Smith & Wesson's New Model 10 Classic: Full Review

This new addition to S&W's Classic line is perfectly retro.

August 21, 2025 By Joseph Von Benedikt

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Originally known as the Hand Ejector Model of 1899, Smith & Wesson’s fine .38 Special Model 10 revolver has been in production off and on for more than a century and a quarter. This year the company brought back a retro, lock-free version of it back in its Classic line of revolvers, and it’s as beautiful and useful as ever. The Model 10 is a simple revolver. It does not have adjustable sights or a barrel lug that encloses the ejector rod or a hand-filling grip that takes the bite out of full-house loads. Rather, it’s elegant, svelte, and has a distinct minimalist vibe compared to modern revolvers sporting all the bells and whistles.

Research indicates that all Model 10s (and Hand Ejector early versions) were and are chambered in .38 caliber. That said, three variations are listed: .38 Special, .38 Long Colt, and .38/200 (.38 S&W). It’s interesting to note that the .38 Long Colt and .38 S&W both employed heeled bullets similar to those used in .22 LR ammunition. Currently, both are obsolete, and all the new Classic-series Model 10s will be chambered in .38 Special.

Another interesting bit of information is the fact that more than six million Model 10-type revolvers were made (counting all the variations), earning it the distinction of being the most-produced revolver of the 20th century. That fact surprised me, as it’s not common to see the type much in use these days.

Many went to military and law enforcement operations, which explains some of the scarcity. This began almost immediately after the design was introduced. Service versions were designated the .38 Military & Police. Over the next century the .38 M&P would fight in the hands of many branches of the armed forces, be a standard-issue police revolver for 70 years, be smuggled to resistance forces around the world, and would generally distinguish itself as one of the all-time great sidearms.

One variant was dubbed the “Victory Model” during World War II. Years ago, I had the privilege of handling, firing, and reviewing an original Victory Model—complete with original military-issue shoulder holster—belonging to a friend. Her grandfather flew bombing missions in the South Pacific during World War II, carrying that revolver. Just handling it inspired awe.

Revolver with cylinder open — Built on S&W’s K-Frame, the Model 10 Classic is a six-shot revolver chambered in .38 Special. And now there’s no internal locking system. (Photo provided by author.)

Just like that Victory Model, Smith & Wesson’s new Classic Model 10 has a 4.0-inch barrel with a locking underlug for the ejector rod. It has similar slim walnut stocks, the same machined-in iron sights, and the same feel in the hand. The new-made Model 10 differs in its finish, which is the high-polished blue of S&W’s civilian guns rather than the Parkerized matte finish on those old Victory revolvers.

It wasn’t until the 1950s that Smith & Wesson designated the K-Frame Hand Ejector/Victory/M&P .38 as the Model 10. Internal refinements were made, along with some external changes. The traditional half-moon front sight was replaced by a milled ramp sight, the tapered barrel was replaced with a straight bull-profile barrel, and so forth.

As you can see by the photographs, this modern Classic is a throwback. It’s built with a half-moon front sight, a tapered barrel, and the other historic features and characteristics that set the .38s of World War I and World War II apart.

The Fundamentals

Let’s take a look at the fundamental characteristics of the Model 10, as typified by this Classic-series revolver. It’s built on S&W’s K-Frame and is fitted with the afore-mentioned tapered barrel. The cylinder ejector-rod latching lug and front sight are machined integral to the barrel. Initially, it’s available with a 4.0-inch barrel. Whether additional lengths will be offered I don’t know.

Like the Victory revolvers, the Model 10 Classic is fitted with smooth walnut stocks rather than checkered. It’s a fantastic look that really appeals, and it feels great in the palm, too. Tyler Gun Works—perhaps the top custom revolver-smithing company in the business currently—is making these high-grade grips for S&W.

An important characteristic of the Model 10 Classic is noted by the small print following the model designation on S&W’s website: “no internal lock.” Beginning in 2001, S&W began manufacturing virtually all its revolvers with an internal locking system, which was cordially hated and never used by consumers. Thank goodness, this year (2025) Smith & Wesson saw the light and has begun phasing out the internal locks, starting with the Classic Series and the Mountain Guns.

Operation of the Model 10 is single/double action, meaning you can cock the hammer with your thumb and then squeeze the trigger, or you can simply sweep the trigger rearward through its full range of motion, which will cause it to cock the hammer, rotate the cylinder, and then fire the gun.

The cylinder capacity is six rounds of .38 Special ammunition. Like most double-action designs, the Model 10 features a swing-out cylinder for easy ejection of fired cases and reloading. As always, treat the cylinder and its crane—the part the cylinder hangs on—with respect. Aggressively swatting it around or slamming it shut with a flip of the wrist can bend the crane, resulting in a misaligned cylinder and all sorts of accompanying issues.

The cylinder latch is located perfectly under the right-hand thumb. Press it forward to unlatch the cylinder and swivel the cylinder out of the frame. Point the barrel skyward and press down on the ejector rod to dump fired cases from the cylinder. Keep the ejector rod and crane hinge lightly oiled for smooth operation and to protect from rust.

Revolver barrel lugs — Although it does have an ejector locking lug machined integral with the bottom of the barrel, that lug does not have a protective shroud incorporated. This is as it should be for a Model 10 Classic! (Photo provided by author.)

