Is there anything better than a Model 19?

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

Agreed!
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Sent from my Motorola Flip phone.
 
OP, the M19/66 is a favorite of mine. I don't have as many as Engine49Guy, but here are mine.

I count 8 in your pic, mine only has 7 ha ha !

The N frame 357 has more history going back to the 30's but I would honestly prefer the Model 19 over the 27/28 as a duty or carry weapon because of the size difference.
Unfortunately the K magnum is not as robust a design and will not tolerate abuse like the N frame and S&W figured that out by 1980 introducing the happy medium L frame .357.
Unfortunately since P&R was a memory by the time the L frame was introduced it has a different appeal than the 19-4 and older guns ,
Too bad S&W never made a P&R L frame with a half lug wide rib barrel like the 19 although IIRC my 7 shot 686-5 Mtn Gun weighs less than my 66.

Forgot I saved this pic of another members 586 that has had half the lug removed and reblued.
 
My 1st revolver (and second gun overall at the tender age of 20) was a 6' mod 66. Beautiful revolver, perfect size/weight, shoots like a dream BUT you cannot ignore the weakness of the forcing cone. I thought it was a "combat magnum", so a steady diet of commercial .357 did it and the forcing cone was damaged enough to stop the cylinder from turning. I had to change the barrel, and the forcing cone cracked again, but a much smaller crack that does not impair function of the revolver. My gunsmith suggested to put a smaller barrel 2 ½ ' and use it as a .38 defense snubby; I toyed with the idea for a while but then decided it would stay as is and is now my perfect and very accurate target .38 special. This gun will not see another .357, so I bought a 586 for magnums (and a MR 73, but that's another story). So not entirely perfect in my book, but I still love it nevertheless.
 

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I do love me a 3.5" or 4" N frame. The J frames make great ankle and pocket guns. As much sense as they make, I haven't warmed up to anything in between.

I have been tempted to buy a model 67 and do a 1" barrel chop...but thankfully have kept such desires in check.

I will admit, a 3" K frame with wood combat stocks is a true thing of beauty.
 
I never really considered using my 19 as a carry gun due to its size, but apparently there are folks that do carry a 4-inch revolver. I'm hoping for some recommendations on good OWB holsters for a 19 with 4-inch barrel.
 
Vito, I have forgotten about some of guns that I own how much I like them. I think about trading off for something new. Then that gun goes to the range with me, and reminds me why I don't to part with it!
I have never owned a 19, but my shooting has a nickel one. A beauty, and a pleasure to shoot. I would like to own a snubbie, in a K or L Frame. Bob
 
I love Model 19s, but I guess this is where I go into Being-In-Minority-Mode again...because yes, I think there is something better than the Model 19...and my choice will probably surprise you because it isn't a Smith.

It's the Ruger Security-Six in .357 Magnum. The thing is built like a Caterpillar D-9, and you really have to try to break one. No sideplate at all. Disassembles by removing one screw.


All this is just my opinion. Y'all don't hate me, okay?


Each to his own. i think the Smith's win on style for sure. But I got to hand it to you...I'd trust that tank in a gunfight!

I am waiting on a Ruger Alaskan which looks like a Security Six on steroids. If that is too heavy maybe a Security Six is in my future.

Nice pictures. :)
 
I have lots of different revolvers, only revolvers, and M-19's are by far my favorite. If I was forced to own one, and only one, hand gun of any type it would most certainly be a 4" Model 19.

Bob
 
Or a table full and 2 Labrador retrievers



Listen to the dogs there talking about who is going to shoot which one first.

Nice pups I have a yellow lab. He acts dumb to fool us at times. He gets his own snacks at will.

My ruger security sixes are my Mack truck strong revolvers. The front site should look like a bulldog.
 
As far as revolvers go, the K frame with 4 inch barrel is one of the best choices for all around use, including concealed carry. The only way to make it better, in my opinion, is to make it a round butt.
 
I had a python it was accurate but way over rated. Just because it says colt doesn't mean it's the best. My two new colt 1911 were slamma jamma native. I'm not slamming colt I may of been cursed. All my rugers are flawless. Now s&w is up at bat. Well see how good they are soon. So far my new m58 handles and shoot a awesome. My '48 k22, my k38 combat masterpiece and my k38 target masterpiece have the best feeling actions on revolvers I have ever felt. My used and new N frames feel pretty good action wise too. I'm a noobie to s&w revolvers but not new to guns. So my opinion is honest and not biased. I have and will say it is what it is good or bad.
The m19 is a k frame? The k frames have a smooth feeling action. At least my other ones do I don't own a 19 yet.

I'll take my Smith's out for some fresh air at the range but I won't ccw them.
 
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