Range Report: S&W 19-4

[zplug123]

Had the unique opportunity of a free afternoon today, so I decided to give my recently acquired Smith and Wesson 19-4 with a 4" barrel a test run. Went to the local indoor range and purchased three bulleye targets. The ammo I used today was on the lower end of velocity, three types of .38 Special:

125 grain RN 'Cowboy Load', reload from Georgia Arms, 750 fps
148 grain WC Sellier & Bellot, 800 fps
148 grain WC from Georgia Arms, 750 fps

Out of a total of 80 rounds fired, I loved the accuracy of the GA Arms Wadcutters, barely any recoil and all 15 rounds fired stayed in the X ring at 25 yards...and I'm a terrible shot with a handgun. The Sellier Bellot rounds were 'meh' in terms of accuracy, and I blew away my test target with Cowboy load since it dotted all over the paper...

But all in all, I had quite a load of fun with my first six-gun; practicing with the .38 Special gave me quite the training I'll need when I decided to move up to the .357, hopefully with some company next time. ^_^

 

[dispatch]

Zplug- you got a fine revolver there. Keep shooting and enjoy. Folks who have never had the chance to shoot a classic Smith have missed sooo much!

 

[Old 112]

Sounds like you found your practice/target load in the GA.

Now for the warmer 38s or 357s.

The K frame S&W is a joy to shoot.

Regards
Old 112

 

[PzGren]

Stay away from light jacketed bullets in the M19. 125gr jacketed bullets at high speed is suspected to crack the forcing cone and there are no barrels to be found easily for the Smith M19. It also is responsible for flame cutting.

 

[zplug123]

As my novice knowledge comprehends, it's the .357 light, high velocity loads I should shun. Otherwise, with the Model 19 being a reinforced K-frame for .357 Magnum, Even a light, albeit anemic, load in .38 Special could be sufficiently handled. What makes me laugh with joy is the fact that I have a Model 28 and 17 on layaway at the moment...oh how an N-frame could digest such high powered loads....and the .22 revolver could improve my trigger and grip control

 

[Ala Dan]

Model 19's are great guns; and I rate 'em as The Holy Grail of .357 magnums,
as I acquired a S&W 19-3 4" factory nickel ANIB back in December of '07;
complete with the box and all docs for only $350. Its on "Safe Queen" duty,
and probably will NEVER be fired~!

 

[zplug123]

Well Dan, in that case maybe you should come on over and experience how one would shoot. Seeing as how you love to brag about 'safe queens' all over my posts ;]