soonerbb
Member
Why is the Model 19 less expensive and more available? Does it have any faults..?? I've been trolling for a nice 586 and noticed the price and availability difference...(mostly on GunsAmerica)
Model 19 vs. 586 vs. 28--
- Thread starter soonerbb
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
GunarSailors
US Veteran
It depends on the model 19, some do bring more money than a 586 or a 686. But the model 19 is more commonly known to have cracked forcing cones (due to a flat spot on the otherwise round forcing cone, making it thinner and weaker at the 6 o'clock position) and can suffer from a stretched topstrap. The L frame is beefed up a bit and those issues do not exist. There are way more model 19s out there, just because they have been made for so many more years than L frames. I would assume that has something to do with the price difference as well. Just my opinion.
Last edited:
19 k frame- as mentioned it is the smallest frame, handier and more concealable / can have durability issues with a lot of hot magnum rounds-* this would not concern me as most people can’t afford/won’t shoot enough rounds through a revolver anyway
586 L frame-medium size frame Splitting the difference between the K and N Frames It is a popular choice
28 N frame - large heavy framed revolver the original size 357 magnum Big and heavy
The 19 is probably the least expensive because of its popularity as well.
586 L frame-medium size frame Splitting the difference between the K and N Frames It is a popular choice
28 N frame - large heavy framed revolver the original size 357 magnum Big and heavy
The 19 is probably the least expensive because of its popularity as well.
dmthomp32
Member
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2016
- Messages
- 905
- Reaction score
- 1,309
Love this picture. It's always nice to see everything all laid out like that! As someone who has owned all the frames in the picture (except the X Frame), it's remarkable to see how big and beefy those revolvers are in comparison to the others!19 k frame- as mentioned it is the smallest frame, handier and more concealable / can have durability issues with a lot of hot magnum rounds-* this would not concern me as most people can’t afford/won’t shoot enough rounds through a revolver anyway
586 L frame-medium size frame Splitting the difference between the K and N Frames It is a popular choice
28 N frame - large heavy framed revolver the original size 357 magnum Big and heavy
The 19 is probably the least expensive because of its popularity as well.
Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk
The K-frame Models 19 and 66 were in production far longer than the L-frame 586/686 and are still being produced, so there are far more of them available. As for price, you will pay more for a 19/66 that has the pinned barrel and recessed chambers due to desire by collectors.Why is the Model 19 less expensive and more available? Does it have any faults..?? I've been trolling for a nice 586 and noticed the price and availability difference...(mostly on GunsAmerica)
The 586/686 are desired by those who like to shoot a steady diet of full power 357 Magnum ammo. The 586/686 was designed to overcome the issues with the 19/66, yet be smaller than then the N-frame Models 27 and 28. S&W was quite successful with the L-frame design.
The N-framed Model 27 and 28 command higher prices these days. The Model 27 has always been S&W's flagship 357 Magnum and as such, commands a hefty price tag. The Model 28 is a Model 27 with a far less expensive and fancy finish and very few options. The Model 28 cost a lot less than the Model 27, but has been out of production for a long time, therefore, the prices on Model 28's is going up.
I recommend this video for revolver newbies thinking about a used 19.
The new S&W Model 19 Classic ~ A S&W Armorer's Review - YouTube
The new S&W Model 19 Classic ~ A S&W Armorer's Review - YouTube
For carry, with limited use of magnum loads, get a 19/66. For range use, more magnum loads, get a 586/686 or go bigger/stronger and get a 27/28.
They say NEVER use 125gr (or less) Magnum loads in a K-frame .357 due to the forcing cone issue.
They say NEVER use 125gr (or less) Magnum loads in a K-frame .357 due to the forcing cone issue.
oysterer
Member
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2016
- Messages
- 1,600
- Reaction score
- 2,785
The 28 sits high in the hand, cylinder is a bit big for the small charge holes and turns slower than the 586 when shooting fast. They balance different, a 4'' 586/686 is pure magic.
