I find myself unable to warm to this classic 19-3 snub

[GatorFarmer]

The photo makes it look worse than it is, but does highlight what it is. A nice 19-3 snub, P&R, round butt, original grips with a Tyler T. It is configured exactly as it was when I obtained it.

This being SC, there's signs of spotting on the gun as you can see. The blue is also worn off on a portion of the backstrap where it looks as though a holster strap rubbed it. Probably carried by a right handed user, and carried more than it was shot.

I got it as part of a trade a while back.

Some years ago I came close to buying one of the final production 19 snubs (I forget what dash that would have been) but skipped it in favor of a Ruger Six Series which was half the price. I liked that Six Series snub.

I've had two other 19s and one 66 over the years. A nice nickel 19-2 that looked unfired, but locked up on me when I shot it. A gunsmith said it had a "burr" and charged me $25 to fix it. It seemed to work fine after that, but I later sold it. The other 19 was a 19-3 4" that I got for a decent price off Auction Arms. I sold it when I moved down here on the theory that a blued revolver wasn't going to be the best choice in this climate.

And then comes this one. Eh. It seems to handle well enough, and it's mechanically sound. But I find myself unable to think of a use for it. Ballistics wise, I keep thinking of the .357 Sig autos that I didn't keep - a P229R and a G32 - same basic ballistics, similar weight and size and double the capacity.

Talking about it locally, the most apt though cutting statement may have been "Trade it for a Glock, it's obsolete".

I don't know. Is it?

I most likely will find a new home for it locally, but it makes me wonder if climate and changing needs have caused me to outgrow my fondness for some older revolvers. I still have a pre-10 M&P, a 36, a 3" 31-1 etc... but I find myself wondering whether I'll find myself getting rid of them after the 19-3.

Is there anything I'm failing to see - other than being a classic of its era in a way, is there some niche that a Model 19 snub will still excel at ?

 

[PuertoRican]

The photo makes it look worse than it is, but does highlight what it is. A nice 19-3 snub, P&R, round butt, original grips with a Tyler T. It is configured exactly as it was when I obtained it.

This being SC, there's signs of spotting on the gun as you can see. The blue is also worn off on a portion of the backstrap where it looks as though a holster strap rubbed it. Probably carried by a right handed user, and carried more than it was shot.

I got it as part of a trade a while back.

Some years ago I came close to buying one of the final production 19 snubs (I forget what dash that would have been) but skipped it in favor of a Ruger Six Series which was half the price. I liked that Six Series snub.

I've had two other 19s and one 66 over the years. A nice nickel 19-2 that looked unfired, but locked up on me when I shot it. A gunsmith said it had a "burr" and charged me $25 to fix it. It seemed to work fine after that, but I later sold it. The other 19 was a 19-3 4" that I got for a decent price off Auction Arms. I sold it when I moved down here on the theory that a blued revolver wasn't going to be the best choice in this climate.

And then comes this one. Eh. It seems to handle well enough, and it's mechanically sound. But I find myself unable to think of a use for it. Ballistics wise, I keep thinking of the .357 Sig autos that I didn't keep - a P229R and a G32 - same basic ballistics, similar weight and size and double the capacity.

Talking about it locally, the most apt though cutting statement may have been "Trade it for a Glock, it's obsolete".

I don't know. Is it?

I most likely will find a new home for it locally, but it makes me wonder if climate and changing needs have caused me to outgrow my fondness for some older revolvers. I still have a pre-10 M&P, a 36, a 3" 31-1 etc... but I find myself wondering whether I'll find myself getting rid of them after the 19-3.

Is there anything I'm failing to see - other than being a classic of its era in a way, is there some niche that a Model 19 snub will still excel at ?

Totally agree with you. I suggest you send it to me so I can treat it with the dis-respect it obviously deserves.

 

[kudzu3]

Naa...It's worthless, pack it up and send it to me, I will dispose of it for you.

 

[mbliss57]

I have it's brother from SC

I can take it off your hands too. I have one just like that.. it actually came from SC, so maybe it is it's brother and needs to be reunited. Actualluy mine i s 19-4. But no matter it also had some spotting (not rust) on the finish. Not bad but some. It was priced accordingly. There may be something to the SC humdity.

 

[JCS&W]

You have had a couple of M19's, and did not seem to like them. That is why there are so many other products. I happen to like the K frame snubbie. I like it better than a J frame, but that is just me. To me it is all about the feel. If it does not feel right, find another. I do not think it is obsolete because there are many who still carry them. But what I think doesn't matter. I will not own a gun I do not like. You should probably think about selling it. There are many on here, me included, who would love to have that M19 shooter. Just my opinion.

 

[1 old 0311]

Only a moron would own something as "old fashioned" as a 19.....well me AND the morons.

