I suspect the reason has to do with cost. They went with a 5 inch barrel as the firearms the Model 10 replaced had a 5 inch (or 5 1/2 inch) barrel.
By going with that barrel length, the RCMP wouldn't have to incur the cost of replacing all the issued holsters as well as the guns.
"Can you purchase the RCMP issued revolvers?"
That's a good question: Not just for RCMP, but for all the police departments that changed over to semi-autos.
Where did all those revolvers end up?
.. Speaking of the RCMP specifically; One had to "turn in" both the Revolver, holster and "speed Loaders" when issued the New Pistol" at the completion of the Transition/Training course. Thus, unless it's really old issue Revolvers or stolen, no private purchase. Even the option, to buy one's Original issued Revolver was denied Member's. Believe me, if I could have retained "my" Revolver I would have, even though it needed re-bluing from where Blood Stains had removed the finish! ..... David K![]()
Do tell us how the blood stains got there?
.."Dexter Morgan" ... That's a good question. Apparently turning in all the revolvers and associated equipment was part of the Purchase Contract with S&W. Speculation was that they were going to be scrubbed of the RCMP Stamped Mark, refurbished, and then re-sold to some presumably, Third World Country. Perhaps. But possibly, more along the lines of preventing a glut on the Market for Hand guns, be it Revolver or Pistol. Certainly a lot of Member's would have been only too happy to purchase their Issued revolver ! .... David K



























