First DA Revolver - S&W Model 10 (.38, 4", chromed)

P

Pendragon

New member
How is the model 10?

I am not sure of many details, but there is a nice looking used one at a store around here - it is $350 and is very pretty.

I kind of like that slightly older look to it.

I would basically use it as an inexpensive target and HD gun. I would load some mild loads to ease my wife into shooting and I think it would be a fun gun to get into revolvers with.

I have a Ruger Single Six .22 9.5" right now - but a centerfire DA revolver is on my list.

I will probably add a .357 down the line - but this seems like a lot of fun.

Comments? Assuming it passes Jim Marches tests, is $350 a good deal?

Realize that this is in CA and is a consignment - since it is not on "the list" it would be a hard gun to get in general.
 
1. Verify "chromed". More likely Nickled but chrome is possible.

2. That price for Nickled ok if like new with box, tools etc....no finish wear, no scratches etc etc.

3. If actually chromed I wouldn't buy it at any price unless it had verifiable certification of passivation by a reputable plater.

Patience. It pays, even in Kali.

Sam
 
Arthur-

Better check to see if this gun will take Plus P loads. I forget if you said if it had the heavy bbl. If so, it should have been made after 1958, and can take the high velocity rounds. USAF experience suggests that moderate use of them, only when the use is appropriate to the need, will let the gun endure much better than if you shoot them a lot.

I'll note that in most of the country, that money will buy the Combat Magnum (M19 or 66) and many other .357's. More versatile. But a sound S&W .38 is an excellent handgun that will plink tin cans, defend a home, and take small game cleanly.

As Sam said, do be sure that's a factory nickel job, not aftermarket chrome plating.

I like your name. How's Guinevere? By the way, does your squire sharpen Excaliber with files or with a novaculite stone?

Lone Star
 
Thanks for the advice.

I might just get the 686 since it will do more and it would be harder to get another gun after I get this one...

As for the name -

Pendragon is actually more a title than a name: "Chief Dragon".

I am very much a fan of the Arthurian legends, my favorite is the series by Stephen Lawhead.

I was taken with the name after reading C.S Lewis Space Trilogy (Out of the Silent Planet, one I forget and That Hideous Strength). He makes a fairly compelling case for 'Pendragon' as a singular position - not unlike the Pope.

I spent over two years as the leader of an online team (10 on 10 Capture the Flag) using the name helped me focus on what was important as a leader and to try and uphold the ideas it represents. I wear it now as a memento of a very special and enjoyable time in my life.
 
M10

The M10 S&W (aka .38 Hand Ejector) is probably the most common revolver in the U.S., perhaps in the world... production having started more than 100 years ago.

The M10 will not disappoint if you get one. However, the price is quite high... you could probably buy two M10s in blue finish for the price of the "chrome" m10.

The 686 is excellent if you shoot a lot... and they can be had for $350.

FWIW

Chuck
 
I would just like to add to Lone Star's comments about the heavy barrel that while, indeed, the heavy barrel indicates post 1958 manufacture and plus-P capability, the slim barrelled versions were made up until approx 1994 alongside the heavy barrelled ones. I have a 1994 skinny barrel, possibly one of the last built. I have a Model 10-5, skinny barrel, nickle finish on layaway right now. Skinnies are my favorite model 10s. Slim, light, relatively powerful, shades of Humphrey Bogart and cops taking the complimentary apple from the sidewalk fruit stand. A hundred years of American history held in one hand. IMO, still a very viable option for a household handgun.
 
First handhun I ever shot was a M-10 my father carried with the local PD (early 1960's). It's to revolvers like the Colt 1911 is to Autos. Just naturally fits the average hand, good weight and points well. If the "Libs" ever take over and the great unwashed masses are allowed to possess only one kind of handgun in .38spl, the M-10 would be my choice.

For your intended use I think it would be ideal. Though any of them should handle a limited diet of +P .38, I think it would be best to stick with standard pressure loads. If you want to regularly shoot something stouter in a similar package, the S&W M-13 or M-65 would be a better choice.

As to value, if you like it - get it. $50 or so one way or the other really isn't much of a factor for something that will likely last a lifetime.
 
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