New "Classic" Model 19

[ToddS112]

Been looking at these for a while and found one local that I couldn't pass up. Fit and finish is very nice. There was a 586 right next to it and I went back and forth a while. The 19 actually had a little better (smoother) trigger pull and the barrel on the 586 was canted (ugh still with that issue??). I don't have another K-frame gun in my collection so I grabbed it.

The bluing is actually very nice for a new production gun. The gun stocks fit well and are very attractive. The trigger was smooth, but way heavy. It averaged close to 12 pounds on my older Lyman. I had a couple Wolff "power rib" main springs in my parts bin and threw one in for fun. It's around 9 pounds now. I'm not sure if they are reduced or standard weight.

I'm hoping the reduced weight spring will reliably fire, I sure like the feel of it now. Can't find any dang .357 or .38 around here to try it yet. I have a brand new 2020 Python sitting unfired for the same reason.

HOLSTER:

Anyone try the "Classic" 19 in a holster meant for a vintage 19? I know it's technically .2" longer. I want something like a classic Bianchi 5bhl.

 

[Mr Wonderful]

Been looking at these for a while and found one local that I couldn't pass up. Fit and finish is very nice. There was a 586 right next to it and I went back and forth a while. The 19 actually had a little better (smoother) trigger pull and the barrel on the 586 was canted (ugh still with that issue??). I don't have another K-frame gun in my collection so I grabbed it.

The bluing is actually very nice for a new production gun. The gun stocks fit well and are very attractive. The trigger was smooth, but way heavy. It averaged close to 12 pounds on my older Lyman. I had a couple Wolff "power rib" main springs in my parts bin and threw one in for fun. It's around 9 pounds now. I'm not sure if they are reduced or standard weight.

I'm hoping the reduced weight spring will reliably fire, I sure like the feel of it now. Can't find any dang .357 or .38 around here to try it yet. I have a brand new 2020 Python sitting unfired for the same reason.

HOLSTER:

Anyone try the "Classic" 19 in a holster meant for a vintage 19? I know it's technically .2" longer. I want something like a classic Bianchi 5bhl.

I went with a new model 66 for the same reason -afraid to get a canted barrel 686 ordering online, and didn't want to pay the higher local vendor price, so went with the new model 66. I love mine. Perfect specs (gap, endshake, timing ect) and great fit and finish.

 

[jcs266]

Very nice, congrats on your new M19. Anymore revolvers are just about all i carry.

 

[OldChief]

Guess I'm just stuck with my old (1958) Mod 19 (LOL). Any Model 19, old or new is a great revolver as far as I'm concerned. You have a real nice Classic and I know you'll enjoy it. Here's my older one.

 

[shocker]

12 lbs DA is factory spec.

If you haven't watched it yet....

The new S&W Model 19 Classic ~ A S&W Armorer's Review - YouTube

 

[stansdds]

Congratulations to ToddS112 and Mr Wonderful on buying the new Models 19 and 66 respectively. I have handled only one of the Model 19 Classics, it had a nice finish and seemed to be put together quite well, but it did have a heavy trigger, much heavier than the one on my old Model 19-3.

I do think S&W got a lot of engineering right with the new K-frame 357's. Eliminating the ejector rod lock and going to a crane lock is a better mouse trap and the two-piece barrel should provide excellent accuracy and there is no thin spot along the bottom of the forcing cone. These new 19's and 66's should stand up to full power 357 Magnum ammo better than the old versions. I guess time will tell.

 

[Mr Wonderful]

Eliminating the ejector rod lock and going to a crane lock is a better mouse trap.

It works really well. I've removed the cylinder and just had the crane in the gun with no cylinder to test the locking of it -it locks strong with no wiggle. My Rugers, which have crane locks, lock strong, but have a tiny bit of movement when tested the same way, and my Taurus front lock I had to modify to make lock as well as the ball/detent lock my model 66 uses.

 

[Invictus357]

I went with a new model 66 for the same reason -afraid to get a canted barrel 686 ordering online, and didn't want to pay the higher local vendor price, so went with the new model 66. I love mine. Perfect specs (gap, endshake, timing ect) and great fit and finish.

Where did you get those conversion targets?? I have searched forever to find ones like that.

 

[Mr Wonderful]

Where did you get those conversion targets?? I have searched forever to find ones like that.

I got them from ebay, but modified them. They were huge and too big for the gun IMO, so I sanded off some from the bottom and reshaped the sides a little as well. If you want to do it (modify yours) too, you don't have to worry about stain -there is none. You only have have to put Tru Oil on the areas you sanded and the color blends back in.
The below link isn't the exact ebay seller, but the grips are similar/if not the exact same ones I bought.

