First Smith Revolver Purchase. Model 19-3 vs Model 27

[Redleg2814]

Hello,

I am new to the forum and brand new to revolvers--I've shot plenty of automatic pistols and rifles. As the title says, I've decided to purchase a nickel 19-3 very soon or searching for a nickel 27 and had some questions.

The revolver will be a nightstand/range gun that I occasionally bring as a sidearm while hunting. It will not be carried for duty on a regular basis.

My local dealer has an excellent condition nickel 4" barrel 19-3 with wood grips for $589. The serial number on the revolver says the gun was manufactured in 1971. I've done some Google searches and forums research that suggests this is a higher price (but not astronomical). However, those search results were 1-2 years old. Has the market changed?

While I don't expect to fire a daily diet of magnum rounds, I am concerned about the "reputation" 19-3s have earned about not stomaching 125 grain magnums. I don't know what the ground truth is, but the doubt has me curious if I should save money and search instead for a model 27. I could fire the 158 grain magnums but don't know what the felt recoil affect would be. Any thoughts on this?

I do not want a new model revolver because I do not want an internal lock.

Appreciate any comments. Again...new to revolvers but the Smiths I've picked up feel great in the hand and have an excellent trigger pull. Looking forward to joining the owner's club.

 

[Mickey D]

If the nickel 19 is available now, grab it. You can locate a 27 later, as I know this won't be your last revolver.
You will enjoy shooting both .38 and .357 ammo, just keep the ratio to about 70% .38spl and you will be fine.
My nickel 19 snub.

 

[Redleg2814]

If the nickel 19 is available now, grab it. You can locate a 27 later, as I know this won't be your last revolver.
You will enjoy shooting both .38 and .357 ammo, just keep the ratio to about 70% .38spl and you will be fine.
My nickel 19 snub.

Great photo. Thanks for the advice. We'll keep that info away from the wife.

I'm assuming .38 + can fall into that 70% category? Would the heavier .357 magnum be an issue at all? Or just the light stuff?

 

[P&R Fan]

That price sounds a bit high for a 19-3, at least to me. If you can find a 27, especially a 27-2 or earlier model, grab it. They are great revolvers, and will withstand almost any load you can feed 'em.
Jim

 

[Art Doc]

That price is a little high, IMO. I would look for a 4" M19 to be around $450-$500.

The 27 is bigger, heavier, stronger and more deluxe. For carry the 19 is a better choice. In every other way the 27 is superior.

 

[GyMac]

If your hands are average in size, I would select the 19. The K Frame is a good fit for most everyone, the 27 is a bit large. I don't think you'll be able to wear it out with normal shooting.

 

[JCS&W]

Agree with SaxonPig. The price on the nickel M19 is a little high. The M27 is, in my opinion, one of the best revolvers S&W ever made. However, I must admit that in my area, M19/66's are very hard to find in any condition.

 

[Iggy]

You're getting into model 27 price range there.

A 19 will probably withstand all the magnums you choose to shoot. A 27 will take all you can stand to shoot without a whimper.

That being said, I carry a 19 snubby every day, but I have more fun shooting the 27's.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Two different guns with two different missions. The 19 is more of a duty/carry gun whilst the 27 with a six or 8/38th inch barrel is more of a hunting gun. I would say get at least one of each!

 

[twofish]

How about an L-frame???

Bridges the gap pretty well IMHO.

Sort of get the best of both....

 

[Blademan]

The 19-3 is a great revolver. You will not be disappointed. Here is one that I use for CCW, and shoot all the time. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[McShooty]

There is a very significant difference in the size and weight of a 19 vs. a 27. Comparatively, the Model 27 is a real mitt full. For your applications it sounds like the easier-handling Model 19 might be best, and I feel the strength issues are a bit overblown, but that is just MHO. The price of the 19 you quote seems somewhat high. Nickel with 4" barrel indicates it might have been in law enforcement, and they usually go for less.

 

[viceunit]

How about an L-frame???

Bridges the gap pretty well IMHO.

Sort of get the best of both....

