School me on S&W Model 10

[bigbossman]

I saw one of these in a consignment case for $399. It has been around.... about 75% bluing left, holster wear, assorted dings and scrapes. The model number has a -10 after it, and it sports a CAI import stamp. The barrel looked to be about 5" or so, and the grips were old (and very worn) Packmayer or Hogue (don't remember).

I assume that this saw military or LEO service overseas for a long period of time before being brought back into the country. It had a nice feel to it, and the bore and timing seemed very nice. The tag said 38spl but I did not verify that.

any history/opinions/thoughts to share?

[Canucky]

Correct 38 special. Little pricey for me.

[orangeusa]

There were millions of them made. Yes, seems a little pricy unless it calls out to you. They are fun.. and yes, 38 spl.

[Marquand]

A classic American double action revolver. Perhaps THE classic American double action revolver.

Yes, the Smith & Wesson Model 10 is chambered in .38 Special. It rode in the holsters of more police officers and security guards than almost any other double action revolver in U.S. history. I have one and hope to acquire more in my collection. I've used it for target shooting, casual plinking, and self defense without complaint.

I'd venture to say that as all pre-lock S&W revolver prices are on the rise, $399 for a 75% condition 5" barrel Model 10 with solid lock-up is a fair price. Mind you, with import marks it's probably not overly collectable but as a shooter, I'd pay that much for one in the condition described.

[Archon_g24]

I paid about $250 for a similar condition 4" Model 10. She's no beauty queen compared to my 19-3 but she shoots just as well.

For me, the mid-size K-frame is the perfect size for most shooters and bought mine to teach new shooters the basics and for plinking. I've read that it will shoot +P loads but I mostly feed it WWB.

Historically, these were the originally Smith and Wesson Military and Police (M&P) revolvers and have been used my cops and soldiers since 1899.

That asking price is high in my opinion but then again, I might have gotten a smoking deal on mine.

Some information on the M&P/M10

http://chuckhawks.com/s-w_model_10.htm

[orangeusa]

A classic American double action revolver. Perhaps THE classic American double action revolver.

Yes, the Smith & Wesson Model 10 is chambered in .38 Special. It rode in the holsters of more police officers and security guards than almost any other double action revolver in U.S. history. I have one and hope to acquire more in my collection. I've used it for target shooting, casual plinking, and self defense without complaint.

I'd venture to say that as all pre-lock S&W revolver prices are on the rise, $399 for a 75% condition 5" barrel Model 10 with solid lock-up is a fair price. Mind you, with import marks it's probably not overly collectable but as a shooter, I'd pay that much for one in the condition described.

I think folks underestimate how much fun the 38 spl is to shoot, and tend to want 357 guns. I still think it's a $250-300 gun, but prices are going up,up,up for prelock revolvers in the last years, so I could be low. Wasn't that long ago these were really priced low.

Funny though, every picture I see of pre-crushed guns is full of these Smith 10's. So sad.


.

[Archon_g24]

I think folks underestimate how much fun the 38 spl is to shoot

+100

I didn't appreciate the fun factor of 38 Special until I took some friends to a SD handgun class and bought my 19-3 for fun. Double and triple taps were a blast and I felt like Jerry Miculek punching holes as fast as I could aim and pull the trigger.

[mycrstuff]

Where are you finding these in California? Old revolvers are rarely available at local gun shops around here, When Grant Boys was still open the guys that worked there told me revolvers on consignment would last 5 minutes and then be gone. High demand and low availability.

I would like one of these or a Victory in 38 spec. I already have one in 38 S&W and it is great.

[orangeusa]

Where are you finding these in California? Old revolvers are rarely available at local gun shops around here, When Grant Boys was still open the guys that worked there told me revolvers on consignment would last 5 minutes and then be gone. High demand and low availability.

I would like one of these or a Victory in 38 spec. I already have one in 38 S&W and it is great.

CALGUNS PPT. I see them in gun stores all the time, but more expensive than PPT.
I will send you a PM, since we are local.

[bigbossman]

Condition !
Condition !
Condition !

Expensive!
Expensive!
Expensive!



I was just looking for a "desert plinker", and this one happened to catch my eye. Honestly - I might have paid the $399, but for the import stamp.

Ugly!
Ugly!
Ugly!

[Canucky]

Oh find the # of pistol. See what year it was made. Have a similar model date 1937.

[MrOrange]

Got this 'un in the last year, blued Victory Model with vintage modifications, swapped some ammo worth ~$170.

[aghauler]

I saw one of these in a consignment case for $399. It has been around.... about 75% bluing left, holster wear, assorted dings and scrapes. The model number has a -10 after it, and it sports a CAI import stamp. The barrel looked to be about 5" or so, and the grips were old (and very worn) Packmayer or Hogue (don't remember).

I assume that this saw military or LEO service overseas for a long period of time before being brought back into the country. It had a nice feel to it, and the bore and timing seemed very nice. The tag said 38spl but I did not verify that.

any history/opinions/thoughts to share?

Great pistol the price quoted seems a little steep I picked this one up last year on Proxibid fer $250 and had it shipped to my CA friendly NV FFL , no tax, no 10 wait .

[Marquand]

Great pistol the price quoted seems a little steep I picked this one up last year on Proxibid fer $250 and had it shipped to my CA friendly NV FFL , no tax, no 10 wait .

Nice acquisition, aghauler! She's a beauty.

[rromeo]

They were probably all over the world, but i know a shipload of S&Ws came back from Australian government a few years ago. Bud's Guns and a few others were selling them. I've had two model 10s, and a Victory. I kick myself for getting rid of them, but they were sold to fund other guns.