New 19-9 Classics vs Pre-lock Variants

Bhfromme

Bhfromme

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I want everyone's opinion on the new Model 19 Classics specifically on how they shoot as compared to the older P&R versions from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

There's a lot of ink on the manufacturing cost savings necessitated by the advent of the low cost polymer semi automatics. And I understand everyone's heartburn over the lock that was a concession to the Clinton administration. But how do these new Classics shoot compared to the older Model 19s? Is the trigger pull similar or are the new ones a lot stiffer? Does an older gun just feel better when you pick it up and grip it?
 
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Old vs new 66

I have owned both of the model 66’s. The biggest complaint I have about the new one is the godawful bead blast finish and black hammer, trigger, cylinder release. The gun looks like a cheap toy. The 19’s don’t have that problem, but I’m sure the bluing is not as deep or durable as the older models. I base that opinion on the new classic model 27 I own.

Mechanically, I am very satisfied with the new model. Time will tell, but I think the new model lock up is an improvement and ultimately the gun is more durable. Some of the earliest production new models’ forcing cones weren’t finished properly and the guns spit lead — requiring a trip back to S&W or a few minutes work with the proper tools.

Accuracy between the two is the same. You wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between one or the other.

The trigger on any new revolver could alway use a little work, either by polishing a few of the internals or reducing the weight of the hammer and rebound springs. Or, just shoot/dry fire it a few thousand times.

If the lock bothers you, it is easy to remove it and plug the hole.

Feel is subjective and probably more dependent on the grips you choose. For shooting, it’s hard to beat the rubber grips that come with the new guns. The laminate “target” grips that Smith puts on their classics look nice, but are too thin for me.
 
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Calling something a "classic" doesn't make it one. Ill stick with the original "classics" since they were made during a time when quality meant more than just profits and sales. Yes I own some of the newer handguns, but no sentimental value to them.They are just shooting irons.
 
The quality of many of the guns built in the 70s and 80s could be hit or miss as well. I have owned many such examples from both Colt and Smith and Wesson. For consistent quality, the true jewels, in my experience, are older than that.
 
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These were plenty good enough back when they were made in 1975 and 1976.

They still are. And note the absence of the "hole."

John

SW_MODEL19-3-1975-4_IN_zps3xlqwsum.jpg


SW_MODEL_19-3-1976-NICKEL_zpscjlaaixa.jpg
 
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Bhfromme said:
I want everyone's opinion on the new Model 19 Classics specifically on how they shoot as compared to the older P&R versions from the 50s, 60s and 70s.

There's a lot of ink on the manufacturing cost savings necessitated by the advent of the low cost polymer semi automatics. And I understand everyone's heartburn over the lock that was a concession to the Clinton administration. But how do these new Classics shoot compared to the older Model 19s? Is the trigger pull similar or are the new ones a lot stiffer? Does an older gun just feel better when you pick it up and grip it?
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Good question, but I doubt you are going to get many good, useful answers because those who are inclined to buy the all-new gun are not very likely to own and shoot the real classics. ;)
 
I have tons of the old guns but really like the new ones as well. All of my newer Smith are fantastic shooters with top shelf trigger quality. I very much want one of the 19 Classics or Carry Comps. Just waiting to find one used in good shape.
 
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I don’t have the new Model 19 but I do have both a new and pre-lock Model 66. The older guns tend to be prettier. I tend to baby them a little more and am more cautious with the ammo I use in them. The new ones I just happily blast away with. I have had no issues with the new guns I have purchased. If you plan on shooting a lot of magnums the new ones would be the way to go. If looks count more, find you a good pre- lock. The old Model 19s are some of the most beautiful guns Smith ever made. Treat them well and they will last you a lifetime and then some. The choice is yours. You will have fun either way. Good luck! Hugh


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I've had both old and new, IMO the new ones are mechanically superior to the old ones. Yes the finish is not as nice as the old ones, and yes nobody likes the lock, and yes we have a soft spot for P&R guns with hammer mounted firing pins. But the the manufacturing and tolerances of today are simply beyond what they were back then. As far as the triggers go, give a new one the same amount of time and use as the older ones have now and they will feel just as smooth. You can't compare a new, unfired gun to one that's been fired thousands of times over decades of use...
 
I've owned both the old and the new. I carried the old on duty for a career, so a gun's accuracy and reliability are important to me.

I bought a NIB Model 66 with the 2.75" barrel a few months ago. It didn't get through a cylinder of 38 Specials before the cylinder would not rotate, thus totally jamming up. Open the cylinder and it would rotate for a few more rounds and then jam up again. I'm sure that is not the case with all of the new ones, but after the gunsmith fixed the issue with the hand, the gun went back to the gun store on consignment. I understand from others that I'm not the only one that had that problem.

I'll stick with my old 4" and 6" Model 19 revolvers.
 
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I have only shot and handled one belonging to a friend of mine. I liked it. Accurate and trigger was good. Maybe not as good as some older 19's I have owned, but it was brand new. It would likely improve a little with use.

I only wish they would have named it something else ,maybe the 519. Then we we wouldn't have to hear "that's not a classic"every time someone mentions one.

It is on my short list to buy if the current craziness ever ends.
 
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There’s nothing classic about the Classic. I can tolerate the lock on very few Smiths, those where there’s no version without - or that are not easily obtainable. However, I CANNOT get passed the homely two piece barrel. So far my 500 and 627-5 are the only exceptions.
 

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CH4 said:
There’s nothing classic about the Classic. I can tolerate the lock on very few Smiths, those where there’s no version without - or that are not easily obtainable. However, I CANNOT get passed the homely two piece barrel. So far my 500 and 627-5 are the only exceptions.
Click to expand...
From what I see the only way to notice the "homely" two piece barrel to be looking down the business end of the firearm. Probably not a big problem for me!

All kidding aside, thanks for all of the great answers. You guys are the best.
 
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