Model 19 Kframe.357 Combat Masterpiece

[dwpmusic]

I've read that a number of people think the Model 19 K frame .357 Combat Masterpiece is the best revolver that Smith ever built. Anybody of the same opinion? Can one be purchased at a reasonable price? And just for my own education, what would come closest to it in a revolver that Smith is making today in .357?

 

[larryofcc]

It's a Combat Magnum, and the trouble with these guns is that a constant diet of magnums is really hard on them. That is why they went to the "L" frame for a little more beef. A great duty gun, my stepson carried one on the Border Patrol for well over 20 years. Big Larry

 

[dwpmusic]

So what would your pick be for a present day manufactured Smith in .357 be?

 

[pennlineman]

I don't think it's the best they ever made. But for what it was designed to do it was one of the best. A powerful chambering in a package much lighter than the N frame. Handy for those who carried a lot and fire a little.

 

[H Richard]

In current mfg., the L Frame (Mod. 686) is probably one of the most versatile, and well built guns S&W makes. It's strong enough for a steady diet of magnum loads, all stainless for least showing of wear, and ease of cleaning and maintenance. It is also available in 6 shot, or 7 shot versions in 2", 4", 6", and 8 3/8" barrels to accommodate most needs.

 

[kbm6893]

They're so sweet. Just feel like a natural extension of your hand. And made during a time where gots got a little more finishing touches. They should not be used to fire alot of .357, though. S&W says they're safe to shoot nothing but magnums, but they don't make the gun anymore, so good luck getting them fixed if you split a forcing cone. I used to have an email answering that question from S&W. They emphatically told me to "only shoot 158 grain .357", and then do so sparingly.

 

[dwpmusic]

Whoa!! Are you and H Richard talking about the same model?

 

[M29since14]

I don't think it's the best they ever made. But for what it was designed to do it was one of the best. A powerful chambering in a package much lighter than the N frame. Handy for those who carried a lot and fire a little.

I'd agree with that. I think you will probably shoot a LOT of 38s before the gun is going to need much attention. Since the gun was originally designed and produced in the era where practicing with 38s and carrying .357s was considered normal, it was great for that purpose. I still think it one of S&W's niftiest guns.

To answer the OP's other question, yes, you can find Model 19s at reasonable prices. Lots of guys have read too many stories on the internet and are scared of them. A decent one can sometimes be found in the $300+ range - if you get lucky. (Beaters correspondingly less.) Just look around and keep your money ready.

 

[Tom Kent]

I began my law enforcement career with the model 19 and it is a fine weapon. The problem with .357 magnum ammo seems to be with the hyper-velocity 125gn rounds. Use 140-158gn and you should'nt have any problems. I currently load .357 ammo to about 950-1000 fps for general use in my guns but when I carry my model 19 I load 158gn factory loads. The model 66, which is the stainless steel version of the model 19 is also an excellent gun and both come in a 2 1/2" bbl for more concealable carry. Others have mentioned the L frame 686 and that is also an excellent choice. You can still find model 586s which are blue steel L frame guns and, like the 686s, they are fine guns also. Take your pick and as long as you exercise due care you should have no problems with model 19s, 66s or the L frame 986-586 series.

 

[dwpmusic]

Interesting responses. Sounds as if you couldn't go wrong with a Model 686 even if you were going to shoot nothing but .357s in it. Although, that's not necessarily what I'd do, it would be nice to know that you weren't harming the pistol. I want one more Smith in .357 before I quit. Doesn't have to be a Model 19. Just an interesting thought.

 

[Knightrider03m]

From what I understand, I can shoot 357 mags all day in them but only the 158 gn.

 

[scooter123]

From what I understand, I can shoot 357 mags all day in them but only the 158 gn.

Actually you can fire those Magnums until your hand loses all feeling. BTW, unless you've played Pro Baseball as a catcher that may not take as long as you think. The model 19 is rather light for the 357 Magnum and a bit punishing to shoot in quantity. There is reason why most shoot 38 spl. in the model 19 and about 100 rounds of 357 Magnum will probably have you understanding that.

 

[old bear]

I carried a Model 19, either 4” or 2 ½” to work daily for 27 years, and I don’t believe there is a finer revolver made that will do what the M-19 was designed for. It’s a carry a lot shoot a little revolver.
I no longer feel the need to shoot HOT .357 Magnum ammo in mine that’s what the L & N frames is for. I do though load my 19 with full strength .357 ammo for self-defense.
So if you want a strong shoot a lot revolver go with the M-586/686, if you want a classic top of the line workhorse find yourself a nice M-19.

