Found myself a 19-2 2.5 inch Combat Magnum

[MrTrolleyguy]

I have been looking for a very nice 19 snub P&R for a few months or more. I was really hoping for one with the correct box. So we are talking up to a dash four.

I now have my hooks on a -2 that meets and promises to exceed what I was hoping for.

Sorry but no pictures now...yeah yeah w/o pictures it ain't real. You know I'd post them if I could.

Now my question for all of you is why are there apparently ample numbers for sale of the SS brethren, the model 66-2 in 2.5", and seemingly so few 19-2 carbon steel models in this barrel length on the market?

 

[sunnyd]

Is the 66-2 an actual ss twin of your 19 -2? I don't believe any 66 - 2's were P & R like your 19 -2. Models 66 no dash and 66 -1 were P & R guns, at least mine are. I don't think these two models are so plentiful. I looked a long time to find a 66 no dash snubby

 

[jackvs1]

Hi and congratulations!!! Where or how did you find this 19-2? I am looking for the same, correct box & grips as well. Thanks.

 

[6518John]

Trolly--I found a 19-3, 2.5 inch new in the box for $800 and bought it on the spot. I think it is probably the perfect small revolver, the fit, finish, feel, the way it fits in your hand, etc. is amazing. I think it is truly an iconic gun like the 1911, Luger, Model 10, 27, 19 4 inch, 39, etc. (if that makes any sense). But I can't bring myself to shoot it.

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

John I hear you

Trolly--I found a 19-3, 2.5 inch new in the box for $800 and bought it on the spot.....But I can't bring myself to shoot it.

This may be a case of my needing to buy an almost-as-good-as specimen that I would shoot.

I had a shooter grade snub and sold it and others on here to make room in the safe for nicer guns. It doesn't make sense does it. But I bet a few guys can relate to it.

 

[DeafSmith]

To me the S&W K frame 2 1/2 Combat Magnum, either 19 or 66, are the best CCW revolvers to come out of S&W for full time carry. Yes I have J frames but they are five shooters.

I know how you feel about shooting so nice a gun so.... my S&W 66s are of the 66-1, -2, and -4 versions. They sadly sleep now. BUT, the 19-5 I got for $400 that I rehabilitated IS A SHOOTER. I even carry it sometimes.

Just use the Buffalo Bore 158gr LSWHP .38 loads. The +p one gets that slug out at 1050 from that 2.5 inch barrel. Or the Buffalo Bore non +p that will get the same bullet at 900 fps from that snub!

Plenty for self defense and won't sake up that gun at all.

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

Hi and congratulations!!! Where or how did you find this 19-2? I am looking for the same, correct box & grips as well. Thanks.

Jack, If I spot another I'll PM you. Does it need to be a dash 2?

 

[one eye joe]

Trolly--I found a 19-3, 2.5 inch new in the box for $800 and bought it on the spot. I think it is probably the perfect small revolver, the fit, finish, feel, the way it fits in your hand, etc. is amazing. I think it is truly an iconic gun like the 1911, Luger, Model 10, 27, 19 4 inch, 39, etc. (if that makes any sense). But I can't bring myself to shoot it.

I HEAR YA. I ACQUIRED AN UNFIRED SNUBBY COLT DIAMONDBACK IN .38SPL WITH BOX AND PAPERS OVER 30 YEARS AGO, AND COULD NEVER BRING MYSELF TO SHOOT IT. IT IS A GORGEOUS GUN, BUT I HAVE OFTEN QUESTIONED THE WISDOM OF SUCH A PURCHASE ON THE PART OF A SHOOTER LIKE MYSELF. IF I HAD PURCHASED A LESS PRISTINE MODEL, I COULD HAVE BEEN SHOOTING THE SNOT OUT OF IT ALL OF THESE YEARS. IT'S THE ONLY GUN THAT I HAVE IN SUCH CONDITION. AT MY AGE, I AM IN THE PROCESS OF DIVESTING MYSELF OF MY TOYS SO AS NOT TO LEAVE A BIG PROBLEM FOR MY SURVIVORS. I WILL END UP SELLING THIS GUN, WITHOUT EVER HAVING TRULY ENJOYED IT…….

 

[629shooter]

I'll look for the pics.

 

[Ronson2]

I have a 19-2 with the 2.5" barrel . Nice piece , no box or papers but that is better than the box and papers and no gun!

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 6518John View Post
Trolly--I found a 19-3, 2.5 inch new in the box for $800 and bought it on the spot. I think it is probably the perfect small revolver, the fit, finish, feel, the way it fits in your hand, etc. is amazing. I think it is truly an iconic gun like the 1911, Luger, Model 10, 27, 19 4 inch, 39, etc. (if that makes any sense). But I can't bring myself to shoot it. QUOTE

I HEAR YA. I ACQUIRED AN UNFIRED SNUBBY COLT DIAMONDBACK IN .38SPL WITH BOX AND PAPERS OVER 30 YEARS AGO, AND COULD NEVER BRING MYSELF TO SHOOT IT. IT IS A GORGEOUS GUN, BUT I HAVE OFTEN QUESTIONED THE WISDOM OF SUCH A PURCHASE ON THE PART OF A SHOOTER LIKE MYSELF. IF I HAD PURCHASED A LESS PRISTINE MODEL, I COULD HAVE BEEN SHOOTING THE SNOT OUT OF IT ALL OF THESE YEARS. IT'S THE ONLY GUN THAT I HAVE IN SUCH CONDITION. AT MY AGE, I AM IN THE PROCESS OF DIVESTING MYSELF OF MY TOYS SO AS NOT TO LEAVE A BIG PROBLEM FOR MY SURVIVORS. I WILL END UP SELLING THIS GUN, WITHOUT EVER HAVING TRULY ENJOYED IT…….

