Is there anything better than a Model 19?

[vito]

I've had my 19-5 for about 30 years, with its 4-inch barrel, and nickel finish, and after not shooting it for quite awhile I took it to the range the other day. I had almost forgotten what a sweet gun this is. Firing 38-special, or 357 magnum it is just such a balanced, comfortable and accurate gun that I find myself thinking that it really doesn't get any better than this! And looking at this gun, at least to me it seems to be just what a gun is "supposed" to look like. I remember many years ago reading in one of the gun mags that the author felt that this gun was the best "combat" pistol ever made, and although I have purchased many more guns in the intervening 30 years, this is still one of if not my very favorite firearm.

What makes me even more happy about this gun is that when I bought it, I did so strictly because my home had been broken into, and my one and only handgun had been stolen. I wanted something for home protection, especially thinking that the thieves might return, and the Model 19 is what called out to me in the gun case of the local sporting goods store at the time. What a lucky choice I made.

It may not have the capacity of my semi-autos, nor the power of some larger caliber guns, but it is still my go-to handgun when something goes bump in the night. The only change I made to the stock gun was replacing the grips with a Crimson Trace laser. Loaded with 6 rounds of 38+p self defense ammo I feel very well equipped for whatever might be needed to protect myself and my family.

 

[Peak53]

The only thing better than a Model 19 would be the pre-model marked Combat Magnum

 

[ronnie gore]

model 19

the model 19 platform has always been my favorite s&w revover.
I went to the police academy back in 1971 and had a model 19 in nickel that I used then.
I have two other 19s now and several model 66s
I would say the only way to improve the 19 would be with a 66.

 

[wingnuut]

Dan Wesson 715

 

[perfectcircle1]

There is, two 19s

 

[old bear]

The M-19/66's may have their limitations, yet I also believe they are one of the most practical revolvers ever produced. Somehow they just feel right in the hand.

 

[vito]

How is the 66 different from the 19? I find the N frame revolvers feel very big to me, and the j-frame is perfect for concealed carry. But the K-frame revolvers are just right!

 

[OldK22]

IMHO a 3 1/2 inch Registered Magnum or a Model 27 in 3 1/2 inch is better.

 

[mikeruns]

That's almost a loaded question! Pun intended... :-> I think the 19 serves many purposes in very serviceable ways, but for me, the Distinguished combat magnum in stainless with a 4" bbl was an improvement for me since I handloaded and shot a lot of hot magnums back in the late 80's.....it even fit in a Bianchi 5bhl made for a model 19.....and I let it go. Now I have several 357 mags-both Ruger and S&W and would like another 686 but have to hold off until I shake loose of 1 or more of my current flock....

 

[howiema]

model 19

Just finished cleaning my 19-3 after shooting it this morning, I couldn't agree more. I like the n frames but the 19 is a great shooter.

 

[jglsprings]

I'm sorry to disagree...

There is, two 19s

I think four is a better number - more rounded and attractive.

You'll need a 2 1/2", a 4" blue, a 4" nickel and one 6".

And that doesn't even start the 66s...

I don't have close ups of all of them but here is an out of date picture of a flight of K frames. See if you can pick out the 19s! (The 3" Model 65 is now gone - the 4" blue is missing from the family picture).

If you only have one - you are just getting started! LOL!

 

[greenmachine]

I count three, am I close?

 

[jglsprings]

IMHO a 3 1/2 inch Registered Magnum or a Model 27 in 3 1/2 inch is better.

You do have a good argument there...

 

[OIF2]

I like my 66, but I got it for free.
Bob

 

[greenmachine]

There are lots of impressive posts here, but WOW!

 

[Alk8944]

It all depends on what your needs are, and what your definition of best is. If you are talking about hunting big bears it isn't even in the running!

 

[Hapworth]

How is the 66 different from the 19?

It's stainless rather than carbon steel. That's it.

 

[Arik]

I like the 66 but not for anything that "goes bump in the night"

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[Speedieguy]

My first and only wheel gun. Target hammer and target trigger with the 6" barrel makes it very easy to shoot accurately. I know it's a 66 not a 19 but I predict more in my future.

 

[GKC]

I like the Model 19, and I've owned several in different barrel lengths, over the course of my life. They are great guns, no doubt, but if I was going to have a revolver for home defense I would have a Model 28 with a 4" barrel. I had one but traded it when I decided I wanted all semis. I sure wish I had kept that one revolver, anyway.

 

[BigBill]

The s&w m19 was Bill Jordan's baby right? It's ok if you don't shoot it a lot.
I prefer an "N" frame in any caliber. I know it can take more punishment than the m19 can.

What's equal to the m19 in 357 magnum that's offered today?

I have the semis but there's something about cocking the hammer and seeing the cylinder turn with the next chambered round. It's old Scholl but I never see a revolver jam. I put all my ccw autos through rigorous tests before I would put my life on the line with ccw carrying one. I only trust a pistol after it passes 500rds of flawless operation.

 

[Hillbilly77]

Is there anything better than a Model 19?

Only a Model 586.

 

[Tom_R]

The model 19 is such a sweet shooter. I have one that is in such nice condition, and it feels so nice in my hand. I also have a 27-2 (Nickel) and a 28-2.

They are all 4" guns, and they are all terrific.

I am a long time Sig-Sauer fan, and I love my Sigs, always will. But I have 5 Smith & Wessons now. Those 3 revolvers, and a 39-2 and a 439. The fit, finish and feel of all of them are amazing.

You could do a lot worse than a nice model 19 that is for sure.

 

[Green Frog]

It seems like the Model19/66 family is really a 38 Special revolver that has the capacity to handle 357s if needed. The Model 586/686 has the same grip frame but enough bigger cylinder and frame to be a 357 that is still comfortable with 38s. JMHO, but my Model 66 is now a Model 616 (see http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/260686-project-616-a.html) and I bought a Model 686 for bullets in the .357" category. JMHO, and let the flames begin!

Froggie

 

[shfd368bkt]

Too me it doesn't get any better than my 19-3 snubby. It's been the perfect gun

 

[perrazi]

I finally bought a 4in model 19 after not owning one for about 40 yrs. still haven't shot it as yet. been to busy shooting the new 10mm longslide I got this winter and just got to shoot recently.

 

[galena]

I'm late to the show, but I figure three M-19s are better than one. All three are 'dash 3s'. I bought the 4" new in 1969 and picked up the other two later in life. All have seen plenty of holster time.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

My first P&R Smith was my 4" 19-3 I bought after I had already picked up a 686-6 and 629-6.

All I had to do was handle it at the LGS and it was all over but the crying....

I carry it frequently in a Bianchi 3-slot pancake....

 

[sac-gunslinger]

It all depends on what your needs are, and what your definition of best is.

+100 for this post. No where does the concept of YMMV (your mileage may vary) apply more than in handgun selection. It is all about your human factors.

You can tell us what works best for you but you should tell us why as well so we can see how our own personal human factors compare. That way we can decide if your recommendation is appropriate in our circumstances.

 

[RIDE-RED 350r]

+100 for this post. No where does the concept of YMMV (your mileage may vary) apply more than in handgun selection. It is all about your human factors.

You can tell us what works best for you but you should tell us why as well so we can see how our own personal human factors compare. That way we can decide if your recommendation is appropriate in our circumstances.

Or an easier solution, albeit more costly... Acquire at least one specimen of each frame size! I am only missing one... Guess I better get my next kitchen pass application filed..