There is reason why most shoot 38 spl. in the model 19 and about 100 rounds of 357 Magnum will probably have you understanding that.

At my slightly advanced age my limit is about 50 rounds of .357 Magnum ammo, the ole left arm and shoulder are not what they used to be.

 

[Knightrider03m]

Actually you can fire those Magnums until your hand loses all feeling. BTW, unless you've played Pro Baseball as a catcher that may not take as long as you think. The model 19 is rather light for the 357 Magnum and a bit punishing to shoot in quantity. There is reason why most shoot 38 spl. in the model 19 and about 100 rounds of 357 Magnum will probably have you understanding that.

I've never got why people feel that way about the 19. I can shoot 357s all day long with that thing and don't grow tired of the kick. I actually enjoy the kick of it myself.

 

[CajunBass]

A Model 19 was my first handgun. Being young and foolish, it was also the first one I traded off to get something "bigger and better." Eventually I came to my senses and replaced it. Everything you need in a handgun and nothing you don't.

I don't know about anybody else, maybe there are a lot of people who shoot more than I do, but I'd like to have the opportunity to shoot a Model 19 or most any other gun really, to worry about wearing it out. I'm sure it can be done, but I'll bet it ain't easy.

I admit that seldom if ever fire magnum ammo in mine. But I can say the same thing for my "N" frame .357's too. 38's are so much less expensive and just as much fun IMHO. I guess I fell into the habit years ago, when 38 brass was free/cheap.

 

[steamloco76]

I'm glad I don't have to choose just one additional S&W .357 Magnum, as they are all great guns in their own right. The Model 19/66 have sleek proportions that look and feel "right". I wouldn't want to hammer a constant diet of hot magnum loads through mine. Why wear them unnecessarily when the L frame 586 and 686 exist. My 6 inch 586 is my favorite .357. Gorgeous, accurate and durable, though for daily carry or hunting I would choose a 686.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I guess I'm some kind of freak. I far and beyond prefer .357 in my N frame than ANY K frame S&W has ever made. I down load my magnums in K's no hotter than 1,100 to 1,200 fps and still think they are stout in recoil. Granted we aren't all built the same. But I can go full house 158 gr 1,500 fps loads in my Model 28 and run out of them before my arm goes numb. I love my 19's and my 65, but for fun shooting with magnums they are no fun. But like all things firearms related, this is all very subjective to each of us.

 

[dwpmusic]

Such great responses from you guys. I love it. Now, rather than starting another thread, let me ask another question. What are the advantages of having a, say, 6" barrel over a 4" barrel in a revolver? Is the longer barrel more comfortable to shoot, can you expect greater accuracy from the longer barrel, is there more fps at the muzzle? Just wondering. When I do purchase upon a S&W .357 it won't be a carry weapon. So I just thought I'd throw this out to all you experts, one of which I'm certainly not. Again, thanks for making me feel welcome.

 

[M29since14]

So I just thought I'd throw this out to all you experts...

Sounds like a set-up to me.

I have heard guys arguing about this since I was a little boy. A lot depends on the shooter, except the velocity thing. A 6-inch gun will probably average 50-150 FPS faster than a 4-inch gun, with similar loads. That depends on the individual guns. Once in a while a "fast" 4-inch gun can actually outrun a 6-incher, but that is not usual.

I have also seen guys who do not handle a 6-inch gun as well as they do a 4-incher. They actually shoot better with the short barrel. It seems odd, but it does happen. Intrinsically, both guns should be the same in terms of accuracy. Differences should relate to the ability of the shooter to handle them, and a lot of factors come into play there.

As to recoil, some people react differently, and there will always be the "Black Knight" folks ( ) who claim recoil is no hardship for them. That's great, and more power to them. In my own case, I see a pronounced difference between a 4-inch and a 6.5-inch Model 29, the 4-inch gun being nearly intolerable and the 6.5-incher being almost sedate, by comparison. I do not have that same impression with a Model 19. With factory stocks, both are a little uncomfortable for me, the 4-inch being the worse. But not by a lot. The cure for me, with the Model 19, has not been changing to the longer barrel length, but rather changing to a set of stocks that keeps the knuckle of my middle finger well and truly clear of that trigger guard!

 

[Model19man]

You can count me in that number.

I've read that a number of people think the Model 19 K frame .357 Combat Masterpiece is the best revolver that Smith ever built. Anybody of the same opinion? Can one be purchased at a reasonable price? And just for my own education, what would come closest to it in a revolver that Smith is making today in .357?