S&W Model 19 vs. Colt Model 357

[MP9M2.0]

I have an old Colt Model 357 4" barrel in 357 Magnum. It is very accurate and seems stout enough for full house 357s. How does the K frame Model 19 stack up? I would like to buy the Model 19 if I can find a good 4".

 

[murphydog]

I believe the Colt was built on the same frame as the Python, so is slightly larger than a K frame model 19. The usual precautions about heavy use of hot light bullet .357 loads in the latter are well documented here in several posts.

 

[UncleEd]

The Colt .357's heritage originally was the Colt Official Police.

The frame is a ".41" in size and the Official Police handled
the .38/44 loads of the 1930s which were a .38 round with a
158 grain bullet propelled at 1,100 feet a second.

Smith's comparable gun to the Official Police in handling the
hotter .38s was, of course, the Smith .38/44 HD on the N-frame.

Then Smith in 1935 created the .357 designation for its N frames. The .357 in some configurations was a bit hotter
than the .38/44 and the .357 had a slightly longer casing.

And yes, the Python really is an extension of the Official Police
and thus the Colt .357.

By 1955 metallurgy for handguns was improving and so
Smith issued the Model 19 but it was still on the lighter
K-frame.

The Model 19 is a superb revolver and though it's not fragile,
it still is not quite as robust as the Colt .357s. So Smith
in 1980 issued the L-frame, essentially the same sized frame
as the Colt Official Police/Colt .357/Python.

Just as an aside, for those who love the Python action, and stick with .38 Specials any way, consider the Official Police. They
are not only available, having been made into the 1960s I believe, but are offered at fairly reasonable prices, more in the
sub $1,000 area and can be had for a lot less than that.

I think metallurgical technology is probably very important so if you wish to "magnatize" any
of the older guns it's probably best to stick with post 1955 models.

 

[rockquarry]

There were only about 15,000 of the Colt .357 Model produced; none have been made since around '61 or so. They will generally cost more than a 19, but will appreciate in value at a greater rate than a 19.

They might be a little stouter than a 19, but you're getting into hair-splitting here. Regular use of .357 loads in either gun will eventually wear either revolver. I've shot a couple of the Colt .357s for years. They are at least as accurate as my Pythons.

Consider also that it is more difficult to find good gunsmiths that work on Colts and Colt parts are probably harder to find in comparison with S&W.

 

[BLACKHAWKNJ]

The Colt 357 was relabeled the Trooper in 1961 and remained in production until 1969 when the Mark III action was introduced. The 357/Trooper is somewhat more robust than the Model 19 IMHO.

 

[Texas Star]

I've owned both and prefer the S&W M-19, especally in stainless (M-66) form.

The Colt frame is the size of the S&W L-frame and holsters for one usually fit the other.

The Colt will handle Magnum loads better over many years but their cylinder timing wears much faster than does S&W's.

Use of very hot .357 ammo has on occasion split K-frame .357 barrels at the flat bottom of the forcing cone. The heavier Colt barrels have not had that issue.

 

[Pisgah]

When it comes to frame-cylinder-barrel, the Colt is probably slightly stouter. When it comes to lockwork, the S&W is probably a bit more robust. Pay your money, take your choice. Practically speaking, I'd rate them about equal.

 

[VaTom]

The Colt .357's heritage originally was the Colt Official Police.

The frame is a ".41" in size and the Official Police handled
the .38/44 loads of the 1930s which were a .38 round with a
158 grain bullet propelled at 1,100 feet a second.

Smith's comparable gun to the Official Police in handling the
hotter .38s was, of course, the Smith .38/44 HD on the N-frame.

Then Smith in 1935 created the .357 designation for its N frames. The .357 in some configurations was a bit hotter
than the .38/44 and the .357 had a slightly longer casing.

And yes, the Python really is an extension of the Official Police
and thus the Colt .357.

By 1955 metallurgy for handguns was improving and so
Smith issued the Model 19 but it was still on the lighter
K-frame.

The Model 19 is a superb revolver and though it's not fragile,
it still is not quite as robust as the Colt .357s. So Smith
in 1980 issued the L-frame, essentially the same sized frame
as the Colt Official Police/Colt .357/Python.

