Which K frame? Model 19 vs 66

[Shooter 9]

Sort of at a crossroad here. I've been mostly a J frame person, but now I want to get into the next larger frame. Most of my collection is on the J frame side is either nickel or stainless and pre lock. I'm not really into blued guns (though I have never owned one).

It is my understanding that the 19 and 66 are built on the same frame, one being steel and the other SS. The 19 comes in blued or nickel, the 66 only SS. Pinned and recessed, trigger stop, combat model. Depending on the year, the 66 had these features. I know what year p&r was discontinued on the 66, but I guess I have to reference my smith book on the 19.

Besides barrel lengths and the fact the 19 has been around longer, what other differences are there? What should I be looking for on both of these when buying? This may be a shooter or it may not. A lot of that depends on price and condition.

Your recommendation of which one to buy is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

If I was home I'd get out my SCSW and list the differences cited there but, for my personal purposes, there isn't the slightest bit of difference between a Model 19 and a Model 66. All of the Model 19s I have seen were pinned and recessed so, again, I'd have to look up if and when that changed. But I'm a smallish collector and on my own have only owned a now blown up and gone 4" Model 19 (reloaded ammunition was the cause) and a 2.5" Model 19 that I'm not parting with any time soon. P&R for both.

So, when you ask what should you look for I am just not sure what you mean. Almost all of my nearly 2 dozen S&W revolvers were purchased used and I look for a host of things but NOT INCLUDING various features that might be or might no longer be a part of the actual gun itself as it came from S&W. If I was ONLY collecting K frame .357 magnums then I'd be devoted to the smallest detail between each gun. But I collect .38s and .357s as a loose collection and the details as to the various modifications that S&W made in any given year are not of major concern to me.

All of that said, the real question is whether it's collector grade or a shooter. My "collection" includes shooters. And I shoot them all. If it's pristine, NIB, that's different. A 66 would fit into my collection as easily as a 19. I have Model 10s, 64s, etc. The steel used is not my criterion and if you're asking which one to buy just to get into K frames I'd simply reiterate what I said before, there's not a particle of difference between them but for the blued steel versus the stainless steel (or nickel if you stumble upon one of those). On that level, and considering your stated preference above, I'd recommend the Model 66.

I know, very circuitous logic, too much talk, but I'm verbose.....

***GRJ***

 

[Shooter 9]

Assumptions aside, for now lets just say if one were looking to buy either as a true collectable (I being a novice in that regard), which one of these models would be the one to buy. If it's truly a matter of choice, I guess it's just that.

 

[A10]

As a collectible, it seems that blued guns demand a higher premium that stainless ones. The exception might be if you could get a first year 66, but there probably wouldn't be much of a premium compared to the same year 19.

However, Combat Magnums, 19 no dash, 19-1, and 19-2s in great shape are all going to be higher value, due to shorter production runs and age.

 

[SJshooter]

Blued vs stainless - there are countless threads on it here.

Stainless is perceived as easier to maintain - there are a few solvents/materials you can use during the cleaning that would damage a blued gun. And you can easily buff out minor surface blemishes (or even hand polish it to a high shine).

That said, if you take care of your blued guns, you can shoot them extensively and if you clean them well, they will still look amazing. Probably the number one thing that will wear on a blued gun is not heavy shooting, but frequent holstering. Then again, I have a 19 snub with holster wear, and it really adds to the character of the gun.

Other than that, the difference is mainly cosmetic. So I say get the blued 19. "I'm not really into blued guns." ARE YOU NUTS?! Get one and you will be addicted.

 

[TDC]

Buy them both.... You can't go wrong.

 

[Camster]

With 19s,you can get TT,TH.

 

[Hillbilly77]

They are the same gun, but I'd get the Model 19.
Everybody knows that stainless guns are ugly.


Blue is beautiful.

 

[BAM-BAM]

My "everyday carry revolver" is a 3" 66-4 because ss is easier to maintain on a day to day basis ........ hot & sweaty, cold and/or wet days........(besides any of the 50 3" 19s made are worth a small fortune......LOL)


but I also have a 90%+ 19-? 4" .... cus S&W blue is so sweet.......

both sport Spegel boot grips..................



Bottom line can't go wrong with either 66 or 19.....in a 4" gun they are the best "all around" S&W revolvers going.........



Now if we are talking a open carry/duty belt; set up I go with a 4" 686/586 or 681/581

 

[vrichard]

The blue S&W 19 would be my choice over the S&W 66.(maybe)
Dick
19 on top
66 on bottom

 

[raljr1]

Go for the nickel 19...

 

[fyimo]

To me if they are both P&R then it's whatever Model you like the finish better and what the price difference is.

 

[tim c]

love my mod.19 2.5 inch here

 

[RubEric]

My Model 19s:

 

[DRYHEAT]

Have been a BIG fan of the P&R 66 2.5" for many years. This is my 5th:

 

[Derosa]

Which one to buy? Easy. Flip a coin. Call it in the air. Right before it lands and stops spinning you will know which one you want. Works every time. Spend. Shoot. Reload. Repeat.

 

[Shooter 9]

Might be better if I give specifics on the 2 of the guns. The first is a 19-4, nickel, 4", recessed, not pinned. Semi-target hammer. circa 1981 Absolutely gorgeous. Rosewood grips. Second is a 66-1, 4" never fired. Circa 1978. P&R. Target stocks. Has original S&W blue box.

 

[Shooter 9]

Have been a BIG fan of the P&R 66 2.5" for many years. This is my 5th:

I am also a big fan. One beauty you got there.

 

[Shooter 9]

There is also a 3" 66 I have my eye on. No P&R, but only 2500 made.

 

[BAM-BAM]

More like 5000 with all runs of -2 -3 -4s.......... but get one if you can....... while you can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The best of the breed............................ for everyday carry