Help me pick my first revolver!

Thoughts on this Model 19-5? Seems like a lower buy it now price than I've been seeing ..
Funny, I saw that tonnight, and thought to myself that it would be snatched up quick. I thought about buying it myself, but I've been buying too many handguns and need to keep it to one a paycheck. It is a -5, so of newer construction. Still, it's a good price and won't last long. Even shipping wasn't much.

However, I don't think you're allowed to link to auctions, so you might want to remove the link before the mods remove it for you. Might be wrong about that.

To the OP: If you can find an n-frame 357, I would recommend that (model 27, 28, 627). Otherwise, a 4" 5/686 is an nice choice, too. If price is an issue, check out the auction site and search around for a model 13; they seem to be going for $400 or so--I just saw one end today at lunch for $301 with holster wear on the barrel.
 
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...hard to beat a nice Masterpiece...

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...or Combat Masterpiece...

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Funny, I saw that tonnight, and thought to myself that it would be snatched up quick. I thought about buying it myself, but I've been buying too many handguns and need to keep it to one a paycheck. It is a -5, so of newer construction. Still, it's a good price and won't last long. Even shipping wasn't much.

However, I don't think you're allowed to link to auctions, so you might want to remove the link before the mods remove it for you. Might be wrong about that.

To the OP: If you can find an n-frame 357, I would recommend that (model 27, 28, 627). Otherwise, a 4" 5/686 is an nice choice, too. If price is an issue, check out the auction site and search around for a model 13; they seem to be going for $400 or so--I just saw one end today at lunch for $301 with holster wear on the barrel.

Do you think I should go for the -5 or wait for a nice 19-4 or 686-4?
 
The 19-5 that you linked, appearance-wise (unless they're just poor quality photos), is in the "shooter quality" range, something I'm looking for myself. (I've got a thing for K-frame .357s.) I would value that particular S&W in the neighborhood of $550, absolute tops. Better around $475-$500, as it is not of the earlier pinned and recessed variety. In any case, it's unfortunate that you can't handle the piece before buying. It would be great to be able to check out end shake and lockup especially. The wear on the bluing wouldn't matter so much to me as I would designate it as a working gun.

You'd never regret picking up a 19.

I hope this helps you out.
 
The 19-5 that you linked, appearance-wise (unless they're just poor quality photos), is in the "shooter quality" range, something I'm looking for myself. (I've got a thing for K-frame .357s.) I would value that particular S&W in the neighborhood of $550, absolute tops. Better around $475-$500, as it is not of the earlier pinned and recessed variety. In any case, it's unfortunate that you can't handle the piece before buying. It would be great to be able to check out end shake and lockup especially. The wear on the bluing wouldn't matter so much to me as I would designate it as a working gun.

You'd never regret picking up a 19.

I hope this helps you out.

I will probably let this one go and look for the 19-4 and 686-4. You pushed me away from buying it so it's all yours now :D
 
Do you think I should go for the -5 or wait for a nice 19-4 or 686-4?
You won't regret buying it (assuming it's mechanically sound--buying online can be hit or miss, and how much is your local transfer fee); however, I prefer n-frames for shooting 357. K-framed 357s hurt my hand (call me a wuss). N-frames are big, hoonking guns, and soak up the recoil.

I bet that 19-5 is gone within the next eight hours, though. It's not the deal of a lifetime, but the way the market is pricing revolvers these days, it won't last.
 
HOYLE:

You spotted it... it's all yours! Besides, I DO like to be able to check 'em out first before hitting the launch button, unless I have a reliable first-hand spotter.

Have fun with your selection. We all know that you'll just want more.
 
Lots of great advice on here already, for me in the less than 6 inch barrel length and for heavy loads i'd pick either an N or L frame. I love my 586 and model 19 I've thought about a nice 627 but haven't been able to like the internal lock yet even though i have owned more than one gun with it.
 
I have a wide assortment of "shooter grade" 38s and 357s including models 10, 14, 15, 19, 28, 64, 67, and a 586.
If I could have only one it would be the 28. There is something about the big N frame that just plain works for me. It soaks up heavy magnum recoil like a sponge and is tough as nails.
A nice 4" 28-2 can be had for less than $600 and the gun will last forever with proper care.
 
686

Another vote for 686. I own many firearms, but the 686 is my go-to.
 

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On the 686 dash numbers, a lot of people will say the -4 because that is the last revision before the switch to MIM. -6 added the internal lock.

However, the -5, even though is MIM, also added the pinned front sight, which makes it much more easily changed. The -4 and earlier have an integral stainless red ramp, which is terrible outside in the sun.

IMHO the pinned front sight makes the -5 the best 686.
 
How about a 4" model 10-6, up to a 10-14? I have two, a 10-6 and a 10-8 and both are accurate and +P capable and can be found fairly inexpensive.
Below is my 10-6 in really good condition.

 
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627. I've owned a 686, J Frames, a 460v, Blackhawks in 357, 45lc, 45acp, and a Blackhawk in 357, various Taurus, a security six, and a rossi. By far and above my favorite of all of those is the 627 pro series. Best 850 I ever spent, new. Never fails, 8 rounds of 38 or 357 and it is an absolute joy to shoot. Handles my reloads, and is a consistent tackdriver.
 
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