I finally have my first 10 mm!! It seems the 610 has mixed reviews but I can't resist a Smith and Wesson revolver, anyway I have always wanted a revolver that utilizes moon clips. I know its been discussed at length already but I am curious to what (updated) input anyone might have concerning this revolver. -thanks

Great revolver. I had mine reamed to 10mm Magnum by Hamilton Bowen. Very accurate. I disabled the lock/flag on my gun, as this has been debated by some to be a potential problem. I think if you check at the smith and wesson forums they have come up with a plug now to completely remove the flag and plug the hole in the side. It was easier for me to just grind the tab off of the flag effectively rendering it useless.

If you need moonclips, you might want to take a look at: http://www.ezmoonclip.com/ these are plastic clips that require no tools to use.

I did mount a swift premiere 2-6x scope, I got the base and rings from weigand. You get a discount if you order the base and rings from him at the same time. Pretty simple task if you're interested in mounting optics to the gun, simply remove the rear sight and install the base into the existing holes.

All in all this has been a great gun for me and I like the option of shooting three different cartridges out of the gun. My only gripe has been with the cheapening of the smiths...MIM parts, gun locks, etc....but it still functions just fine even with these "flaws".

Thanks for the link to the ez moon clips. I too am resit ant to the intro of MIM parts but what can you do, other than replace them. I have a 657 that is an MIM gun and its shoots amazingly and has had no problems after years of use, so is there really a problem? Anyhow thanks for the reply.

Is there a problem? Depends....if MIM is done right, it can be stronger than cast steel parts, close to a forging. In the 1911 world there were plenty of documented failures with MIM parts but maybe they have weeded those out by now. The early consensus was and maybe still is, if the MIM part is going to fail it will do it right away. But the fact remains, they went to a cheaper part/production method and didnt pass any savings or added value onto the customer. I would have preferred they just raise the prices some and kept using steel parts. Then again I'd like to see pinned and recessed guns too but that probably isnt going to happen ever again. At the very least I would like to see them do away with the lock on the gun.

I'm pleased with my Model 610. But when a guy also has a pristine Model 19 thats pinned and recessed you just cant help yourself from griping about how things have changed.

Probably wont be much longer before S&W sells out and the guns start being made in brazil.

Congrats! I love my 610. I have had it over a decade and have feed it loads way hotter then any commercial load and it has eaten everything without a hitch. It's hell on deer.

Swankong, congrats on the new 610. The issue about MIM parts have been raised here before, and has been stated many MIM parts are used in the aerospace industry where fasteners are required to meet strict stress tolerances. I have MIM parts on my Kimber autos, and have used the guns to no ill effect. However, I understand the "traditionalists" in the crowd who long for all-steel specimens. There is nothing wrong with this belief. I am willing to pay for all-steel parts from Grieder, Ed Brown, Wilson, and Les Baer. This is just a personal preference, and has no bearing on stock weapon functionality. As for the issue about integral safety systems, they are unfortunately a "sign-of-the-times". Nothing ruins the aesthetics of a nice lever-action rifle like a "cross-bolt" safety, but it is what it is. With all this in mind, I would have still purchased my new 610 warts and all. Currently, Wilson makes stainless steel "moonclips" for the S&W 625 which are pretty fancy, and I purchased some for my 625. Hopefully, they will make some for the 610, too. I believe, that panzermk2 addressed the "MIM issue" in another thread. Good luck on your purchase, Zephyr .

I finally broke down and purchased a 610 and was able to go shoot it today. Two things I have noticed about the revolver: 1. Mine has a very crisp trigger pull in single action (I am use to a little creep in my 1911). 2. It is very accurate with both 10mm and .40 S&W rounds. The only problem I had was with the front sight being black and trying to line it up with the back sight when shooting a dark target at the indoor range. Does anyone know of a replacement front sight or a remedy for this?

Yep, go to smith and wessons website and look at your available options. The sights on the 610-3 are hand detchable and easily replaced. Im not sure if the earlier revisions have this feature also or not. I know there are some large differences between the -2 and -3 models.

In the short term you can put some white Testers paint on that front sight (assuming it is a typical blade) available a hobby shops in those very small jars. I did this on my Kimber's front sight. Worked so good I just left it.

Congrats on the S&W.

what, no pictures?

ctkelly, is right about the fix. I had this problem with my S&W 625/ Model of 1989. Originally the gun came with a patridge-type, all black blade. I ordered a ramp-type with a red insert from Smith. These sights are not pre-drilled for the pin from the factory, so a gunsmith did mine. TaosGlock's solution is probably the easiest, and least-expensive way to go.

Thanks for the suggestions about the front sight. I took TaosGlock's advice and put a little dab of white paint on the top of the black ramp front sight. I can definitely see it much better. Now if I can just figure out how to post pictures with my comments I will add some pictures of my 10mm acquisitions.

Pictures ? Here yah go :

http://www.ar15armory.com/forums/post-pictures-t5194.html

looking for a 610-2 lew horton 3 inch if anybody knows were one is for sale can u pm me thanks

Congrats on the new 10MM S&W

Congrats on the 610! Definitely on my list is a 4"

I got to handle a guys LH model 610 3" and didn't like the feel of the gun as well as my 5" model. I did ask if he wqs interested in trading or selling the gun, but he wasn't interested.

Shortly after buying the -3 I bought a fiber optic front sight for my gun and it is all the difference in the world. IIRC it was about $40 shipped from Midway USA, but that has been awhile so it could been less or even more. But it was worth the money.

Old Navy, I currently have a LH 610, and you are quite correct, they aren't for everyone. Mine reminds me of a "classic" British Bulldog short-barreled revolver in .455 Eley. The unfluted cylinder, and being an "N" frame, adds to the equation.

Well I will say it took the want of one kind of out the window for me, because I am not crazy about owning a non shooter. I would have been really PO if I had bought one on line, spending all that money, then find out I don't like to shoot the gun.

I love the feel of the 5" 610 I have and it is a great shooter. I now have a 5" 686 that also has that balanced fee, but I haven't had a chance to shoot 686 as yet.