Smith & Wesson Model 310 Night Guard
Smith & Wesson · Pistol · Discontinued · 2009
Also known as: 310NG, Model 310 NG
Overview
The Smith & Wesson Model 310 Night Guard is a compact N-frame revolver chambered in 10mm Auto, introduced in 2009 as part of Smith & Wesson's innovative Night Guard series designed for law enforcement and defensive carry in low-light conditions. Built on the company's large N-frame architecture with a scandium aluminum alloy construction, the Model 310 weighs just 28 ounces despite its substantial frame size, making it one of the lightest 10mm revolvers ever produced. The revolver features a 2.5-inch stainless steel barrel, six-shot cylinder, and utilizes full moon clips to accommodate the rimless 10mm Auto cartridge, while also accepting the milder .40 S&W round for reduced-recoil training or duty use. The Night Guard series signature features include an XS Express tritium night sight at the front for low-light aiming, a fixed rear sight, Pachmayr Compac synthetic grips optimized for concealment, and a matte black PVE (Physical Vapor Deposition) finish that reduces glare and enhances corrosion resistance. Introduced a full year after the initial Night Guard lineup at the 2009 SHOT Show, the Model 310 represented the first and only N-frame revolver chambered in 10mm using scandium alloy construction, filling a unique niche for users seeking maximum power in a lightweight, concealable package.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 794 g (28.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Barrel Length | 64 mm (2.52") |
| Height | 152 mm (5.98") |
| Width | 42 mm (1.65") |
| Firing Mechanism | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Type | Double Action Single Action |
| Trigger Pull | 54 N (12.1 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 6 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Rotary |
| Muzzle Velocity | 335 m/s (1099 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 654 J (482 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 45 m (49 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 457 mm (17.99") |
| Number of Grooves | 5 |
| Frame Material | Scandium Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Stainless Steel |
| Stock Material | Synthetic |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 10mm Auto · primary — also known as 10mm, 10x25mm
- .40 S&W — also known as .40 Smith & Wesson, 10x22mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Revolving Cylinder
- Safety mechanisms: Transfer Bar, Internal Lock
- Features: N Frame, Tritium Night Sights, Scandium Alloy Frame, Full Moon Clips, Compact 2 5 Inch Barrel, Pachmayr Compac Grips, Xsexpress Tritium Front Sight, Matte Black Pve Finish
Production
Production years: 2009-2011
Very limited two-year production run; introduced one year after initial Night Guard series
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 2011
Notes
The Model 310 Night Guard was introduced at the 2009 SHOT Show, appearing a full year after the initial Night Guard series debut in 2008. It was the first 10mm-chambered N-frame revolver built from scandium alloy, making it significantly lighter than traditional steel-framed alternatives. The revolver requires moon clips for reliable extraction of rimless 10mm Auto and .40 S&W cartridges; S&W included two full-moon clips with each purchase. The matte black finish uses Physical Vapor Deposition (PVE) technology rather than traditional bluing or Melonite, providing superior scratch and corrosion resistance. Due to the lightweight scandium frame and powerful 10mm chambering, felt recoil is substantial, particularly with full-power 10mm loads approaching 650 ft-lbs of energy. Production lasted only two years (2009-2011), making the Model 310 Night Guard one of the rarest Night Guard variants and highly collectible today. Original MSRP was approximately $1,149 USD. The XS Express tritium front sight features a large white dot surrounding the tritium vial for rapid target acquisition in varying light conditions.
Background
The Model 310 Night Guard holds the distinction of being the first and only production N-frame revolver chambered in 10mm Auto built from exotic scandium alloy. Its brief production run and unique chambering have made it one of the most sought-after Night Guard variants among collectors, with pristine examples commanding significant premiums over the original retail price.