I have a Model 27-2 Nickel 6" (mfg 1980) I bought Friday from a forum member here.Its in the 10 day CA background check and I get it Monday. Anyway what is the difference of the Model 19's compared to the Model 27's? Structural? Difference in Frame strength? Design? I have a 686P 6" already and my wife has the Model 60 LadySmith. This is my first Model 27 to add to my collection, and was wondering about the 19. Any replies appreciated. Which is the better gun?
Thanks

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Craig

the 19 is a K frame. The 686 is the larger L frame and the 27 is the even larger N frame.

Each gun is bigger than the other in about all directions and for sure by weight.

None are better guns...just different sized.

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ASA/NSA 67-71
NRA Benefactor

Pilgrim has the run down as I would have classified it except that if one plans on shooting stout magnum loads the larger framed guns are more durable.

The K framed 19 has a thinned spot under the forcing cone to allow clearance for the crane to close. It has been the experience of many that the use of high pressure rounds with lighter bullets (think 125 grain range) can cause splitting of the model 19 barrels here.

The model 19 was conceived for police officers who wanted magnum power in a gun that was to be carried more than shot (with hot loads) on a regular basis. The difference in carrying a K frame all day as opposed to an N frame is noticeable.

Thanks Guys,
So the 27 is basically the strongest frame of the 3 models?

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Craig

The 27 is the strongest frame, but the 7-shot 686 cylinder has the offset cylinder notches. I have no idea if that makes it stronger in comparison to the overall size of the N frame cylinder.

Yup. I would not be comfortable shooting only 357 loads in my Model 19. S&W actually recommended that officers practice with 38s and carry 357s in their Model 19s.

The L-Frame was created by S&W to bridge the gap between the much heavier N-Frame, which could shoot 357 loads all day long, day after day, and last forever, and the K-Frame which is really not suited to long term durability with a steady diet of 357s.

This is a link to a site by Stephen A Camp, a participant in this forum, with a pretty good description of the various guns and their features.

Smith

You would also need to take into consideration that the "N" frame has a larger cylinder diameter to fill the larger frame opening, with small .357 bores relative to the .44 bores and leaves more material in the cylinder and will make the cylinder stronger, one of the really good things about large frame .357's.

I put about 30 - .357 magnum rounds through my model 66 (4" K frame) last night and it is a handful. But you can always shoot .38 specials to reduce the felt recoil.

Not picking a fight with anyone but I've always felt the N-frame was superior to both the K and the L. (smiley face goes here)

Congrats on the 27!

Dave

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RSVN '69-'71
PCSD (Ret)

"Not picking a fight with anyone but I've always felt the N-frame was superior to both the K and the L."

It certainly fits an N frame holster better.

"the 19 is a K frame. The 686 is the larger L frame and the 27 is the even larger N frame.

"Each gun is bigger than the other in about all directions and for sure by weight."

Actually, the .357 L frame is heavier than the .357 N frame when barrels are the same. Catalogs list the 6 inch M-686 as 46 ounces, and the 6 inch M-27 as 44 ounces. The original L frame barrel's underlug is quite heavy.

I believe that, until the X frames, the 8-3/8 inch L frames were the heaviest production handguns S&W had ever made.

Speaking of weights--my 4" 17-6 weighs the same as my 4" M29. At least on my postal scales they do.

The 686 has a bull barrel with a full length underlug. That's why it weighs more than a 27, which has a tapered barrel and an underlug that is really nothing but an ejector shroud. Disassemble the two guns and weigh each part--barrel, frame, cylinder--and you will see that the 27 frame weighs more, the 27 cylinder weighs more, but the 27 barrel weighs less.

Well congrats . The 27 is considered by many experts , well by me any way , and I am no expert just a shooter , the aristocrat of all Smiths . You are pulling our legs right ? Real new guys say things like , "Why does this Smith I just paid top dollar for ,say Harrington and Richardson and is duct tape the original stock material ?

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Idaho , Elmer and Milt

Not to be redundant here, but the 19 is a K frame aka medium frame 357. The model 27 is a deluxe target model N Frame 357. Hope that helps.

Yes, but to be fair, the Model 19 is a "deluxe target model K-Frame," essentially the ne plus ultra of the K-Frame family just as the Model 27 is of the N-Frame family.

My post was obviously a joke anyways. I never thought of the model 19 as a deluxe target model, but more of a combat model. But in truth, it is offered in a 6 in barrel so I guess it is.

Thanks guys, I was sure glad to hear all the positive information on the 27-2. It was one of those one shot chances, as in CA it is not on the DOJ list, and finding someone selling one here and in San Diego to do a PPT at my FFL was an almost impossible thing to have happen -- Karma, I guess. Thanks to the classifieds here and the Forum members I was able to get one, and I pick it up Monday at my FFL.

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Craig

Model 19 was designed a a Police carry gun and is on a K frame. It will not take extensive shooting.

Model 27 is the gun J. Edger Hover issued his FBI agents during the pression. It will take continuous poundings of heavyly loaded rounds. It is on the heavy N frame.

Graig,

Fine buy. You won't regret the M27. I have a M28 and love the revolver. I also live in California. The N frames are going up in value. So you picked up a fine shooting revolver and a investment too.

Good luck.
roaddog28