mmshanks
Member
Is there any difference between these models other than the sight's?
Besides the shroud I dont think the barrel rib has grooves between the frame and front site.
Maybe some do.
The difference is huge....
If you shoot one load, the Model 13 is fine. But.......
If you decide to use various bullet weights, or .38 vs .357, or light loads, etc. you cannot replace the convenience of adjustable sights.
My Model 66 is a Stainless 19, but shoots everything.....
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I sold the model 13.
Terry
Many of us like fixed-sights for carry or home defense.
My guess is, unless one is a dedicated target shooter or handgun hunter, adjustable sights get adjusted once or twice then left alone for many, many years.
My opinion (and it is only an opinion) is that S&W went seriously overboard by installing adjustable sights on just about all their products, even snubs.
I would agree that the M19 is probably best for you given your specifications, but you couldn't go too far wrong either way.I don't plan on carrying everyday. More like while in the woods, and for target shooting, and then for home defense. My main "purpose" other than target shooting is for hiking or just being in the woods. I want a four inch barrell, and I want to have accuracy further out than the typical personal defense scenario. It seems to me like the model 19 is the suggested gun for these purposes over the model 13?
I would agree that the M19 is probably best for you given your specifications, but you couldn't go too far wrong either way.
A purely practical advantage for chosing the M19 is that they are a lot more common, at least in my experience.
I would buy a 19-2 over a 13-3 UNLESS is was a 3" model 13.