_________________

Profound. We must be about the same age. I got out in early '68 . You have given me something to think about. Thanks Joe!

 

[BAM-BAM]

OP

P&R = Model 19s: 19- through 19-4s.
P&R = Model 66s: 66 and 66-1s only; the 4" 66 was introduced in about 1970 and the 2.5" version was added in about 74...... P&R ended in about 1977


Production numbers...... my theory; once the 66 was introduced every police officer in the country wanted one for weight, ease of maintenance and the .357 caliber.

Around 1970 IIRC there was a lot of controversy about Police Depts. switching from .38 Spl to .357 magnums...." Cops don't need .357s the round is just too powerful"; (we don't even want to talk about "hollow-point" ammo designed to Kill and maim)!!!!!! This gave birth to the whole .38+P and +P+ ammo development.

Note/edit: a lot of Highway Patrol and State Police did carry .357s in the 50s and 60s because of the "need" to shoot through Car bodies and windshields..... a carryover from the 1930s.

As to the smaller numbers of 2.5" P&R 19s.......three things (1)Police were not carrying .357s much back pre 1970... most didn't even have hollow point ammo (2) some Dept.s would not even allow officers to carry .357 handguns loaded with .38s (3) A lot of officers bought their own guns and would carry the same gun for 10,20 even 30 years.... so an officer with a "perfectly good" 2-4" M&P would not trade up to a Model 19 if he could still only carry .38spl.

My Father started in 1938 and retired as a Captain in 1977..... basically 3 guns; a King customized Colt New Service in .357 (1939) a 4" 1946 M&P and a 1950s Colt Detective Special both in .38 spl.

By say 1970 both the .38s were loaded with the FBI load a +P 158 gr SWCHP.

The Colt NS was loaded with the new Super Vel ......38spl; a 125gr. hollow point going just short of magnum speed!!!!! (a +P+ load)

 

[DeafSmith]

My father, almost 80, still has his Colt Official Police .38 4 incher and uses .38s in it for his house gun. He never had the desire to even get a .357 (he hunted Elk in Colorado for 30 years strait with just a 30-06 and .38 Spl., and he still has his 30-06!)

Now I pack a Glock alot (ok.. ok.. calm down folks) but my other carry gun is a S&W 640, made in .38 Spl. I got just before CHL started here in Texas in 95. Yes I still use my original CCW gun.

The S&W 2 1/2 inch 19 is good to go. I'd pack mine in a minute (and actually have all the gear here to carry it.)

 

[johnny3]

m19-2

This pristine one I bought that had been fired very little, came to me with numbered grips but no box, stays in the safe.

 

[66snub]

I love my M19 in 2 1/2", which is a -5, so it's not p&r. I personally do not prefer the p&r models, but I totally relate to seeking that which you yearn for. The M66 in 2 1/2" is a tasty morsel. I've had two M66's in that size, one without the internal lock and one with it. Sadly, I've since sold both, but I'm always on the hunt for a replacement. There are tons for sale, but the prices are a bit salty for me and aren't getting any better.

 

[viceunit]

Now my question for all of you is why are there apparently ample numbers for sale of the SS brethren, the model 66-2 in 2.5", and seemingly so few 19-2 carbon steel models in this barrel length on the market?

The 66-2 is not the stainless equivalent of the 19-2. The last P&R 66's were the 66-1, and some of those are transitional, some pinned and not recessed and visa-versa. By 66-2, the P&R features were obsolete.

I have a 19-3 2.5" that I bought in 1977 and a 66-1 2.5" that I've had about 20 years. Both still get used regularly and are just as relevant as carry guns as they were when the first came out.

Waiting for the photos…..

 

[BAM-BAM]

By 66-2, the P&R features were obsolete.

I have a 19-3 2.5" that I bought in 1977 and a 66-1 2.5" Both still get used and are just as relevant as carry guns as they were when the first came out.
.

P&R weren't so much "obsolete" as features no longer (if ever) needed... and it was just cheaper to eliminate them.

The recessed feature on .357 was to protect against the fear of weak cartridge rims in the early .357 magnums ... similar to the .22lr.

Colt never pinned it barrels.......

 

[6518John]

My 19-3

Excuse horrible photography.

 

[Checkpoint Charlie]

TrolleyGuy,
Congrats on your purchase! Great minds think alike. Put money down today on a 2.5 inch Model 19-3. SCSW dates it 1972. No box or docs, not original grips, but I'm a shooter, not a collector. Will try to post pics when I pick it up.


"Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything". ---- Wyatt Earp