M-19 Questions

[Brando92]

Hey all. Got a gun show coming up in two weeks and looking to buy a 357. Either a 19, 66, or a 686. It's going to be my first revolver and want to know what I should being looking for and what price I can expect for one of those guns in a good, used condition. Thank you.

Brandon

 

[jeep]

$400 to $700 for one of the 3 you want

 

[texasjarhead]

Brandon- I have a Model 19-8, and it's one of my favorites. It's a relatively lightweight .357 magnum, and the action is incredibly smooth. I normally shoot 38's instead of .357, and it's very accurate. The adjustable sights allow you to make changes for various loads. I also have two Colt Troopers, but prefer the Model 19 as it's much lighter weight.

 

[Lt JL]

if you intend to feed it a steady diet of .357, get the 686. If you are a purist, get the model 19. The model 66 is a stainless 19. The later ones don't have the quality of the no dash or dash 1 or dash 2 66s. If you intend to shoot .38s, and save the .357 for social engagements, any of the three will do you just fine. John

 

[HAWKEYE10]

if you get a model 19, and if it were me i would
open the cylinder and look at the forceing cone for cracks. i read on this forum that if you fired alot of 357's this might be a problem.
they said look at 6 o-clock.

don

 

[texasjarhead]

Hawkeye 10 is absolutely right about the forcing cone! The first model 19 I bought indeed had a cracked forcing cone, and I didn't know about this issue until after purchasing it. As to price, model 19's run about $450 in my area, if they are in good shape.

 

[mississippi revolverman]

I agree with everyone else here. If you are mostly using 38 go with the 19. If steady diet of 357 try the 686 because of the forcing cone issue. Of all my Smiths my first gun a 4" model 19 is still my favorite

 

[Swabby]

I have a M686-4 and a M19-3, both with 4" barrels. You can't go wrong with either one, or a M66 for that matter. If buying a K-Frame, definitely take a look at the forcing cone, as well as a quick check of the timing and end play. In my area, it's hard to find a S&W 4" anything right now. But there are a few listings on gunbroker. I would search the three models to get a feel for prices. I'm going to say (as a general statement), if you can find any of the three in very good shape for under $450-$500, it's probably a pretty good deal. You may also get a better feel for prices, once you get to the show. Good luck.