40th Bday- what should I get?

If you like the Model 10 and the Model 19, the middle ground would be a Model 10 357. Might have to look a little!

If you like snubs, and older 19 2.5" is a super classic carry.
 
If you like the Model 10 and the Model 19, the middle ground would be a Model 10 357. Might have to look a little!

If you like snubs, an older 19 2.5" is a super classic carry.
 
Well Grasshopper, you ask a philosophical question that only you can answer! Do you mean that you want to buy yourself a new (newly manufactured, like the Classic series) revolver, or a "new to you" (used) revolver? As far as Model 10s and 19s, there are many, many choices for both brand new and used. You must also ask yourself what is the intended purpose for the revolver: range, CCW, walking in the woods? That would help with determining barrel length and finish (blued, nickel, or SS). I like rear target sights on my revolvers so I tend to shy away from M&Ps and Model 10s. But to each their own. Most of my modest collection is comprised of N-frames, but I do own some M&Ps and Model 19s and they're fine revolvers.

Since it's for your birthday (congratulations BTW!), how about splurging on one of these Model 327 WR (Jerry Miculek) in 9mm? Or what about the PC Model 19 Carry Comp! I think those are really cool, and I think that Performance Center revolvers are worth the additional cost for the upgrades. Good luck with your decision!
 

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If you don’t have a Model 19, by all means, get one. There are lots of choices as to finish, barrel length, era of production, etc. My own suggestion would be a 4-inch 19-4, but if you are more of a target shooter than just wanting a general purpose gun, then a 6-inch version might be preferable.

Best wishes on your 40th, and enjoy your new revolver.
 
I do like the model 19 birth year. Aside from gunbroker, where can I look?
 
I do like the model 19 birth year. Aside from gunbroker, where can I look?


A WTB ad here, you’d be surprised what comes from one. Majority of the guys here have been collecting longer than you and I have been alive.
 
I'm a fan of the 357 Magnum and the Model 19 is really sweet for shooting 38 Special, 38 Special +P, and 357 Magnum, although I do avoid the full power 125 grain Magnum loads in my Model 19-3. Basically, it does everything that a 38 Special revolver does, but with the added flexibility of using 357 ammo.
 
I would go model 19 or 66. Adjustable sights as stated earlier and the ability to shoot .357 magnums occasionally.
 
You deserve the cleanest original finish pre lock S&W revolver at reasonable price. You only get 40 once. I recently passed on a show room fresh 10-7 at a shop for 500$. I got one already, not so nice but it was and still is a great training arm.
 
When I was about to turn 70, I literally stumbled into a birth year, almost birthday M&P (mdl 10) snubby, in pristine condition. Not on this forum, but a forum purchase. It lent to four more, all older than I am, all in great shape, and making a nice collection of vintage Smiths. One even ended up with a ship date 27 years and one day before me. It's a great group of people out there with some great examples of the gunsmithing art available.
 
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I got a .44 on my 44th. So maybe you should get a .40? They're pretty cheap these days. Next year, get a .41 Magnum and so on...

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I'm almost due for a .500 S&W myself...
 
Thanks! So is the 19-4 or 19-5 better?

Both are good. I would not walk away from a -5 version if you find one that appeals to you at a reasonable price. Generally, I think the 19-5s I have seen were not finished quite as nicely as the -4s, but beauty (and price) are in the eye of the beholder. ;) Do not get to overly wrought about the P&R thing. Judge the gun, if you are buying a “shooter,” for what you see - and the asking price.

A WTB ad here is probably a good idea. And GI. I rarely look at GB anymore. I’d start here. JMHO.
 
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