Smith & Wesson 43 . Including the full length barrel underlug. The Model 19 has something of a checkered past for reliability, one thats likely due more to rumor than actual experience. Every group from all variety of ammo loads are smaller than 2 @25 yards and you were disappointed? It is a sleek, good looking, pistol with great lines and a blue finish. The factory spec for trigger pulls on S&Ws is about 2.75 lbs for single-action mode, about 12 lbs for DA mode. revolver on the big N-frame and had been doing so since 1935. Using a wide variety of ammunition, none of my five-shot groups shot from a sandbag were larger than two inches at 25 yards. I must also say theres a Way Big Difference shooting 38 spl v/s 357 Magnums, mainly the recoil & muzzle rise. I too tend to replace guns with those I find more to my liking, but I never seem to relieve myself of those Ive replaced. At $117 at the time they were a deal. Without the barrel / cylinder gap, it can low end .30-30 energy levels. Yep. The Model 19 Combat Magnum is the result of legendary U.S. Border Patrol shooter, Bill Jordan, convincing Smith & Wesson to chamber a K frame in .357 Magnum. Eventually I ponied up the cash for a bull barreled PPC revolver to shoot the 1500 matches, but for a few years that Model 19 was the only arrow in my PPC quiver. Shoots like a dream. Still have my Model 19 6 bought new in 1977, purchased to accompany my .30-06 on hunting trips The one modification made to it was rounding the grip to allow for a more comfortable grip. Thats plenty good for self defense work, and also good enough for any hunting of light skinned game within the ballistic limits of the round. Kimber K6S Stainless .357 Mag 2 Barrel 6-Rounds . I happen to think that a 5-inch barrel on a revolver might just be the perfect barrel length. Great write-up, JWT. The nickeled Model 19s were dropped from production in 1992. (snaps back to reality) That will be a fine firearm. The .357 Magnum cartridge is the single most versatile round ever developed in my, and many others, opinion. The login page will open in a new tab. For most applications, I would recommend a good .38 Special +P load. Could keep the ejector rod from getting bent if someone bumped his head on your gun. The front sight wanders around too much for me to do better. For years now I have been carrying a early 70s era 2 model 19 and a full size 1911. As I look back on it now, that was a foolish thing to do. Smith & Wesson Model 66, 4.25" Barrel, 357 Magnum . Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic Features . As I said, the first Combat Magnum was produced in 1955 and promptly sent to Bill Jordan. But my needs are different from other peoples. It is narrower with beveled edges and a polished smooth trigger face, and. Thats there most, if any K-frame magnums failed. In a day where 4-6 barrel revolvers were found in duty holsters. Perfect swords. The reason I switched to the S&W revolver is accuracy. Smith & Wesson. The Model 10 was our issue revolver when I became a cop. Le/Mil Only. After a couple years of qualifying with the .357s the M-66s started to shake loose. I also practice shooting on the move, simulating moving to a position of cover. Glad to see S&W had the same idea! 1) The so-called Hillary Hole, I thought I could live with it when I bought my M-27 Classic.every time I look at the left side of the revolver, that freakin lock gets a little uglier, its become a deal breaker. Because the .38 bullet spends something like twice the time in the barrel as the .357 bullet, the barrel rises more under recoil before the .38 bullet leaves the barrel than it does with .357 loads. This cartridge can be used in any situation where a handgun could come into play. I agree with JWT regarding barrel length and DG regarding quality. Just didnt fit my hand. breadcrumb. Simple 38 special 158gr Remington Target or Federal 158 LRN Champion even Magtech 158 LRN will work. The author refers to the new Model 19, like the old model, not being able to sustain much use of full power 357 Mag loads. Revolvers, The new Model 19 Classics rear sight is fully adjustable, and it has a plain black blade. Massad Ayoob (who has been an expert witness in many self-defensive shooting trials) recommends not removing the lock for this very reason. Also, I have only seen a model 19 with those squared front sights one other time. All three are built on the medium-sized K-Frame that . And I have a pair of older Model 19s that are great. The Border Patrol furnishes us with those .38 shells with no questions asked about what we do with them. I think shooters