New 19-5

[CA357]

This takes a bit of explaining, so bear with me.

I carry a Kimber Pro Carry II as my every day carry pistol. However, my arthritis is now getting so bad that I occasionally limp wrist and get an FTF. I decided that it may be time to think about carrying a revolver.

I knew I wanted a .357, so I thought about a Model 60, but I want six rounds. That led me to thinking about a Model 66.

Money's tight, so if I want a gun, I have to sell a gun. I had a really sweet, practically unfired Colt Diamondback, easily 95% +. It was beautiful, but I didn't want to shoot it. So, I sold it today. We did the transfer at a gun shop about 60 miles from here that I hadn't ever been to before. So, while I was at the shop I casually asked if they had any stainless S&W's in back. They wound up bringing out a 6" 686+ and a 3" Model 60, both with the internal locks. That's no go for me.

Anyway after chatting a bit, the owner went in the back and came out with a beautiful 4" Model 19-5. It looks practically unfired and the bluing is pretty much perfect. I think it has target stocks. There's a chip on the bottom of the grip, but that was the only flaw I could see.

I actually prefer stainless or Parkerized guns for carry, but this 19 just called my name. So, I did the right thing and bought it. I mean it needed a home where it would be appreciated and loved.

It looks to be manufactured in 1984 and it's the first change that's not pinned and recessed. Unless you experts tell me differently, I plan on putting it to work as a carry gun. Is it good to go as a carry piece or would that be a sacrilege?

Being in Kalifornistan I have to wait ten days to bring it home which is pretty stupid, since I walked into and out of the shop armed.

I'll post pics when I bail it out of gun jail.

BTW, this being CA where everything is overpriced, I paid $525. I felt it was a good price for this bastion of liberaldom.

[dscampbell]

As a fellow California resident I agree that what is available is getting over priced compared to other states. A model 19 is a great carry piece in my opinion. I just got a model 15-4 in a trade and love it. My arthritis is bad enough that I use .38 Spl rather than .357 mag so the model 15 works for me. Enjoy

[CA357]

Thanks.

I wonder how tough it's going to be to conceal. I carry IWB my 1911. I think I'll have to go with a regular belt holster for this one.

[ma deuce]

You might want to start by replacing the target stocks with magnas or similar. You didn't say if it's round butt or square, but I think you'll have more choices if it's round butt.

As far as paying $525, don't you let anybody tell you overpaid. Here in the People's Republic, we'd say you got a pretty good bargain.

[CA357]

Ma Deuce, I'll look into some Magnas, I need to thin it out as much as possible.

So I guess the consensus is that it will be okay to carry and shoot this baby, right?

I'm pretty sure it's a square butt. I didn't remove the stocks, but it has an exposed backstrap.

[Murphy2000]

Congratulations on your new carry piece.

All of the model 19-5's I've ever saw other than the two and a half inch models where square butt.

As for shooting it? I picked up my 19-5 8 years ago. I've put 1,000 of standard velocity .38 Specials thru it. I've shot a few hundred 158 grain magnum loads as well.

As for the Model 19-5 series in general, my favorite gunsmith in Oklahoma is a retired state amoror. I had him chamfer the cylinders and do general going over of mine when I bought it. He informed me that he felt the Model 19-5's were the best of the Model 19's ever produced.

Enjoy your new baby when it gets outta 'gun jail'. I feel for you folks out that way, it has to totally suck to have to put up with the gun regs there.

Murphy2000

[Doug M.]

If you mean failures to fire by FTF ( as opposed to a failure to feed), look at the discussion Hilton Yam has about the Kimber Series II guns and the Swart safety generally. (10-8performance.com). The complexity of the system can result in malfunctions when the Swartz does not correctly/fully disengage. Being in California, you might have a hard time getting a series 70 (or even 80) style 1911.

[CA357]

Doug, out here we have to have the gun/s we will carry listed on our permit. That means that I will have to pay a trainer to "qualify" me on the 19 so I can add it to my permit.

Once I have it on my permit, I'm probably going to sell the Kimber and just stay with the revolver. If I keep it, it will just do range duty.

We are presently looking at moving to Southern Oregon. I imagine the CC regs are better there. I really want to move back to America.

[photoman]

I'd say you got a good deal at $525. Find some PC magna stocks, a Tyler grip adapter, load it with some Gold Dots and carry it in a quality pancake holster. A classic, reliable and effective carry combo.