Model 19 or Model 60

[camsdaddy]

I am at a crossroads and trying to decide. I currently have a 642 and a 4" model 13. I am thinking of adding another revolver to my carry rotation. I like shoot the 13 better than any other gun I own. I shoot the 642 quite well. I am looking at the 60 because I feel the added weight will help me even more. I am thinking the 19 because being a snub I could carry it appendix and I know I would shoot it close to the 13. One being 38 and be 38/357 isnt a big deal. I am perfectly happy with 5/6 38 special before reload. I like the SA option on both of these. While I would probably not use it for self defense it has its place with small animals etc. What are your thoughts? I carry a Glock 26 most days now if that gives an idea of weight I am used to.

 

[murphydog]

From your comments, I gather you are trying to decide between a 2" model 60 and a 2.5" model 19? If so, it seems the 19 would be the better choice - smaller/lighter than your 4" model 13, six rounds of .357 if you need it, adjustable sights, and you already have the 642 for a lighter carry gun. Hope this is helpful.

 

[jframe]

If you like your 4 inch 13, you will LOVE a three inch 13! Perfectly balanced, and a full length ejector rod to boot. I wouldn't take anything for mine.

 

[photoman]

Both guns, 1 7/8" Model 60 and 2" Model 19, are excellent guns but fulfill different roles. If you're looking to belt carry or need .357 magnum power, then go for the Model 19 snub. If you need better sights, the Model 19 again. If something more covert is needed, the Model 60 would be the ticket.

 

[Old cop]

Tough choice but I gotta say the M19 snub is one of the best carry revolvers ever made.

 

[gruntdeputy]

When you are carrying you will love the size & weight of the Model 60. But, and it may never happen to you or it might only happen once or twice in your life, when you need a weapon in your hand you will appreciate the weight, balance, longer sight radius, lager grips, better action and more firepower of the Model 19.

And you ain't marrying one of the other. You can own both or buy both and sell one later if necessary.
Frank

 

[jimmyj]

"IF" you are CCW for defense: CCW a "FIGHTING GUN".
Stick with the Glock!

 

[roaddog28]

If I could only afford to pick one it would be a model 19. Too me the model 19 is head and shoulders a better shooting revolver than any J frame.
Howard

 

[nipster]

Between those two, a model 19. But I would try to find a 2.5" model 66, which is the stainless version of the model 19. Tends to hold up better to sweat and you dont have to worry about holster wear and constant fighting of rust. Stainless is a lot more rust resistant.

 

[Model39]

Buy Both

When in doubt, buy both. You won't second guess yourself later on. Besides, quality S&W handguns are better than money in the bank.

 

[Engine49guy]

Definately BOTH ,
Otherwise for OWB carry with a higher threat level Model 66 snub ,
Especially if you can wear it under a jacket.

For low threat level especially in hot Georgia weather wearing shorts and a T shirt Airweight Model 38 in a pocket holster or Model 37 IWB holster .

 

[BobR1]

Several choices. I carry my 2-1/2" 66 a fair amount. I also have a 442 Pro Moonclip. I really like the 442 Pro for concealed carry. The 442 is not as Shootable as the 66, but it is small and light weight, and also can be reloaded rapidly with a spare moonclip carried in a California Competition Works Moon Clip Carrier for the 5 shot J Frame available from TK. I carry the 442 most of the time at 4 O'Clock in a Lobo Model 1 Pancake. Same location I carry every revolver in my rotation.

In my opinion you are not changing equipment gaining a 60 when you have a 642. The only possible reason for me to add a 60 would be to use a Thumb Break Holster for added woods carry security.

You will shoot the 2-1/2" 19 or 66 better than a J Frame. The K or L Frame's are just easier to shoot well. Another very good choice is a NEW 3" 686-Plus. You can get HKS Speedloaders for the 7 round revolver. It will also reload with Tuff Products Quick Strips. Again a very shootable platform, and it has a Full Length Ejector Rod, and you are not getting robbed buying a new one from Buds. I would buy a new 3" 686 for $700 before I would give $1000 or more for a 3" 66. Just me.
When carrying a 2", 2-1/2" or 3" K or L Frame I want wood Finger Groove Boot Grips. Next I would carry in a Lobo Model 1 or Enhanced Pancake holster. This combination works out very well for concealed carry.

Just my 2 cents.

Bob

 

[cornfed83]

If you are thinking of using it for defense against small animals I would suggest the 19 for versatility of sight adjustment as most model 60s do not come with an adjustable rear sight. I prefer to be able to adjust my sights instead of my ammo to get the best results that I can out of a gun.

 

[weedfarmer]

M60 love the gun easy to carry 357 besides>

 

[prescobd]

How about a 3" inch model60 with adjustable sights. The adjustable sights of a 19 in a slightly smaller size. It has the advantage of stainless. Easier to shoot than the shorter fixed sight version of the 60. Disavantage being 5 round capacity compared to 6 rounds for the 19.

 

[rrobertson]

I agree, for all around I prefer the 19 over the 60. However at present I own a 60 and not a 19. Reason being I prefer the 60 for the somewhat bigger rodents/critters in the yard with shotshell for ones that the 43C with shotshell wont get rid of. I would not CC either of these just as personal preferance as I would rather have as mentioned the 3in 686P Talo. Which is next on the list.

 

[nipster]

How about a 3" inch model60 with adjustable sights. The adjustable sights of a 19 in a slightly smaller size. It has the advantage of stainless. Easier to shoot than the shorter fixed sight version of the 60. Disavantage being 5 round capacity compared to 6 rounds for the 19.

It's really not a "smaller" model 19. The J frame platform does not have as good ergonomics for shooting in my opinion due the inherent differences in layout of the hammer / trigger.

 

[camsdaddy]

Well the guy and I couldnt work things out on either one. This is a draw back to being in South Ga and the rest of the world being near Atlanta. I did go to the range yesterday and I think my 642 and my 3913 are going to be carried more than they have in the past. The 642 hits 5" steel plates better than my Glock 26 and my 3913 is head and shoulders above and beyond. I know the 26 is accurate I just dont shoot it as well unless I am aiming slowly at a bullseye

 

[photoman]

The 642 hits 5" steel plates better than my Glock 26...

Centennial Every Day!

 

[M3Stuart]

I have both (well, the 2.5" is a 66-4) and I would say get the snub 19 if you're not going to CCW it. My 66 shoots better than the 60 at any range and is a lot easier on the hand. That 60 with 38+P is going to feel about even with your glock 26 (is that the 9mm? - can't remember). So it sounds like you already have the ccw angle covered. The 26 is a bit thinner than the 60 too and weighs the same or less (and you already own it).

Of course, when money allows, you'll want to get the 60 as well, you know, just to have it!