If everything else is equal, is there a preference between a Model 19 pinned versus unpinned? I am new to Smith and Wessons and am looking at two 6" model 19's, a -4 and a -5. Any reason to buy one over the other?

As you are probably aware, the -4 was the last pinned variant. Nothing wrong with unpinned, collectors just seem to prefer the pinned. Condition and all else being equal, and prices equivalent, I'd get the -4.

Of course, I'm biased as a 19-4 was the first handgun I ever bought.

I seem to try to tell myself, get a 19-4 or a 66-1. They are the ones with the last fixes before the P&R were removed.

That said, I also have a 66-2 that is a damn good shooter too.

Both are excellent revolvers and either should give you years of good service. As others have posted the P&R versions have a slight edge in collector interest. Some folks also believe that the assorted pinned and P&R guns were assembled and finished to a higher standard?

IMO, but the one in the best condition and feels right in your hand.

If the M19's are in the same conditon, I would take the M19-4. The reason is simple to me, it was the last year of the P&R M19. If I ever wanted to sell it, the P&R model holds it price better. Both are great shooters and really, you could not go wrong either way.

What JCS&W said...

Many people like to protect their investment in a handgun and for that reason alone, the P&R guns, if in similar condition compared with a later dash gun, will always be the better buy.

I have several newer S&W handguns for shooters. Yep, even with the "dreaded" IL and mim parts. The current S&W lifetime warranty for a newer shooter handgun is an excellent one, and as a P&R collector that gives me pause sometimes if I know the purchase is going to get some very heavy use.

There is no doubt the newer guns have more longevity and performance enhancing improvements, but with reasonable loads and good maintenance the older guns can and should last a lifetime.

I don't believe any S&W has better looks, fit, finish and provides more pride of ownership than most of the earlier P&R guns, and that opinion is confirmed by both strong collector interest and rising value by so many others....

JMHO

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Terry

I appreciate all the good information. You always feel better when you make an informed decision.

For serious purpose and competition I prefer the non recessed cylinder as it aids speedloading, for me.

For range guns, accumulator purposes and "fer lookin at" guns, I prefer the P&R model 19's. Truly classic revolvers. The likes of which we will not see again. Regards 18DAI

The P&R guns are cr@p! You should only buy new guns from S&W!! Leave all those terrible P&R guns for those dumb collectors to buy!!


[Evil Thought]I wonder if he'll fall for it!![/Evil Thought]

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Mark

I would just like to add that I haven't seen nearly as many highly polished 19-4 or newer guns while almost every single 19-3 and older model had a very high quality polish job done to them. I would swear than one of my 28's had more buffing wheel time than one of my 19-4's...