Model 19 Kframe.357 Combat Masterpiece

[moosedog]

I don't think Smith & Wesson makes anything that comes close to it in terms of fit, finish and over all quality.
If your looking for a carry gun like that style, I would get my hands on a model 19 thru 19-4 in 2 1/2 inch or an older model 66 (stainless)
The modern S&Ws are...........ah forget it, i'll be nice.

 

[Texas Star]

I'd look for a really clean M-66 with four-inch barrel. If I could have only one revolver, that'd probably be it. You can do most of what a handgun needs to do with varying .38 ammo, reserving .357's for when they're really needed. The gun is quite a bit handier and more concealable than the M-686.

I do fire some .357 ammo in mine, to stay familiar with it, and I'd load that in open country or where large animals are a threat.

But I use a Ruger GP-100 for most .357 use. The M-66 is lighter on the belt for daily wear. I use Federal's 158 grain Hydra-Shok ammo when I want magnum power.

I once published an entire magazine article on the need to avoid 125 grain and lighter bullets. That was the universal opinion of the S&W personnel whom I interviewed, as well as that of engineers at three ammo companies to whom I had access as a writer. It is not just Internet rumor!

 

[remat457]

I thought my 4" 686+ was the perfect revolver until I got a 4" 19.
The weight/balance/recoil of the two are completely different. Also the craftsmanship (fit, finish, trigger) of the 19 is from a different time in manufacturing pride.

I am not a fan of 125gr loads and 158gr magnums out of either (4") is not bad at all.

My 19 (one of my favorites):

 

[RHINOWSO]

Personally, if I could have only one centerfire revolver, it would be my M65 (M13), 3" over my M66 (M19) 4"...

M65-3 3" ($425) M640-1 ($350)

M66-2 4" ($350)

Thankfully o don't have to choose!

Rhino

 

[one eye joe]

In current mfg., the L Frame (Mod. 686) is probably one of the most versatile, and well built guns S&W makes. It's strong enough for a steady diet of magnum loads, all stainless for least showing of wear, and ease of cleaning and maintenance. It is also available in 6 shot, or 7 shot versions in 2", 4", 6", and 8 3/8" barrels to accommodate most needs.

I agree with H Richard. The shortest version is a 2 1/2 incher. I have a snubby 7 shooter and a 686+ (7 shot) Mountain Gun. Both will punch one ragged hole groups @ 50' off the bench. I think that the MG is the most eye pleasing and versatile of the lot. My Mountain Gun is pictured below......

 

[rollin59]

I own a 4" 1957 pre-19 Combat Magnum and a 6" 19-3 both with checkered factory wood grips. I don't have any problem with recoil out of either Smith (big hands), but my 6" Ruger GP100 with full-length underlug barrel is the real recoil-tamer. I have been shooting a mix of 38 SP and .357 from the Smiths and mostly .357 from the Ruger. I also have some beefy Ruger .44's, a Super Redhawk and Super Blackhawk Bisley Hunter with a scope... now, those have some recoil! But still manageable.

 

[roaddog28]

I've read that a number of people think the Model 19 K frame .357 Combat Masterpiece is the best revolver that Smith ever built. Anybody of the same opinion? Can one be purchased at a reasonable price? And just for my own education, what would come closest to it in a revolver that Smith is making today in .357?

Your answer to question one is yes. I along with a lot of others feel the
Model 19 Combat Magnum is the finest all around revolver S&W ever built. I have two of them. Answer to question two is yes again. Plan on paying about $400 or more for a good one. Answer to question three is the L frame series 586/686. The 686 is still made and sold new. The grip size is the same as the model 19. The 686 series was designed to eventually replace the model 19/66. The 686 series can handle the steady diet of 357 magnums espically the 125 gr high velocity rounds. This round is what most people say wore the model 19 out.
Personally, I still like my model 19s better than my 686.
Regards,
Howard

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

So what would your pick be for a present day manufactured Smith in .357 be?

A mdl. 686 mountain gun would be very close in size and configuration to a 19 and a stronger gun too.

