S&W Model 19 announcement

Too Many Flaws

Stainless barrel? Grips that look like plain pressed sawdust? Narrow trigger and hammer, both MIM? Check out the locking bolt recess on the first charge hole past the hammer. It has the dreaded shallow, incomplete ramp scallop cut that leads to bolt bounce and deformity of the locking recesses. It's already happened on the second charge hole out of battery on a brand new photo op gun. Hump backed frame to fit in the IL? Dog leg cylinder stop? Scrape or scratch in the bluing on the left side of the trigger guard (maybe glare)? My limited experience with newer Smiths with EDM cut barrels and MIM lock parts is they are fantastic shooters, better than equivalent old Smiths, but the aesthetics just aren't there. If Smiths had always looked like this we would be on a Colt forum.
 
The info provided indicates the barrel is stainless which I would guess means it's a 2 piece barrel. Well, at least it's something for those that have always wanted one.
 
CapnB said:
Makes me wonder who their target demographic is for these. Many my age won't own one with a lock, and many, if not most, younger folks seem to prefer semi-autos. With the REAL "classics" still fairly abundant, where do these fit in? Personally, I don't need any brand new S&W's, but I believe having them remain in business certainly enhances our hobby, and I'm sure they've done their market research, but it would be fun to know exactly what they're thinking sometimes. Good shootin',
Doug
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It's me. 30 and just getting into revolvers.
 
I think you can see the end of the barrel, in front of the edge of the shroud, at the muzzle, in the one photo. So it appears to be a two piece barrel. [Added later: the Model 19 is two-piece, the Model 19 K-Comp is one-piece].

Which is an idea that takes getting used to, although S&W has been making them since at least 2005 (Mdl 619 and 620). It might be time to accept this feature, which is also used in the new Mdl 66.
 
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While my old ones look more like genuine classics, the new design features introduced in the 66-8 cured the flaw that took down the K-frame .357 line. Unlike our lovely old 19s, this one can shoot 125 grain magnums all day long and both days on weekends without worrying about its forcing cone.

Oddly I never have owned a 19 with barrel under 6". After these have been on the market long enough for used ones to be available I might buy a used one. It is safe to say the price will be way below equivalent condition old 19s. I bought an apparently unfired NIB modern Model 10 for what a Bud's police surplus older 10 would have cost. Believe it or not, my modern 10's lock hole is not lined with Great White Shark teeth and does not bite off my thumb. I expect these new 19s will also shoot very well.
 
k22fan said:
While my old ones look more like genuine classics, the new design features introduced in the 66-8 cured the flaw that took down the K-frame .357 line. Unlike our lovely old 19s, this one can shoot 125 grain magnums all day long and both days on weekends without worrying about its forcing cone.
Click to expand...

I don't shoot my K frames very often for this reason.
 
S&W Rover said:
I think you can see the end of the barrel, in front of the edge of the shroud, at the muzzle, in the one photo. So it appears to be a two piece barrel.

Which is an idea that takes getting used to, although S&W has been making them since at least 2005 (Mdl 619 and 620). It might be time to accept this feature, which is also used in the new Mdl 66.
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Yep, and I'll tell you my 620 is by far and away the best shooting revolver in my gun safes. Blows all the 29's, 28's, 27's,19's, 65's so on and so forth clean out of the water. It's by no means the prettiest revolver, but it's accuracy earned it the job of testing all my .38/.357 handloads.
 
New vs old.

New Model 19 Classic pros

1- Comes with Smith's warranty
2- No more cracked forcing cones
3- No stress shooting, if you scratch stocks , wear the blue finish who cares
4- Two piece barrel design
5- Better cylinder locking system
6- New , you know the history, no worries about how previous owner abused it.

New Model 19 Classic Cons

1- Not a Classic
2- No forged parts
3- No pinned barrel
4- No recessed cylinder
5-Has the lock
6- New process bluing and Not so nice stocks
7- Will never be a Classic
I think it's a win for everyone gives you the choice of owning both old and new and being able to enjoy both.
I love old muscle cars ,Classic Mustangs both Shelby's and Boss series are my favorite. You can now own both a Classic from the 60's -70 golden era or the new model Shelby's and Bosses.The pros and cons are similar to that of the Smith and Wesson new "Classic " line of revolvers . Choice of old vs new. These are the good old days in that regard.
 