Grip For S&W, K/L FRAME ROUND BUTT CHECKERED HARD WOOD OPENED BACK | eBay
Usually they're around $50, so you can shop around on ebay. I used the search words "S&W round butt wood". but you can try hardwood instead of wood, or Smith instead of S&W.
Don't get the ones with the finger grooves. The ones with the finger grooves aren't as wide and don't look as good, plus I imagine they'd hurt your hands more shooting 357, because of them being more narrow.

 

[Invictus357]

I got them from ebay, but modified them. They were huge and too big for the gun IMO, so I sanded off some from the bottom and reshaped the sides a little as well. If you want to do it (modify yours) too, you don't have to worry about stain -there is none. You only have have to put Tru Oil on the areas you sanded and the color blends back in.
The below link isn't the exact ebay seller, but the grips are similar/if not the exact same ones I bought.

Grip For S&W, K/L FRAME ROUND BUTT CHECKERED HARD WOOD OPENED BACK | eBay
Usually they're around $50, so you can shop around on ebay. I used the search words "S&W round butt wood". but you can try hardwood instead of wood, or Smith instead of S&W.
Don't get the ones with the finger grooves. The ones with the finger grooves aren't as wide and don't look as good, plus I imagine they'd hurt your hands more shooting 357, because of them being more narrow.

Great info. Thanks very much.

 

[bronco45]

Having owned Model 19s for the past 50 years, I have to agree with an earlier poster and compliment Smith and Wesson on improving the mechanical aspects of this model. Wouldn't mind having a new one as the old one I have is to the point of being worth too much money to pack it, and or lose it.

 

[Sgt911]

Congrats! I didn't know any of the classics had two piece barrels. This thread motivated me to go out in the back 40 and shoot the M48 classic I picked up a couple of weeks ago. I know some folks poo-poo the new revolvers but this 48 is a work of art. IDK if they have a different group that does classics but the 29 and 48 I bought have a fit and finish that are excellent.

 

[TTSH]

Been looking at these for a while and found one local that I couldn't pass up. Fit and finish is very nice. There was a 586 right next to it and I went back and forth a while. The 19 actually had a little better (smoother) trigger pull and the barrel on the 586 was canted (ugh still with that issue??). I don't have another K-frame gun in my collection so I grabbed it.

I'll stick with my vintage originals, but I do thank you for buying one and thereby helping to keep the mothership in the revolver business.

 

[ImDrRich]

I really like the stocks on your 66. May I ask who made them?

Thanks!

I went with a new model 66 for the same reason -afraid to get a canted barrel 686 ordering online, and didn't want to pay the higher local vendor price, so went with the new model 66. I love mine. Perfect specs (gap, endshake, timing ect) and great fit and finish.

 

[Mr Wonderful]

I really like the stocks on your 66. May I ask who made them?

Thanks!

Thanks, glad you like them.

See post #9 telling about the stocks.

 

[ZGrand]

Congrats on the new 19. I am really lusting after one exactly like it.

 

[schutz5]

Like any firearm it is great to handle your consideration before buying ( as opposed to online).
About three years ago I almost bought a 586 classic but after I controlled the blinding excitement I saw the frame to crane gap that was not befitting the retail price. Two years later I bought a no dash 586 ' as new' for the same price. Perfect fit and finish!
Hey the classic series is good stuff.
Nothing is perfect!
Re : Thailand aftermarket grips.
They are nice and fit spot on to my experience!

 

[SLT223]

I went with a new model 66 for the same reason -afraid to get a canted barrel 686 ordering online, and didn't want to pay the higher local vendor price, so went with the new model 66. I love mine. Perfect specs (gap, endshake, timing ect) and great fit and finish.

NOW it has a great finish! I'm not knocking the new 66 and 19...I'm still trying to find one used, which is now pointless...but I must tip my hat to you on making that 66 look how I feel it should from the factory.

 

[ggibson511960]

Not trying to make trouble for anybody, but those beautiful grips from Thailand are not likely licensed by S&W to have near authentic escutcheons. Or maybe they are?? There is one aftermarket part that would be very well received, OEM quality target triggers and hammers to replace the less than aesthetic MIM stuff.

 

[TTSH]

Not trying to make trouble for anybody, but those beautiful grips from Thailand are not likely licensed by S&W to have near authentic escutcheons. Or maybe they are?

Oh, I sincerely doubt they are authorized Smith & Wesson products. I also don't think that anyone at S&W really gives a hoot about a few imported reproduction grips. Coming hand-made from Thailand and sold as "new" on eBay, I don't think anyone is being fooled into thinking that these are the real deal... i.e., discontinued vintage S&W originals. They are clearly reproductions.

Which brings up an interesting question about reproductions of discontinued firearm parts in general that I am not able to answer since I am not a lawyer. Could S&W sue eBay to stop the sale of these if they really wanted to? I don't know.