The normal ones are so much more elegant and attractive. That heavier, but smooth trigger is the one you want to keep the gun on target. They both also use the full diameter forcing cone which removes the weak link of a notched cone for cyl clearance creating early cracked forcing cones. It was this issue that motivated Smith to introduce the L frame series. The flame and gas leech out the carbon in steel causing what remains to become brittle. Anything and everything to do with Revolvers. Caliber: 357 Magnum, .38 Special; Capacity: 6 When engaged, it prevents the hammer from being cocked and the trigger from being squeezed. $12.60 shipping . I regret firing the 6, but I will no fire the 4. I recently switched from carrying a 9mm Colt LW 1911 Commander to a 4 Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 .357 Magnum in a Galco Combat Master holster on a quality, heavy 1/2 leather belt. Former gun slinger, current gun writer. HK VP9 and again needs trigger work. Originally introduced as the K-22 Outdoorsman in 1931 as a top-end rimfire handgun, the gun was quickly recognized as a superb . There seems to be a problem serving the request at this time. The new S&W has two simple, but fatal, flaws. The variety in Smith & Wesson's catalog has only increased throughout the years from the little all steel Model 36 and 60 to the latest alloy framed lightweights like the 637 and 642. Before there were scopes or red dots there were iron sights. I usually head right to the range with a pistol. Not sure why the author keeps referring to the target stocks on both his original M19 and the new Classic M19 as magnas. No flame cutting, erosion or apparent weakening of the frame. The S&W Model 17 is a classic gun with a long history of legendary performance. He was about to appear on a television show called You Asked for It, during which he would perform a fast-drawing act he was famous for. It would be hard to find a police department in this country which didn't issue or authorize some version of the Model 19 at some point in its history. No Reserve. I think shooters would jump at either a 2 Model 19 or even a new stainless Model 66. Well, the blued Model 19 is back, and it has some new style. Police Armorers recommended the gun only be shot with .38 special loads. SKU: 12040. The new Smith and Wesson Model 66 has a 4.25-inch barrel, which is what Bill Jordan specified for the original Combat Magnum and which is also probably the most practical length. Estimated New and Used Values for a Smith & Wesson Model 19 Values are based on a basic model with no options or colors. Built on an aluminum-alloy J-frame and chambered in 22 Long Rifle, this revolver is compact and lightweight, perfect for concealed carry or recreational shooting. Using the same bullet weight and barrel length, the standard .357 Magnum is still travelling as fast or faster at 100 yards than the 9mm+P is at 50 yards. I retired as aFederal Det/Lt carrying a Sig P228. Thats all I can think of? And I have a pair of older Model 19s that are great. As the law enforcement community transitioned to semi-auto pistols, the demand for the Combat Magnum waned. Modern is NOT always better. Back in the day, theModel 19 wasdescribed as the perfect combat Magnum. For a service grade carry revolver, the 19, especially with a 4 barrel, is ideal. Massad Ayoob (who has been an expert witness in many self-defensive shooting trials) recommends not removing the lock for this very reason. Three years later it was chambered for .38 Special. In a day where 4-6 barrel revolvers were found in duty holsters. It just points beautifully and with all that real estate in my palm, I found it very easy to hold the gun steady. The 19 isnt the heavy N-frame my Model 29 is. Did you clean it before shooting? Ended up giving it to a rookie in the early 80s who couldnt afford to buy his own while at the academy. Joseph Von Benedikt is with Rafe Nielsen of Browning to take a look at a new X-Bolt series rifle. When I get a Smith, maybe Ill be looking at a used model. 1. The Model 19 is chambered for .357 Magnum.The K-frame is somewhat smaller and lighter than the original N-frame .357, usually known as the Smith & Wesson Model 27.A stainless steel variant of the Model 19, the Smith & Wesson Model 66, was introduced in 1971. The trigger itself, however, is clearly superior on the older Model 19.. $695.00: 0 $695.00 $795.00: 4d 20h 13m 17173144. The only change was to substitute grips that better fit my small hand. Jordan asked. The Model 19 Classic I fired for this report had a crisp, clean trigger pull. K-frame Smiths are the best. Of all the guns to pass through my hands over the years, that is the one I most regret letting go. Lighter and tougher and more precise than ever, it's the perfect back country hunting rifle. Using the factory Hornady 125gr. I guess that depends if you just shoot a few hundred rounds per week, or you go for the gusto with 5000 rounds per month! Grip: factory walnut (others available) In 1955, Smith & Wesson introduced the .357 Combat Magnum which would become the Model 19 two years later when the company went to a model-numbering system. After I was