tocohillsguy
Member
I see many are carrying light weight mag loads. I thought that was a no-no in a K frame.
Mod 66 or 19 W/2.5"Bbl For Daily Carry??
- Thread starter Gunmeister
- Start date
cz93x62
Member
The now-neutered current SAAMI-spec 357 Magnum loads (36K PSI rating) won't do harm to K-frame 357 Magnum revolvers. The older ammo that ran 42K PSI might strain them after a while, and weren't much fun to fire in K-frames anyway.
This is per the Factory to my agency when we added the 357 Magnum to our approved-ammo list in 1994. Same story for the J-frame 357s, current SAAMI-spec won't hurt them. I don't enjoy the ammo in a J-frame, but that's another story.
Our carry load is the W-W 158 grain JHP, BTW.
When I got into the LEO bizness in 1977, the K-frame 357 Magnum was THE revolver to own and run. Period. Pythons got a little love, too--but I couldn't eat and own one at the same time. At the time, 38 Special +P was the authorized ammo, and it was a good match for the 13/65/19/66 platform. MANY deputies carried a 4" 19 or 66 in uniform, then used a 2.5" version off-duty or in plainclothes. If you liked to shoot targets or hunt, the 6" was around, too.
I never really "got" the idea of a 2.5"-barrelled Magnum until I had a chance to run a Model 13 x 3" that a range rat buddy of mine from FBI let me borrow for a time in the mid-1980s. THAT THING WORKED. Very well.
I had that in mind earlier this year when a Model 19 x 2.5" became available at a good price. I snagged it, and a Bianchi #7 hip holster followed soon thereafter.
Just like the Model 13, to 25 yards I can't miss with this revolver. Running my carry loads or loads that duplicate same, the short maggie is all a retired lawdog really needs.
My prejudice, for the record--had my agency approved the 357 Magnum in 1987 at the same time they added autopistols, I wouldn't have switched platform type to bottom-feeders. I would have just done an ammo upgrade in the 686 and called it good.
This is per the Factory to my agency when we added the 357 Magnum to our approved-ammo list in 1994. Same story for the J-frame 357s, current SAAMI-spec won't hurt them. I don't enjoy the ammo in a J-frame, but that's another story.
Our carry load is the W-W 158 grain JHP, BTW.
When I got into the LEO bizness in 1977, the K-frame 357 Magnum was THE revolver to own and run. Period. Pythons got a little love, too--but I couldn't eat and own one at the same time. At the time, 38 Special +P was the authorized ammo, and it was a good match for the 13/65/19/66 platform. MANY deputies carried a 4" 19 or 66 in uniform, then used a 2.5" version off-duty or in plainclothes. If you liked to shoot targets or hunt, the 6" was around, too.
I never really "got" the idea of a 2.5"-barrelled Magnum until I had a chance to run a Model 13 x 3" that a range rat buddy of mine from FBI let me borrow for a time in the mid-1980s. THAT THING WORKED. Very well.
I had that in mind earlier this year when a Model 19 x 2.5" became available at a good price. I snagged it, and a Bianchi #7 hip holster followed soon thereafter.
Just like the Model 13, to 25 yards I can't miss with this revolver. Running my carry loads or loads that duplicate same, the short maggie is all a retired lawdog really needs.
My prejudice, for the record--had my agency approved the 357 Magnum in 1987 at the same time they added autopistols, I wouldn't have switched platform type to bottom-feeders. I would have just done an ammo upgrade in the 686 and called it good.
Pointblank2U
US Veteran
I own and carry both the 19 and 66 in 2.5". I find the Bianchi Model 100 Professional Holster to be extremely comfortable. It even has an extension so you don't get the hammer biting into you. I usually carry one Safariland speedloader and one Bianchi speedstrip. My carry ammuntion is Corbon DPX .357 Magnum. It's a medium power load and not hard to handle. I have the now discontinued Uncle Mike's boot grips on them. Six rounds is plenty if you can hit what you are aiming at.
Ron456
Member
Daily Cary
I carry a model 637 with +P loads in a Blackhawk holster. I love the 637 because it is so light and concealable and the Blackhawk holster is the best J frame holster out there.
I carry a model 637 with +P loads in a Blackhawk holster. I love the 637 because it is so light and concealable and the Blackhawk holster is the best J frame holster out there.
guitarded
Member
My current daily carry is a 2.5 in. bbl 66-5 in a Don Hume 715. Ammo is Hornady 140 gr. LEVERevolution. I'm thinking about switching to a Blade Tech IWB for it. The hammer digs into my side a little when I'm sitting. Although I have a sheet of kydex, so I'm thinking of fabbing up my own.
bronco45
Member
I had and acted on the option of purchasing my last revolver that was issued to me by the State. A Model 19 2.5" that has never had a Magnum round through it. It was issued NIB to me.