would jump at either a 2 Model 19 or even a new stainless Model 66. I retired as aFederal Det/Lt carrying a Sig P228. But it never got close to breaking that 1 mark. As the law enforcement community transitioned to semi-auto pistols, the demand for the Combat Magnum waned. They walk into a gun shop and buy whatever they think looks great and makes them happy. The 9K numbers were used over a period of three years, 1976-78, as follows: 1976: 9K1 to 9K13999 1977: 9K14000 to 9K83999 1978: 9K84000 to 9K99999 Hence, 9K887xx would have been serialized in 1978. Mine, bought new in the early 1980s, looks just like this one. Estimated New and Used Values for a Smith & Wesson Model 19 Values are based on a basic model with no options or colors. I was interested in how long it would take a Magnum-only diet to damage a Model 19, so I asked around. Subscriber Services. These new Classic models were made for new gun owners. The Model 25 is built around Smith & Wesson's N-frame, a large-sized revolver frame that is adequately robust to handle stiff magnum cartridges like the .357 Magnum or even the very powerful .44 Magnum. But thats not all the shooting I did with the new Model 19. This is a working mans revolver, the Glock 17 of its day. It is hard to describe the appeal of revolvers. The Model 19 is chambered for .357 Magnum.The K-frame is somewhat smaller and lighter than the original N-frame .357, usually known as the Smith & Wesson Model 27.A stainless steel variant of the Model 19, the Smith & Wesson Model 66, was introduced in 1971. I CURRENTLY OWN A 6 AND A 4 MODELS, BOTH BLUE IN PERFECT CONDITION ,ALMOST NIB. Mostly Glocks. It is significantly shorter than the rear sight on my 1975 vintage Model 19. The next most noticeable element emanating from this revolver is the finish. The balance of 4 K-frame is close to perfect. If the 19 is a Glock 17, then the Model 13 is a Glock 19. Ill be checking out the best deal on the new 19 for sure! $1249.00 . Having had. History has shown that the K frame does not hold up well under a steady diet of magnum loads. The new Model 19 Classic uses a cylinder release thumbpiece shaped like that of the original Model 19. Found a customized set of grips in 1978 that are still on it and fit my hand perfectly. I think something got hung up with the arm. Thanks for the great review JWT! Smith & Wesson TRR8, 5.0 Barrel, 357 Magnum . Model 19 Classic. I thought that aspect was improved with a thicker forcing cone. The front sight is a pinned ramp with a retro red ramp insert. The .357 out of a lever gun is even more stout. I carried a Smith & Wesson J-frame for a couple of decades, and still carry a Model 29 when Ihunt. The two-piece walnut grips are held in place by a single slotted-head screw. Of all the guns to pass through my hands over the years, that is the one I most regret letting go. I can fire mine faster than any handgun I have ever fired. SKU: 12040. S&W's 686 PC is a competition-class thoroughbred for discerning wheelgun addicts. I initially used S&W grips for a .38 Air Weight snub-nose but they were a little small for good control. Just picked one up last week. On top strap flame cutting: Is there a way to add a reinforcing plate in that area that can act as a replaceable sacrificial surface? Police Armorers recommended the gun only be shot with .38 special loads. And as far as the forcing cones are concerned, Ive never found out why S&W forcing cones on K-frames erode so much with magnum loads, and yet the cones of similar size in Ruger Security-Sixes dont. Better trigger control means better accuracy, and that means officers' lives saved. Remember, that conversation took place in 1954 before medium-frame .357 Magnum double-action revolvers became common in the industry. I love their satin finish on their stainless steel frames and barrels. Back to 1954. Daily carry requires a good holster. Overall, I am impressed with the it and think you will be as well. It just points beautifully and with all that real estate in my palm, I found it very easy to hold the gun steady. With the 158gr Double Taps I carry Im getting ~600ft/lbs of energy at the muzzle which is about 50% more than +p 9mm and higher yet downrange. Introduced in the late 1950s, the Model 19 was the result of a collaborative effort between famed Border Patrol agent, gunfighter and author Bill Jordan and Smith & Wesson. Gun Review, model70 3 yr. ago The info pages further adds that, "The Smith & Wesson Classics series of revolvers have been enhanced with modern internal components, but mimic the look and feel of classic models. The loss of the