Smith & Wesson S&W Model 1026 10mm 5″ DA/SA Semi-Auto Pistol, 1990-1991
SOLD FOR: $1,576.00
LSB#: LSB260403NF012
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 1026
Serial Number: TFD5431
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1990-1991 / Modern
Caliber: 10mm Auto
Action Type: Double Action / Single Action, Semi-Automatic Pistol with Frame Mounted Decocker Lever, fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “SMITH & WESSON / SPRINGFIELD, MA U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame is marked “TFD5431 / MOD 1026”. The right side of the slide is marked “CAUTION: REFER TO INSTRUCTION MANUAL”, “CAUTION – CAPABLE OF FIRING / WITH MAGAZINE REMOVED”. The top of the barrel is marked “10MM”. The right side of the frame is marked with the S&W logo.
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tritium dotted blade dovetailed to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch sight with two tritium lamps, dovetailed to the slide. The tritium in the front sight is dim in low light conditions and the tritium in the rear sight is completely depleted.
Stock/Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are a one-piece checkered polymer grip, with smooth borders. The grip shows light handling wear. The checkering is well defined, with sharp peaks. The grip fits tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Excellent condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 9rd 10mm Smith & Wesson magazine in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light operational wear, visible on the chamber and on the barrel. There are scattered light scratches on the slide and frame. The markings are clear and legible. The pins are unmarred. Overall, this pistol rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the decocker lever. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes a total of one magazine.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 1026 is one of the more interesting members of S&W’s short-lived but highly regarded 10mm Auto third-generation pistol family. Built during the early 1990s, the 10xx series was developed during a period of serious law enforcement and commercial interest in the powerful 10mm cartridge, which offered greater velocity and energy than many traditional service pistol chamberings. The Model 1026 used Smith & Wesson’s robust stainless-steel construction, full-size 5 inch barrel, DA/SA operating system, and detachable 9-round magazine, giving it the strength and handling characteristics needed for the 10mm Auto cartridge. Compared with more common S&W service pistols of the period, the 1026 stands out for its specialized chambering, all-stainless build, and association with the brief but memorable rise of 10mm duty pistols in American law enforcement and defensive handgun markets.
This example remains in Fine condition overall, retaining approximately 95 percent of its original stainless finish with only light operational wear visible on the chamber and barrel, along with scattered light scratches on the slide and frame. The one-piece checkered polymer grip remains in Excellent condition with sharp checkering, tight fit, and no noted chips or cracks. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, showing only some fouling and rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion. The action functions correctly, and the pistol includes one Smith & Wesson 9-round 10mm magazine in Excellent condition. The tritium sights remain installed, though the front lamp is dim and the rear lamps are depleted, which is common on night sights of this age. Overall, this is a clean and desirable S&W Model 1026 that combines classic third-generation Smith & Wesson quality with the collectible appeal and performance reputation of the 10mm Auto cartridge. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -L.S.