Hello,

Been thinking about getting a 4" revolver for informal target shooting, plinking and general field use.

Other than the ability to shoot the .357, is the Model 19 any more desirable than any of the others??

Are the internals the same?? How about smoothness and shootability??

Given your choice of the following:

K-38, Model 14, Model 15, Model 19:

If you don't mind my asking, what's your choice and why?

Thanks in advance,

rudyc

Well k-38's and model 14's are the same and usually have 6" barrels(but sometimes with 4")Model 15's came with 4"or 2" barrels.Model 19's with 2 1/2",4" or 6".
If you are only going to shoot 38 specials then get a model 15.IMHO



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As you stated, the only real difference is the ability to shoot magnums. The M19 Combat Magnum does have a shrouded ejector rod which makes a difference to some.
The K-38 Masterpiece is a M14
The K-38 Combat Masterpiece is a M15
Typically M14's have a 6" barrel.
Typically M15's have either a 2" or 4" barrel.
There are exceptions.
They are all the same gun.
I own several M19, a couple of M15's and am looking for the right deal on a M14. so to answer your question, all of the above.

I went through this same line of thinking recently. I went with a 4" model 15-3. Being that I only shoot .38 specials when "plinking", was the deal maker behind my decision.

For shooting .357's, I have my 686 4"

maybe the caliber more than the gun, but my 14's outshot any other smith i have owned. and thats a lot.

For informal target shooting, the Model 14 with 6" barrel is hard to beat. If ya just have to have a four incher, you will find it difficult but not impossible to find a four inch Model 14.
I wouldn't get a Model 19 if I was never going to shoot a .357 mag load in it.....almost seem like a sin.
That would leave my choice the Model 15 if in a hurry and the Model 14 if you feel like searching high and low.....or asking the right person at the right time. Good luck!!

quote:

K-38, Model 14, Model 15 and Model 19

I think that is an excellent choice

You might also consider a stainless model. I am very happy with my 67 (stainless version of M15)

I thought the 15 was on a smaller frame than the 19, and therefore lighter in weight. Not sure of my recollection and not sufficiently motivated to go look it up and be sure.

I've got everyone you mentioned, and they are all great. The actions inside between all the different models(year for year) are about the same. A target model might have an internal trigger stop, while another might not. A model 10 4" HB is another favorite. You can be pretty accurate at 25 yards with those fixed sights! It seems the more they are shot, the smoother they get....And I shoot all 38's whether its a 581, 586 or model 19. Sorta standardizes the fleet. I had my model 15-3 out today and was a joy to shoot!

i've got a 14 & 15 both are great fun and I would love to have 19. You can never have too many quailty firearms.

quote:

Originally posted by user:
I thought the 15 was on a smaller frame than the 19, and therefore lighter in weight. Not sure of my recollection and not sufficiently motivated to go look it up and be sure.

It is on the same frame and it is slightly lighter. The 15 has a tapered barrel (except in the last version) no ejector rod shroud and a slightly shorter cylinder, all of which save a few ounces.

I know you said 4", but for your stated purposes I would pick a 6" M-14. Fine shooting revolvers. Although I own .357s, I find I shoot way more .38s and would not care if my .357s were all .38s. If I want more than .38+P power, I've got .44 mags. I find myself shooting more and more .38s - it's a lot of fun.

Bottom Line: Buy them when your find them!

I turned down a Model 14 18 months ago. Price tag was $300.000 OTD. I kick myself every time I think about it now.

jholder ,," I kick myself every time I think about it now"
Gun shops ,pawn shops ,gun shows ,yard sales ,private party ads in the local newspaper ,,the hunt is on.

The 6" barrel on the model 14 is a great place to start. I find it more shootable out to 50 yards than the 4" revolvers.

You just can't have too many Smiths ,,





From the top left , 14-3 with Bo mar rib, K-38 5" , Combat Magnum , 19-2 , 14-2 4" , 66 4" , 66-2 4" , 19-3 2 1/2 nickel , 15-3 2" nickel , M&P 4" heavy barrel 1956 , 10-6 4" nickel , 13-3 4" nickel , 13-3 3" , 13-2 3" , 10-8 3" , M&P 2" 1948 , 12-2 , Victory model , M&P postwar 'S' , M&p 4" 1956 , 10-8 4".

Every single one a damn good shooter.

Regards ,,AL