Model 15 verses Model 19 - your thoughts please

[Gunhacker]

What is it with all of this talk about the M-19 versus M-15 with the cons of a M-19 being "heavier" and or "bulkier", as if an N-Frame was being compared to a K-Frame?

They are on the same K-Frame platform, according to the S&W specs on the instruction sheets and catalogs I have, on paper there is only a 1 ounce difference between the two for a 4" barrel. I have a M15-4 and a M19-4... I don't see any overwhelming difference.

For me, choosing between the two boils down to this:

1) Overall condition
2) price point

Everything else pragmatically, is too close to call. I'd have to throw my hat in with what Moosedog said, but if my budget wasn't there to swing the higher priced M-19, I'd be just as happy with the M-15.

 

[bellevance]

Get the 15. I have two 15-3s and a 19-4, all three in excellent condition. For balance, accuracy, and all-around efficiency I prefer the 15.

http://s166.photobucket.com/user/Bellevance/media/IM000623.jpg.html

 

[TexasRider]

I am in the both camp. And like a lot of the guys here I followed that advise myself.

Last year I sold off my Colts and went to the S&Ws , and especially in the 1960s and 70s era revolvers . I got a great Model 15 nickel soon after. One thing that stood out about that gun was just how accurate it was and how others that I let shoot it also shot well with it. This opened my eyes to S&Ws even more.

I got a blued 19 as well in there too. But I decided that I wanted to chase the ones in the best condition I could find and hopefully with the boxes etc. So both of those went for sale.

It took about 6 months to land another nickel 15 and although I only shot a cylinder through it, it too is very accurate. I just have gotten the nickel 19 but havent shot it yet.

For shooting a number of 357s or 38s either I got a 28 in there somewhere too. If you can wear it out with 38s, then your presses are probably worn out from loading ammo .

But I can say that those K Frame 15s are sure sweet.

So I say as above get the one that is in the best condition, but ultimately you will probably have both. There is no loser here.

But if you are sticking with shooting 38s then I think the 15 is the right one for the actual useage.

 

[markfi]

Model 15

I have several model 10's and 64's. I have a model 15 and a 66. I rarely fire 357, so I shoot a lot of 38. I think the 38's shoot 38 special a little more accurately than the 357 does. If you plan on shooting 357 as much as 38's buy the 19. If you are shooting mostly 38's buy the Model 15. My model 15 is very accurate. If it were me I would buy the 15.

 

[Reddog]

I have a great many Smiths, including both 15s and 19s. I think the 15 is the trimmest little gun I own. The underlug on the 19 is just extra baggage as far as I'm concerned. I load and prefer to shoot .38s over .357, anyway. So, if I'm going to shoot .357 I'll use an "N" frame, probably an M-28. But as said earlier, buy them both if you can!
Dick

 

[BAM-BAM]

I view; not carved in stone, but I have the good fortune not to be limited to one or two.

3- 4" barrels as a utility/duty length.....

2 - 3 inch guns are "best" for concealed carry.........

6 inch and up (to me) are range/hunting guns..........


You reload .38 but "have the capability to reload .357"......

You said you have the short and long barrels covered..........


So I'd go with the 19 so that I would have the option of .38 or .357 in a utility/duty gun.


Then I'd go back or make a deal to buy the 15 in X-months (based on your budget constrants)

 

[bedbugbilly]

Thank you all for your input, ideas and suggestions - I really appreciate it! When I posted this, I had no idea I would get so many responses - kind of overwhelming! Again . . . my sincere thanks. If there is one thing to come out of this thread . . . it's the general concept that regardless of it being a 15 or a 19 - they are both great wheel guns and loved by their owners.

Well . . . I made my journey . . . . I looked . . . I saw . . . I sort of "conquered" but not in the way I expected! I will post another thread as soon as I can get some photos taken . . . until then, you'll just have to be in "suspense"! It didn't turn out quite as I expected . . . but I came home a very happy man!

I'll post the results as soon as I can get some photos taken . . . and I'll have some further questions as well!

Thank you all for taking the time to guide and express your thoughts - keep an eye out for my next post!

 

[Model19man]

Get Bofum!!!!

 

[riverrat38]

Get Bofum!!!!

Sounds like he may have!

Best,
Rick