Just put aside a 19-6 2.5"

[firefighterjohn]

One of my buddies called to tell me the LGS said they just got in a very clean model 19 but he didn't know much else about it. So, I just went in to look. It's a very clean 19-6 2.5" barrel, not P&R but does have the firing pin on the hammer. Blueing is beautiful and serial number on butt of frame is BEK73**. It has original wood stocks and adjustable rear sights too. I've never seen a 2.5" 19 for sale at any LGS or at local gun shows, so I put it on layaway. Price was $899. No box, tools or paperwork but I didn't care. I don't have ONE of these and wanted to make sure I did. Any info anyone can give me about what I just set back would be greatly appreciated. I've been reading all the threads about "Should I buy this...?' "Did I get a good deal...?" and most of the replies are always..."Do you have one, if not go buy it..." or "Buy it cuz it's not going to get any cheaper...". So, I did. Good deal or bad...it's mine and I didn't have one like it or never had a CHANCE to buy one like it.

 

[JP@AK]

The 19-6 came out in 1988; yours is from 1989.

The floating firing pin didn't appear on the Combat Magnum until 1998, with the 19-8.

The Model 19 Combat Magnum, by definition, has the adjustable rear sight.

 

[firefighterjohn]

Thanks Jack for the D.O.B. and info. It looks so clean I doubt if it's been fired much at all. But, I'll shoot it once it's in my hands for good!

 

[kevin in nh]

I have/was an N frame guy (still) but once I held a 19-2 4" I was in love! So I got the 19-2 4" with beautiful Diamond grips then I had to have a snub and I lucked out on a 19-4 LNIB 2 1/2 inch....you will love it!!!

 

[CH4]

Congrats on a great piece!
To my mind the 2.5" 19/66 has more utility and sex appeal than most other revolvers.

19-4
66-1

 

[LostintheOzone]

I have a 19-3, 2.5" with box and docs. I think I paid $750 for it from a member here. I won't mention his name because he might want it back. That was about 6 years ago so you probably aren't going to find one for a lot less than what you paid. The thing about those is they're in high demand and people get a premium for them over the other barrel lengths. I'm always amazed how easy they are to shoot well with such a short barrel. You won't have any regrets on that one, take my word for it.

 

[twodog max]

I have a 19 with the 2.5 barrel and love it. I got mine a long time back and it has spent many days in the holster at my side. It shows its time spent in that position with a lot of blueing wear but no abuse marks. I really like and trust that revolver. It is my go to snubby. In fact I will be carrying it today. I keep it loaded with 158 grain 357 loads.

 

[firefighterjohn]

I have/was an N frame guy (still) but once I held a 19-2 4" I was in love! So I got the 19-2 4" with beautiful Diamond grips then I had to have a snub and I lucked out on a 19-4 LNIB 2 1/2 inch....you will love it!!!

Thanks Kevin, I sure liked this one when I held it to, that's one of the reasons I couldn't say NO.

 

[firefighterjohn]

Congrats on a great piece!
To my mind the 2.5" 19/66 has more utility and sex appeal than most other revolvers.

19-4
66-1

Thanks CH4. You've got 2 beautiful ones there. Yes, I can't wait to bring it home and shoot it. Never shot nor owned a 2.5 M19 or M66 before.

 

[firefighterjohn]

Congrats for the cool 19-6 snub! Show us photos here when you will get it. Here's my 19-3:

Whoa Skippy, that's a really nice 19-3. Mine doesn't look THAT nice but regardless I'm still glad I set it aside.

 

[firefighterjohn]

I have a 19-3, 2.5" with box and docs. I think I paid $750 for it from a member here. I won't mention his name because he might want it back. That was about 6 years ago so you probably aren't going to find one for a lot less than what you paid. The thing about those is they're in high demand and people get a premium for them over the other barrel lengths. I'm always amazed how easy they are to shoot well with such a short barrel. You won't have any regrets on that one, take my word for it.

Thanks Lost, yes once you get a good deal you hate to let them get away. I didn't think I'd ever be able to even see or let alone buy one again for my price and I can guarantee if I waited a day it'd be gone. I don't regret my decision at all.

So, do you shoot mostly .38s or .357s with yours?

 

[firefighterjohn]

I have a 19 with the 2.5 barrel and love it. I got mine a long time back and it has spent many days in the holster at my side. It shows its time spent in that position with a lot of blueing wear but no abuse marks. I really like and trust that revolver. It is my go to snubby. In fact I will be carrying it today. I keep it loaded with 158 grain 357 loads.

Thanks twodog max, I look forward to carrying this one to. Do you carry IWB or OWB? What brand of holster do you use?

 

[Spokes]

You did good, enjoy..
This is a short trip, take advantage of your time..

 

[scooterfiend]

To the OP, I agree

..the mdl 19's with the 2 1/2" bbl are about the best of the best for me. I've always got my eye open for another one, I have enjoyed each of them I have. I'll bet you will too.

 

[firefighterjohn]

You did good, enjoy..
This is a short trip, take advantage of your time..

Thanks spokes...I sure will. And you're exactly right...each and every day is one to cherish. Plus, it is a perfect one to eventually get passed down.

 

[firefighterjohn]

..the mdl 19's with the 2 1/2" bbl are about the best of the best for me. I've always got my eye open for another one, I have enjoyed each of them I have. I'll bet you will too.

Ya scooter, I can't wait to find that out for myself. Currently the shortest S&W I own is a 686-Plus 3" so this will be fun to shoot too.

 

[bronco45]

My 19-6 my last revolver duty weapon issued new in 1993.

 

[twodog max]

Thanks twodog max, I look forward to carrying this one to. Do you carry IWB or OWB? What brand of holster do you use?

I carry mine in a Bianchi 5BH. It is OWB as I never could get comfortable with IWB. Tried it but always came back to the Bianchi.

 

[majick47]

Check the board here at S&W for a holster, if nothing check the auction site for vintage Bianchi, Safariland, Roys, Bucheimer. Myself I prefer OWB pancake style holsters.

 

[kennyb]

I carry a M66 2" frequently.Excellent choice.I carry it most often in an ankle holster