Want to add a revolver...which one?

[dmcwilliams]

Hello All.....I am new to collecting and have recently acquired a Model 59 and Model 669 in mint condition and was thinking of adding a revolver. I have been looking at the forums and think a Model 19 with 4 inch barrell would be a good choice as the 357 is quite practical for target shooting with 38's as well as home defence loaded with the 357 cal. The other revolver I have been looking at is the K38 Masterpiece (in all reality, I probably would not shoot many 357 loads if I got a Model 19 anyway). I am more inclined to a classic revolver in mint condition to add to the semi's I have now. The other question I have is stainless or nickel versus blue. I would very much appreciate the forums input as to what would be the price range for these mint revolvers. Thankls...Dave

 

[P&R Fan]

You really can't go wrong with a 4" M19. It truly is a classic. It would serve very well for a home defense gun with the right loads. That will depend on your skill and your home. If it's an apartment you won't want to use .357s. Choose carefully based on the layout.
I always advise a stainless gun for home defense. Whenever I handle any blued firearm I always wipe it off with a rust preventative rag as even fingerprints can rust. With stainless that is not an issue. The stainless version of the M19 Combat Magnum is the M66.
Whatever you choose, welcome to the world of revolvers, and tell us when you make your choice.

 

[Night Guard]

As a deputy sheriff, I carried a Model 19 4". What a tremendous classic handgun! I highly recommend it. Finish, to me, is a personal preference.

 

[beemerphile]

If you are not going to shoot magnums in it, the .38 special versions are usually less expensive because the .357's are more popular. Look at a Model 64 for a stainless gun with fixed sights or a Model 67 for a stainless gun with adjustable sights. Four inch barrels are less expensive than 3" or shorter barrels, so you ought to be able to find quite a nice specimen for a good price. Happy hunting!

 

[gkitch]

in collecting, you should buy what you like. A true "collection" has a theme though, such as "Pre-war Walther PPKs". The smaller the sample space the better chance one has of aquairing all the possible variants and then you are a true expert. The NRA Convention this year featured a display of Colt "snakes" in every available guise and bbl length. Nice!
That said, most of us do not really collect but just buy various examples of guns we like and shoot them some. If you like a Model 19 by all means find one in the bbl lenght and finish you think looks best and you cannot go wrong (as long as you get a fair price).

 

[LexKing]

I will have to agree with the previous poster. The Model 67, K-frame four (4") inch stainless gun with adjustable sights, is an excellent choice, if you are not going with the .357 cal.

 

[bountyhunter]

Hello All.....I am new to collecting and have recently acquired a Model 59 and Model 669 in mint condition and was thinking of adding a revolver. I have been looking at the forums and think a Model 19 with 4 inch barrell would be a good choice as the 357 is quite practical for target shooting with 38's as well as home defence loaded with the 357 cal. The other revolver I have been looking at is the K38 Masterpiece (in all reality, I probably would not shoot many 357 loads if I got a Model 19 anyway). I am more inclined to a classic revolver in mint condition to add to the semi's I have now. The other question I have is stainless or nickel versus blue. I would very much appreciate the forums input as to what would be the price range for these mint revolvers. Thankls...Dave

If you plan to use it, stainless is the way to go. Much less likely to rust and you can rub the dings out. Blues are beautiful, but shooters should be stainless. Nickel only if you plan to keep it as a collector piece.

 

[dmcwilliams]

Many Thanks

Thanks to all who have offered their advice. I think I will concentrate my search for a model 19 in blue or a 66 in stainless. If a real nice 64 or 67 comes up, that will definitely be an option as well. Thanks again

 

[jeffrey]

Don't be put off by nickel, as nickel plated guns are tougher than blued guns and, for me at least, are easier to clean than stainless. But I have to agree with everyone that the easiest to care for and keep looking good are the stainless guns. My favorites are the models 64, 65, 66 and 67, depending on whether you care about shooting .357 magnum and whether you want fixed or adjustable sights. If your eyes are older (like mine), you might want adjustable sights just because they are easier to see.

One thing you should get: a copy of the third edition of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Messrs. Supica and Nahas. I have found it indispensable.

 

[18DAI]

My 4" 19-4 is more inherently accurate than my 6" model 14-6 using the same ammunition.

It doesn't get any better in a revolver than a model 19! Everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't.

Get it, shoot it, love it! Regards 18DAI.