Smith & Wesson announced the reintroduction of the powerful Model 610 10mm Auto revolver.

Conceived by Col. Jeff Cooper and introduced in 1983, 10mm Auto is one of the most efficient calibers to have ever been used on standard-sized semi-automatic pistols and revolvers. It was pretty much ahead of its times and not ready to be chambered in the majority of handguns available on the market 35 years ago.

The result was that, at least initially, the 10mm Auto was unable to earn the attention of the market and faded into obscurity for some 10-15 years. With the general technological improvement of the gun industry, however, it is now possible for manufacturers to offer durable and reliable firearms that would handle 10mm Auto just as easily as any other standard pistol calibers.

10mm Auto is thus currently making a comeback on the U.S. market as a viable caliber for handgun hunting and personal protection – in the backcountry as well as in the mean streets of modern-day cities – and that’s what prompted Smith & Wesson to bring a great 10mm Auto revolver such as on the Model 610 back to the market.

The Smith & Wesson Model 610 revolver is built on the large N-Frame, and will be available starting Spring 2019 in a 4-inch (10 cm) or a 6.5-inch (16,5 cm) barrel variant. All variants are totally made out of stainless steel, and feature an interchangeable black blade front sight and an adjustable black rear sight with a white outline.

Other features of the Smith & Wesson Model 610 revolver include a black synthetic finger groove grip, a full stainless finish, and a six-shot cylinder designed for use with the factory-issued six-shot moon clips, allowing the Model 610 revolver to also fire the .40 Smith & Wesson cartridge.

The 4-inch barrel variant of the Smith & Wesson Model 610 revolver is 9.5” (24,13 cm) long overall and weighs 42.6 oz (1207,7 g); the 6-inch barrel model is 12” (30,48 cm) long overall and weighs 50.1 oz (1420,3 g).

« With the recent increase in popularity of the 10mm Auto cartridge, we felt it important to offer a 10mm revolver for personal protection and handgun hunting,» said Jan Mladek, General Manager of Smith & Wesson and M&P brands.

« The N-frame revolver has long been a staple in big-bore revolvers, and the 10mm is a natural caliber addition to the line.»

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Smith & Wesson Model 610 double-action revolver has been set at $969.00 in the United States. No information concerning export availability and pricing has been made available so far.