I've been looking at the S&W site, and decided, if I "pull the trigger," that the Model 10 or 19 may be my next purchase. 19 is only $100 more, but I may like a new Model 10. Either one will probably be given to my 19 year old daughter...after I make sure it's gonna perform to S&W standards! (Don't ask what I mean by that...I gotta check it out 1st!) Both are 4" & 4 1/4". That lock thing doesn't bother me, or will it? Are these guns okay? Any problems that are popular in these new S&Ws? I'd kinda like to go new with a Smith. I just bought 2 new Ruger GP100s, one is excellent, the other is going back for the 2nd time. This is a S&W Forum, and that is what I want to buy. Any reason I should not spend +$700 for a new Smith? Thanks, Jeff T.
PS: I can take a verbal beating, so please don't hold back if I'm wasting my money.

I certainly can't fault your preference for a new gun. Personally, I'd prefer a used gun as they can be cheaper than new and available without the lock, at least for the 10. I would actually prefer the 10 over the 19 because I liked fixed sights. Even more, I'd prefer a 64 for the lower maintenance stainless steel construction, but that's just me.

Buying used can be daunting if you're inexperienced with revolvers. I don't know if that's the case with you, but that's how your post comes across. Apologies if I'm mistaken.

The lock can be an issue. Lots of people have them and don't have any problems. Personally, if the gun were to be used for self defense purposes, I'd prefer a gun without the lock. But the lock is something that can be disabled and plugged, so it's not a huge factor. If it's just a range gun, then it doesn't really matter.

From the other side, the 19 has adjustable sights, and many people prefer that. It's also a .357 Magnum, so you can use either .38 Special or Magnum loads; versatility is a good attribute.

It all boils down to what you want. At it's most basic, it's a fixed-sight .38 Special Model 10 vs an adjustable sight .357 Magnum Model 19. Otherwise, they're pretty much the same gun.

After that, a used gun will typically give you a better value (at least for the 10...you might be able to find one for half the price of a new gun...I don't know what the used market is for 19s, but it'll probably be closer to the new price, if not more, so less of a savings). With a new gun, the only real advantages are that it'll be covered under warranty if something happens and you won't have the concern the gun's been "Bubba'd" by a previous owner. With either a used or new gun, a good pre-purchase inspection is recommended, or at least inspect it before accepting it from the FFL if you ordered it online.

Also, the factory website lists the MSRP, and you'll almost never have to pay that at a store or online. Prices might be a bit wacky due to the current situation, though. I haven't looked at prices for these revolvers, so I can't say for sure.

Final note, if you're getting this revolver with the intention of giving it to your daughter, make sure it's something she actually wants.

Just my opinion. Sorry if it wasn't much help.

I bought a 19-9 new just over a year ago. No problems and no regrets. In fact I went and bought the short barrelled 66 a few months later. You might look at that one too, it’s a sweetie.

I am fond of the Model 19. I prefer adjustable sights and the shrouded ejector rod. I think it give the Model 19 a better look than the Model 10

Of course you have the ability of firing the more powerful 357 Magnum ammunition if you want to with the Model 19

In your case, a NEW firearm makes much more sense than a used one. The new gun will come with a lifetime warranty, something that is not included with used guns. Since your 19 year old daughter is the intended owner of this firearm that is kind of important. At 19 she might not have the ability to analyze issues and fix them herself like may of our fellow Forum members. Knowing that it something happens she can send it to Smith & Wesson instead of finding a gunsmith to fix it should give both of you piece of mind

The lock is a non issue for most reasonable people. The lock has been with us for 18 years now. Millions upon millions of Smith & Wessons with locks are out there, if there were any kind of epidemic problem with it we would have late night TV commercials from Lawyers asking us to call in and join the lawsuit.

Yes, there have been a few lock failures, but we hear about many more ammunition failures, hands that break, trigger or hammer studs that break, etc. It is a mechanical thing and mechanical things break. If you want the least chance of a firearm failure, we would probably have to go to a single shot to avoid all of the common failures of innovations over the last century.

However, the lock issue gives lots of folks reasons to argue on the Internet. I see no need to argue, the lock is not an issue to me so I buy guns that have been made over the past 18 years. If someone is afraid of the lock or does not want one . . . all they have to do is not buy one.