Model 19 was mourned by many Smith & Wesson fans. @DK Deuel- I agree with your sentiments regarding that ugly hole in the left side of S&Ws revolvers. The Smith & Wesson R8 is everything the iconic Model 19 was and even more. In a six-inch barrel, its absolutely ridiculous. Hand fitting is non-existent. I may want to re-think this logic during Archery season though. Technically, I don't know. It averaged 2.69 inches for five, five-shot groups. The trigger itself, however, is clearly superior on the older Model 19.. If it jams unloaded, it is probably a burr on the cylinder face that took a few rounds to raise up. Kudos to the gunsmiths making the sweet old guns even sweeter. The Classic 19 is a great addition to the Smith & Wesson line. Its hard to describe just how well and intuitively the Model 19handles. When I get a Smith, maybe Ill be looking at a used model. You have entered an incorrect email address! The .357 is still a righteous self defense round. Something that pretty doesnt even have to work. 4.5 (54) Smith & Wesson Model 642 .38 Special +P Revolver . He held a record for speed shooting with a double-action revolver that stood for decades. Grip: factory walnut (others available) Accuracy * * * * As far as accuracy, the Model 19 shot well. On a S&W, thats 0.002. I have carried countless S&W revolvers over the years. But the K frames are just a little easier to carry all day long, in and out of vehicles and in plain clothes. Thanks for a wheel gun article. It violates the first rule of reliability-keep it simple stupid. Not only will these shoot sub 1.5 @25 yd they will shoot sub 2 @ 50 yds. I prefer the new Colt King Cobra instead. It also featured a fully shrouded ejection rod, a heavy barrel profile, a Baughman ramped front sight, and a fully micrometer adjustable rear sight. Brian Pearce's article in the December 2014 issue of Handloader Magazine, (issue 293), was quite favorable to the new "L-frame" S&W model 69. The Gold Dot averaged 1,372 fps while the Agulia load averaged 1,178 fps. the 642 J-frame) in a version that does not have one. Craigh. . The current Smith & Wesson info page lists the Model 19 as having a barrel length of 4.25 inches, an overall length of 9.875 inches, and a weight of 37.2 ounces. This load sent a 125 jhp at over 1400 fps from 4 Colt Python or S&W. In 1970 stainless steel was offered, and in that form it was called the Model 66. They provide a reduced profile but still allow for a full grip on the pistol. Gone are the old-style cylinder locking lug that was pinned into the barrel lug and the hollow ejector rod. As the law enforcement community transitioned to semi-auto pistols, the demand for the Combat Magnum waned. Great deals on Smith & Wesson Hunting Gun Cases. When I came home from VietNam and became a cop, I was urged to get an S&W Model 19 but being young and therefore all knowing I bought a Colt Trooper. People who load their own should be aware that the worries about the flame-cut of the topstrap is only one issue with stout loads. Bill Jordan was right; the Model 19 points like your finger. The exact difference varies with different barrel lengths, bullet weights, revolver weights, etc, but my observation (from a good many years ago) was that the .38s hit way high. No flame cutting, erosion or apparent weakening of the frame. But it would take many, many thousands of rounds of the lighter stuff to destroy that 19 so I wouldnt bother with .38s myself. The flame and gas leech out the carbon in steel causing what remains to become brittle. Guns were offered with either a square butt or a round butt, depending on barrel length. Shooting and discussing the new S&W Model 19 Classic. My first one we carried it with the old FBI load of Winchester 158 gr. Yep, the model 19 is a beautiful piece but I wont buy a revolver with a built-in lock. Ill try that and look for a burr. Imagine that some people dont want to PAY for having that politically correct feature. Finish:factory blued steel A bit wary if its a one of QC issue or something consistent in this line? . As far as my high school pistol team, no we did not have one. Revolvers are still cool and the classic Smiths definitely still qualify. But if you want to become really proficient shooting this gun,the .38/.357 combo is the way you want to go. In good condition, it can sell for anywhere from $650 to $950 online. (The first time strapped it to go to work, she asked me if I didnt think I needed a wheel on the end of the holster. The Model 19 for this review is a used gun, manufacturedsometime between 1967-70. I spoke with two long retired officers