 

[Muley Gil]

A brief history of the M19 and 125 grain ammo

In the 1950s, Bill Jordan, US Border Patrol, was asked what his ideal police revolver would be. He stated that a K frame chambered in .357, with the enclosed ejector rod, a heavy barrel, and adjustable sights, would be perfect. Previous double action .357 revolvers were built on the heavy N frame (S&W) and the New Service (Colt). Bill wanted cops to have .357 power in a lighter package. Thus was born the .357 Combat Magnum.

The theory was to practice with .38 specials and then to carry it with .357s. The standard .357 cartridge at that time carried a 158 grain lead semiwadcutter bullet. All was good.

Then, in the 1970s, lighter, jacketed hollow point bullets became available. This ammo gave excellent stopping power, especially the 125 grain JHP. A number of police deptments decided that their officers should qualify with their carry ammo. In short order, M19s, and their stainless brothers, the M66s, begin having problems. The lighter than standard 125 bullets released hotter gases that eroded the barrels and throats. K frame barrels are very thin at the forcing cone and they started cracking. Other revolvers, such as the Colt Python and Trooper, as well as the Ruger Six series revolvers, didn't have this problem, due to having thicker barrels.

Smith & Wesson brought out the L frame revolvers, M581, M586, M681, and M686, and recommended that PDs replace their M19s and M66s with these beefer wheelguns. These revolvers ate the 125 grain ammo like candy. All was good again.

Then, the Glock appeared......

 

[xray 99]

The 19/66 is the best looking S&W and it feels just right.

 

[dwpmusic]

Would one day like to have a M19. Time will tell.

 

[one eye joe]

The 19/66 is the best looking S&W and it feels just right.

You neglected to preface your remark with, ''IMHO''. (Of course that's IMHO.)

 

[M29since14]

A brief history of the M19 and 125 grain ammo ...
.
.
.
Then, the Glock appeared......

That sums it up nicely!

 

[stlenz0]

I can still remember my first military pistol instructor booming out, "Gentlemen, this is the Smith & Wesson 357 Combat Masterpiece. It can save your life if you learn how to use it." At this point he declared the range hot, turned to a target 25 yards down-range, and put 5 shots in a 3-inch group, in less than 5 seconds. Then he declared, "Questions about the accuracy of this weapon will not be entertained." The man was USAF Combat Arms Instructor, and USAF Large Bore Pistol Champion, MSgt Bobby J Tiner.

 

[vrichard]

s&w mdl.19 are nice
Dick

mdl.66 are pretty nice too.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

Panache......

I think it is the panache that Bill Jordan is the man to whom we owe the debt of gratitude for the Model 19. I think the popularity of the 1911 owes a debt to Col Jeff Cooper but the Colonel didn't invent the 1911; the Model 19 was created because of Bill Jordan.

I think they are gorgeous. I have a 2.5", a 4" (replacing my first ever revolver that I blew up long ago) and I have a 2" coming!

I have a favorite memory of my first 4" Model 19. Several good memories, actually, but my favorite is when I showed it to my mother and she said it was "beautiful". I hated it when I blew it up but it has been replaced, much to my great joy.

The L frame guns are what I shoot when I want to play long term with .357 Magnum loads. I won't abuse my Model 19s with incessant magnums. But they are fun short term and the recoil is nothing special to write home about. If you want to discuss recoil shoot a J frame .357. (Why you would do that is a personal decision!)

 

[Mack_C85]

Mine won't be going anywhere soon......
.....and with it's Model 17 little brother.

Sent from my SM-J320P using Tapatalk

 

[JohnRippert]

I've never got why people feel that way about the 19. I can shoot 357s all day long with that thing and don't grow tired of the kick. I actually enjoy the kick of it myself.

I agree, and I am not a big guy. Though it would not surprise me if we are younger than the gents who do not enjoy it like we do.

 

[usmc2427765]

I started my LEO career with a 19-2 that I still have to this very day. It was more comfortable to carry than an N frame and was very accurate and strong, with a limited amount of magnum ammo. I stayed with it until transitioning to a 1911 in the early '80's.

 

[Joe Kent]

I started with a 4" blued Model19 in 1969 and it quickly became my favorite revolver. It still is today. If I were to once again put on a Sam Brown Belt and carried a revolver today it would be a Model 686 7 shot 4" Mt. Gun. For me the balance and weight is virtually the same as the 19 and you have the benefit of a stronger revolver for the modern ammo.