Perhaps it doesn't need to be a Model 10? The 10 is built on S&W's K size frame. They have a whole lotta models built in that same size which are equally classic. There's the iconic Model 19 and Model 14 as well as a bunch of others.
But the sad thing is that you can't just buy one. Most of them only come up used. So you need to be patient and start the hunt.
The other question is do you have your 10-6? The Prohib length guns do show up fairly often and due to the smaller market they tend to sell for less than the longer barrel length Restricteds. So for a Prohib gun $300 to $350 is actually pretty common.
Or do you specifically want an actual Model 10? If so then to find a nice one you may need to just be patient and search a little more. There's certainly lots of them out there but in a market where demand seems to be high the good ones listed for reasonable prices go fast. So you need to work at monitoring the EE and local gun stores.
Most stores will take your name for their phone list when you're looking for something specific like this. And most, if not all of the smaller regular shops take in consignment guns. So get your name out there and keep an eye open and you'll get what you want sooner or later.
The wait is worth it too. They really are great guns to shoot. The only slight issue being that they need to use 158gn loads if you want the fixed sights to shoot holes right on your point of aim. And for the best results mine needs to use cast lead bullets. Jacketed doesn't print quite as tight a group.
