The Security-Six is a good, strong, dependable revolver. But compared to the S&W 19, the Security-Six is a brick. Buy the Smith. Send it to S&W and have them clean up the DA. Upon return, take it out and enjoy it. Sincerely. brucev.
model 19 or Sec Six
- Thread starter Slyk54
- Start date
I also have both. The Smith is more refined, the Ruger more durable. If I had to let one go, it would be the Ruger. The Ruger's trigger can be improved considerably, but it still isn't the Smith. The bore axis of the Ruger is higher. Don't know if that's bad or good, but it's different. Both guns are out of production, but there were more K frame Smiths built, so parts are probably a bit easier to find, as well as accessories. You're not going to go too far wrong with either. The majority here favor the Smith. Go to the Ruger forum and ask the same question. 
It's a matter of which speaks louder to you.
It's a matter of which speaks louder to you.
If you want a reliable tool, buy the Ruger. If you want a high quality handgun with something special, buy the Model 19. Personally, I would buy the 19 and send it to S&W to have it fixed and possibly blued. They are not going to make any more of those, and you can always buy the Ruger.
borntoraisehogs
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Negotiate about 100 off the Ruger and buy them both . I any event I would get that model 19 and take a little chance . Three44s is right , talk with a good gunsmith and see if the seller will take a deposit while you have it checked out . I thought My S prefix 29-2 was the only "good" deal I ever got . It turned out it had a cracked cylinder but even replacing that I got an okay deal . The good folks on this forum got me the cylinder and walked me through changing it . I have had the gun for 6 years or so and the $250.00 I paid for it seems better every day .
well having owned and shot many of BOTH models, the 19 was my first duty gun, and there are LOTS of good points above.....but bottom line is ,there are reasons "why" BOTH models are no longer being made, so, save your money and get something more "up-to-date" if you are going to be using them much.......just my .02 cents, been there, done that......
it would have to be one 'heck of a deal' otherwise, and these two, are NOT.
it would have to be one 'heck of a deal' otherwise, and these two, are NOT.
bmcgilvray
Member
I really dislike the "guns that are built like tanks." Doesn't matter how durable they are suppose to be, I don't want one. My serious Smith & Wesson revolvers have been perfectly reliable and I don't baby them. I'm grateful I'm not required to shoot Rugers.
Like most here, I have both. That is a good price for the M19 if you can get it fixed fairly reasonable. The Ruger is a tank, but still fun to shoot and reliable. I think the price is a bit high, especially here in the West. If you want a Ruger, hold out for stainless. I think I would not buy either and shop around for a better M19 or M66.
Go with the 19
I have nothing against Rugers, my Super Blackhawk I don't think I would ever trade, but of the handguns I own my Model 19 is the one I shoot the most. Usually with .38's. It is a six incher with a Pachmeyer Gripper and the balance, looks and overall feel of it makes it something to behold. It is also likely a better investment than a Ruger SS. It is a P&R model. With the dollar going down, down ,down it makes sense to me to collect guns that a) I like and b) are a good investment that is going to appreciate. I have bought 2 super nice N-frames that are mainly investments, 'cause if I want to shoot .44 Mag I will grab the Super Blackhawk but I usually end up shooting .38's through the Model 19. My N-frames are too nice and too expensive, in my view, to take a chance on scratching up or otherwise devaluing. Smiths are not terribly hard to work on either, if you get you a Kunkhausen book. I really think they are a great example of what excellent mechanical engineering is all about - they do so much, so well, with so few parts! If you are a extremely active .357 shooter, maybe you could go with a 586 or Model 27 though...
I have nothing against Rugers, my Super Blackhawk I don't think I would ever trade, but of the handguns I own my Model 19 is the one I shoot the most. Usually with .38's. It is a six incher with a Pachmeyer Gripper and the balance, looks and overall feel of it makes it something to behold. It is also likely a better investment than a Ruger SS. It is a P&R model. With the dollar going down, down ,down it makes sense to me to collect guns that a) I like and b) are a good investment that is going to appreciate. I have bought 2 super nice N-frames that are mainly investments, 'cause if I want to shoot .44 Mag I will grab the Super Blackhawk but I usually end up shooting .38's through the Model 19. My N-frames are too nice and too expensive, in my view, to take a chance on scratching up or otherwise devaluing. Smiths are not terribly hard to work on either, if you get you a Kunkhausen book. I really think they are a great example of what excellent mechanical engineering is all about - they do so much, so well, with so few parts! If you are a extremely active .357 shooter, maybe you could go with a 586 or Model 27 though...
UPDATE: I have purchased the Smith- it is a model 19-3. I haven't yet removed the side plate to see about debris or general "gunk" in the lock work; possibly tomorrow evening. I promise to be careful removing the screws and plate, so as not to damage those areas.
I will post pics as soon as I can get some taken. I appreciate everyone's comments- Hopefully getting this DA issue corrected won't be too problematic.
I first heard of the model 19 in about 1977, when it was described to me by an acquaintance as a "combat magnum". At the time I was a young, newly married college student, working nights and all kinds of other ungodly hours as a security guard to try and meet the ends while working through college. For this job, I carried a nickel finish model 10, which I traded away, thinking I really needed something else, seems like it was a model 15 with a 2.5" barrel...anyway, many years later I have finally acquired a model 19....
I will post pics as soon as I can get some taken. I appreciate everyone's comments- Hopefully getting this DA issue corrected won't be too problematic.
I first heard of the model 19 in about 1977, when it was described to me by an acquaintance as a "combat magnum". At the time I was a young, newly married college student, working nights and all kinds of other ungodly hours as a security guard to try and meet the ends while working through college. For this job, I carried a nickel finish model 10, which I traded away, thinking I really needed something else, seems like it was a model 15 with a 2.5" barrel...anyway, many years later I have finally acquired a model 19....
roaddog28
Member
Bloodhound
Member
As stated the Ruger is a horse...very sound and reliable...but rough in the feel and finish department...not bad, just not as refined as a S&W 19...I had a 19 that was exhibiting the same type of issues...sent it to S&W and had them fix and re-finish...$175 later, I got a revolver that I thought was New-Old stock...it looked like it was unfired new...It was wonderful and shot like a dream...A close friend decided he had to have it and now that 19 lives at his house.
The 19 will always be worth more $$...nothing wrong with the Ruger, but the S&Ws are even better
The 19 will always be worth more $$...nothing wrong with the Ruger, but the S&Ws are even better
Jack Flash
Member
I think you made a wise choice. The Model 19 is a very fine handgun. And yours is pinned and recessed! I would have done the same thing.
An earlier comment said (in effect) "don't buy either one, as there are reasons they are no longer made." I think the main reason (at least for the M19) is that it would cost too much to manufacture it at today's prices for skilled labor and materials. People could debate all day about which handgun is "best". I have a hunch the discussion would quickly break down into categories based on what is it for and who will be using it. A revolver is never a bad choice, especially for someone who is buying a first handgun. For most such folks, a K-Frame .357 that will also shoot .38 Specials (for instance, the M19) is an excellent choice.
An earlier comment said (in effect) "don't buy either one, as there are reasons they are no longer made." I think the main reason (at least for the M19) is that it would cost too much to manufacture it at today's prices for skilled labor and materials. People could debate all day about which handgun is "best". I have a hunch the discussion would quickly break down into categories based on what is it for and who will be using it. A revolver is never a bad choice, especially for someone who is buying a first handgun. For most such folks, a K-Frame .357 that will also shoot .38 Specials (for instance, the M19) is an excellent choice.
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