Darkenfast
Member
One thing often overlooked in the K/L/N discussion is weight. The L-frame is often described as being between the K and N-frame guns in weight, but that is not quite true in the real world. An older, six-chambered four-inch barreled L-frame actually weighs about the same as a four-inch Model 28. My old six-inch 586 actually weighed more than its six-inch N-framed contemporary cousins.
The reason of course, is the heavy under-lugged L-frame barrel, which makes the handling so different.
The L-frame lost a little weight in the back end with the change to round-butt frames and then the availability of a seventh chamber.
No right or wrong, here, just an excuse to play with all of them and see which you like best. As noted above, many people feel the four-inch 586/686 is "pure magic"!
The reason of course, is the heavy under-lugged L-frame barrel, which makes the handling so different.
The L-frame lost a little weight in the back end with the change to round-butt frames and then the availability of a seventh chamber.
No right or wrong, here, just an excuse to play with all of them and see which you like best. As noted above, many people feel the four-inch 586/686 is "pure magic"!
Least I can do is show you one 586, yes?
Experience tells me two things:
1) barrel length makes a difference in how any of these feels, shoots and works for you
2) all three frame sizes are fantastic but for different reasons so the answer for me is definitely to own all of them
1) barrel length makes a difference in how any of these feels, shoots and works for you
2) all three frame sizes are fantastic but for different reasons so the answer for me is definitely to own all of them
A little more explanation now that I have a free moment.
For me, in my experience, K-frames are a fantastic fit, weight and balance for me, and if I'm shooting .38 Special (and I shoot a ton of it!) then a K-frame is the ultimate answer for me. At the same time, I find .357 Magnum from any/all/every K-frame to be uncomfortable. Sure I can do it, I shoot .44 Mag, .460 Mag and I have a whole helluva lot of 10mm from a Glock 29 under my belt. But K-frame and .357 isn't enjoyable to me, regardless of the discussion of how stout a 19/66 is built and can take the fury.
If I want a utility gun that is fantastic for all .357 Magnum and still thoroughly enjoyable for piles of .38 Special, the L-frame 686 is my choice. I find the 4-inch 686 to be about perfect for being the all-around "got it all covered" revolver, but I think the 6-inch barreled 686 is a better looking revolver. The 6-inch with the full lug barrel feels a little tiresome at arm's length after a box or three of ammo in one session.
If I'm shooting the big bombs in .357 (and I absolutely -LOVE- the big bombs in .357!) then the N-frame is so perfect that it feels like they designed it specifically for me. A 6-inch Model 27 is such a treat that everyone should try it. But the 6-inch Model 28-2 is such a mind blowing bargain in price that I feel like folks are plumb crazy if they don't own one. A 4-inch N-frame is fine, but the 6-inch is the one I love. And the 6-inch N-frame balances better for me than a 6-inch L-frame.
Summary:
K-frame .357 certainly can shoot .357 but mine literally never do because I just don't want to. But I pound truckloads of .38 through them and I have a bunch.
L-frame 686 is the "if I could only own one revolver" winner. It does so much so well and looks so good doing it.
N-frame 27 or 28: exactly what I want for launching .357 Magnum from a revolver, and I love .357 Magnum more than I can explain.
(full disclosure: the largest pile of .357 Magnum that I shoot gets spewed from my Coonan Classic)
For me, in my experience, K-frames are a fantastic fit, weight and balance for me, and if I'm shooting .38 Special (and I shoot a ton of it!) then a K-frame is the ultimate answer for me. At the same time, I find .357 Magnum from any/all/every K-frame to be uncomfortable. Sure I can do it, I shoot .44 Mag, .460 Mag and I have a whole helluva lot of 10mm from a Glock 29 under my belt. But K-frame and .357 isn't enjoyable to me, regardless of the discussion of how stout a 19/66 is built and can take the fury.
