Model 10 info please

If I were the type to quote other posters and place that quote in my signature line, this one would be in the running:
I really don't consider myself to be a purist, but words have meaning, and I believe they should be used correctly. < ... >

I know some don't care. That's a shame. Maybe I am a purist after all.
Click to expand...
This topic has obviously come up before on these forums. (I don't mean "pencil barrel", I mean using the proper or more correct terminology.) Some folks simply have a different breaking point. The most obvious one, we'd all agree, is likely to be 'clip' / 'magazine', but there are dozens, or more. Some that snicker that it was even brought up would go nuts listening to a fellow shooter keep referring to his "clips" and his "bullets".

For myself, I've learned something in the thread. I have a 1983 production four-inch nickel 10-6 and I have called it a "pencil barrel" and likely even on this forum, but it apparently is not. I am better for it since it was specifically outed right here. It's not a pencil barrel Model 10, it's a tapered barrel Model 10. Because of the discussion in this thread, I will not ever make that mistake again, because I fully agree that words do have meaning and that I care what comes out of my mouth. (or keyboard)

When done in a respectful manner, it's ludicrous to suggest that pointing out the technically correct and proper term for something in this hobby that we all spend so much time & care to immerse ourselves takes away from the discussion.

In fact, it adds a lot to the discussion and the comments & reaction to that angle of the discussion tell a bit about the participants.
 
I have a 1983 production four-inch nickel 10-6 and I have called it a "pencil barrel" and likely even on this forum, but it apparently is not. I am better for it since it was specifically outed right here. It's not a pencil barrel Model 10, it's a tapered barrel Model 10.
Click to expand...

It's a "tapered barrel" because you've decided that's the answer you want. Right here in this thread we've heard it called "pencil" "tapered" and "standard". I didn't know, BTW, that an 83 -6 (yours) was available with what I refer to as a "pencil" barrel. I do know they were available, standard from factory, as a bull barrel or the middle size version barrel.

There are essentially three styles of S&W standard factory barrels.

1) The one that has no upper rib, is the thinnest in OD of the three, and tapers from frame to muzzle. It has a thinner wall thickness than the other two style barrels.

2) The one that has an upper rib, is a little larger in wall thickness and OD than #1, and tapers in one step from frame to barrel

3) The one that is all one diameter from frame to muzzle. It has the largest wall thickness and largest OD.

Every one of the above three versions came "Standard" at one time or another from the factory. Two of them have a taper. Only #3 does not.

Let's presume that #3 is called a "bull barrel". That's what every S&W collector I've ever known or read of calls it. Unless someone here doesn't like the term "bull" I'm pretty sure I'm safe in calling it that.

I've heard it suggested that #1 be called "tapered". If so, then what is #2 called? They are both tapered.

I've heard it suggested that #1 be called "standard". If so then what is #2 called?

I've heard it suggested that #1, if 6 inches in length, be called a "pencil barrel" but if shorter, be called a "standard".

It seems to me that some have some odd adversion to the word "pencil" when describing their guns. Not sure why that would make anyone "cringe" or feel offended or whatever emotional response it is they're feeling.

I'm pretty sure if I was selling a S&W revolver and you asked me what kind of barrel, if I replied "Standard" you would still not know since all three were available as standard at one time or another. I'm also pretty sure if I replied "tapered" you still would not know since there are a huge amount of S&W collectors that call #2 "tapered". I am pretty sure that if I said it was a "Pencil barrel" you'd know exactly what I meant. I might lose the sale because you cringe at the descriptive term, but you'd know exactly what I meant.

"Pencil barrel" can't logically describe any of the barrels except #1. "Bull barrel" can't logically describe any of the barrels except #3. The only one that's a little ambiguous is "tapered barrel". It would certainly not help descriptions if we were to lump all the #1 style barrels in with the #2 style. We'd then have to come up with an additional descriptor to tell the difference between the two (the word pencil comes to my mind).

I'm not looking to change anyone's mind and certainly not their emotional response to the word "pencil". The collectors, cops and gunsmiths that I've come in contact use the terms "Pencil" "Taper" and "Bull" to describe the three barrels. That's the most sensible, logical and popular use of the terms that I know of. Others may have different viewpoints, I suppose.


Sgt Lumpy
 
I've always called them light, mid, and heavy weight barrels.

And, the full underlug barrel.

Don't like my terminology?

TT said the cat to the kitty.
 
Mike,
Please allow me to take this opportunity to congratulate you upon taking advantage of one of the basic tenets of life in the once-great nation we live in, that of freedom of speech.

Enjoy it while you can, call those barrels whatever you please. :)
Denis
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top