The 610 was manufactured by Smith & Wesson on the N-frame, similar to the Smith & Wesson Model 29 in .44 Magnum, and the Model 27/28 in .357 Magnum. The 10mm Auto is a rimless automatic pistol cartridge, so moon clips are used to hold cartridges when loading and extracting spent cases en bloc. The Model 610 can also chamber and fire .40 S&W rounds, as the .40 S&W cartridge is a shorter, less powerful variant of the 10mm Auto with the same diameter.[2]
History
The Model 610 debuted in 1990, but shortly after its introduction, popularity of the 10mm round was declining and slow sales caused Smith & Wesson to retire the model in 1992.[2]
After a six-year hiatus, it was reintroduced in 1998 for competitive shooting matches with a few changes. The firing pin was moved from the hammer to inside the frame and an internal safety lock was added.[2] This reintroduction was at the behest of members of the International Practical Shooting Confederation, although the Model 610 is more commonly used in International Defensive Pistol Association matches.[2]
In 2019, Smith and Wesson reintroduced the 610 in 4-inch (10 cm) and 6-inch (15 cm) barrel lengths. Like the 1998 version, the 2019 models have a six-round capacity, stainless steel for all major parts, and Smith and Wesson's safety-lock system. The 2019 version comes standard with black synthetic finger groove grips, a black blade interchangeable front sight, and an adjustable white outline rear sight. The 610 is capable of firing both 10mm and .40 S&W cartridges, using moon clips that come standard with the revolver.[3][better source needed]
