel · January 18, 2016, 03:22 PM

Besides basic civilian models, I've got a RHKP model, supposedly the only Model 10 that had a factory installed lanyard, and what turned out to be an unfired nickeled 5" that belonged to the Detroit PD. The DPD came in a numbered box from Century Arms, although I have no idea how they got involved with the sale of them.

849ACSO · January 18, 2016, 06:16 PM

Quote:

In actuality it's probably all the gun she will ever need.

Beware the man (or woman) that owns but one gun, for they probably are proficient at using it.

James K · January 18, 2016, 09:14 PM

I am the oddity in that I do not have a Model 10. I have a Model 1899 M&P made in 1900, a Victory Model (the true Victory Model, in .38 Special - S&W called the gun in .38 S&W the Model 38/200, not the Victory Model), and several K-frame revolvers of different eras, but no Model 10.

Jim

Lee6113 · January 19, 2016, 02:31 PM

Where would one go to find good accessories for a Model 10? Such as a good holster, grips, speedloader, cleaning supplies etc? Any specific suggestions or just the local gun store?

Lee

Driftwood Johnson · January 19, 2016, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Is there any consensus on the quality of the current new production M10 Classic?

They are OK if you don't mind MIM parts, the internal lock, laminated wood grips, and a heavy four inch barrel.

Personally, I will buy a used M&P or Model 10 over a new one every time.

Jbar4Ranch · January 19, 2016, 10:24 PM

I love a sweaty old 5 screw M&P! Buy 'em cheap, crack 'em open, clean out a hundred years or more of gunk, maybe replace a worn or broken part, put 'em back together, and damn, do they make sweet shooters!

skoro · January 21, 2016, 04:28 AM

Lots of fine photos, guys.

I have a weak spot for the M10 as do some of you. I have a pair of blued 4" Model 10-5s, a 5" blued, an a 4" in nickel. In my book, there just isn't much better than a good k-frame. They're so right in so many ways. It's no mystery why they were the sidearm of choice for so many law enforcement agencies for half a century.

Grant D · January 21, 2016, 10:45 AM

I have a Model 10's cousin, a 2" stainless Model 64, and little brother, a 2" Model 12, but I'm still looking for a nice Model 10 to buy.

All the one's I've seen lately are way over priced, but I keep looking.
Saw one a gun show that was heavily pitted and painted with flat black spray paint, and he wanted $600.00!

January 16, 2016, 04:52 PM	#1
SaxonPig Senior Member Join Date: April 24, 2006 Posts: 1,900	The S&W Model 10 thread... That was resurrected after 3 years got me to thinking. S&W made millions of the Military & Police / Model 10 revolvers. Blue, nickel, stainless (Model 64) and the wartime models in "Black Magic" finish. Hard to imagine anyone who is into revolvers not loving them a M&P or Model 10. I know I do. How about a few photos. I'll share a couple. A Victory Model made for Great Britain. This one is unmolested except for swapping on Magna stocks for shooting comfort. Repurposed as a civilian police revolver after the war in the Saxony region, it was carried by a...wait for it...Saxon pig. Nothing fancy or unique. Just a Model 10-7 from the late 1970s. But it's real pretty and it was a birthday present from my wife a few years ago. A couple years ago I picked up some ivories at a good price. A 5" blue Model 10-7 that I bought new in 1979. I think the retail price was about $130. It's had maybe 30 rounds put through it. Model 64-2 made in 1976 and stamped for the Corpus Christi PD. Fairly scuffed up from duty use when I got it so I polished it some. Didn't make it exactly pretty but it's a working gun anyway.

