Absolutely!

I guess what I was trying to do was differentiate the difference between the balance and the feel of the gun in general, and the way the trigger reach/grip size does to the feel of the gun in that sense.

I really can't decide because I am in love with the 19/586/27 altogether and would be proud to own any of them!

A colt python is a rather beautiful gun as well would own one if I could find one in good shape that wasn't so darned expensive. I'll pony up for one eventually though, too nice not to have.

John.

without a doubt, the addition of target trigger and target hammer, along with the best fitting stocks makes the 19 4" almost perfect.
what's perfect? i don't know.

Much as I disliked them when they first appeared, I have to admit the utility, if not the beauty, of stainless revolvers is indisputable, so I'd be inclined to go along with Texas Star. Nevertheless, I still prefer blued steel guns, and the 19s are way up there on the list.

Of the different engineering changes, I believe I like the -4 guns the best, though some of the earlier guns are prettier, and as a practical matter I have no objections to the later -5 and -6 versions.

I'd go along with the 19/66 as being possibly "the best revolver ever" if used the way I use them - which is mostly with ~1000FPS loads in magnum cases. If, for some reason, I had to use full-charge .357 ammo more or less exclusively, then a 586 probably would be my choice. Unfortunately, none of the 586s I have owned or been around have been as nicely finished as my earlier M19s, though the 586s have always been very accurate guns - probably thanks to the increased weight more than anything else. They're both great revolvers, but I will always have a soft spot for the Combat Magnum.

I'm new to this forum and have only hung around the revolver section (because that is my only S&W interest). From this short exposure, one thing has really impressed me and this thread is a perfect example: the civil, amiable, nonconfrontational discourse among members.
If someone had gone onto some of the other forums I have been on and said " xxx is the best ever", it would be no time at all before the discussion degenerated into insults and name calling.
But not on this one. Kudos to you all.
Some even suggested that the Ruger Security Six/Python was the best ever!
Say that about the 19 on the Ruger/Colt forums and you would be crucified.
My hat is off to all the members here and I'm happy to have found a friendly, knowledgeable place to visit. And a big thanks for the new knowledge that I get everytime I visit.
Mike

Best revolver... hmmm...

For what purpose or reason?

Wearing a 3" 13-3 right now. It's best for carry IMO, but I also have a 3" 65-5 which fits in the same holster and would be better under certain circumstances.

Woods walking I like a 3" 629-2, but for long range I like a 629-3 Classic Hunter.

For most purposes, a 4" 624 is sufficient, but a 3" packs even better.

My point is, it depends on what you are doing to determine which one is best.

The 586 can eat full power magnums all day long, the 19 can too if you use bullets in the 158g class.

Grips are the same on K & L frames, but bulk is more on the L. K frames are renown for their balance and feel, so I understand why it might become a favorite.

Start a collection, see if I'm right. Be like the rest of us , a hardcore collector.

I would own one of each if I could and that's the truth my friend.

Go slow, buy - don't sell, only buy when you can, never use rent money.

Took me 30 years, it's not something you can do overnight.

Opportunity and money must meet, it's not easy but it's worth it.

I have no desire to own a m19. My 2 of m27-2, my three m28's, my ruger security six(no screws to come loose), and my Redhawk in 357 keeps me happy. My k38's are 38 special.

Mike ......let's not get carried away with the Ruger and Python thing......OK!!!

No K frames for me. It seems I am in the minority.

I vote for the 4" 586/686 as the best overall revolver with a 4" N frame in .44 mag a close second.

I have been fortunate enough to try several models. The ones I shoot the best are my 2.5' model 19, my 3.5" and 8 3/8" pre model 27's, my 6.5" 1950 models in pre-28? (fixed sight, Washington State Patrol), pre-24, and pre-25 (1955). I would had to have to choose one or even two from the lot to keep alone.

For me, the Model 19 is the one. Just recently took this 19-2 out for the 1st time and it was hitting 3inch shoot-n-see's at 10yds with 158gr magnums right off. I did not even have to adjust the sights.

Best overall 6" 686, best for edc IWB 2 1/2" 66, most accurate 8 3/8" 629.

My first centerfire handgun was in 1970...a blue 19-3 with standard hammer and trigger. By 1975 it had a documented 10K rounds through it and was getting a little loose and out of time. Brought it to the factory (in those days you just walked in the front door of the factory) and spoke to a very senior employee of S&W. A couple of weeks later it was done...now in bright nickel and at my request they left the front sight blue and with a yellow ramp.

Shot that gun for 10K more rounds before trading it off in 1980. I paid $98.00 for it in 1970 and after 20K rounds sold for close to $150.00 complete with the original box and paperwork.

In all those rounds only SIX were .38 Specials. 99% of the rest were reloads of home cast Lyman/Thompson Gas Check 357156 or the 146 grain Speer 3/4 jacket HP. Velocity was around 1200 fps.

About 15 years ago I had another -3 but it just didn't feel the same for some reason, probably because I had gotten used to 4" N-frames. A few years ago I did however pick up a 3" 66-2 and it balances better for me that the 4" did...

Never bonded with the 686 line...that said I have a 686-7 .38 Super with the 1/2 lug 4" slabside barrel that I like a lot...but the full underlug 686s don't balance at all for me.

Just saw a LNIB 19-2 or 3 sell on GunBroker yesterday for $1700.....

It is a shame that Smith ended this wonderful line of guns...

Bob

My favorite revolvers are my 2.5" 66-1 and 19-4. Both very accurate and sexy.

Attached Images

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Nothing better than a Combat Magnum! I love the way these guns feel in the hand and the finish on the early guns is tough to beat!


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My Model 19-5 mentioned above.
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__________________
Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

Love my model 19-3 bought it in Feb. of 76 at Montgomery wards
for 175.00