 

[David LaPell]

I blame alot of the gun mags for this whole "revolver is obsolete" business. I think the revolver is just as capable as any semi auto on the market. Think of it, you can shoot .357's and .38's in that gun, no Glock can do that. You never have to worry about it jamming, semi autos from every make can do that. Personally I think its one of the nicest snubs you can own although I have a preference for short barreled N frames and I think they would have been better served by making a 3-inch version Model 19, something like the Model 13. No, there is nothing wrong with the gun you have. Although it would look nicer with some elk stags to go with that Tyler T.

 

[Bearcat]

Get the Glock. You'll never look back. I know how it is to have a pistol that just doesn't float your boat......It should bring $400 at just about any gun show in SC.

 

[kennyb]

i too live in a very humid climate (va) and always have...i keep a goldenrod in the safe which really helps...prior to the safe i would frequently wipe them all down with a good gun oil...mrG i know you are aware of all this and do so but wanted to post as a reminder to those that are new to the "southern tropics"

 

[old bear]

GatorFarmer, I can feel your pain, I'm still trying, really hard, to appreciate my M-27 5”. It does everything it supposed to do and it does it very well, but there is just something about it (??) that is not working for me.
If you are thinking about selling your M-19 2 1/2" PLEASE drop me a line. I'm in the R.T.P. area of NC.

 

[zonker5]

is there some niche that a Model 19 snub will still excel at ?

Yes!!!

There is a niche right next to my 4" and 6" model 19s. This one would complete the set.

 

[dsink]

I wouldnt have that wore out, outdated piece of junk old timers wheel gun. You really should get rid of it ASAP before someone calls you grandpaw.
Send it to me, I have another just like it that would love to have a twin brother LOL!

 

[GF]

"Talking about it locally, the most apt though cutting statement may have been "Trade it for a Glock, it's obsolete"." A statement probably made by a young man.
It's what you feel comfortable with that is the deciding factor in a CCW. I have a Glock 19 that I seldom carry.

I carry and shoot old "outdated" revolvers daily. I've wore the blue off these and they still shoot point of aim.

Most people DO carry a semi-auto handgun. I don't. Just never saw the need.

GF

 

[zonker5]

Most people DO carry a semi-auto handgun. I don't. Just never saw the need.

GF

I agree.

I am not arming myself for a major fire fight. If I can't get out of trouble with 5 or 6 rounds of .38, I doubt that 15 rounds of 9mm will do the job, either.

 

[bamabiker]

Only a moron would own something as "old fashioned" as a 19.....well me AND the morons.

Moron huh? I guess I've been called worse. LOL

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

GF
I have a convalecent home right here in SC for aging Smiths. Here they can live out their life with love and nurture. They will be fed, fired and admired.

Guess I'm obsolete too............

 

[1 old 0311]

I agree.

I am not arming myself for a major fire fight. If I can't get out of trouble with 5 or 6 rounds of .38, I doubt that 15 rounds of 9mm will do the job, either.

+1. Since I am not a bouncer at a Hells Angers bar, a doorman at a crack house, or guarding drug cartel leaders I think just SHOWING a handgun will solve 99% of the issues and if a BG sees my J or K frame he is going to think ' I bet that dude can actually HIT WITH THAT 'GRANDPA GUN.'

 

[StatesRightist]

Go out and get a Gen 4 Glock, with all of it's issues, recalls, spring replacements, magazine issues etc. Especially, with that really special grip angle, after all Browning got everything wrong and it needed changed, right? The Glock fan boys amaze me. Yes, it's a good gun, but so are a lot of other manufacturers guns. If you buy a Semi, look at the Glock Gen 2's, they are the best of the Glocks. But, also look at FNP's, M&P's, Sigs, HK's, Gen 3's, 1911's, 2011's, XDM's and several others that are just as good a gun as Glocks or better.

Personally, I think you are missing the point. The 19 as a Bug, combined with a Semi would be a great carry combo. Each pistol has it's niche. JMO.

 

[bmcgilvray]

I'd be willing to own that Model 19 and use it for serious social purposes.

I'm unwilling to own a Glock.

Doesn't matter what the current crowd thinks is tacti-cool.

 

[Ashlander]

I appreciate what Gator Farmer was saying -- though the gun was nice when it came into the world -- it is now rather beat up. If any of us saw it at a gun show or LGS we'd bargain low on this one -- real low. This gun is a shooter at best. And Gator Farmer seems to be a semi-auto guy -- those are the guns he likes to shoot. So no wonder he cannot find a place for this old beat 19.

I do have a suggestion though: I would stick it in the glove compartment -- in a carjack situation sometimes it's hard to give those semis the firm two-hand grip foundation they need for reliable functioning, whereas a revolver can be fired one hand or the other, out either the driver side or passenger side window, with no reliability concerns.