January 16, 2016, 06:20 PM	#3
Mannlicher Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2001 Location: North Central Florida & Miami Posts: 3,209	over the years, I have probably owned a dozen or more Model 10 Smiths. Down to one at the present time. This old timer came as 'boot' on a trade. It was in terrible shape. My gunsmith put on a new barrel, all new innards, and Parkerized it for me. Now, it's a great shooter, and my wife has confiscated it for her own. __________________ Nemo Me Impune Lacesset "The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.".........Ronald Reagan

January 17, 2016, 11:02 AM	#4
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	I don't own a Model 10,,, I don't own a Model 10,,, Does that mean I'm not really a gun nut? I plan to remedy that one day,,, When I do it will definitely be a pencil barrel model. They are an absolutely elegant looking handgun,,, Everything that is needed with no frills at all. I do have a Model 12 though,,, Basically the same gun but much lighter. I would love to have a book hollowed out to hold three handguns,,, A blue Model 10, a blue model 12, and a stainless Model 64,,, All three of them with skinny barrels of course. A few years back a lady friend asked me about a revolver,,, She didn't want a snubbie or a .22 caliber gun,,, So I recommended a Model 10 I knew of. She got it at The Evil Pawn Shop for $350.00 OTD,,, It was in very nice condition and shot great. She purchased a Gun Tote'n Mamas purse for it,,, Thinking she would upgrade to a better gun later on,,, That was 3 years and several thousand rounds of ammo ago. She became a very good shot with her Model 10,,, In actuality it's probably all the gun she will ever need. Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time) Last edited by aarondhgraham; January 17, 2016 at 11:09 AM.

January 17, 2016, 05:18 PM	#6
Lee6113 Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2015 Location: Washington State Posts: 248	I love the look of model 10s! What would you consider a "good deal" for a decent model 10? Probably some holster wear, etc, but still shoots well? $250? $300? $350? Edit: I just purchased a model 10-8 off gunbroker for $262. Plus $25 shipping, 9.6% tax, and $25 ffl transfer fee, I should be out the door for $339.55 if my math is correct. I'm super excited to pick it up! Any recommendations on where to buy new grips for it? Last edited by Lee6113; January 17, 2016 at 09:20 PM.

January 17, 2016, 11:12 PM	#7
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,389	A very well patina'ed Military & Police from the mid 1920s... It's a 5". Picked it up for a relative song. Action is smooth as can be, it's accurate and a lot of fun to shoot. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

January 16, 2016, 05:54 PM	#2
upstate81 Senior Member Join Date: October 20, 2011 Location: NY Posts: 801	Thanks so much for sharing saxonpig. I need to go clean the drool off my key board now...my dad has an m&p snub that is a riot to shoot!

January 17, 2016, 11:09 AM	#5
LockedBreech Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Location: Rocky Mountain West Posts: 3,395	I've been shopping these a lot lately. The variety in the used market for them is staggering. I really want a excellent or better nickel variant. Yours with those pearl grips has an absolute classic flair.

January 17, 2016, 11:13 PM	#8
Jayhawkhuntclub Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2007 Posts: 581	I don't think $339 OTD is too bad. I picked up a similar condition prison guard trade in 2 or 3 years ago for $230 + a $20 x-fer fee. I thought it was a steal. From what I hear, the prices on M-10s have gone up since that time. Regardless of what the market is for them, a well functioning S&W 38 spl for $339 is a lot of gun for the money, IMHO.

January 18, 2016, 12:48 AM	#9
Driftwood Johnson Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2014 Location: Land of the Pilgrims Posts: 2,033	Howdy I only have a couple of Model 10s. But I have lots of M&Ps. Here are just a few. This 5" M&P shipped in 1906. This one is a little bit unusual with its 6 1/2" barrel. It shipped in 1908. The precurser to the K-38 and the Model 14, this M&P Target Model shipped in 1917. The tiny screws on the rear sight make it a pain to adjust the sights. Need a really tiny screwdriver. I was looking for a 4" M&P with a round butt when I came across this one. It shipped in 1938. I love the old hard rubber grips. Around these parts you are doing well if you can find a Model 10 or a M&P for under $500. I know Bud's discounts their guns deeply, but I would never buy a firearm sight unseen over the internet. Inspecting in person is worth a lot to me. This Model 10-5 is one of only two actual Model 10s that I own. It shipped in 1968. It is also the best deal I ever got on a Smith. $125 out the door about ten years ago. I have always assumed the number 54 stamped on the frame was a police armorer's inventory number.

January 18, 2016, 02:25 AM	#10
LockedBreech Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Location: Rocky Mountain West Posts: 3,395	$125?! That won't buy a Hi-Point now and you got an M-10. Good get.