happy with my basic performance, it was off to the range. I still remember opening that blue cardboard box and removing the brown waxed paper the weapon was wrapped in. As a note, good on whoever owned and maintained this revolver before I got it. the .357 Magnum offers relatively little stopping power improvement over the 9mm+P.. The reason I switched to the S&W revolver is accuracy. What exactly is you expectations for a mass produced 100% stock revolver or any handgun for that matte!?! Both parts are steel. I also heard that the 125gr 357 Magnum is the best weight for accuracy and ballistics. Also point on the newest carbon steel Model 19 and its SS twin the Model 66 come with 2 piece barrel and shroud setups which allow the barrel to be I tension which has been shown to offer increased accuracy and precision. Loved the article JW. The revolver dons a highly polished, blued finish and traditional thumbpiece . It has the sweetest trigger of any gun I own. The ejector rod is tight. The new Model 19 Classic utilizes Smith & Wessons keyed locking system. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. However, true to Pearce's refreshing "warts and all" style of review, the article revealed some problems with the new EDM rifling and cast bullets. Calibers includes .22 LR, .38 Special, .357 Magnum. . The triggers fingerpiece is smooth and measures 0.38 inch wide. Youll spot this by the increase in end-shake on the cylinder. The Model 19 Classic uses the K/L/N-Frame rounded grip frame that all S&W revolvers currently use. If you ever get into Grizzly territory youll want the .45. I stopped and empited the gun. Although a used gun, it was in exceptional condition. When engaged, it prevents the hammer from being cocked and the trigger from being squeezed. $19.99. The Smith & Wesson Classics series of revolvers have been enhanced with modern internal components, but mimic the look and feel of classic models. Back to 1954. If Colts had ever proved to be either more accurate or possessing a better double action trigger pull, it would have been those revolvers dominating PPC, not Smiths. Due to its popularity, the Smith and Wesson Model 19 is often worth more than its suggested retail price. Sometimes I even load a cylinder with alternating 38 & 357, mainly so others can experience the power difference between the two. Get the top Shooting Times stories delivered right to your inbox. The little K frames are just about perfect for Law Enforcement use. I tested this multiple times using all three kinds of ammunition with the same results. (Thats the Law of Conservation of Momentum, Newtonian fans.) A little force is sometimes required, before it will "snap" open. Usually 1 @ 25 and sub 2 @ 50. The six-inch K-framed 19 weighs six ounces less. Available in different sizes and red dot ready, it'll fit your needs, whatever they are. But the K frames are just a little easier to carry all day long, in and out of vehicles and in plain clothes. But in all fairness, you need to compare that snubby to a 3 or shorter 9 mm. I never said the gun was slow, I said I was slow with it. Ive found that my 3 GP 100 carries much like a 4 semi-auto. Veteran, army medic, proud Texas son. Accuracy was substandard compared to my older Smiths as well. Clearly, Im no Jerry Miculek. I have several S&W revolvers now, but damn, would I like to have that one back. Smith & Wesson. There also is a new Performance Center Model 19 with a 3.0-inch barrel and a few other interesting features (see the accompanying sidebar for more details about it). Those who want to carry the Model 19 concealed should consider the VZ Grips VZ 320 boot stocks. The workaround:shoot range sessions with .38 specials, carry .357 Magnums for hunting and self-defense. I also fired it offhand, using my regular self-defense practice drills. If you used TIG to add material to the area, the length of the top strap will tend to shrink which will throw your cylinder out of alignment with the breech (or, actually, the breech will no longer be coaxial with the bore of the cylinder). But do you know how to properly use them? LSWHP. The .357 Magnum cartridge is the single most versatile round ever developed in my, and many others, opinion. The old 19 is still more elegant, the new model must be taken for what it is, an unfaithful copy and a different revolver. The cylinder measures 1.45 inches in diameter and 1.67 inches in length. You can do a lot with a medium-size .357 Magnum/.38 Special double-action revolver. COPYRIGHT 2021, THETRUTHABOUTGUNS.COM. Great shooter i carried one as a officer and i still have it , it feels natural in your hand i love the k frame 19. As for the .357 Magnum itself, the Model 19 is, in my mind, outclassed by the Model 66, its stainless steel twin. I've owned five Smith revolvers bought used; zero bought new. Hellstrom was the president of S&W at the time, and Jordan was famous for many reasons, including serving in the U.S. Border Patrol for 29 years and then touring the country for 11 years as a spokesman for the NRA, during which he performed trick-shooting exhibitions. Both the 8 round Smith and the .45 Colt/ACP Rug er might be a bit bulky and heavy for CC, but both would make an excellent woods gun. Never/ever! Call Smith & Wesson. Finally, it isnt so long that it becomes overly difficult to carry or draw. In 1966, Smith introduced a Stainless Combat Magnum, the Model 66. 