Got a 19-7 today updated: range report

[samuse]

I was able to pick up a 19-7 that I bought from a forum member today.

The gun is absolutely flawless, I can't find anything wrong with it.

I have a few J-frames and love 'em, but have never handled a K-frame.

I'm takin' it to the range tomorrow, but my first impression is that this is the most awkward feeling piece of equipment I've ever held in my hand.

We'll see how it goes. Anyone else not get along with the bigger guns?

 

[Iggy]

Report back after your range session.

It will be interesting to see what you decide.

 

[66TXguy]

I agree with iggy, if you decide you don't like it, then send it to me and I'll give it a great home.

 

[IBSandy]

Congratulations on your model 17. Please give us a range report.

Sandy Jacobs
SWCA 1509

 

[Dragon88]

Does it have narrow service stocks? You might try a set of target stocks and see if they help the feel.

 

[northslope]

I actually prefer N-frames, but I picked up my first 66-nodash about 5 years ago and was hooked. My 19-5 is a great shooter (picked it up with target hammer and trigger).

Plus, you just can't beat a 3" K-frame for all-around balance and pointability!

--Neill

 

[carbofan21]

I was able to pick up a 19-7 that I bought from a forum member today.

The gun is absolutely flawless, I can't find anything wrong with it.

I have a few J-frames and love 'em, but have never handled a K-frame.

I'm takin' it to the range tomorrow, but my first impression is that this is the most awkward feeling piece of equipment I've ever held in my hand.

We'll see how it goes. Anyone else not get along with the bigger guns?

nice snag!

i can understand where you're coming from on the factory wood. never been a fan of the k frame square butt magnas, or the k frame target stocks. they just don't feel ergonomic to me.

if the gun turns out to be a tack driver, and you plan on keeping it, check out ahrends grips. i really like their retro combats with tung oil finish, myself.

 

[loneranger]

You may feel different after shooting it. I find my 19-3, 4" to be one of the best balanced guns I have. And is a joy to shoot.

 

[TNDave]

but my first impression is that this is the most awkward feeling piece of equipment I've ever held in my hand.

The factory grips leave a lot to be desired when it comes to shooting although they look nice. You might consider a set of Hogue grips or some other aftermarket grip.

 

[samuse]

It's going to the range today. Live fire will tell whether it fits me or not. Even if I don't like it, I'm gonna put some nice wood grips on it and just look at it. This thing is gorgeous!

 

[samuse]

Report back after your range session.

It will be interesting to see what you decide.

I took the 19 to the range today with 95 rounds of ammo. I had 45 rounds of 38 Special Remington FMJ, I think it was 130 grain and 50 rounds of Monarch 38 Special 158 grain semi-jacketed hollowpoints, made in Serbia.

I'm still not sure how to hold the gun, but is it ever easy to shoot accurately! I shot a few cylinders full D/A, but shooting it S/A was just too much fun. I couldn't resist.

I put 8 rounds of the Monarch in 3" at 20 yards standing, with a Weaver stance. The gun will do much better, I just need some practice.

I can definitely see this gun gettin' a lot of range time.

My SP101 is easier for me to get a grip on, but the Smith just seems like a nicer gun.

I pulled out my Glock 21 after shooting the 19-7 and I felt like I was wasting good targets

I've heard about the 19s cracking forcing cones with light 357s, but pretty much any commercial 38s should be ok huh? I don't reload, so pretty much everything I shoot comes from Wally World.

 

[GJH77]

samuse
I just got my 19-5 and got this info from my recent post.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/146939-finally-did-model-19-5-a.html
I hopefully will take mine to the range tomorrow for the first time.

Nice gun. You should like it. There have been some reports of the forcing cone cracking with the use of 110 - 125 gr. Magnum loads in them. If you shoot magnums in it go with the heavier bullet weights. The 38 Special +P in the 110 - 125 Gr. loads are fine. The 19 is a classic lawman's gun. It was designed with the help of lawmen for lawmen.

 

[AzShooter]

The problem with the forcing cone was with 125 grain .357 ammo. I don't remember the brand but it was so hot the flame would cut through the forcing cone.

Keep with target loads and 158 grain .357s and you will have no problems. If you want the 125 357s shoot a cylinder full to see where they hit and then use them for carry but don't shoot a lot for practice and you will be good to go.

 

[AKsRule]

I have two model 19s.

I believe they (and the 66 models) are the best general purpose revolvers S&W ever made.

The flame cutting only happened with lightweight (110-125 gr) loads , and even then it would take several thousand rounds fired before the top strap was unsafe.

The forcing cone damage was due to the higher pressure of the magnum light bullet loads - just use the 158gr ammo.

Get yourself some S&W factory "combat " grips.

.