M 19 Range report

[Dino44]

I took my recently acquired M19 4", to the range for the first time today. The first string was supposed to be 25 rounds, but one cartridge had a bad crimp and would not chamber. I load 5 rounds at a time. The second string of 25 also had one round that would not chamber. Same issue, bad crimp, bulge in case. I shoot in what I would call a modified weaver stance. My right foot is back slightly with my shoulders square with the target. I am right-handed but left eye dominate. I shoot with both eyes open. My left arm is straight out, and my right arm is slightly bent. All target shooting was at 7 yards. 1911 target thrown in for comparison.

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Not bad shooting and I am guessing you were shooting reloads because you had two bad rounds.

I always advocate to shoot with both eyes open because you should train the way you will fight.

Tip: the only reloads I shoot are the ones I made for myself.

 

[CajunBass]

Not bad. Not bad a'tall.

My first handgun was a Model 19, probably a -4 but I knew nothing about such things in those days. It was a Model 19, and that was good enough for me. I bought reloaded 38 wadcutters from the same shop for about $2.50 a box, with a 50 cent refund when I bought back my brass. I got a Lee Loader not long after and started reloading my own wadcutters not long after. I still load and shoot the same basic round today, although the Lee Loader has been retired to the curio cabinet, and the Model 19 today is a really nice -5 model.

 

[stansdds]

Not bad for first time with that Model 19. It's easier to shoot a single action pistol like the M1911 than it is a double action revolver, so it takes more practice to get top accuracy with a revolver. The rounds failing to chamber due to crimp is either faulty ammo or there is some carbon build up in the chamber preventing some rounds from seating.

 

[Truckman]

That's a good idea to keep dated photos of your targets with notations for future reference on your progress......Ben

 

[Hair Trigger]

You didn't say, but are those targets shot DA or SA, and are you shooting magnum loads or .38Spl?

My first S&W was a M19-2 with a 6" barrel back in 1979, then I had a M66 with a 4" barrel and now I have a M19-3 with a 4" barrel. I love shooting it, usually with mild magnum loads, a little hotter than .38+P but well below full power magnums.

 

[Dino44]

The ammunition I use is purchased. I am unfortunately not a re-loader. Prior to retirement I did not have time for it, nor the time to get educated about doing so. I typically buy the cheapest ammo I can find for target practice. My most recent was from Freedom Munitions out of Lewiston, Idaho. They sell both new and re-manufactured ammunition. In this case the 38 special I used was new 125 GR. I have bought from them for a dozen years with good success. The ammo can be dirty but is normally reliable. The two failed rounds were not the norm. All of my shots fired from the M19, were shot double action.