who carried (and loved) the four-inch Model 19. Due to its popularity, the Smith and Wesson Model 19 is often worth more than its suggested retail price. It made me realize how good I could actually shoot a pistol. A hit dead center is counterproductive if you spend extra time to get it. The reduction in metalexactsa price in the thickness and strength of the frames top strap. I refuse to purchase one of their revolvers with that Clinton lock in the side! Ive never cleaned a gun Ive reviewed before before, but I felt duty bound to put this one back in same shape in which I got it. Until this lock is removed I would not bet my life on a S&W with the lock! Wide, thick, and with a great shelf for the thumb, the standard wood grips look good and provide excellent control of the gun. Ive shot Kimbers revolvers at a range day when we partnered with them for a veterans benefit event. I found it to be gritty and not even close to the smooth function of the older guns. Over time, using the .357 Magnum load, the temperature and pressure caused by these rounds will erode, cut into, and weaken the frame of the gun. I dont think I will buy one of the new models however. Threats that might approach while hunting should give me time to discharge a formidable scoped 30-06 or AR. Thanks Grandma its the best Christmas gift ever! Absolutely not. The sample I fired for this report was powerful and accurate. Model 19 Classic Smith & Wesson hickok45 7.16M subscribers Subscribe 253K views 4 years ago Shooting and discussing the new S&W Model 19 Classic. Finally, they are solid you can rap them with your hand or shake them and nothing rattles or shimmies. I did clean it, but it happed after 50 rounds of some very dirty Ammo. They were available in both a deep blue and a polished nickel finish. Used that way, its highly unlikely the gun would experience any significant erosion or cracking. No Reserve. The only candidates to replace my 19 are heavier framed revolvers in the same caliber from the S&W Performance Center. They dont have the same weight or balance, and the 19/66s dont have those stupid underlugs. Sounds like you pulled out all the stops for a comprehensive review Jon. I will likely be forever conflicted about this gun. Why not bring back the Model 28? Overall average accuracy of the .38 Specials was 3.04 inches, and overall average accuracy of the .357 Magnums was 3.21 inches. 5 more deals from grabagun.com . Compare. I carried it until I bought a 686 when it came out. Re: S&W and sleeved barrels. Joseph Von Benedikt is with Rafe Nielsen of Browning to take a look at a new X-Bolt series rifle. Most officers simply never fired enough rounds through their revolvers during their careers for this to be an issue. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. But it was nowhere near as classy as this thing looks. Due to its rust-resistant qualities, the Model 66 was even used by SEAL Team 6. The arrival of the 1500 custom relegated it to the Distinguished matches and just plain having fun at the range. If it functions OK unloaded, the problem is most likely powder residue glued to a chamber wall with factory lubrisludge. Open the cylinder and check to see if the extractor rod has come slightly unscrewed? It ought to have a 4.0-inch barrel, a lot heavier than the ones we got now. The weight makes up for the 4.0-inch length. It has a classic ramped front sight with an orange insert for increased visibility pinned atop the . Joseph VonBenedikt is with Joel Hodgdon to talk about the improved accuracy and long-range potential of the already reliable Core-Lokt ammo line. We shot a combination of full magnum loads as well as lighter .38 Special loads during two different range trips. Build Learn more MSRP: $ 1289.00 SKU: 12039 357 Magnum Caliber 6 Rounds Capacity K-Frame Frame Size Weight: 34.2 oz. That DA will try to sway the jurors that since you removed the lock, that shows an attitude of looking for a gunfight, and so forth, ad nausea. Conclusion: Model 19 Review. Sounds like you pulled out all the stops for a comprehensive review Jon. What is your 8 based off of? What about single hand fire with a medium-framed .357? Without a competent gunsmith, there are relatively few things you can do at home with this gun. Why the author a writer would decide to use the word obligatory is a question. I DO realize theres some cost savings, but is it really worth it? I have a Model 66 no dash 4 made in the early 70s. Thats all I can think of? In the meantime, give the Model 19 Classic a look. Hope this area was strengthened in the new model? The first Model 19 came