Smith & Wesson Model 610 10mm 4″ 6-Round Revolver

About this product

What is the Smith & Wesson Model 610 10mm 4″ 6-Round Revolver? It's a stainless steel N-frame revolver chambered for 10mm Auto that also fires .40 S&W with moon clips, built for shooters who demand revolver reliability with semi-auto cartridge power. This 4-inch barrel configuration weighs 44 ounces unloaded and measures 9.5 inches overall length, making it one of the few production revolvers capable of handling full-power 10mm loads without modification. The inclusion of three moon clips allows rapid reloading while maintaining headspace control for both cartridges.

What is the Smith & Wesson Model 610 10mm 4″ 6-Round Revolver used for?

This revolver serves as a versatile field gun capable of handling everything from defensive carry to medium-game hunting where legal. The 10mm chambering delivers between 600-700 foot-pounds of energy with full-power loads, making it effective against threats up to deer-sized game at reasonable distances. I've found the 4-inch barrel provides optimal balance between concealability and ballistic performance, though it's certainly not a pocket pistol.

How does the Smith & Wesson Model 610 compare to the Ruger GP100?

The Model 610 outperforms the Ruger GP100 in cartridge versatility while sacrificing some aftermarket support. Where the GP100 typically chambers .357 Magnum, the 610 handles both 10mm Auto and .40 S&W with moon clips, giving you access to higher-pressure semi-auto cartridges that the Ruger cannot safely fire. However, the GP100 has far more grip and sight options available, while the 610's N-frame limits holster compatibility compared to the Ruger's more common frame size.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This revolver weighs 44 ounces empty with a 4-inch barrel that contributes to its 9.5-inch overall length. The cylinder width measures 1.56 inches across, requiring holsters designed specifically for N-frame revolvers rather than the more common K or L-frames. The height from grip bottom to sight top stands at 5.75 inches, making it comparable in size to our Stevens 334 Rifle when considering overall bulk.

Who is this NOT for?

This revolver isn't suitable for new shooters or those unwilling to master moon clip loading techniques. The 10mm cartridge generates significant recoil—approximately 30% more than .40 S&W—which can overwhelm inexperienced shooters. Additionally, the $1,142.99 price point puts it in competition with several excellent semi-automatic options that offer higher capacity and faster reloads, making it a poor choice for budget-conscious buyers.

What's in the box?

You receive the revolver, three moon clips, a cable lock, and basic documentation—no factory hard case or cleaning tools included. The moon clips are essential for operation since 10mm Auto headspaces on the moon clip rather than the chamber rim like traditional revolver cartridges. I recommend purchasing additional moon clips immediately, as the included three provide minimal practical utility for range sessions or defensive use.

Is the Smith & Wesson Model 610 worth it at $1,142.99?

At this price, the Model 610 justifies its cost only for specific use cases where revolver reliability meets 10mm power requirements. Compared to semi-automatic options like the Glock 20, you're paying approximately $400 more for six rounds versus fifteen rounds of capacity. However, for backcountry protection against large predators or jurisdictions restricting semi-automatic firearms, this revolver provides unique capabilities that few other production firearms offer, similar to how our Stevens 555 Sporting O/U serves specific shotgun needs.