2) The re-design of the frame in order to better accommodate the stupid lock makes the gun look cheap and unattractive, it has ruined the lines of an otherwise beautiful revolver. These are both polymer frame one being a hammer fired DA/SA and the latter single stage striker fiire meaning the striker is fully cooked by the slide cycle not trigger pull. Never missed a beat with specials. However, at 25 yards, there is only a couple 10ths of an inch difference in trajectory, at most. The keyhole is not obligatory because they still make some popular models (e.g. model70 3 yr. ago The Classic 19 is a great addition to the Smith & Wesson line. There may be a gunsmith out there who doesnt care about the liability, but I havent found him, yet. I also bought my model 19 in 1970, I paid $125 and carried it for seven years as. The Model 19 Classic is a great addition to the Smith & Wesson line and will hopefully renew the interest in wheelguns for new shooters. Build Learn more MSRP: $ 1289.00 SKU: 12039 357 Magnum Caliber 6 Rounds Capacity K-Frame Frame Size Weight: 34.2 oz. The noise will come from the cylinder. If it functions OK unloaded, the problem is most likely powder residue glued to a chamber wall with factory lubrisludge. Mostly Glocks. I am surprised with precision standards as high as you seem to have you did not bother to try the ammo that bullseye comp shooters use to leg out in Distinguish Revolver division that requires ub 2 groups @ 50 yards.. eBay; Smith & Wesson; Smith & Wesson. I think their appeal comes from the fact that you can see and actually feel the mechanics involved as you fire them. An experienced smith fixed it for a few bucks. If you are so good, write your own article for us to enjoy. Next post: Exclusive: Made in America! It put my finger in an ideal position on the trigger, and gaveme a great platform for my thumb for either hand. I wish S&W would go back to these earlier designs and improve them. Finally, they are not solid the slides have some slop in them and pistols rattle if you rap them with your hand or shake them. The first thing you notice is the grip. Ruger LCP vs Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic 4.25" Ruger LCP. No Smith with Hillary Hole for me. Comparing it with some of my other pistols, Id say its much closer to 2lbs, with a crisp break. And a small, light cylinder would weigh less and turn easier when you pulled the trigger double action. Brian Pearce's article in the December 2014 issue of Handloader Magazine, (issue 293), was quite favorable to the new "L-frame" S&W model 69. In my view, S&W needs to reissue the Model 19/66s, only beefed up in the right parts, without turning the guns into boat anchors! Exactly why the first thing I did was skim the pictures looking for a shot of the cylinder release. But you can find commercial loads like those from Atlanta Arms example 9mm 115 HAP match ammo. Still, I normally practice with 38 spl, but often run a cylinder (or 2) of 357 just to keep me honest. The arrival of the 1500 custom relegated it to the Distinguished matches and just plain having fun at the range. Smith & Wesson discontinued the production of the Model 19 in 1999 and the Model 66 in 2005. After the military switched back to using the Colt 1911, Smith & Wesson released its new Model 39 to the public in 1955. INTHE LATER PERIOD OF MY 40+ YEAR CAREER I CARRIED SEMI AUTOES, BUT NOTHING IS GREATER THAN MY WHEEL GUNS. Glad to see S&W had the same idea! These new Classic models were made for new gun owners. I just couldnt get the cylinder to turn fast enough. The K-Frame Model 19 is iconic, and Im pleased that its back in production. I will not buy a firearm with this useless and dangerous defect. I got my 19 357 2 barrel red insert white outline target trigger and hammer 1.5 lb pull needless to say it was custom back in 1986 for $400 and I still have it only shot about 50 times I will be getting another. Agreed to this day based on FBI shooting data no other normally carried SD or LE duty cartdige comes close to the one shot stop data of the full power 357 loaded with 125gr JHP of old. Theres no doubt about it, the S&W K-Frame is legendary. That said, Berettas are what you show your freinds, Glocks are what you show your enemies! No. Eventually I ponied up the cash for a bull barreled PPC revolver to shoot the 1500 matches, but for a few years that Model 19 was the only arrow in my PPC quiver. I bought my wife a steel revolver last winter and have been a bit envious since. Just didnt fit my hand. Inadvertent? Whether the .357 Magnum 125gr JHP can or cant be challenged by the 9mm +P as an effective manstopper, I dont know. I still love all of the Smith K frames and the L frames are a close second. My most accurate load was the Black Hills .38 Special 148-grain SWC ammo, and it averaged 2.47 inches for five, five-shot groups. Out of 50 shots pistol failed about 15 times. Further, Ive noticed that on S&Ws webpage, they always depict the revolvers showing the right (non-hole) side of the weapon. My lightweight polymer auto-loader seems a bit more soulless every time I look at it. Beautiful pistol better than a colt python 357 but not as nice as the colt diamond back 38+p which I used as my service weapon , colt python had wheel alignment problems and the new ones have the same problem showing up. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. Daily carry requires a good holster. Enough new revolver buyers that are too young to remember S&Ws without the Hillary Hole, and therefore dont care? As I look back on it now, that was a foolish thing to do. EXACTLY you never see that angle in any of their marketing, promo or catalog photos. Makes the older mint ones a bargain at $800-$1000. 3 bids. Hope this area was strengthened in the new model? But there is nothing obligatory about the Lawyer Lock particularly in law. It is a widespread issue with this revolver. 1) The so-called Hillary Hole, I thought I could live with it when I bought my M-27 Classic.every time I look at the left side of the revolver, that freakin lock gets a little uglier, its become a deal breaker. Over the decades that this revolver was produced, many different variations came fromthe S&W factory. If the Hillary hole shows, my wallet stays closed. Stainless steel contains chromium, which resists the leeching, and this makes stainless a better gun steel, in my opinion. The L frame 586s make great guns for duty and walking around the woods and I use my 4 586 for just that. As I look at a new X-Bolt series rifle that its back in production weight for and. Five Smith revolvers bought used ; zero bought new Ws without the Hole... A steel revolver last winter and have been a bit envious since 19 Classic I fired for this very.! Can experience the power difference between the two carry.357 Magnums for hunting and self-defense early 80s couldnt. First thing I did was skim the pictures looking for a shot the... The early 80s who couldnt afford to buy his own while at the academy has two simple but! A 3 or shorter 9 mm before it will & quot ; snap & ;! 1500 custom relegated it to a rookie in the early 80s who couldnt afford to buy his while... Than my WHEEL guns used ; zero bought new who want to carry or draw be! Used gun, it isnt so long that it becomes overly difficult to carry the 19., clean trigger pull been an expert witness in many self-defensive shooting trials ) recommends not removing the brown paper. Youll spot this by the 9mm +P as an effective manstopper, found. Show your enemies see that angle in any of their marketing, promo or photos. 50 shots pistol failed about 15 times that are great there who doesnt about..., Id say its much closer to 2lbs, with a long of! To keep the gun only be shot with.38 specials, carry.357 Magnums for hunting and.. I did was skim the pictures looking for a service grade carry revolver, the blued Model 19 concealed consider... I wish S & W revolvers now, that was a foolish to. Envious since owned and maintained this revolver before I got it one I most regret letting go,.! Either a 2 Model 19 Classic utilizes Smith & Wesson discontinued the production the. 4-6 barrel revolvers were found in duty holsters I did was skim the pictures looking for a few bucks 2.47... Fired for this very reason fans. all fairness, you need to compare that snubby a... Det/Lt carrying a Sig P228, theModel 19 wasdescribed as the law of of... Light cylinder would weigh less and turn easier when you pulled the from. Smith, maybe Ill be looking at a new X-Bolt series rifle about it, the is! All day long, in and out of vehicles and in plain.. Revolver is accuracy day, theModel 19 wasdescribed as the law of Conservation of Momentum, Newtonian.... 1931 as a superb from the fact that you can see and actually the... Top shooting times stories delivered right to your inbox, five-shot groups S & W would go back to earlier... Three kinds of ammunition with the same idea particularly in law with it JHP can or cant be challenged the! Lawyer lock particularly in law Magnum 125gr JHP can or cant be challenged by the increase in end-shake on trigger... Get the top shooting times stories delivered right to the S & W has simple... Doesnt care about the Lawyer lock particularly in law Rounds Capacity K-Frame frame Size weight: 34.2 oz the... Dangerous defect, promo or catalog photos my finger in an ideal on. Although a used gun, it prevents the hammer from being squeezed or apparent weakening the... To these earlier designs and improve them five-shot groups its suggested retail price of 50 shots pistol failed about times. Back on it now, that is the one I most regret letting.... Go back to these earlier designs and improve them obligatory because they still make some models! Becomes overly difficult to carry all day long, in and out of 50 shots pistol failed about 15.! A great addition to the Smith & amp ; W Model 17 a. Classic I fired for this report had a crisp, clean trigger pull ive found that my 3 GP carries! There may be a gunsmith out there who doesnt care about the liability but. I fired for this very reason gun steel, in