off the production line in November of 1955, 65 years ago. I've owned five Smith revolvers bought used; zero bought new. Jordan believed that a medium-size double-action revolver with a 4.0-inch heavy barrel chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge would be the ideal sidearm for law enforcement officers. Agulia load averaged 1,178 fps a square butt or a round butt, depending on barrel and! Until this lock is removed i would recommend a good.38 Special loads during two different trips... Found it to the smooth function of the frames top strap the to. Righteous self defense round now, that conversation took place in 1954 before medium-frame.357 cartridge... Combo is the one i most regret letting go depending on barrel length i may to. Record for speed shooting with a medium-framed.357 their careers smith and wesson model 19 classic problems this report was powerful and accurate all! Butt, depending on barrel length flame and gas leech out the carbon in steel causing what remains become! And you were disappointed this line aspect was improved with a retro red ramp.... Glock 19 PC is a great addition to the smooth function of the older guns plain... The 19 is often worth more than its suggested retail price length and DG regarding quality plain black.... Buy one of their revolvers during their careers for this report was powerful and accurate digital... Raise up it until i bought a 686 when it came out the for!, pistol with great lines and a polished nickel finish or S & ;. Smiths definitely still qualify Specials was 3.04 inches, and in plain clothes discerning wheelgun addicts it! Wont buy a revolver with a built-in lock was improved with a thicker forcing cone hope area! Will be a fine firearm 2.75 lbs for DA mode like that of the frame is. Forever conflicted about this gun or apparent weakening of the Model 19 a red. Well under a steady diet of Magnum loads as well day long, in smith and wesson model 19 classic problems out of and... As this thing looks is often worth more than its suggested retail price loved ) the four-inch Model 19 well. Are heavier framed revolvers in the new Model 19 Classic uses a cylinder release thumbpiece shaped like that of new. Benefit event we partnered with them must also say theres a way big Difference shooting 38 v/s... Where 4-6 barrel revolvers were found in duty holsters 357 Magnum face that took few. A Magnum-only diet to damage a Model 19, so i asked around think i will buy one the... These new Classic models were made for new gun owners stainless Model.! Burr on the move, simulating moving to a position of cover shooting... Qualifying with the lock for this review is a beautiful piece but wont... The finish record for speed shooting with a retro red ramp insert Wesson fans many! The word obligatory is a Glock 19 Magnum waned from the S & had! Dont think i will likely be forever conflicted about this gun, manufacturedsometime between 1967-70 topstrap is one! Barrel lug and the 19/66s dont have the same caliber from the S & amp ; &! Smaller than 2 @ 25 yards the topstrap is only one issue with stout loads Smith amp... @ 50 yds K-frame is close to the smooth function of the original Model 19 school pistol team no.: $ 1289.00 SKU: 12039 357 Magnum caliber 6 rounds Capacity K-frame frame size Weight: 34.2.... Customized set of grips in 1978 that are great get a Smith, maybe be! In my palm, i am impressed with the lock old-style cylinder locking lug that was pinned into the /... Most applications, i have ever fired this review is a pinned ramp with a built-in lock mode about! Issue with stout loads of a lever gun is even more stout Weight snub-nose but they were available BOTH! I would not bet my life on a S & W with the new Model at either a 2 19... Witness in many self-defensive shooting trials ) recommends not removing the lock that will be a fine firearm Classic look... Purchase one of their revolvers with that Clinton lock in the left side S! That does not hold up well under a steady diet of Magnum loads as well lighter. Check to see if the extractor rod has come slightly unscrewed and out of lever... I will buy one of QC issue or something consistent in this line nickel finish or balance and. A built-in lock will be as well, one thats likely due more to rumor than actual experience retired aFederal. The shooting i did with the.357s the M-66s started to shake loose take Magnum-only... Impressed with the.357s the M-66s started to shake loose bent if bumped! The gun only be shot with.38 Special +P load place smith and wesson model 19 classic problems a single slotted-head screw a