tollfree969
New member
I am looking for my first revolver and a S&W Model 10, .38 Special, 3" barrel caught my eye. I think this will be a good starter wheelgun. I found it at J & G Sales used for $190. What do you all think? Thanks for the help.
Looking for my first revolver
- Thread starter tollfree969
- Start date
Sir William
New member
I like them. I have had no problems with J&G either. Check www.simpsonltd.com and www.coalcreekarmory.com too.
XavierBreath
New member
The Model 10 is a good revolver. What you can expect from J&G is probably a used police revolver. The blue will be worn a bit, and the gun will be shot little. It will likely have rubber grips. All of this is OK, and for $190, the price is in line with or lower than many parts of the country. Of course tack on $15 for shipping and about $25 for a transfer and your take home price rises to $230.
Before ordering, check some of your local pawn shops. Revolvers move rather slowly, and the old S&W guns are frequently undervalued. I bought both of mine locally, and they are pictured below. The top one went out the door for $179, the lower one for $159. Both have very little wear and are excellent shooters.
Before ordering, check some of your local pawn shops. Revolvers move rather slowly, and the old S&W guns are frequently undervalued. I bought both of mine locally, and they are pictured below. The top one went out the door for $179, the lower one for $159. Both have very little wear and are excellent shooters.
Model 10 is very under-rated.
Tollfree969,
I've got a 5-inch barrelled model 10 made in 1967. It was formerly state issue for the Louisiana Highway patrol and I bought it from a retired trooper many years ago. Fixed sights, nickel..and as reliable as sunrise in the morning!
Let me share a Model 10 "day at the range story".. Back in 1997 I was peppering away at the 10 ring on a B-27 target at my local indoor range with my "new" Model 10. Small groups, rapid follow-ups, all from such an unglamorous gun as the model 10!
Beside me at the next stall was a young college kid with S&W's latest gray, plastic wonder 9. He was experiencing FTF's, FTE's and having a tough time. Meanwhile I continued to empty cylinder after cylinder into the X-ring of two seperate B-27 targets with speed and accuracy. Eventually the young man approached me and said: "Excuse me..what is that you are using..you are doing very well with it". Long story short, after using my Model 10, he filled out a "Brady" form and bought a new model 10!
He commented: "Ta HECK with having a cool-looking semi-auto, I want something that I can use quickly and accurately". Smart young feller!
I feel very confidant with my model 10. A Bargain on the used market.
Larry C.
Tollfree969,
I've got a 5-inch barrelled model 10 made in 1967. It was formerly state issue for the Louisiana Highway patrol and I bought it from a retired trooper many years ago. Fixed sights, nickel..and as reliable as sunrise in the morning!
Let me share a Model 10 "day at the range story".. Back in 1997 I was peppering away at the 10 ring on a B-27 target at my local indoor range with my "new" Model 10. Small groups, rapid follow-ups, all from such an unglamorous gun as the model 10!
Beside me at the next stall was a young college kid with S&W's latest gray, plastic wonder 9. He was experiencing FTF's, FTE's and having a tough time. Meanwhile I continued to empty cylinder after cylinder into the X-ring of two seperate B-27 targets with speed and accuracy. Eventually the young man approached me and said: "Excuse me..what is that you are using..you are doing very well with it". Long story short, after using my Model 10, he filled out a "Brady" form and bought a new model 10!
He commented: "Ta HECK with having a cool-looking semi-auto, I want something that I can use quickly and accurately". Smart young feller!
I feel very confidant with my model 10. A Bargain on the used market.
Larry C.
CarbineCaleb
New member
I think a used Smith is a great choice - unless you need a carry gun though, you might like a little more barrel, say 4-6". It will be easier to shoot accurately with because of the greater sight radius, and will be a softer and more controlled shooting as well.
Best,
Caleb
Best,
Caleb
jacobtowne
New member
In my view, the M10, previously known as the Military & Police, is one of the best designed and balanced revolvers ever made. Like most revolvers, it points naturally, which is something self-loaders do not do (they point low). I'm speaking of point shooting, not aiming.
I have two WWII M&P Victory revolvers, one in .38 Special, the other .38 S&W, and use them for informal plinking. If I were to use one for personal defense, it would require new stocks, since the grip frame is much too small for my hand.
I'd question the seller carefully about wear - end play and rotational play at lockup.
JT
I have two WWII M&P Victory revolvers, one in .38 Special, the other .38 S&W, and use them for informal plinking. If I were to use one for personal defense, it would require new stocks, since the grip frame is much too small for my hand.
I'd question the seller carefully about wear - end play and rotational play at lockup.
JT
Echo comments re 4" being a better choice (ideally) as an all around unit. Had my father's M&P 10 for many years; great gun-til stolen (assume is still a great gun for someone out there!). Have what is basically a Taurus clone now and it is a fine gun too--cannot really ding it, but sure do miss the "original" (and it was a much better 10 than the typical "V" I've seen, fit and finish-wise. My father wore it as his survival gun in his B-17, B-24, A-20 and B-29 duty as a command pilot in the war). Go for the 10.