Gonna start an argument but it's a for real question............

[therick]

I have a S&W 686-3 Stainless snubby that is in really good condition, let's call it 90% just to be fair. Hogue grips, no box or papers. I have a guy that wants to trade me even up for a S&W model 19-4 nickel snubby in like condition, hogue grips, no box no paperwork. I really like the recessed cylinder that the 19 has but I also like the beefed up "L" frame the 686 offers. What would you do if you were in my position? I am a sucker for a model 19 !? Especially a snubby.

 

[C/O]

If you want the 19, then do it. Both are good guns.

 

[Iggy]

Model 19, but I'm an old fart.

There ain't gonna be any more Model 19's nor ol cowboys neither.

 

[nawilson]

If you like the Model 19 (and personally I do), then go for it! It should be a little easier to CCW, if that is an issue. Also, Smith isn't making 'em anymore.

 

[rbmac52]

The Model 19 is a classic Smith & Wesson revolver, most everyone would agree. While the 686 has a lot of fans, many others believe full underlug barrels on Smith & Wesson revolvers was just a bad idea. Of course, it is all very subjective. Thankfully, there are plenty of each to go around.

Me, I'd go with the Model 19. You'll have a guaranteed classic in your hands if you do.

 

[snw19_357]

What are you thinking?!

couldn't let it go without some arguing.

Both are excellent revolvers but I'd choose the 19. I'm a sucker for them too!

 

[steamloco76]

686 pros- Built like a bank vault to take .367 mag. ammo all the time. Stainless steel is easy to maintain. Similar models still in production. 686 cons- Heavy for a snub nose and harder to conceal.

19 pros- Sturdy enough for most any normal amount of shooting at a lighter, more svelte 'fighting weight'. Easier to conceal. Has increasing collector appeal. Nickel looks great. 19 cons- nickel finish requires careful cleaning. No longer produced.

Looks like a 50/50 split to me.

If YOU prefer the 19 to the 686 do the trade. If you are only considering it because your buddy wants your 686, pass.

 

[therick]

I really am a sucker for a Model 19.....

I bought a 19-2 blued snubby several months ago and now I can't seem to pass one up....I've got the fever really bad. I wanted to use it for CCW but it was SO nice I was afraid I'd hurt the finish by carrying it in a holster. I picked up the 686 for carry but then this opportunity came up so I was torn. I think y'all have helped me make up my mind......I've gotta have the 19 !

 

[Texas Star]

Be careful with that nickel finish, and look the gun over very carefully. Especially see if there's a crack on the bottom of the forcing cone. (Where the barrel is flat.)

Personally, I'd look for one of the elusive M-66's with three-inch barrel, or get an M-65 in three-inch. Stainless trumps nickel, any day, in my opinion.

I think the M-686 is better had in a four-inch barrel, as a general duty gun. It's kinda big as a concealable snub.

 

[Avery11]

I think you'll do the same with the nickel 19 that you did with the blue.

I did the same thing; I wanted a 6" 586 in nickel so I bought one but don't want to get her messy so I don't shoot her.

Then I got a great deal on a 99% blue one and don't shoot it either.


Nothing wrong with that - just be prepared to still be without a carry gun.

If you can swing it, buy the 19 from him and carry the 686. I happen to like the full underlug just as much.

 

[Dave T]

I wouldn't trade but then I've never been enamored with the 19s like so many folks here. To me K-frames are ideal for 38 Specials but not for Magnums. YMMV!

Dave

 

[lhump1961]

I have found the only acceptable answer to this dilemma...19 still to come...

 

[therick]

I wouldn't trade but then I've never been enamored with the 19s like so many folks here. To me K-frames are ideal for 38 Specials but not for Magnums. YMMV!

Dave

I understand but I'd probably end up shooting 38's at the range and carrying with 357 magnums so as long as we don't have a Zombie uprising I should be ok and the 19 will handle what ever few full loads I shoot from time to time. I REALLY like the recessed cylinder and can't figure out why it was ever changed.

 

[therick]

I have found the only acceptable answer to this dilemma...19 still to come...

Triplets !! I bet you're a proud Papa !

 

[Sprefix]

+1 for the 19!! Good luck in your choice and shoot in good health.

 

[getoff]

MOD 19 FOR SURE!!!

 

[murphydog]

OK, here's the contrarian opinion. If this one will be your carry gun and you plan to shoot not very many full .357s, the model 19. For any steady diet of .357s, because you can still get parts from the factory (unlike model 19 barrels in particular), and because I think you'll come out slightly behind in a straight trade, the 686.

Or why not buy the 19?

 

[Mule88]

Well, one way to look at it is that they no longer make the M-19 and you can always get another 686.

 

[MLeake]

Call me a heathen, but I don't own a gun too pretty to carry. The only two I would worry about damaging or losing are the Model 18 my parents bought new in 1966 and effectively gave to me, many years later, when I was 15; and a Colt 1917 that saw duty in WWII Burma with Merrill's Marauders. The 1917 is quite weathered, but I am protective of it for its history.

OTOH, the gun on my right hip this morning is a 1981 vintage 13 3" that I bought LNIB and unfired last year from a guy who had kept it as a safe queen because it was "too pretty."

I have as much use for a gun that is too pretty to carry as I have for a woman who is too pretty to get dirty. But I carry and shoot the 13 a lot, and I have a lot of fun with my tomboy / farm girl / horsewoman / RN wife; and I find both to be quite pretty enough, even so.

 

[mg357]

im a big fan of the 686 but on the other hand the 19 is not made anymore by s&w. I say trade for the 19 then start a savings fund for a replacement 686