What makes the model 19 so popular and collectible?
You have to understand, the model 19, or the Comabat Magnum, as it was known when it was introduced, was the first widely available .357 magnum chambering in a medium framed revolver. For decades, if you wanted the firepower of the .357, you had to use a big old n-frame a Registered, or Non-registerd Magnum, later known as the model 27.
Bill Jordan, and others, advocated for Smith and Wesson to offer a .357 on the K Frame. The K Frame had been around since about 1900, but .38 Spcl was as hot as you could go. Bill Jordan wanted a K Frame with Magnum capability as he felt law enforcement would make greater use of it.
He was correct. The 4" model 19 was considered as great an all around police gun as the Glock model 19 is today.
Not only are they practical, and a great mix of carry-ability combined with Magnum firepower, they are beautifully made and finished, they are proportionally perfect, they are accurate, and they are fun to shoot.
It is one of Smith and Wessons greatest offerings ever, and any good Smith and Wesson Collection needs to include a Model 19 or a 66, along with a 27 or a 28 and either a 29 or a 629 for starters. Many others will add more fine offerings to that list, as my list is incomplete, but only intended as a starting point.
But to me, the 19, the 27 and the 29 are the quintessential Smith and Wesson Offerings in the Magnum Cartridge, and a collection should start with one of those three.