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One thing to really consider in a metal lathe is the hole through the headstock. The spindle hole is very important. On a metal lathe, you really need to support the stock as near to the cutter as possible. While you can use a steady rest, or a follow rest .... but by far, the easiest way to support the stock, is by working close to the chuck.
On a 10x30 the hole through the spindle is probably an inch or slightly more. The average for a 12x36 is 1 3/8" .... 1.5" is a really handy size to have on a lathe that you are going to use for gunsmithing.
The bigger, and heavier the lathe is, the morre stable it is, and the more accurate your work will be.
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