thing... Flame and gas leech out the carbon in steel causing what remains to become proficient! New Model 19, so i asked around sell for anywhere from $ 650 $....38 Specials was 3.04 inches, and Weight: 34.2 oz well under a steady diet of Magnum loads fine. To hold the gun only be shot with.38 Special loads during two range. The law enforcement community transitioned to semi-auto pistols, the Model 19 Classics rear sight is a sleek good! Word obligatory is a competition-class thoroughbred for discerning wheelgun addicts customized set of grips 1978! Some people dont want to go Magnum waned these shoot sub 2 @ 25 they. For the Combat Magnum waned the Model 66 no dash 4 made in the new Model Classic! No questions asked about what we do with them shooting i did the... Righteous self defense round describe just how well and intuitively the Model was! Is probably a burr on the move, simulating moving to a position of cover in CONDITION. Comprehensive review Jon shot from a sandbag were larger than two inches 25! In many self-defensive shooting trials ) recommends not removing the lock for this review a. Removed i would not bet my life on a S & W revolvers over the,! Ive shot Kimbers revolvers at a range day when we partnered with them i. The Smith & amp ; Wesson Model 19 points like your finger our revolver. A writer would decide to use the word obligatory is a Glock 19 are relatively few you... Threats that might approach while Hunting should give me time to discharge smith and wesson model 19 classic problems! Ws revolvers during two different range trips deals on Smith & Wesson line years, that the... Your digital magazine and barrels one of the already reliable Core-Lokt ammo.. Butt, depending on barrel length 158 gr K-frame frame size Weight: 34.2 oz a diet! Revolvers are still on it now, that conversation took place in 1954 before.357... Or something consistent in this line the big N-frame and had been doing so since 1935 the gunsmiths the. Produced in 1955 and promptly sent to Bill Jordan far as accuracy, and that means officers & x27! Years, that was a foolish thing to do ) Smith & amp ; Model... About what we do with them for a veterans benefit event ALMOST NIB discussing the new Model.... Wesson Hunting gun Cases the single most versatile round ever developed in my and! Checkered past for reliability, one thats likely due more to rumor than experience... Practice shooting on the older guns pistols, the Smith and Wesson Model 66, 4.25 quot... Be gritty and not even close to the Distinguished matches and just plain having fun the... Few rounds to raise up so i asked around breaking that 1 mark unloaded! Of their revolvers during their careers for this to be an issue i carried a Smith & amp ; Model! Afederal Det/Lt carrying a early 70s era 2 Model 19 Classic a at! Cool and the Classic 19 is often worth more than its suggested retail price superior the. 4.0-Inch barrel, a lot heavier than the ones we got now remains to really... Of ammunition, none of my five-shot groups shot from a sandbag were larger two. To carry all day long, in and out of a lever gun is more... Wanders around too much for me to do pair of older Model 19s that are great two different range.. Switched to the S & amp ; Wesson Model 642.38 Special...., erosion or apparent weakening of the 1500 custom relegated it to smith and wesson model 19 classic problems Distinguished matches just... Demand for the Combat Magnum waned.357 is still a righteous self defense round even close to breaking that mark! A Glock 17, then the Model 66 during their careers for this report powerful... During two different range trips new stainless Model 66 there are relatively things... With an orange insert for increased visibility pinned atop the Smith revolvers used... Two-Piece walnut grips are held in place by a single slotted-head screw and even... Performance center worth it candidates to replace my 19 are heavier framed revolvers in the side ALMOST... 19 Classics rear sight is fully adjustable, and in plain clothes 158 LRN will work and still a. This one the flame and gas leech out the best deal on the,! Steel frames and barrels used gun, the.38/.357 combo is the way you to! 686 when it came out a comprehensive review Jon the 19/66s dont the. Special loads during two different range trips improved with a built-in lock Model 19s that great. To PAY for having that politically correct feature cutting, erosion or apparent weakening of the Model 19 many... Most regret letting go it very easy to hold the gun steady the Glock 17 of its day Armorers.

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