The newest (in terms of manufacture) Smith & Wesson that I picked up (last summer) was manufactured in January of 2019 and I am very happy with it

The Model 19 is a gun that will last her a lifetime if properly cared for. You will probably see the day that she passes it on to her child next

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"Acta non verba"

..but I'm in the market for a model 10, hopefully a -7.

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"He was kinda funny lookin'"

IMHO a vintage M10 4" SB "Police trade in" would a perfect first gun for her. They are easy to handle, heavy enough that recoil is not an issue, she can not load Magnums because they won't fit so she won't run the risk of too much recoil and possibly being turned off to shooting. The sights are fixed so nothing to fiddle with there and just about every single M10 I have ever shot is pretty much spot on with 158 grain ammo. The vintage model 10 is pretty much "bullet-proof"! There are still many ex Police Revolvers floating around and the major amount of them have been carried much more than they have been shot. Sometimes it amazed me that Police trade-in's are 40 - 50 years old but in such good condition. Original grips are also still plentiful and readily available. The model 10 can also be a very versatile gun for HD, SD, target shooting, small game and ammo is relatively inexpensive and readily available in many different flavors.

"In your case, a NEW firearm makes much more sense than a used one. The new gun will come with a lifetime warranty, something that is not included with used guns. Since your 19 year old daughter is the intended owner"....

As I read it, my understanding is that the lifetime warranty only covers the original owner and is not transferrable. While S&W may always repair their products, only the original owner is covered by warranty.

For transfers, be mindful of changing state laws. Virginia, for example, just instituted universal background checks even for family members. So if my 19-yo daughter had to use "my" gun in self-defense, even in my home, I would actually be in violation of the new law. Crazy.

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My wife and I bought Model 19 Classics. We are quite happy with them. We prefer having the adjustable sights and the ability to shoot .357 although our practice is with .38 Special. The lock is a non issue. Just ignore it. We recommend a new Model 19. My wife is able to shoot groups with in the X ring on full size targets at 10 yards and that makes me mind my Ps and Qs. Oh and our guns are stock, out of the box.

The Model 10 will only chamber and fire 38 Special and 38 Special +P ammo.

The Model 19 will chamber and fire 38 Special, 38 Special +P, and 357 Magnum ammo, so more versatility.

The Model 10 has fixed sights, regulated for 158 grain standard pressure ammo.

The Model 19 has an adjustable rear sight, so you can easily adjust it for your preferred ammo.

I do not own any 38 Special revolvers, but I do own several 357 Magnum revolvers. I prefer versatility.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

If you are set on a magnum revolver the "L" frame is a better choice.
A model 10 or 64 38SPL is the perfect centerfire revolver for a beginner.

PS: I can take a verbal beating, so please don't hold back if I'm wasting my money.
Well if your Buying new the 19 will shoot 38 spl and 357 mag ... the Lock **** is over blown...I have yet to read ANY reports of locks failing that render the weapon useless. Bill Ruger builds a fine revolver. ME .. I bought a New Mdl 66 with the barrel liner and ball bearing yoke lock up...flat out tack driver at 25 yds, fit and finish excellent. Now time for the PS you said.... YOU @#$%^&*() HORSES TAIL WHAT KIND OF QUESTION IS THAT... GO BEAT YOURSELF WITH A WHIP...HEHEHEHEHE. Fair question friend.

I bought her a cheap single action .22/.22magnum about 3 years ago. She does pretty good with that, as far as shooting. We just don't get out as often as I'd like, as I live in the city. Indoor ranges are just a real pain, and on the weekend, forget it. It's like waiting in line at Kennywood for a ride on some roller coaster, waiting for a lane to open up. I own a Model 10-8, so she's a little familiar with the more power, etc. As mentioned, the 19 Classic is more versatile. I kinda want to go new because of warranty and also we/she will be the original owners if she should decide to pass it down or whatever after I'm gone. The older guns are tried & true, but, after 18 years I guess the lock is not a mechanical issue, which was my secondary concern. We'll see...hopefully I have plenty of time to decide. Thanks a lot!

If you can go to a Gun Store that has a range and will let you try a version of each one out, that would be a great option.

You really can’t go wrong with either a 4” Model 10 or a 4” Model 19”. Both are S&W icons.