January 18, 2016, 02:39 AM	#11
A pause for the COZ Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Braham, Minnesota Posts: 1,314	Center row top to bottom. Model 14-3 Model 10-4 Model 64-4 __________________ NRA life member. US Army veteran, 11 Bravo.

January 18, 2016, 03:52 AM	#12
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	You just can't beat a Model 10. That's my first choice as a grab-n-go gun since I know it's always going to work, and I will always be able to find ammo for it. __________________ As always, YMMV. __________________________________________ MIIAA SIFE

January 18, 2016, 04:44 AM	#13
LockedBreech Senior Member Join Date: July 6, 2009 Location: Rocky Mountain West Posts: 3,395	Is there any consensus on the quality of the current new production M10 Classic?

January 18, 2016, 08:58 AM	#15
Corona Senior Member Join Date: September 1, 2011 Location: LoneStar State Posts: 156	Driftwood: "This Model 10-5 is one of only two actual Model 10s that I own. It shipped in 1968. It is also the best deal I ever got on a Smith. $125 out the door about ten years ago. I have always assumed the number 54 stamped on the frame was a police armorer's inventory number." Perhaps you have found the elusive Gunther Toody/Francis Muldoon model 10.

January 18, 2016, 11:23 AM	#16
aarondhgraham Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2009 Location: Stillwater, OKlahoma Posts: 8,638	Car 54? I didn't know they lost their gun too? For some reason my Mom absolutely loved that funny little show,,, We would always be in front of the TV set when it started,,, Mom, my sister, and I would sing the theme song. Aarond . __________________ Never ever give an enemy the advantage of a verbal threat. Caje: The coward dies a thousand times, the brave only once. Kirby: That's about all it takes, ain't it? Aarond is good,,, Aarond is wise,,, Always trust Aarond! (most of the time)

January 18, 2016, 03:22 PM	#18
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	Besides basic civilian models, I've got a RHKP model, supposedly the only Model 10 that had a factory installed lanyard, and what turned out to be an unfired nickeled 5" that belonged to the Detroit PD. The DPD came in a numbered box from Century Arms, although I have no idea how they got involved with the sale of them. __________________ As always, YMMV. __________________________________________ MIIAA SIFE

January 18, 2016, 09:14 PM	#20
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	I am the oddity in that I do not have a Model 10. I have a Model 1899 M&P made in 1900, a Victory Model (the true Victory Model, in .38 Special - S&W called the gun in .38 S&W the Model 38/200, not the Victory Model), and several K-frame revolvers of different eras, but no Model 10. Jim

January 19, 2016, 02:31 PM	#21
Lee6113 Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2015 Location: Washington State Posts: 248	Where would one go to find good accessories for a Model 10? Such as a good holster, grips, speedloader, cleaning supplies etc? Any specific suggestions or just the local gun store? Lee

January 19, 2016, 10:24 PM	#23
Jbar4Ranch Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 1999 Location: Near Helena, Montana Posts: 1,719	I love a sweaty old 5 screw M&P! Buy 'em cheap, crack 'em open, clean out a hundred years or more of gunk, maybe replace a worn or broken part, put 'em back together, and damn, do they make sweet shooters! __________________ Sometimes the squeaky wheel gets replaced... SASS 47015

January 21, 2016, 04:28 AM	#24
skoro Senior Member Join Date: April 30, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,952	The Model 10 Lots of fine photos, guys. I have a weak spot for the M10 as do some of you. I have a pair of blued 4" Model 10-5s, a 5" blued, an a 4" in nickel. In my book, there just isn't much better than a good k-frame. They're so right in so many ways. It's no mystery why they were the sidearm of choice for so many law enforcement agencies for half a century.

January 21, 2016, 10:45 AM	#25
Grant D Senior Member Join Date: August 14, 2011 Location: Brazos County, Texas Posts: 1,038	I have a Model 10's cousin, a 2" stainless Model 64, and little brother, a 2" Model 12, but I'm still looking for a nice Model 10 to buy. All the one's I've seen lately are way over priced, but I keep looking. Saw one a gun show that was heavily pitted and painted with flat black spray paint, and he wanted $600.00!