First S&W revolver, 19-3, or 19-4?

[TwoLaneBlackTop]

I am looking to purchase my fist S&W revolver for myself, at this point I think it will be a Model 19. I picked up a 4" barreled Colt Trooper Mk. III (I consider them to be very underrated) and want a nice S&W to go with it, so I am looking at 4" barreled Model 19's. I really like the size of the M19 and considering how I will be using the pistol I think it would be a good choice. I primarily shoot auto-loaders so any 19 I purchase would see about 100 rounds at the most each year, with maybe 25% of that being 357 magnum and the rest 38 special. Now back to my main question, should I look for a 19-3, or 19-4? Does the 19-3 offer any advantages over the 19-4?

 

[JCS&W]

The gas ring was moved from the yoke to the cylinder on the M19-4. I believe this is the only change from the M19-3. I find that some buyers like the M19-3 over the M19-4 simply due to the fact that the M19-3 is older. By M19-5, P&R was gone.

 

[Desert Rat 416]

Welcome to the Forum from out here in the Rockies. The Model 19 is an excellent choice for your first Smith & Wesson revolver, and a personal favorite. +1 on JCS&W's comments on the -3 vs -4. I have both and the only noted difference is in how to clean the cylinder.

You may want to read some of the Forum threads on the use of .357 magnum cartridges in the Model 19. Many will recommend only using 158 grain bullets - which seems like very good advice all things considered. In any case best of luck in securing your new piece, and hope you enjoy the heck out of it. We may convert you over time from those autos.

 

[Florida Guy]

A 19-4 was the first revolver I bought brand new back in '79 or '80.
Great gun. Wish I still had it

 

[fat tom]

Don't burn up any more brain cells trying to decide between the two. If you find either in the condition you want at a price you are happy with,buy it. Too often,one gets mired in minutiae. It ain't like either one is highly sought after as a collectible.
f.t.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I preferr the dash 4 as the gas ring was moved from the yoke to the cylinder. This prevents gas intrusion much better and with my dash 3 the cylinder starts to bind up a bit after 100 rounds or so. Not a big deal but is a minor distraction if you are going to shoot a lot of rounds in one session. With that said you would be well served with either version!

 

[mbliss57]

I have both in 4" and really don't notice any difference. I don't shoot any more than 50 rounds per session usually. Like Fat Tom said.. which ever looks nicer or has the best price point for you.

 

[Snakeshift]

What?? A Model 19 thread without pictures!? Blasphemy!

Model 19-3:

Wish I had a 4 inch to go with her.

 

[JCS&W]

Snakeshift, I do not want to commit blasphemy! Like I need an excuse to post a couple of M19 pics!

 

[riverrat38]

The warnings about using only 158 gr bullets with K frame mag guns is a good one if you are shooting magnum loads. If .38 Spec loads, you can use any bullets. The hot, high velocity gases escaping from the barrel to cylinder gap are especially erosive with light, fast, full pressure loads.

Rick