I don’t believe that is correct. She can use your gun without a background check. She can’t OWN the gun without one though.

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“Look life in its iron face”

You might have a look at a model 15. Adj, sights but .38 SPL only. Those .357 rounds in a K frame really aren't much fun as they beat you to death after a few rounds. 4" model 10s are very common but no adj sights. I would go for the older P&R S&Ws over the newer offerings any time. Been searching for a Model 15 P&R 2" in Nickel for years, tough piece to find BIG demand with high prices.

SW

I've had both. All mine are older most bought before there even was a "lock"

You never stated the intended purpose; home defense, range gun, concealed carry???????

About 5 years into accumulating S&W K-frame revolvers.... I made a decision to go for .357s over .38s because..... .357s can shoot both and with adjustable sights I can adjust my sights to match the ammo I'm using.

I will admit there are exceptions to the rule..... 3" fixed sighted .357 and a 2" round butt model 10.

I would suggest stainless for ease of care.

IMO the best all around service/duty/general purpose S&W .357 is the 4" 686...... I like mine with a round butt.... there is a fixed sighted version the 681

Good luck on the hunt and IMO you're a good Dad giving a S&W to your daughter!!!!!! Someday!

Of what you originally listed I'd go for the 19 for the sights and magnum capability. I really don't get the thing about magnums beating you up out of a K frame. Personally I think the K handles them just fine. While I voted for the 19, I'd personally go for a 66 for the ease of maintenance.

The desire for a new gun is understandable. Just be aware that S&W quality control has truly been erratic. I've seen several NEW S&W revolvers in gun shop show cases that were clearly defective. A new gun needs to be inspected very carefully, as well as a used gun, hopefully by someone that knows their stuff on what to look for.

I'd go with the Model 10.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

besides the new laws about gun ownership/transfers (Universal Background Checks) there was also a bill(s) about "Gun Safety" for children in the home. which taken together could result in the perverse situation I described.

Our last legislative session in Richmond was crazy/sloppy, with a ludicrous number of bills being registered across so many different committees in both chambers, many if which were slight variations on the same themes. For the layman it was very difficult to track what made it out of the legislature for the Governor's signature. The biggest issues I know for sure got signed and take effect on 1 July were Universal Background Checks and the reinstatement of the One-Gun-per-Month law. {which I think only applies to handguns, but not sure.)

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Both are great.19 has adj and fires 38 & 357. Be safe,

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I BACK OUR BLUE

I'd recommend a new or late model used M66. It's much more versatile ammo wise. M66, being "stainless steel" won't have blue wear so holds value a bit better. Note the SS alloy used in guns will still rust if neglected. I'd probably buy a LEO trade in 4" in good repair... they are huge bargains right now. I bought exactly that... a 4" M66-7... for a spare.

If I had the coin, I'd buy a 3" M66... or the odd fraction S&W sells now... because they are superb utility guns.

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NRA LIFE
Reserve Officer 9yrs

Model 19 is 357, for me that is enough. If you want to shoot 38 you can. Model 19 is a desirable firearm. Not to say that a Model 10 has anything wrong with it, but it can't shoot 357.

As to warranty---I do not know the S&W policy of whether it is for the purchaser or the gun. I do know that my son bought a used 686 which needed a lot of work and S&W did it for him at no charge.
Having owned models 19 and 10 in 4" persuasion I much prefer the 10. You may have to work with the fixed sights but once they are on you are all set. As to fit, I could never get anything more comfortable than the old 10 with magnas aided by a grip adapter. I even tried that grip setup on the 19 but it never felt the same.
If concealed carry is on the table, get a J frame.

Many, Many used m 19's are falling to pieces because they are under engineered for magnum use. But they definitely tickle my eye fancy, I have only two, I want more. My m 10's old as they are do not show signs of "falling to pieces". Which comes to why I am responding to your thread. What is it about the new Ruger that your are twice sending back to Ruger for rebuild. Is there quality control as bad as so many others in the gun industry?

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"Don't Give Up the Ship"

My vote is for the 19 for looks, sights and ability to digest .38 and 357 magnum. I found this 19-4 at a local pawn shop, also present was a nice 2” M10. Using the above reasons, I happily paid the $100+ difference. None of my 19/66s show any signs of falling to pieces.

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