Another question on the Smith 1006

[Kenk]

What are the top reasons folks buy / like the 1006?, reliably, their history, ability to withstand full house loads....or other?
Thanks

Ken

[sqlbullet]

I don't have one.  I have been tempted many times and I regret not snagging one years ago when they were $500.

At this point I gotta think alot of the draw is owning the history.  They are great, solid guns, but there are not any new parts being made.  That means, at least to me, that I am not gonna carry it or run it hard.  It would be a reference platform.

I think the "heir" to the 1006 is probably the DA/SA P220.  Similar capacity, operation, etc.

[Canoe]

I think you have mentioned the main reasons.  It is a 10mm classic and built to handle a steady diet of full power magnums.  I had one and quite liked having it as part of a collection.  I'd say it was an average shooter (higher bore access, gritty heavyish trigger which of course can be rectified) and not the last word in refinement (fitting not particularly precise, finishing average, not particularlty smooth).  In fairness they were never meant to be anything more than a good utility gun.  As a DA/SA with a decocker, it think it would be a great woods gun, if you don't like Glocks and are ok with a single stack.  But as above, parts not being made so running hard with heavy ammo might not worth it as there are other options and these are fetching more and more on the used market. 

Don't get me wrong, I really like the gun, but there are several other nice 10mms that have come out since.

[Kenk]

Thanks folks!

[The_Shadow]

This is what confirmed my purchase of the 1006 early on back in 1990
http://10mm-firearms.com/10mm-semi-auto-handguns/sw10xx-series-information/msg1632/#msg1632

[Hamopr]

After reading the history of the 10xx series I decided to hunt for one. Lucked out getting one in Columbus which made it an in-state transaction, no shipping or FFL involvement. I have about $1k
invested including new Hogue grips and new stainless guide rod.

Picked up a 1066 from CO and had to pay a bit more but it was like new in the original box.

Lucked into a like new in the box 610 4" revolver from a LEO, only 50 rounds through it and got it less than $1k.

As mentioned above, these guns are built like tanks and while they will handle full power loads I'll likely use them with reloads at a bit less power. I'll hang on to them for a few years but will sell them one day as there is no one in the family that would appreciate ownership.

[sqlbullet]

I could be adopted if you need a 10mm heir   

[lugersdaddy]

I have a 1006 which I bought new when they first came out. It's fun to shoot, but the recoil is considerable and it's just to heavy to ever carry concealed. But, it's a good home defense gun
and also good for auto defense protection when you're traveling. I attach it to gun magnets on
the side of my car's console.

[The_Shadow]

Hello and welcome lugersdaddy to the forum!  I too have the 1006 and it was my first 10mm at the start of 1990 and I handloaded for it from day one developed loads that were not in manuals till later on.  It is on the heavy side, while mine still sports the original style factory grip, the Hogue rubber grips can really help with recoil as I have them on other 10xx series models.  One thing is for certain they are built like tanks and handle heavy loads well.   

Best regards and enjoy the forum...

[MajorDude]

That's a good question. I have a 1006 and a G20sf that I usually shoot side by side. The 1006 is less accurate, has noticeably worse recoil and a gritty trigger. If I'm testing warm handloads or ladder testing, I use the Glock because I trust it more and I could fix it if I break it. That being said, I love that 1006! I recently got 2 extra factory magazines for it after an over a year hunt and I was almost too excited! I guess maybe I'm an S&W collector.

[PCFlorida]

That's a good question. I have a 1006 and a G20sf that I usually shoot side by side. The 1006 is less accurate, has noticeably worse recoil and a gritty trigger. If I'm testing warm handloads or ladder testing, I use the Glock because I trust it more and I could fix it if I break it. That being said, I love that 1006! I recently got 2 extra factory magazines for it after an over a year hunt and I was almost too excited! I guess maybe I'm an S&W collector.

LOL!
I had most of the 10 family from S&W and a huge number of magazines. I sold them off because parts started getting scarce. While I miss them I have certainly replaced them all with other 10mm guns.

[Overkill338]

I was always under the impression the 1006 basically beat itself apart with real 10mm ammo.

[Ten2six]

I have put several thousand full power hand loads through my 1026 with no issues. I recently purchased a 1006 to shoot regularly. Sadly my 1026 has become a safe queen due to the low production numbers and the increased value.

[sqlbullet]

I was always under the impression the 1006 basically beat itself apart with real 10mm ammo.

Nope.

This impression comes from the issues the FBI had with their 1006's and 1076's. This is from memory as I am too lazy today to go look up sources.  FBI wanted the trigger pull modified slightly.  S&W did so, but rushed the testing a bit and didn't notice that in a very rare comedy of errors the drawbar could get hung up in a way the didn't allow it to get un-hung up.  Happened to 6 or 7 pistols IIRC.  S&W fixed this, along with the bur on the extractor issue that caused some extractors to chip.

However, politics were afoot.  S&W really wanted the FBI to adopt their new 40S&W cartridge.  And not without good reason.  The FBI load could be duplicated in much smaller and lighter guns using the 40S&W.  And agents hated the weight of the 3rd gen S&W auto's.

A few very small teething pains with the 1076 gave those who wanted a change plenty of rope to hang the 1076.  And they did.

But the reality is the 10X6 guns are actually heck for strong.

[TonyRumore]

I was always under the impression the 1006 basically beat itself apart with real 10mm ammo.

That's complete B.S.

Tony