S&W mod. 10 internals different?

E

Echo23TC

New member
I ran across an article in one of my old shooting magazines about how to pop the sideplate off a double action revolver and it occurred to me that I had never done this to my 686 and my wife's model 10. Glad I did, the 686 was GRUNGY with old oil and gunk, but what I didn't find inside the 10 kind of concerns me. The 686 had a part that came out with the sidecover, which rides in a vertical slot in the cover. I have absolutely no idea what it is called, or what it does. The model 10 did not have this part, although the slot for it is there. Does anyone know what this part is called, and especially if the 10 should have one? Is this gun safe to shoot without this part in it? We've fired probably 100-150 rounds through this gun, with no noticeable problems. I did notice that the side cover had been worked on before - the rear screw hole looked as if someone had gone after it with a too-large screwdriver, leaving a bright ring around the screw. It was quite a bit cleaner inside than my 686.

Thanks for any info you might have on this!

Bob Evans
 
The missing part is the hammer block. It is what the gun relies on to prevent firing if dropped or if the hammer pushes off the sear. Target shooters have taken them out for the tiny reduction in friction. You need one for safe operation. Numrich likely has them. S&W may or may not, depending on the age of the gun.
 
Echo,

That part is called the hammer block safety bar. Or at least that's what I call it. It's L-shaped on one end and has sort of an eye on the other.

It's there as a lsat ditch safety device in case there is a crushing blow on the hammer that manages to mash it forward. It prevents the firing pin from striking a cartridge.

Is your Model 10 a Model 10 (stamped with a "10" in the crane cut?

Or is it an older gun?

Revolvers made prior to about 1944 had a different hammer block safety on them, which remains attached to the side plate.

Is it safe to shoot the gun without it?

Yes.

As I said, it's a last ditch failsafe.

Should you replace the part?

I believe yes, especially if you are to use this gun for personal protection.

This part is one of the few safety devices that has absolutely no impact on a revolver's trigger pull or action weight.

There were several posts in a thread yesterday talking about this specific piece.
 
Whew! Talk about getting a quick response!

Thank you!

The gun in question is a model 10-10, apparently an agency trade in (it has "DSC PRESCOTT AZ") stamped on the left side of the frame, under the cylinder window.

My wife may someday carry it, although she is in the midst of an affair with a Browning Hi-Power that has lasted for several years, and she would rather shoot full-house .357's out of my 686 than .38's out of the 10.

Wouldn't hurt to install the part, though.

Thanks again.

Bob Evans
 
Yes, I got lucky. She grew up on a ranch, when she was little she used to throw clay pigeons off the roof of the house for her brothers to shoot. We're just getting into bird hunting (got a 6 month old Brittany pup) and this year she wants to draw a cow elk tag (she's not done any big game hunting). Her job puts her in contact with a lot of the ranchers and landowners in the county, so she gets invited onto lots of places to shoot varmints. I just go along for the ride. She's even talked about getting her CCW permit since a pre-release center went in across the street from her office. I'm pretty proud of her, she's come a long way from when we first met - she wasn't opposed, just didn't really care to do anything with them.

Before you ask, yes, she has a sister. Think diametrically opposed. Wicca, violent feminism, used to carry a .357 when she did her graduate field work but has since "LOST IT" (the pistol, I mean, although sometimes I wonder...)
 
That part number applicable.
That Model 10-10 came out of my back yard, figuratively typing.
Cool lady, your wife.

Sam
 
The Model 10 remains one of the niftiest, no nonsense 38 caliber revolvers of all time. Relatively compact, reliable and accurate.

BTW, that sister-in-law reminds me of... nevermind.
 
Gary, I agree. We traded a Ruger Service Six with Hogue wood grips straight across for it, and I'm sure I got the better deal. The Ruger was touchy - the only revolver I've ever seen that would actually jam up on powder residue. I don't know what was wrong with it, but after a couple of cylinders of my reloads, it would get to the point where the cylinder wouldn't turn in double action, and was hard to open. So we'd take it home, clean it and try again, just to have a repeat. The only gun I've traded off that I never wanted back.

Walked into the local sporting goods shop last night, just to browse, wasn't paying any attention to the wife (I'm lookin' at guns, here!!), and the next thing I know, she's found an engraved 12 gauge Stevens 311 and is putting it on layaway, very plainly stating, "It's mine, not yours!". Seems she's been wanting a 12 since she thinks her 20 is a bit light for pheasants!:eek:

Let's not even talk about the sister-in-law. She makes my teeth ache.

Bob
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top