Just as an aside, for those who love the Python action, and stick with .38 Specials any way, consider the Official Police. They
are not only available, having been made into the 1960s I believe, but are offered at fairly reasonable prices, more in the
sub $1,000 area and can be had for a lot less than that.

I think metallurgical technology is probably very important so if you wish to "magnatize" any
of the older guns it's probably best to stick with post 1955 models.

Great Information from Uncle Ed!

Bought this 98% 1956 Colt Official Police at local auction several years ago for $400 out the door ($325 winning bid+15% buyers premium and tax). Beautiful Colt royal blue finish and smooth action. The I frame being a little bigger than a S&W K Frame it has noticeable less recoil. Colt Official Police models were made until 1969.

 

[les.b]

Keep the Colt and buy the Smith. You'll have the best of both worlds!!

Tom:

That is a beautiful Colt!! Thanks for sharing...


Best Regards, Les

 

[deyomatic]

Just as an aside, for those who love the Python action, and stick with .38 Specials any way, consider the Official Police.

I have one made in 1947, and dare I say here, it is the smoothest DA revolver I have used.

 

[usmc2427765]

When I started in law enforcement back in the middle ages, we were required to purchase a S&W 19 for graduation. After 6 months probation, we could transition to a different type of weapon within department guide lines, 44 mag, 1911 etc. Talking with the range master, who was a salty old WW2 USMC veteran, regarding the Colt Python, he got a strange look in his eye and stated " I'd rather have my mother in a cat house than a partner with a Colt revolver". Interesting observation.

 

[SuperGoat]

My first revolver was a Colt 357. Beautiful gun, honestly the only reason I sold it and ended up collecting model 19/66s is because I like the look of Smiths better. Both amazing guns and I don't think you will regret either one.

 

[UncleEd]

When I started in law enforcement back in the middle ages, we were required to purchase a S&W 19 for graduation. After 6 months probation, we could transition to a different type of weapon within department guide lines, 44 mag, 1911 etc. Talking with the range master, who was a salty old WW2 USMC veteran, regarding the Colt Python, he got a strange look in his eye and stated " I'd rather have my mother in a cat house than a partner with a Colt revolver". Interesting observation.

Oh, I think I know where your range master was coming from; Colts didn't have the "longevity" on the line like Smiths, their timing going out a lot faster with regular DA shooting.

As I stated, for those who like the action of the Python but can't afford one, the Official Police is a fine alternative.....but Smith first!

 

[Warren Sear]

The Colt .357's heritage originally was the Colt Official Police.

The frame is a ".41" in size and the Official Police handled
the .38/44 loads of the 1930s which were a .38 round with a
158 grain bullet propelled at 1,100 feet a second.

Smith's comparable gun to the Official Police in handling the
hotter .38s was, of course, the Smith .38/44 HD on the N-frame.

Then Smith in 1935 created the .357 designation for its N frames. The .357 in some configurations was a bit hotter
than the .38/44 and the .357 had a slightly longer casing.

And yes, the Python really is an extension of the Official Police
and thus the Colt .357.

By 1955 metallurgy for handguns was improving and so
Smith issued the Model 19 but it was still on the lighter
K-frame.

The Model 19 is a superb revolver and though it's not fragile,
it still is not quite as robust as the Colt .357s. So Smith
in 1980 issued the L-frame, essentially the same sized frame
as the Colt Official Police/Colt .357/Python.

Just as an aside, for those who love the Python action, and stick with .38 Specials any way, consider the Official Police. They
are not only available, having been made into the 1960s I believe, but are offered at fairly reasonable prices, more in the
sub $1,000 area and can be had for a lot less than that.

I think metallurgical technology is probably very important so if you wish to "magnatize" any
of the older guns it's probably best to stick with post 1955 models.

The predecessor to the Colt Official Police was the Colt Army Special. After no Army sales contracts, they changed a few minor things (checkered the trigger, etc) and called it the Official Police. If you want the Python experience without the pimp finish, ventilated rib, useless barrel under-lug, and frame mounted firing pin, get an Army Special or Official Police.

Here is a picture of my Army Special, built in 1927...

 

[ditto1958]

Keep the Colt and buy the Smith. You'll have the best of both worlds!!

Yes! And then buy a Ruger Security-Six, and you will have a beautiful trinity of .357 magnum revolvers.

 

[Tom_R]

Put a Python Barrel on a Model and have a Smolt Smython.