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I hope some of the youngins among us buy them because it will help keep the mothership in the revolver business (and in business in general), but it's not for an old fogey like me. I've been spoiled for life by the real thing. :o

I tried to buy a "Classic" a couple times, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. :( Why buy an imitation when you can still go out and find the real thing? :cool:
 
ctxcummins said:
I can't find that tidbit.

While the two piece barrel might look ugly, smith has been producing them since 05-06ish (619 and 620 models) and are well noted for their accuracy.
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The spec's on the S&W site say carbon steel frame , stainless steel barrel. I think it's a safe bet it's 2 piece barrel like the new 66-8.
My 69 with the 2 piece, 2.75" barrel is very accurate and surprised me with shrinking groups as I stepped up the velocity. It's a great shooting revolver! Like it so much it's my avatar.
I will be greatly tempted when (I don't think it's a matter of "if") the 19 is released with the 2.75" barrel.
 
I like the idea of this classic. If I want to carry my M-19 working armed security I can carry the Classic M-19 w/ lock removed and not worry about having my P&R 19-4 taken due to a shooting investigation, holster wear, or minor finish issues from duty carrying. And CCW as well with the 2 3/4 in if they offer it.
 
ctxcummins said:
I can't find that tidbit.

While the two piece barrel might look ugly, smith has been producing them since 05-06ish (619 and 620 models) and are well noted for their accuracy.
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no kidding. see my post #63.
 
I Like It !
So tired of seeing plastic, polymer, painted , tactical ,semi autos..... ad nauseam .
This just put a smile on my old face and a song in my heart.
Blue steel and custom wood grips... Oh Yes.
I'm going to start saving my nickels and dimes right now !
The "dreaded" lock is a non issue to me....don't see it as a problem at all.
And I totally agree with post #63...only accurate revolvers are interesting
Gary
 
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amazingflapjack said:
Wonder if the front sight will stand up straight on this'un???????????
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From what I have read, this is one of the benefits of the two piece barrel... the shroud can consistently be mounted in the correct position, e.g., front sight vertical. The two piece barrel should allow consistent and correct gaps at the forcing cone as well. [Added: See later post. The Mdl 19 K-Comp has a one-piece barrel]

I haven't read any posts about two piece barrels breaking, cracking, separating, etc., for a long time. I think S&W probably has it down pretty good by now.

I'm glad S&W is continuing to make L frames with one piece barrels though and wonder what the logic/rationale is, in S&W's inner circles, for making both types of barrels. Most of us (on this forum) would probably prefer one piece barrels, but I am working myself towards being open minded on the two piece barrels!

Thank goodness there are still old S&W revolvers out there to show us how they were made in the old days -- but S&W can't going back to those methods of milling, bluing, recessing, pinning, etc., and to not using MIM for certain parts, ever again.
 
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If revolver sales are down, which I don't believe for a second. It's because of people bitching about how things aren't made the same way anymore and refusing to buy the newer guns. News flash people, times change, so do methods and materials. Smith isn't going to return to pinned barrels and recessed chambers, Colt isn't going to start hand fitting Pythons and Royal Bluing guns again, Ruger isn't going to bring back the Security Six. Sounds like a bunch of old farts arguing about the merits of a Studebaker versus a Packard.
 
CajunBass said:
Why should they change it when the revolver BUYERS buy every one they make? They sure don't seem to stay on the shelves long around here.
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You can go shopping for a new "classic" S&W today around town and go home with probably 10 or more of them by the end of the day. :confused:

They are sitting


Now the no lock new J frames, grab one when you see it. It will be gone within a week or less.
 
Paladin85020 , nailed it for me. While I do not like the lock, I dislike the lines of the frame even more, I like the fact that N-Frames still retain the classic lines, but I just do not like the fatter lines of the K an L frames. I am sure they are well done , but I still prefer the original.
 
After things settle down a bit on availability,
I suspect the new Model 19 will retail for
around $700.

As CajunBass said, let's just be glad Smith
has faith in the revolver market.

I think a $700 price tag will be attractive.
 
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