Great advice and can be found for less than the $ on that 19. Don't get me wrong, 19 and 27 are both great guns and I have both and a 586. Any one would make a great home defense gun. If you have to carry one for a long while the 19 is lighter and should be more comfortable. It boils down to what the main intended role of the gun is and which suits the role best. The L-frame advice in this context is relevant.

 

[Redleg2814]

Great advice and can be found for less than the $ on that 19. Don't get me wrong, 19 and 27 are both great guns and I have both and a 586. Any one would make a great home defense gun. If you have to carry one for a long while the 19 is lighter and should be more comfortable. It boils down to what the main intended role of the gun is and which suits the role best. The L-frame advice in this context is relevant.

Thanks all. So if I understand my Smith lexicon correctly...

357 MAG K Frame: Model 19
357 MAG N Frame: Model 27

Which is the 357 L Frame I should be looking for from the same era (so it doesn't have that lock)? Model 686?

 

[rxbrew]

K Frame = 19/66
N Frame= 27/28
L Frame= 586/686
Here is my take. I carry a compact Auto, but my love is the all S & W revolvers. Target,Hunting, and home defense I use 6 or 6.5 inch Smiths. The model 19 was more of a Police Service weapon ( Smaller/Lighter) great trigger and very acurate. To me the N frame 27 is the finest shooting 357 ever. I have a Colt Phyton which is a very fine revolver but I perfer the 27 . It will handle any loadand I perfer N Frames for hunting. There is nothing better than a single action trigger pull of the Smith that make it perfect for precise sots on deerand hogs. To me the N Frame is the best revolver hands down to any thing that I have shot. The early L Frames 586( Blue) and the 686(Stainless) to me has more of a K frame feel to them. f you can afford only one ,find a 27-2 or earlier. You won't be dissapointed.
Fred

 

[Penmon]

look at it this way the 19 is a 38 that will shoot 357's
and the 27 is a 357 that can also shoot 38's

In your area $550. to $600 for a 19 is a little high but about right, condition is the key.I paid $450. for my 19 and $550. for my 27, last year, purchased both in PA, I find great prices there, even with the shipping and the receiving FFL fees the gun store in Maryland charge.

The 19 fits my hand better and is a better weight for me but the 27 takes a licking and keeps on ticking it also reduces felt recoil when using heavy magnum loads due to it's mass.

Bottom line, buy both and use the 19 primarily with 38's and the 27 with magnum loads. Shooting 38's with the 19 will improve your shooting with the 27 with magnum loads.

Penmon aka Jim

 

[C Islander]

For what it's worth, I got my 19-3 nickel last month in an unreal trade. I'm seeing them in my area for around $500 +/- $50.

 

[Willeys]

My first Smith was a M29. My second Smith was the M19. I shot the M19 more due to its size in my average size hand. I shot mostly 38 Special loads in 357 cases. The large frame Smith, as already stated, is a handful, but a great hunting gun. If you buy either gun, most likely it will not be your last Smith revolver.

 

[Redleg2814]

Thanks for all the comments. It sounds like the $589 price isn't too outrageous--maybe slightly higher but I would be getting gouged. It looked to be in excellent condition.

Regarding the model 19's forcing cone...I inspected some 19-4 forcing cones from another shop and the bottom of the cone had a flat spot. It looked machined but I am uncertain. Is this normal? I looked at an older 686 (thanks for the advice on checking out that model) and the forcing cone was perfectly round. Some model 10s that were nearby were also flat. I have researched enough to be aware of a potential forcing cone problem but am still trying to figure out how to best inspect.

I'll have to find a 27 to get a feel for it--I have average to small hands and don't know if the 27 would be too difficult to grip/handle.

Any thoughts on the quality of the 28? My understanding is they should be as mechanically sound and smooth as a 27, minus a few flair pieces.

 

[Iggy]

The flat spot on the 19 is the reputed "weak spot" if you shoot a lot of lightweight and hot .357 rounds.
The L frames are slightly larger to alleviate the need for the flat spot.

You can do a lot with various style grips on the 27.
Service, Magna, Target, and many custom and after market models.
The Model 28 is the same gun as the 27 with a duller finish and no checkering on the top strap. Strictly a cosmetic difference to make the gun more affordable to cops back in the old days.