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......
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