Model 15 verses Model 19 - your thoughts please
- Thread starter bedbugbilly
- Start date
Most of my collection is K frames. That being said, not one Model 19 in the herd. Not that I don't like them mind you,shot many and always liked the 13's and 65's better when using .357's.
A 3 inch 65 is just in my opinion the best K frame magnum Smith made for general carry purposes. But to each his own.
In .38 Special..well my feelings are just a bit biased. Everyone should own a Model 10..or two or three..
The 15 is in one word..the ultimate .38 special.
Whichever you get, both if you can would be great fun guns to shoot and own.
My "Shooter Grade" 15-3 with smooth targets and a .312 smooth combat trigger...and there are 2 more in the safe a -2 and a nickle -3.
A 3 inch 65 is just in my opinion the best K frame magnum Smith made for general carry purposes. But to each his own.
In .38 Special..well my feelings are just a bit biased. Everyone should own a Model 10..or two or three..
The 15 is in one word..the ultimate .38 special.
Whichever you get, both if you can would be great fun guns to shoot and own.
My "Shooter Grade" 15-3 with smooth targets and a .312 smooth combat trigger...and there are 2 more in the safe a -2 and a nickle -3.
Duskykiller
Member
I find that the extra weight of the 19 makes it a little easier to shoot and has less recoil. And I just like putting bullets in the recessed cylinder.
Norsk_jaeger
Member
The good news? You can't go wrong! Get both, if you can. The model 19 will probably appreciate more in value than the 15, as prices seem to be going through the roof right now. Pure shooting, they are both so very nice. Please post pics when you make your selection and happy shooting!
Agreed. Depending upon which comes by first, I wouldn't turn up my nose at either model.
John
Since you want to shoot .38s and use the gun as a range toy, I'd get the 15. It really is the epitome of K frame goodness.
The extra weight of the 19 isn't needed for .38s. and it's not enough to dampen the recoil of .357s.
Plus, used .357 revolvers usually sell for a good bit more than an equal condition .38 revolver, AND .357s are usually more beat to hell than used .38s.
If you aren't buying it to resell, appreciation matters not.
The extra weight of the 19 isn't needed for .38s. and it's not enough to dampen the recoil of .357s.
Plus, used .357 revolvers usually sell for a good bit more than an equal condition .38 revolver, AND .357s are usually more beat to hell than used .38s.
If you aren't buying it to resell, appreciation matters not.
BJoe
Member
AMEN. Why pay for a car with 600 h.p. if you will never use it. Get the 15 and use the extra cash for ammo.
Doug M.
Member
As a general rule, I prefer to get mid-bore guns in .357 simply because of the added flexibility in the next ammo shortage, ability to do a little more if I had to hunt small-medium game, etc. That has me leaning to the M19. As noted, the N frames really are better for .357 if you shoot it very much. I am not likely to shoot that kind of volume, so I am not too worried; my N frames are in 44/45.
I do have 2 .38s. One is a snubby, and that's pretty obvious. The other is a K38. Everyone should have a K38. It is just an all around great gun to shoot, and makes me look better than I am.
I do have 2 .38s. One is a snubby, and that's pretty obvious. The other is a K38. Everyone should have a K38. It is just an all around great gun to shoot, and makes me look better than I am.
H P Bushrod
Absent Comrade
I agree. I shoot both of my .38's (K-38 built in 1971 and my old 4 inch 14-1) every week. They're my favorite shooters and I can drill tacks with them.
I would get the Model 15.
I don't shoot Specials in Magnum revolvers.
I don't shoot Specials in Magnum revolvers.
mg357
Absent Comrade
I have some experience with the Model 15 but NOT the Model 19.
So i suggest the Model 15.
So i suggest the Model 15.
sac-gunslinger
Member
See, ya shouldna asked us that question. Lots of talk, no clear winner.
I'm in the camp that says buy them both. But, if you cannot afford both, whatever you buy will work perfectly well. I have owned all of the models listed in this thread, all were a dream to shoot.
I am like shouldazagged, I cannot handle magnums in handguns any more (still use them in rifles) so all I shoot are 38s. I wish I had my M15 2" back, and my M67 4", oh and my M64..... It never stops, does it.
I'm in the camp that says buy them both. But, if you cannot afford both, whatever you buy will work perfectly well. I have owned all of the models listed in this thread, all were a dream to shoot.
I am like shouldazagged, I cannot handle magnums in handguns any more (still use them in rifles) so all I shoot are 38s. I wish I had my M15 2" back, and my M67 4", oh and my M64..... It never stops, does it.
riverrat38
US Veteran
With the M15, you can be sure that no one has shot a lot of hot 125 gr Magnum ammo.
I would want to check the M19 forcing cone and top strap very well.
It would need to be well cleaned in that area for a good inspection and with bright light. This is why I would be nervous about buying a K frame Magnum on line. That is where cracks having been reported. Some will deny any problems, but S&W did discontinue a very popular line. Many rate the 3 inch K frame Magnums as the best guns S&W ever built. So, its not likely they were dropped due to lack of interest.
Best,
Rick
I would want to check the M19 forcing cone and top strap very well.
It would need to be well cleaned in that area for a good inspection and with bright light. This is why I would be nervous about buying a K frame Magnum on line. That is where cracks having been reported. Some will deny any problems, but S&W did discontinue a very popular line. Many rate the 3 inch K frame Magnums as the best guns S&W ever built. So, its not likely they were dropped due to lack of interest.
Best,
Rick
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