19-3 vs 28-2

Rockets

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I currently own a Smith 28-2 and a buddy has a 19-3 4" for sale...What's a fair value on the 19-3? Would I see a big handling difference difference between the two ? He's asking 450
 
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The heavier N frame 28-2 will be more pleasant to shoot .357's than the K frame 19, but not as practical for carry use. Depending on condition, $450 is probably pretty fair.

Todd
 
It depends on condition, but if it is nice (98%) $450 is probably at the high end of current sales prices. In my opinion there is a big difference between the two in handling; the N frame feels too big for me. Perhaps your friend will let you try both side-by-side with similar loads, and you can decide from there?
 
It depends on condition, but if it is nice (98%) $450 is probably at the high end of current sales prices. In my opinion there is a big difference between the two in handling; the N frame feels too big for me. Perhaps your friend will let you try both side-by-side with similar loads, and you can decide from there?

The 28-2 feels perfect in my hands....He's in a jam and I am trying to help him. I'll follow your advice and go to the range next week to try it his 19-3
 
It all depends on the M19's condition. Mechanically and cosmetically I would want NRA Very Good or better.

Having said that, I have seen some pretty beat up (but mechanically sound) M19s at gun shops in my area with an asking price of $500. And they sold at that price, too.

An M19 is obviously smaller, lighter, and handier than an M28. Conventional wisdom is that they will not hold up as well to a steady diet of full-power magnums as an M-28 will, but it may take a heck of a lot of shooting to prove that point.

For me, N-Frames take a little getting used to. But they are well worth it, especially if you want to transition to .44 / .45 caliber rounds, since they are pretty much the only game in town.

In your shoes I would go ahead and buy the M19, assuming condition is as previously mentioned. See how you like it. You can always sell it for about that much (or more) and they are nice guns in their own right. Who knows, you may like it better than the M28.
 
The bottom line is that the 28 is a superb gun for shooting magnums but a bear to carry. The 19 functions much better as a carry piece but doesn't handle the snap of a magnum round nearly as well as does the 28.

I love shooting magnums but I don't love getting my hand/wrist beaten up by recoil. That's why I shoot magnum rounds exclusively from my Models 27 and 28. I never shoot anything more robust than .38 +P from my 19 and 66 even though both guns are rated for magnum rounds.
 
Pass on the 19 and just buy another 28. They will shoot light loads as
well or better than the 19. The 28 may be the best gun for the money
that S&W ever made.
 
If he's a friend and needs the help I'd do it. Even if the 450 is a little high (by bout 50 bucks in my area) the 19 is a good gun and nice to carry. I never enjoyed shooting full house loads through one though. If it is a matter of selling the 28 to buy the 19 I'd pass.
 
Price OK, but believe you'll like the 28-2 better, at least I do. I find K frame .357s a little disappointing; the older N frames put a smile on my face.
 
If he's a friend and needs the help I'd do it. Even if the 450 is a little high (by bout 50 bucks in my area) the 19 is a good gun and nice to carry. I never enjoyed shooting full house loads through one though. If it is a matter of selling the 28 to buy the 19 I'd pass.

+1, I agree with A10 100% on this one.
 
If he's a friend and needs the help I'd do it. Even if the 450 is a little high (by bout 50 bucks in my area) the 19 is a good gun and nice to carry. I never enjoyed shooting full house loads through one though. If it is a matter of selling the 28 to buy the 19 I'd pass.

I'll never ever sell my guns. I'll eat beans for the rest of my life before one of them goes up for sale...For ccw a g23 or g27 would be my choice...The 28 goes to the range and is sitting on my night stand next to my 12g:D - I think I'll get that 19 to help him out..
 
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A friend has a M19-3 he wants to sell. Wants $450, unless it is a beater, that M19 would not last 10 minutes down here. Heck, I have seen good ones sell for over $550. I would buy it. I have both, and I have to admit I like the M28-2 better, but it is close. If it will make you feel better, tell your friend he can buy it back when he gets back on his feet, for the same price.
 
A friend has a M19-3 he wants to sell. Wants $450, unless it is a beater, that M19 would not last 10 minutes down here. Heck, I have seen good ones sell for over $550. I would buy it. I have both, and I have to admit I like the M28-2 better, but it is close. If it will make you feel better, tell your friend he can buy it back when he gets back on his feet, for the same price.

I already gave him that option.. :)
 
The price seems about right to me at least based on prices in the Southeast. Why not just shoot regular velocity 38 special loads in both guns but especially the Model 19? It saves money and saves wear and tear. You can always load up with magnum loads if needed for self defense purposes. Model 19's are really nice revolvers and you will enjoy shooting it.
 
Buy it and help your friend if your finances permit.

Shoot 38Special + P in it, or lower pressure .357's if you reload.

rayb
 
I was glad to hear you decided to help your friend out and buy the 19-3. I have both models and take them to the range together. I enjoy the differences each offers. My 28, 4", no dash, was my latest purchase. I love the feel of this piece. So much so, I know I will be picking up another in the future.
 
I was glad to hear you decided to help your friend out and buy the 19-3. I have both models and take them to the range together. I enjoy the differences each offers. My 28, 4", no dash, was my latest purchase. I love the feel of this piece. So much so, I know I will be picking up another in the future.

Always good to have a "spare" :D

I am looking for a 27 or even another 28 if anyone knows or has one for sale pls pm @ [email protected]
 
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