Smith & Wesson Model 10

Lore & Background

The Smith & Wesson Model 10 is a staple of the Mafia series, reflecting the era's law enforcement and criminal arsenals. Its presence underscores the game's commitment to period authenticity, as the Model 10 was a widely issued police revolver in the 1930s, favored for its rugged simplicity. The weapon's straightforward design makes it a favorite for both gangsters and cops, appearing in countless shootouts across Lost Heaven's docks, speakeasies, and rain-soaked alleys. In Mafia: Definitive Edition, the Model 10 retains its classic silhouette but receives updated visuals and sound effects—the cylinder's metallic click and the sharp crack of .38 Special rounds now carry a visceral weight. It is often found on fallen enemies or in hidden caches, serving as a reliable backup when more powerful firearms are scarce. The revolver's slow reload and limited capacity force players to aim carefully, rewarding precision over spray-and-pray tactics. The Model 10's role in the story is emblematic of the game's themes: a tool of survival in a world where violence is routine. Tommy Angelo uses it to defend himself, execute orders, and sometimes to make difficult choices, such as when he must eliminate a traitor or escape a police ambush. Its frequent appearance ties it to the player's journey from cab driver to made man.

In Their Own Story

The rain-slicked cobblestones of Oakwood reflected the flickering neon of a bar sign. Tommy pressed his back against the brick wall, the Model 10's grip slick in his palm. Across the alley, a silhouette moved—a cop, maybe, or a rival. He'd taken this revolver off a flatfoot two weeks ago, after the shooting at Salieri's bar. It smelled of gunpowder and oil. He thumbed back the hammer, the click loud in the quiet. 'Just one shot,' he whispered, 'and it's over.' The silhouette stepped into the light—it was Paulie, grinning. 'Put that pea-shooter away, Tommy. We got work to do.'

Reader's Guide

The Smith & Wesson Model 10 is a medium-range revolver that serves as a reliable sidearm throughout Mafia and Mafia: Definitive Edition. It is typically the first firearm the player obtains, often acquired from a downed police officer or found in a desk drawer during early missions. The weapon holds six rounds and must be reloaded manually, one bullet at a time, making it slow to reload under pressure—so make every shot count. Its damage is moderate: two or three well-placed chest shots drop an unarmored thug, but armored foes will shrug off half a cylinder unless you aim for the head. Use the Model 10 for close-quarters engagements where accuracy matters more than volume of fire. Aim for headshots to conserve ammunition and drop enemies fast. In the Definitive Edition, the revolver's iron sights are crisp and clear, making it a surprisingly effective tool for mid-range snap shots. When facing multiple opponents, duck behind cover between shots; the slow rate of fire leaves you vulnerable if you stand your ground. It's a gun that rewards patience and steady nerves—just like Tommy himself.

Did You Know?

• In Mafia: Definitive Edition, the revolver's reload animation shows the cylinder being swung out, a detail absent from the original game due to technical limitations.
• In real life, the Model 10 was produced in various barrel lengths; the in-game version appears to have a 4-inch barrel, common for police issue and ideal for quick draw from a shoulder holster.