Can't decide. Both are excellent condition. $495 each. No, I can't afford both. This will be shot with mid-range 357 loads. Not a safe queen. I live
Arizona, so stainless isn't a big factor. Opinions? Thanks.

I've always preferred blued guns. Personally I'd go with the 19-3, it'd make a good companion to my wife's 66-3.

Stainless guns sure are easy to clean and care for. If it's going to be shot a bit, the 66 would likely be my choice.

66-1. $ 495 would be a steal in my neck of the woods. Bill.

I'd run a serious pre-purchase revolver check (if you don't know the fin points, do a forum search).

If they're truly equals in fit, finish and specs, it comes down to aesthetics versus practicality.

Blued 19? More aesthetically pleasing to me.

Stainless 66? More practical carrying, maintaining, and working on.

If one edges the other in any significant mechanical or cosmetic way after a good going over, forget the rest and take that one.

Yep !
Condition , Condition and condition....
If condition is the same which color do you like better?
Of course you realize the 66-1 is actually the equivilant of the 19-4 not the 19-3,
The 19-3 equivilant is the 66 no dash.

If you shoot alot the 66-1 has the gas ring on the cylinder and its finish will hold up better,
If the 19-3 has a serial that "Begins" with the letter "K" (like K999,999 or lower) I prefer the pre 1970 guns.

Thank you all for the info & advice. I'll post my decision & pics tomorrow.

I look forward to seeing the photos!
If it were me, I'd take the Model 19-3. It would pair up nicely with the nickel plated 19-3 already in my stable. But I don't think you can get hurt either way if they are in high condition.
Let us know what you decide!!!
JP

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I'd go for the M66-1 also.
What is the barrel length?
Jim

Either one would do for me.

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Only difference Fool/Mule-ears

You can't go wrong with either one.
The 19 won't show as much gunpowder residue as the 66 will, and it will take some elbow grease to remove the residue from the front of the cylinder on the 66. Not really a deal breaker though.
Good luck.

Picked the 19-3. It was only fired 25 times by the original owner. He still had the remaining 25 cartridges in the box! Lock up is tight. No end-shake what so ever. No top strap gas cutting, no wear ring around the cylinder, no holster marks, and no brass ring around the firing pin hole. Yes, I'm very pleased, and yes, I'm going to feed it with mid-range 158 grain lswc. I don't believe in safe-queens. I'll post gratuitous pic after work. Thank you all for the advice and opinions.

Flip a coin!

Not bad at all. A barely used Model 19-3 for just 5 bills? You can't complain about that.

I don't want to tell you what I paid for this little cutie. But I absolutely love shooting it. It is a 19-3 from 1976.

Jack

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Very nice!

Good choice- here's the -3 I just picked up

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Halfway and one more step

I am glad you went with the M19-3. Can't wait to see the pics. I like M19-3s. Here are a couple of mine with a M66-1 and a M12 thrown in.

I've got a nickle 19-3. They are sweet revolvers. Congratulations!

Get the 19. Blue is more awesome over longer time.

Show off!!!!

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RIP Shipmate

Congratulations on your -3! I haven't been much of a Kframe fan, but I ran across a -3 last year for a price I couldn't turn down and man, was that a good decision! It's great to carry, shoots like a laser, and it's just plain purty! I know you will love yours, don't forget a range report once you get the chance to shoot it!

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Even older, even crankier....

Cell phone pic.

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Yep! Certainly a good buy at 500 bucks.
You know, I just noticed on your picture how nice the target stocks look on this revolver with the heavy barrel. Somehow it looks better balanced than target stocks on a tapered barrel revolver. I like! (Not that I'm about to take the target stocks off any of my tapered barrel models - just an observation.)
JP

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I have to be honest. I'm a 1911 guy. I've owned a few S&W revolvers in the past including a 28 w/6" barrel, a pre-lock 686 w/4" barrel, & a 686 with the lock & 4" barrel. I really liked the 28, but this 19 is by far my favorite. Balance is wonderful, fits my hand perfectly, and it's just plain gorgeous. In my opinion, it doesn't get any better than old school S&W bluing.

msmyth01, congrats on the purchase. You will not be disappointed!

I understand. About 52 years ago, I started shooting handguns with an armory rebuilt 1911A1. I loved it then and I love it now. There are a few more 1911s in my safe now.
But a few months later, I started shooting a Combat Masterpiece and a Highway Patrolman and a K-22 (a 4 screw that belonged to my older brother). I absolutely fell in love with S&W revolvers and I've been shooting them and accumulating them ever since, beginning in earnest after I returned from 'Nam, where I carried a Model 15.
Nothing says we can't have eclectic tastes, right?
But I will say this for the revolvers: it is nice to go for a range session and not spend a third of my time picking up brass!!!
Jack

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I love 1911s. I love Smith revolvers. I wouldn't want to be without either. Nice 19. I need one!

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Peter
S&WCA #2620

Congrats on your new Combat Magnum have you estimated its DOB by the serial number yet?
I love all CMs but have had a keen interest in pre 1970 varients lately.

It dates to manufacture date of 1973.

I still kick myself for not buying a 66 for $200 when my department switched to wonder-nines back around '91. Us officers were given first dibs but with my now ex-wife I didn't have the money.

Great choice on the Model 19!