I carry it occasionally with Buffalo Bore 38+Ps 158 LSWCHPs in a Galco Speedmaster rig with a spare six in a belt slide and a Safariland speedloader, split six on the belt.
It's all I need for a carry piece.
I carry it occasionally with Buffalo Bore 38+Ps 158 LSWCHPs in a Galco Speedmaster rig with a spare six in a belt slide and a Safariland speedloader, split six on the belt.
It's all I need for a carry piece.
warden44
Member
66 Carry
I am surprised no one mentioned carrying a 19/66 in a pocket holster. Am I the only one that does this? I carry my 2.5 66 in a Mika Pocket holster. My 66 has the S&W smooth Goncalo Alves combat grips. A tad big for concealed carry, but I make it work for me.You just have to make sure your pocket is deep enough to hide the grips, or if not, make sure your top garment covers your front pocket.
Works for me every time.
I also carry my G20 and Para Ord 1911 Officers model in this fashion. For the G20, I use a Alabama pocket holster (Kydex), since it does a great job of safely protecting the trigger guard with Kydex.
I am surprised no one mentioned carrying a 19/66 in a pocket holster. Am I the only one that does this? I carry my 2.5 66 in a Mika Pocket holster. My 66 has the S&W smooth Goncalo Alves combat grips. A tad big for concealed carry, but I make it work for me.You just have to make sure your pocket is deep enough to hide the grips, or if not, make sure your top garment covers your front pocket.
Works for me every time.
I also carry my G20 and Para Ord 1911 Officers model in this fashion. For the G20, I use a Alabama pocket holster (Kydex), since it does a great job of safely protecting the trigger guard with Kydex.
C Islander
Member
Talk about deep pockets!!
MaximumLawman
Member
Bad theory in my opinion. I'll admit that the only reason I carry a J-Frame is because I'm too lazy to dress to properly carry a high-cap semi-auto. The high capacity semi-auto is a better gun to carry. The J-Frame isn't a good gun because it's all you need for any shooting you're likely to get into that you can't flee from. It's a good gun because it's better than nothing and it might be good enough for most shootings and you're more likely to carry it.
ray45
Member
Smith 19 verses Smith 66 is a valid question. I think for the most people it comes down to "I don't want to get holster wear on my blue guns". To me it comes down to the individual revolver. Most of the time I find the fit and finish of the 19 better overall than the 66. I have owned both that were outstanding. If I had a particular 66 or 19 that just felt, looked and shoot extra special to me, that is the one I would carry.
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As for me, it becomes a weight issue. I personally would rather carry my Glock 23 with 14 rounds than my 3" 66 with 6 rounds. Most of my wheelguns serve in a back-up role. I'm also taking a hard look at the nightguard series due to the weight factor.
But that's me. You need to decide what form of carry works for you and whether you feel comfortable carry 6 on the hip.
But that's me. You need to decide what form of carry works for you and whether you feel comfortable carry 6 on the hip.
#9
As mentioned in a previous post I carried my 66-1, 2.5" a lot many years ago. When the weather allows, the old Bianchi #9 under a light jacket is great. I'm pretty sure they don't make that holster any more, so you would have to look long and hard for a good used one. And there were a lot of gripes about the reach to the gun, but, with training to lean forward as you reached across you will get used to it. It conceals very well.
I've always said, "The colder it gets, the bigger the gun you can carry"!
As mentioned in a previous post I carried my 66-1, 2.5" a lot many years ago. When the weather allows, the old Bianchi #9 under a light jacket is great. I'm pretty sure they don't make that holster any more, so you would have to look long and hard for a good used one. And there were a lot of gripes about the reach to the gun, but, with training to lean forward as you reached across you will get used to it. It conceals very well.
I've always said, "The colder it gets, the bigger the gun you can carry"!
Engine49guy
Member
Although no 1 gun suites my every need...
When the choice is between the M66 and the M19 I prefer the SS m66 for its better finish durability.
When traveling in a less than friendly part of town I opt for magnum loads in my 2.5" M66-1 in a Bianchi #5 open bottom holster or a Bianchi #5 BHL closed bottom holster .
When Magnum force is not exactly necessary my 2" S&W Model 12-3 snub carrys 6 rounds of 38 special and is much lighter than the M66,
Then again if .38 sp is OK I might as well carry my S&W Model 37.
When the choice is between the M66 and the M19 I prefer the SS m66 for its better finish durability.
When traveling in a less than friendly part of town I opt for magnum loads in my 2.5" M66-1 in a Bianchi #5 open bottom holster or a Bianchi #5 BHL closed bottom holster .
When Magnum force is not exactly necessary my 2" S&W Model 12-3 snub carrys 6 rounds of 38 special and is much lighter than the M66,
Then again if .38 sp is OK I might as well carry my S&W Model 37.
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C Islander
Member
When it comes down to it, I carry my 66 2.5 no dash most of the time. Usually in a Don Hume JIT owb holster. That's about as good as it gets in my opinion.
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