Model 10 cylinders are fluted to reduce weight and add aesthetics. Both the hammer and trigger are color-casehardened, adding durability and additional visual appeal. As you can see in the photographs, the walnut grips are nicely fitted and have beautiful contrasting grain.

One of the most impressive features of the Model 10 Classic is the quality of the polish on the blued steel. It’s mirror-bright and has that midnight blue-black quality that distinguishes fine bluing. Other distinguishing features of the Model 10 Classic are the sights, which are not adjustable. Recognizing that I’d probably have to try different bullet weights to find a load that prints at or near point of aim, I scrounged up six different factory loads topped with bullets weighing from 110 grains to 158 grains.

Range Results

With targets posted at 25 yards and the chronograph activated, I loaded a handful of .38 Special cartridges into the Model 10’s cylinder, rested it over a sandbag, and started firing test groups. As expected, point of impact varied considerably depending on bullet weight and on whether the load was a standard .38 Special or a +P version.

Most of the variation was vertical. Unfortunately, the handy little revolver printed a few inches to the right. That’s difficult to correct in a fixed-sight revolver. I suspect old-timer pistoleers would point out that the barrel may have been rotated a tad past perfect when screwing it on, so the machined-in front sight ended up leaning a fraction left—which would put the point of impact a few inches right.

Not to worry; point of impact was close enough for government work, as they say. I wouldn’t want to try and make headshots on cottontail rabbits for the stew pot, but for self-defense inside 15 yards or so I just wouldn’t worry about it.

Accuracy on paper with 5 loaded rounds — Six different loads were tested in the new Model 10 Classic revolver, and it turned in darn good accuracy at 25 yards, considering the rudimentary sights. Overall average accuracy was 2.69 inches, which certainly is well within the standard for self-defense. (Photo provided by author.)

Accuracy was acceptable but not exceptional. The glinting curved radius of the half-moon front sight didn’t help consistency. At 25 yards, half of the six loads tested averaged between 2.0 and 2.5 inches, which is certainly usable for personal protection if not for bullseye competition. The other three loads averaged between 2.5 and 3.5 inches.

Top honors in the accuracy category went to Hornady’s Critical Defense 110-grain ammo, which averaged 2.12 inches at 25 yards and also produced the highest velocity (1,003 fps). Point of impact with that load was four inches low and three inches right.

Black Hills’s 158-grain SWC lead-bullet load was also reasonably accurate, posting an average of 2.44 inches. Point of impact was two inches right and four inches high. The discrepancy between these two loads (predictably on the low and high end of the bullet weights tested) showcases why adjustable sights eventually became popular on sidearms.

Front and rear sight — The rear sight is machined into the topstrap of the frame. Yes, it’s not adjustable, but it is as durable as they come. (Photo provided by author.)

My testing did expose a good load that impacted close to point of aim. Winchester’s 125-grain short-jacketed JHP bullets shot a couple inches right but had perfect elevation. It’s a +P load that generated the second-fastest velocity, clocking 934 fps. It would be my pick were I packing the Model 10 Classic as a daily carry gun. Recoil with the various ammo was mild. The lighter bullets at non+P pressure were downright pleasant to shoot.

Function, of course, was stellar. It’s a Smith & Wesson double-action revolver, so no surprise there. The trigger pull, however, was a bit stout, averaging 5 pounds, 5 ounces when functioned as a single action and 11 pounds, 5 ounces in double-action mode.

Not that accuracy was poor, but if tested with younger eyes; a crisp-topped front sight; and a light, crisp trigger pull, no doubt the Model 10 Classic would have posted better accuracy averages. That said, it’s patterned after a historically great fighting gun, not a competition gun. It’s robust without being bulky, and it’s capable without bling or bells and whistles.

How about ergonomics? The Model 10 Classic has a distinctly retro feel, which is as it should be. When handling it, I can imagine myself using it during either of the World Wars or in pursuit of Al Capone and his Syndicate. It would be right at home patrolling the streets of Mayberry. Reminiscing aside, the Model 10 feels good in the hand, points well, and balances nicely. It’s the epitome of the practical, classic revolvers that served during the first three-quarters of the 20th century.

Suggested retail on the Model 10 Classic without internal lock is $979. Real-world price will be lower, putting this well-built revolver on a comparable price tier to the more expensive high-capacity polymer-framed semiauto pistols. The two are distinctly different tools, but it’s nice to see a refined revolver available in the same price sphere as what I consider “bulk quantity” 9mm pistols.

That said, it must be asked, is the Model 10 Classic a solid choice for a personal-protection gun? Yes, and no. If you practice with it and become proficient, it will certainly serve, particularly if you’re a simple bloke who lives a quiet life. However, it’ll never compete with a high-capacity, quickly reloadable semiautomatic in the case of a zombie apocalypse or other catastrophic disaster.

Accuracy Data — (Data provided by author.)

But candidly, that’s not what the Classic Series is meant for. If you want to own a new-made revolver that honors the six million wheelguns that served in various forces and conflicts around the world for the past century and a quarter, the Model 10 Classic can’t be beat. It’s beautifully configured and built. It’s a joy to own and a pleasure to shoot. You can’t ask for more than that.