I recently bought a S&W model 10-8. As far as I can tell it has a fixed barrel. I read that S&W made the earlier model 10-8 with pinned barrels then later on they started manufacturing them with fixed barrels. I'm at work right now so I'm sorry about not providing a pic. Other than some holster wear, the gun seems to be in really good shape. I guess I'm concerned about the difference in quality between the pinned barrel and unpinned barrel model 10. Is one version as good as the other when it comes to quality and durability?
S&W model 10-8
- Thread starter GunLuvr01
- Start date
I'm sure some will be along to provide more specific and technical history of the evolution, but the bottom line is that S&W realized that by 1982, it was simply no longer necessary to use a pin in the barrel and that dropping that would be a small savings in cost... which in volume ends up being a very smart and logical business decision.
As I have many S&W revolvers and probably close to equal on both sides -- pinned and not pinned, my own personal experience is that it does not matter in the slightest.
It would be difficult to pick the most accurate of them...
The smart money would be on my 1956 pre-Model 10. However, for small group shooting indoors on paper at 12 yards, I might edge it with my former Ohio Dept of Corrections Model 10-10, circa 1994.
You have a phenomenal revolver; they don't make six million of a design that is marginal at best.
As I have many S&W revolvers and probably close to equal on both sides -- pinned and not pinned, my own personal experience is that it does not matter in the slightest.
It would be difficult to pick the most accurate of them...
The smart money would be on my 1956 pre-Model 10. However, for small group shooting indoors on paper at 12 yards, I might edge it with my former Ohio Dept of Corrections Model 10-10, circa 1994.
You have a phenomenal revolver; they don't make six million of a design that is marginal at best.
"Fixed barrel" isn't the best term, all revolvers are "fixed barrel", which just means the barrel does not move in relation to the frame/receiver.
Pinned vs unpinned(aka "crush fit")? This argument has been going on a long time. S&W pinned their barrels, no one else did. S&W dropped the pinned barrel (cost cutting) in the early 80s, and the date varies with different models, as guns were made both ways until all the parts were used up.
Some of the early unpinned guns did have issues, some never did. Today, one seldom hears about it being a functional concern. IF an individual gun has a problem, its because the individual gun has a problem, not the entire production run.
(moving to revolver forum)
Pinned vs unpinned(aka "crush fit")? This argument has been going on a long time. S&W pinned their barrels, no one else did. S&W dropped the pinned barrel (cost cutting) in the early 80s, and the date varies with different models, as guns were made both ways until all the parts were used up.
Some of the early unpinned guns did have issues, some never did. Today, one seldom hears about it being a functional concern. IF an individual gun has a problem, its because the individual gun has a problem, not the entire production run.
(moving to revolver forum)
The only reason I like pinned barrels better is it marks the gun as an "older" one right away.
Not that I think there is anything wrong with the newer ones, I just like older guns, not just Smith & Wesson's.
Probably because I'm older.
But there is not a thing wrong with an unpinned barrel.
Not that I think there is anything wrong with the newer ones, I just like older guns, not just Smith & Wesson's.
Probably because I'm older.
But there is not a thing wrong with an unpinned barrel.
You need have no concerns. The Model 10 is a truly great revolver, whether pinned or unpinned barrel. I have a 3" heavy barrel 10-8 myself....it is stellar. Mine was shipped in 1984 and I have no idea how many rounds it might have seen before it came to me, but I've put more than 1800 through it myself. Perfect. ZERO problems or malfunctions. Accurate as a laser. I've even repeatedly hit an 8" gong at 100 yards with mine (though not every shot of course). I routinely get 2" groups at 10 yards....5" groups at 25 yards. Off a rest, it will put every shot through one hole, if I do my part.
What more could you want in a revolver ?
What more could you want in a revolver ?
bedbugbilly
New member
OP - "pinned" or "un-pinned" . . . the S & W Model 10 (or earlier M & Ps) are probably one of the worst revolvers ever made! I urge anyone who owns one or more to box 'em up and send them to me for safe disposal! 
I agree with the others . . . no problems with either barrel - pinned or un-pinned. I have a number of S & Ws - all GREAT revolvers! I think, IMHO, that the M & P/Model 10 is one of the finest revolvers made - a real workhorse that is a pleasure to shoot. I have a 5" M & P (born the same year I was - 1952) that is one of my best shooting 38s. Every round I put through it just makes me want to put more down range.
You can't go wrong with your Model 10 - hang on to it, shoot it, enjoy it, shoot it some more and then, when the time comes, pass it on to your kids if you have an so they can enjoy it for another generation!
I agree with the others . . . no problems with either barrel - pinned or un-pinned. I have a number of S & Ws - all GREAT revolvers! I think, IMHO, that the M & P/Model 10 is one of the finest revolvers made - a real workhorse that is a pleasure to shoot. I have a 5" M & P (born the same year I was - 1952) that is one of my best shooting 38s. Every round I put through it just makes me want to put more down range.
You can't go wrong with your Model 10 - hang on to it, shoot it, enjoy it, shoot it some more and then, when the time comes, pass it on to your kids if you have an so they can enjoy it for another generation!
HighValleyRanch
New member
When did they offer the round butt version on the model 10?
And are the round butt K's interchangeable with these?
Have always liked the classic looks of them.
And are the round butt K's interchangeable with these?
Have always liked the classic looks of them.
Driftwood Johnson
New member
Round butts have been available pretty much from the beginning. This Model 1899 was made in 1902.
Not too sure what you mean about interchangeable. You cannot put round butt grips on a square butt frame, and vice versa.
HighValleyRanch
New member
I meant round butt across all the round butt models.
Thanks, that 1899 models is BEAUTIFUL!
Thanks, that 1899 models is BEAUTIFUL!