This may seem a bit off track but
why is the 9mm supplanting the
once vaunted .40 S&W in autos.
Answer is that the 9mm is easier
to shoot, has less blast and recoil.
And the 9mm probably gets the
job done if a shooter can hit better
with it.

So, now the question of .357 Smith
& Wesson Magnum, and yes it is
an excellent defensive and maybe
hunting round. But its blast and
recoil in a K-frame are not pleasant
or acceptable for most shooters, which
Bill Jordan understood dozens of years
ago.

So shooters even with the
improved, if you believe so, the Model 19
remains an excellent .38 Smith & Wesson
Special handgun. And you will be
well served. Want to blast occassionally,
go ahead and use some .357s.

It seems to me if you really are a
dedicated .357 shooter, then use a
an L-frame or N-frame.

You want the slightly lighter Model 19
for carry and SHTF situations, then do
so along with those manstopping .357s.
But you'd better be able to handle them.
And with age, some age, it becomes
a more problematic set of circumstances.

Today's S&W Model 19-9 is an excellent
revolver and easily supplants my
favorite, the Model 15, and the older
Model 19s. In fact, in this day, I believe
the new Model 19 is the replacement for
the Models 10, 13, 65 and 65. Smith
& Wesson could just, in its Classic
Model 19 lineup, expand the
choices in barrel length, 3- or 5-
or 6-inchers. The Carry Comp already
is in the line up.

As it is, Smith & Wesson features if
not produces just too many models
nowadays. But as a positive, its 686 line
up is an ideal of variety for most
shooters.

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Ubi Est Mea