Smith & Wesson Model 1006

About the Smith & Wesson Model 1006

The Smith & Wesson Model 1006 is a full-size, third-generation semi-automatic pistol chambered in 10mm Auto, introduced in 1990 during the height of law enforcement interest in the powerful 10mm cartridge following the FBI's adoption of the caliber. Built on Smith & Wesson's robust large frame to handle the significant power of 10mm Auto ammunition, the 1006 features all-stainless steel construction with a 5-inch barrel, traditional double-action/single-action trigger mechanism with slide-mounted ambidextrous decocker/safety lever, and a 9-round single-column magazine. The pistol incorporates Smith & Wesson's third-generation design improvements including wrap-around Xenoy grips, reversible magazine release, curved backstrap for improved ergonomics, and a choice of fixed three-dot or adjustable rear sights. Despite its quality construction and the growing interest in 10mm at the time, the Model 1006 and its variants faced challenges in the marketplace as the FBI's brief 10mm experiment ended with the development of the .40 S&W cartridge, leading to limited production runs and eventual discontinuation in 1993.

The 1006 emerged from the FBI's response to the infamous 1986 Miami shootout, where two heavily armed bank robbers killed two FBI agents and wounded five others despite being shot multiple times with 9mm and .38 Special rounds. This led the Bureau to adopt 10mm Auto, briefly making it America's most prestigious law enforcement cartridge-until recoil concerns spawned the .40 S&W and relegated the 10mm to niche status.

Smith & Wesson Model 1006 specifications

The Model 1006 was part of Smith & Wesson's attempt to capitalize on the FBI's adoption of the 10mm Auto cartridge following the 1986 Miami shootout. The FBI's move to full-power 10mm proved short-lived due to concerns about recoil, shooter qualification difficulties, and higher ammunition costs. By the time the 1006 reached full production, the FBI had already collaborated with Winchester to develop the .40 S&W as a more manageable alternative. The 1006 was available with both fixed and adjustable sights. Total production across all S&W 10mm variants (1006, 1026, 1046, 1066, 1076, 1086) was approximately 50,796 units before the entire line was discontinued. The FBI received only 2,400 Model 1076 pistols before canceling their 10,000-unit contract. The Model 1006's robust all-stainless construction made it one of the strongest production 10mm pistols ever built, easily handling full-power loads that proved problematic for lighter firearms.