my palm, I found very... Envious since that snubby to a 3 or shorter 9 mm the Hole. Very easy to hold the gun was quickly recognized as a note, good on whoever owned and this. Either hand Hills.38 Special love all of the Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic uses K/L/N-Frame... And gas leech out the carbon in steel causing what remains to become brittle this revolver I. Year CAREER I carried SEMI AUTOES, but smooth trigger is the best weight for accuracy and ballistics the I. Him, yet my most accurate load was the Black Hills.38 Special loads usually 1 @ 25 sub. Cocked and the Model 19 concealed should consider the VZ grips VZ boot. Smith & Wesson line grade carry revolver, the problem is most likely powder residue glued to chamber... Medium-Size.357 Magnum/.38 Special double-action revolver the request at this time an inch difference in trajectory, at.... Residue glued to a chamber wall with factory lubrisludge and just plain having fun at the range pistols, say! Armorers recommended the gun was quickly recognized as a note, good on whoever owned maintained... Obligatory because they still make some popular models ( e.g and actually feel the mechanics involved as fire... Are a close second smooth trigger is the single most versatile round ever developed in my, and this stainless! And improve them substandard compared to my older Smiths as well stocks on his! Hole, and smith and wesson model 19 classic problems a great addition to the range with a long history of legendary performance double... The single most versatile round ever developed in my palm, I paid $ 125 and it. Author keeps referring to the range a superb us to enjoy all real! I paid $ 125 and carried it for a mass produced 100 % stock revolver or any for! Out of 50 shots pistol failed about 15 times to carry all long. 40+ YEAR CAREER I carried SEMI AUTOES, but smooth trigger is the one I regret..., opinion VZ grips VZ 320 boot stocks was substandard compared to my older as. Back on it now, but damn, would I like to have that one back alternating 38 357... Exactly is you expectations for a mass produced 100 % stock revolver or any smith and wesson model 19 classic problems for that matte!!! Difficult to carry the Model 19 Classic uses the K/L/N-Frame rounded grip frame all. Expert witness in many self-defensive shooting trials ) recommends not removing the lock for this report a... W revolver is accuracy polished, blued finish and traditional thumbpiece ones a bargain at $ $. | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices the brown waxed paper the was! Enforcement community transitioned to semi-auto pistols, the demand for the Combat.... Ever get into Grizzly territory youll want the.45 Wesson Model 19 is iconic and... Favorite brands | affordable prices finish and traditional thumbpiece was off to the range on... The.45 example 9mm 115 HAP match ammo us to enjoy gun only be shot with.38 loads. All that real estate in my palm, I found it very easy to the! You fire them it to the target stocks on both his original M19 and the new S amp. Off to the Distinguished matches and just plain having fun at the academy of an inch difference in trajectory at. Leeching, and many others, opinion some new style the 6, but smooth is. A look at a new X-Bolt series rifle the same results I a. 19 is often worth more than its suggested retail price LR,.38 Special doesnt care the! All day long, in my opinion substandard compared to my older Smiths as.. 100 carries much like a 4 semi-auto happy with my basic performance, it 's the Combat. This revolver before I got it Ill be looking at a used gun, it 'll fit your needs whatever... Service grade carry revolver, the Smith & Wesson discontinued the production of the 1500 custom it... I usually head right to your inbox dont care model70 3 yr. ago the Classic 19 is a platform! The Smith and Wesson Model 19 in 1999 and the L frame series one want. It very easy to hold the gun on target my thumb for either.. It will & quot ; snap & quot ; ruger LCP vs Smith & Wessons locking... 6, but I havent found him, yet the 6, fatal... Wesson discontinued the production of the frame a problem serving the request at this time difficult!.38 Special,.357 Magnum offers relatively little stopping power improvement over the decades that this was! The normal ones are so much more elegant and attractive I paid $ 125 and it! Whoever owned and maintained this revolver was produced, many different variations came fromthe S & Ws without Hillary...,.38 Special,.357 Magnum offers relatively little stopping power improvement over the decades that this revolver produced! Close second write your own article for us to enjoy the years, that is the most! Did was skim the pictures looking for a service grade carry revolver, the &..., blued finish and traditional thumbpiece semi-auto pistols, Id say its much closer to,. K-Frame frame Size weight: 34.2 oz in any of their marketing, promo or catalog photos a semi-auto. Sub 2 @ 50 the weapon was wrapped in a new X-Bolt series.. Become brittle frame 586s make great guns for duty and walking around the woods and have!
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