Would You carry this 19-5?

[gfors]

I’m about to get my CCW permit; so, I’m thinking about carry options, residing in my safe. I really like this 19-5, and it shoots it pretty good, in my hands. However, looking at current prices, for 2 1/2” M19’s, would it be a mistake to subject this revolver to the abuse of EDC?

 

[JohnRippert]

Yes, I would.

 

[Speedo2]

I would not subject that beauty to possible confiscation in the event of ever having to use it during a SD event. IMHO that's what M&P's and Glocks are for. -S2

 

[zipty6]

I'd probably keep that one in the safe. If you really like the way it handles then look for a 2.5" Model 66 to carry.

 

[jjfitch]

Honest wear has meaning!

Safe queens are safe queens tools are tools, your choice.

Honest wear will mean a lot when handed down to a family member. Safe queen not so much!

Carry with pride. Maybe change the grips to keep originals nice!

Smiles,

 

[murphydog]

If it is a "collector's" gun to you and you have other carry gun candidates, no. If it is a "working" gun, put a nice coat of wax on it, get a tightly fitted holster and have at it. Good luck in your decision.

 

[MR.G]

I would probably keep it in the safe also. Model 19 is a great revolver but I would use something smaller, lighter and less valuable for concealed carry. An Airweight or used J frame is a less expensive gun and reliable. Just my opinion.

 

[Bob L]

I guess that I am on the other end. I really like my 19-3 and because of that, I like to carry it. If it shows a little wear, it is just character and makes it mine.

 

[NY-1]

I would not subject that beauty to possible confiscation in the event of ever having to use it during a SD event. IMHO that's what M&P's and Glocks are for. -S2

I couldn't agree more with this sentiment. The wear and rust that can result from being stored without a care for oil/protectant or a moisture barrier, and then getting literally tossed around from evidence locker to evidence locker until the hypothetical case wraps up, makes it particularly important for a CCW gun to be easily replaceable and otherwise not particularly valuable.

That Model 19 is gorgeous, and would be much better relegated to a range toy and show-off piece IMO!

 

[CH4]

Carry it if you want!
It was meant be carried and it’s definitely not a collector gun, it’s not even P&R. They made a lot of em. I have several 2.5” 19/66s and they all get carried. I bought my last example a couple weeks ago, took it to the range and have been carrying it since. It was one the popular choices with plain clothes cops for decades. It’s also still less expensive than many folk’s EDCs.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

That's what it was made for. I would definitely carry it.

 

[CapnB]

Yes, by all means carry it if you like it and shoot it well (and often). As mentioned above, that’s what it was made for. Having said that, I carried one for a few years in the 80’s and would not do it again. Plenty of other SD options that are lighter, smaller and hold more rounds. And you just heard that from a true S&W revolver fan. Do I wish I still had it, absolutely. Would I carry it again? Nope.
Good shootin’,
Doug

 

[CajunBass]

I wouldn’t. That’s why they make plastic automatics.

 

[STCM(SW)]

Mine looked liked that back when. I CC it all the time.
That's what it was made for. Sold it who knows when.
It's replacement is a M66 2.5" now.
Do what ever you like, it's just a tool. That's what it
was made for.
Like the Chevy Corvette I have just got, why would it
just sit in the garage? I drive it when the weather is nice.
Sitting around doing nothing was not it was built for and
neither was the S&W M19......

 

[Dieseltech56]

If that gun is as nice as the pictures show I would be hesitant to carry it. If you must carry one I’d keep an eye out for one already worn.

 

[StrawHat]

I couldn't agree more with this sentiment. The wear and rust that can result from being stored without a care for oil/protectant or a moisture barrier, and then getting literally tossed around from evidence locker to evidence locker until the hypothetical case wraps up, makes it particularly important for a CCW gun to be easily replaceable and otherwise not particularly valuable.

That Model 19 is gorgeous, and would be much better relegated to a range toy and show-off piece IMO!

If I remember correctly from my time in LE, if it was determined we needed to confiscate a firearm, we went after all you had. They all ended up in evidence.

Maybe things have changed.

Or just buy Hi Points.

Kevin

 

[OLDSTER]

I'd shoot that beauty occasionally, but wouldn't carry it. Get a fixed sight "k" or "J" frame with a little honest wear to carry.

 

[BAM-BAM]

What's more important a $1000 or the safety and welfare of you and your family?????

My concealed carry guns .... some 30+ years old aren't "beat up"! Some honest wear yes but even the blued ones are still 90-95%. Good holster, IWB carry and a cover garment all protect the gun.

If I ever need a gun I want the best I can have to protect me and mine!!!!

Performance Center Shorty-9 since 1995, 3 inch Model 66 since 1988 (replaced a 2 1/2" 19), 3913/14s since 1990/91, Beretta Compact since 1988.

 

[Glashaus]

I carry my 2 1/2” M19-5 on occasion, I carry my 3” CS-1 on occasion. My guns that get carried the most are my Glocks and J Frames but I do carry others. Most of us here are collectors or accumulaters in some shape and fashion. You can fondle and polish your safe queens or you can put it in a holster and walk around outside with it and shoot it from time to time. Do what makes you happy. The 2 1/2” M19 and 66 are great carry guns, not so much fun to shoot, I would much rather shoot my 3” CS-1 or 3” M13-3 then my 2 1/2” M19

 

[pawncop]

In a heartbeat. That revolver was manufactured for the purpose to be used.