Battle..model 19 vs model 29 who wins.

Laketime

Laketime

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Thought I'd do a fun little battle between probably the two most versatile revolvers that S&W ever produced.Out of these two models in a four inch configuration,which one would you choose to handle all of your chores.This would include home defense,CCW,recreational target shooting,and some small to medium game hunting.Wich one would be the must have revolver for you and share with us why.


Pictures of both are welcome!
 
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For me, N frame always wins... However, the 19 has a smooth double action with that smaller cylinder...

I am biased towards N Frames because they are more durable.. For a .357, I would go for a N Frame 27.

I "stretched" out one of the first stainless K frame .357s in the 80's that I bought new because of the smooth double action. After a few years of full house .357 magnum reloads, it was spitting a lot of lead and the barrel came loose and when you tightened it, it want past vertical... Eventually, a gunsmith pinned the barrel.. To be fair, those first stainless combat magnums had some issues with full house loads..., so, I am not convinced this would have happened to a blue 19...
 
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The Model 19, second choice, an N Framed .357, for the purposes you list. Yes, the .44 mag is also a versatile round, but the larger frame and the increased recoil is not as compatible with many shooters, especially those with smaller hands. .357 mag rounds are loud and snappy too, but few of us shoot large numbers of mag rounds in either caliber. Ammo, in all kinds, is available from the factory in more various iterations in the .357 mag/.38 Special calibers. No contest here for me! I'm a bit prejudiced since I carried a Model 19 for many years every day and fired many thousands of rounds through one particular gun without any issues whatsoever.
 
I have both in 4". My 629 gets 99% of the use. 44 special plinkers and self defense for house. 44 mag for hunting back up.

In 357 my pre 27 gets carried more than either of the above. I really think SW hit a homer on the N frame 357 for general use. Keep in mind the 19 was supposed to be shot mostly with 38 special and carried with 357.

The 19's real calling is in 4 inch is for carrying daily by LE. Nice gun but like my pythons 38 sp was mostly used.
 
model70hunter said:
I have both in 4". My 629 gets 99% of the use. 44 special plinkers and self defense for house. 44 mag for hunting back up.

In 357 my pre 27 gets carried more than either of the above. I really think SW hit a homer on the N frame 357 for general use. Keep in mind the 19 was supposed to be shot mostly with 38 special and carried with 357.

The 19's real calling is in 4 inch is for carrying daily by LE. Nice gun but like my pythons 38 sp was mostly used.
Click to expand...
I actually preferred both my model 19 and 66 over my four inch 27. The 27 is great,but if I'm going that heavy a gun I'd grab a 41 or 44 mag instead.
 
As Written in the first post , the M19.

If you tweaked the parameters to where lots of hunting , or potentially having a gunfight with a bears was important , primarily handloading for versatility , and seriously dressing around the gun were acceptable , then M29 . Most people don't skew this way , but if you do , go right ahead.
 
I vote 29.

.44 Specials for target shooting, .44 Magnums for hunting, and either one is a dandy for defense against two-legged critters.

I own and love both (just got the 19), but the .44 is just more versatile outdoors. Maybe if one were to never have to worry about larger four-legged critters that point might be moot, but I do, so it isn't.
 
Since I reload, and am a fairly serious handgun hunter, my vote is for the model 29. With the right loads, it can do anything the 19 can, and more. Neither gun is a "hide out" sized weapon, but the 4 inch N frame can be concealed just about as easy as the K frame with the proper holster.

Larry
 
Well, I own a m19-3 and m29-2, both in the 4" flavor.

The only 2 areas I feel my 19 beats the 29 is bit easier carrying, and an ever so slightly smoother/lighter trigger. Not a night and day comparison by any stretch.

This question is really like asking someone to pick a favorite among their children to me!!

BUT, being a lover of all things N-frame, and someone who has never fired a 44spl, my 29 is my baby. I do carry it on occasion, and frankly not as much as I would like. But it is in near perfect condition and I want it to stay that way.

It is equipped with a set of factory combat grips and handles the lighter weight 200gr XTP's I load with a medium-heavy charge of AA#9 quite well. It's no mouse fart, but it's no wrist breaker either.

So, at the end of the day, if I were forced to part with one, I would have to let the 19 go.

Thankfully, it is doubtful I will ever be faced with such a situation! ;)
 
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