Model 15 verses Model 19 - your thoughts please

[bedbugbilly]

I hope this won't appear to be a "stupic question" but I'm looking for some input from Model 15 and model 19 owners. I've been looking for a Smith with a 4" barrel primarily for range shooting and plinking, etc. (I don't shoot competition) - and I like vintage revolvers over "new" ones. I reload 38 spl. and prefer that cartridge over anything (even though I have the capability to reload 357). I have located a Model 15 - 4" (I will see it tomorrow so at this time I'm not sure if it is a dash or a no-dash). I have also located a Model 19-3 - 4".

I have a half dozen 38 / 357 but in snub and 6" - I have always wanted a 4" Model 10 but these two have popped up. So, my question for those that are familiar with shooting both of these models -

The 15 of course is 38 spl. - it is the cheapest of the two . . .
The 19 is 357 which would give me the option of either 38 spl or 357 (let's not get started on the pros and cons of shooting 38s in 357). The 19 is the more expensive of the two . . .

Both are 4" barrels . . . both can shoot 38s . . . so in the long run, can I expect one to be a better shooter than the other? Are there any really significant differences in the two models, other than chambering, that would make one a better shooter? (Irregardless of how good or poorly I shoot).

I'm hoping that I can maybe do a little horse trading and possibly get both but that's up in the air and I probably will have to choose between one or the other. It's not so much the collector value of either as it is about the best choice between the two as far as any differences that would possibly make one a better choice over the other.

Thanks for input and thoughts - I know both would be good revolvers - just torn between which would be better in the long run as far as a lot of shooting as it will probably be one of my most used revolvers. Both are supposed to be in very good condition with only very minor blue wear - mechanically fine.

 

[moosedog]

All things being equal with condition and finish, I would take the 19.
You'll never notice any difference in accuracy between the 15 and the 19 using 38 spls.
The 19 will have naturally have more versatility and a higher value.

 

[Sixgun100]

I agree with moosedog.....he said everything I was going to. Go with the Model 19.

 

[arjay]

Condition and vintage would determine it for me.

 

[ma deuce]

I've got a 4" M-19, and it's one of my favorite guns. That said, I'm going to buy the first really nice M-15 I see. Why? Just because. You can't have too many K-Frames. But if I had to choose, I'd to for the M-19.

 

[Waywatcher]

I recommend deciding based on your usage. Do you like magnums?

I don't like magnums at all, so 15 gets my vote.

 

[sooftwn12]

Only diff is the additional weight of the 19.. More weight = less recoil!!

 

[shouldazagged]

If .38 Special is your favorite round, as it is mine, I'd buy the 15. The 15 and the 10 are my idea of the ideal revolvers. But I can't shoot Magnums anymore and have never bought guns specifically as investments for resale, so I'm biased.

I still miss the lovely 15-3 I gave my son and his boys.

 

[palmetto99]

I have both. Both are ex-LEO. Both have a little "wear", but are great shooters. I love my 15, but I would have to go with the 19 as well. It's a good all around K frame.

 

[G-Mac]

I don't currently own a 19 (have in the past), but I do have a Model 66 snubby. I also have a sweet 4" 15-4. I know, apples and oranges. I have several other .357 and .38 revolvers from S&W and Ruger. 38/.357 is my favorite "caliber".

If I could only have one, it would be a .357. Simply put...more versatile.

 

[Mike McLellan]

I don't have any 4" guns, so my comparison has to be between a model 14 (6" barrel) and a model 19 (6" barrel). The only difference that I can discern is the greater weight of the Model 19's heftier barrel. I don't see how a reasonable man could possibly live without both of them.

 

[tops]

I have three 6 in. M19s, one 4 in. M19 and one 2 1/2 in. M19 and don't understand why anyone would want a M15. Larry

 

[Rpg]

I have and shoot a 15-4 with a 2" barrel and a 19-4 with 2 1/2'.

Both are great.

The 15 is handier and unbelievably accurate. The 19 heavier and bulkier.

If you're favorite caliber is the 38 special, get the 15. That's what you like. No reason to get something that isn't built for what you want just because it can do something you don't want to do.

Enjoy a revolver built for what you want. In your case, a 19 is a generalist. A 15 is a specialist.

Nothing wrong with a 19, but in your application, it's a compromise you don't need to make.

Just my opinion, of course.

 

[Peak53]

Nothing like a dedicated 38, if that is what you like to shoot. I can't tell any difference in accuracy between my 15s and 19s. I'm with Arjay, though, condition plus price should rule.

 

[AimHigher]

IMO, wiser to go with the Mod. 19 for any number of reasons. Not the least of which, is more ultimate horsepower provided by the .357. The 19 is arguably the most versatile revolver out there. Proud owner of 2. 6" & 4" and scheming on another 19-4 4", with just 1 box of shells run through her.

 

[STCM(SW)]

I'll be the first to say get both....
But for me shooting .38 WC target rounds go in my M10's(1-3", 2-4"), M14 & M15 (4").
Easer to clean the cylinder when shooting .38"s.
Only .357 K frame I have now is a M66 2.5".
For .357's, I like N frames, have several....

 

[Postalnut25]

I would take the Model 15. Since you only shoot 38s, there is no need for the model 19.

Unless the model 19 is in better shape, or you can get a better deal. Either way, they are both fine shooters.

 

[texmex]

The Model 15 is called the Combat Masterpiece for a reason. It represents a more civilized age and I am sure you will be proud to own one.

 

[george_lehr]

+1 That condition and price should rule.
For additional info regarding the model 15, I have to say this: About 40 years ago I bought a new 4" Model 19 and thought it was the most beautiful, balanced and versatile gun S&W made. I shot everything through it, from .38 special 148 gr. wadcutters to high powered .357 reloads.
I still think that the 19 is versatile, but today I have many more guns and when I go to shoot .38 special, I take the model 15, model 14 and/or model 10s. If it's .357 shooting, I take the model 27, model 28 and/or Ruger Blackhawk.
Since I no longer need the versatility of the model 19, I don't use it.
Also, it's been said on this forum before, that the model 15 is called the Combat "Masterpiece" for good reason.
George

 

[Murdock]

A very large proportion of .357 owners shoot .38's as being more pleasant and easier to control. You sound like a .38 kinda guy. If the M-15 is in good shape, go with that.