If I want a utility gun that is fantastic for all .357 Magnum and still thoroughly enjoyable for piles of .38 Special, the L-frame 686 is my choice. I find the 4-inch 686 to be about perfect for being the all-around "got it all covered" revolver, but I think the 6-inch barreled 686 is a better looking revolver. The 6-inch with the full lug barrel feels a little tiresome at arm's length after a box or three of ammo in one session.
If I'm shooting the big bombs in .357 (and I absolutely -LOVE- the big bombs in .357!) then the N-frame is so perfect that it feels like they designed it specifically for me. A 6-inch Model 27 is such a treat that everyone should try it. But the 6-inch Model 28-2 is such a mind blowing bargain in price that I feel like folks are plumb crazy if they don't own one. A 4-inch N-frame is fine, but the 6-inch is the one I love. And the 6-inch N-frame balances better for me than a 6-inch L-frame.
Summary:
K-frame .357 certainly can shoot .357 but mine literally never do because I just don't want to. But I pound truckloads of .38 through them and I have a bunch.
L-frame 686 is the "if I could only own one revolver" winner. It does so much so well and looks so good doing it.
N-frame 27 or 28: exactly what I want for launching .357 Magnum from a revolver, and I love .357 Magnum more than I can explain.
(full disclosure: the largest pile of .357 Magnum that I shoot gets spewed from my Coonan Classic)
BigBill
Absent Comrade
My dealer had the m28-0/m28-2 for $695 in blue and the m27-2 for $795 blue or nickel. They all were in excellent condition.
I have both a 19-3 and a 19 Classic. I like the 19 classic more. Releasing the cylinder isn't as smooth, but like the armorer said it is much stronger. The blueing is not as flashy as the 19-3, but it is so more durable and rust resistant. I've taken the 19 Classic out with me hunting, hiking, and camping, and its sat in the jeep for a week in humid weather. Absolutely no rust. My biggest gripe is the skinny grips and low profile sites. But other than that, its one of my favorite Smiths.
rockquarry
Member
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2005
- Messages
- 8,540
- Reaction score
- 10,492
I've had all these guns, but, of the three, a 28 is all I have now. I think it's the best of the bunch if you shoot a lot. I don't load or shoot .357 now, only .38s (factory equivalent standard pressure cast handloads), but the weight and bulk of a 28 helps to make a very forgiving revolver that hides some shooter deficiencies. I suppose the L-frame would come close in this regard.
I have all three and tend to favor the 27/28.
My standard line....................
For an all around utility/duty/general purpose .357 magnum.... a 4" 686 can't be topped in my experience..
If I'm carrying all day (open or concealed) but really not expecting to "need" to shoot it then a 3" K frame .357 is easier...... make mine a 3" 65 or more likely my 3" 66. My Burb of the Burgh; +P .38s most likely...... out in Penn's woods 158gr soft point.
I do have two N-frame .357s a really nice 28 and a "nice enough to be proud of but not so nice it's a safe Queen" 4 inch 27 (recessed but not pinned)......that rarely leave the house.
As to price/availability the 19 has been around since 1954/55 (66 since 1970/71) and both were popular Law Enforcement and Civilian guns ; the L-frame only since 1980 just as LE was beginning the transitioning to autoloaders.
Also have a nifty little 60-10 3" micro 686 .357.
For an all around utility/duty/general purpose .357 magnum.... a 4" 686 can't be topped in my experience..
If I'm carrying all day (open or concealed) but really not expecting to "need" to shoot it then a 3" K frame .357 is easier...... make mine a 3" 65 or more likely my 3" 66. My Burb of the Burgh; +P .38s most likely...... out in Penn's woods 158gr soft point.
I do have two N-frame .357s a really nice 28 and a "nice enough to be proud of but not so nice it's a safe Queen" 4 inch 27 (recessed but not pinned)......that rarely leave the house.
As to price/availability the 19 has been around since 1954/55 (66 since 1970/71) and both were popular Law Enforcement and Civilian guns ; the L-frame only since 1980 just as LE was beginning the transitioning to autoloaders.
Also have a nifty little 60-10 3" micro 686 .357.
Last edited:
