Tell me about S&W Model 19

[BiXLL]

There is a S&W model 19 that has been made available to me. It is a 6 inch barrel, with a mint nickel satin finish. The guy really hasn't been pushing its sale, but has been for sale for $350.00 for some time. I have been told I could get it for $300.00, and was thinking of offering him $275.00. I really don't know what kind of reputation the gun has, as I am just starting into revolvers. (I have 686 4 inch) I am wondering, since it has no heavy underlug, could it potentially be used for a small bullseye league? Would it be accurate enough? Any info you could teach me about this gun would be appreciated.

 

[FPrice]

BiXLL...

IMHO the S&W Model 19 is one of the finest revolvers ever made. Especially the earlier models. While the nickle finish does not do it for me, many people do like them. If you post the serial number, using x's for the last three digits to preserve some privacy, we can help you figure out approximately when it was made.

They have a somewhat undeserved reputation for not being able to handle a constant diet of heavy magnum loads. If you intend to fire thousands of rounds of the 125 grain Magnum ammunition you might be able to shoot it loose, but most shooters do not approach this level of use. For the average shooter (whatever THAT may be) the Model 19 will give many years of service.

You could certainly use it for a small bullseye league, especially if you take the time to find a load it will shoot well. If your intent is to learn how to shoot better and more accurately, it will serve you well in this role.

If you like it, offer the $275 and see what happens.

 

[Quantrill]

Assuming the standard checks are made and approved, GRAB IT! Quantrill

 

[FPrice]

BiXLL...

Check out this thread...

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8206

 

[10-Ring]

If you can get it for $275, get it! I just got a 4" blue one for that much. I had a chance to shoot one over the weekend...if it was a representative sample, they're really smooth & accurate.

 

[Poohgyrr]

They're probably the standard for mid size frames. I picked up a used M65LS last fall and my wife has been eyeing it to replace her harder kicking Chiefs Special M60 as her house pistola.

 

[BiXLL]

thanks guys. F Price, I wont get a chance to see gun again till this weekend. I will get serial numbers then, should be neet to find some history of the gun. Will post numbers as soon as I get them.

 

[burrhead]

Satin nickle sounds like a refinish.

 

[HerbG]

The Model 19 is a wonderful carry gun that offers magnum performance in a .38 sized package. I've owned them in 2-1/2, 4, and 6 inch barrels, and I liked them all except the 2-1/2. Put thousands of rounds through a 6 incher. It was rebuilt three times and reblued twice. However, after 2000-3000 rounds of magnum ammo, Model 19's will usually need to be rebuilt to eliminate end shake and correct headspace. No big deal, but it goes with the terrritory is you use lots of magnum ammo. This problem is not restricted to 125 grain loads either since I fired 158 grain loads exclusively. A great gun and a classic IMHO.

 

[444]

The Model 19 is a fine revolver. I am sure you discovered that it fits the hand perfectly. I like the heavy duty .357s, but I honestly enjoy shooting the Model 19 more. I have a 4", a 6" and a 4" Model 66. That Model 66 is a real shooter. The 6" Model 19 is also a great shooter and I would think it could easily hold it's own in an informal bullseye match. My 4" however is another story. The front sight is to short. I can't bring the elevation down enough. Someday I will get around to sending it in to the Performance Center.

 

[FPrice]

HerbG...

"...and I liked them all except the 2-1/2."

Herb, I am curious. What was wrong with the 2-1/2" model?