I'd go for the extra length and the K-38. By "shot alot"....that's almost a non factor for older Smiths. Before his death, my father and I were shooting and I asked how many rounds he had through his Model 19-3 which he used extensively in competition for decades. He said at LEAST 250k. Still looks and fires like new, but it's always been well cared for. Also, depending on powder, some of the Colts are a little more prone to locking up due to their tighter internal tolerances. I know that was an issue with some of the Pythons running "Bullseye" powder...
Definitely. In fact I asked how many magnum rounds he put through it and he said he didn't remember putting a single one through. It was his comp gun and that was all he used it for! Pretty much the same load as well. 2.9gr Bullseye and a 158gr SWC was his go to. I still have a few thousand rounds of it from his "stockpile"!lol!Wow, I take it most of the 250K were .38s?
Definitely. In fact I asked how many magnum rounds he put through it and he said he didn't remember putting a single one through. It was his comp gun and that was all he used it for! Pretty much the same load as well. 2.9gr Bullseye and a 158gr SWC was his go to. I still have a few thousand rounds of it from his "stockpile"!lol!
I have 4 Mod 19's. One has never been shot but the other 3 are all on the same level of accuracy in SA. In double action, my fathers trigger is just so smooth it takes the prize though. I did own a 6" mod 14 a few years ago. I say that in general the 14 was more accurate using the identical loads. Probably more due to the sights and slightly longer barrel. I never shot a match with it, however if I were to actually do so, I would have taken the Mod 14. Seemed to be more well "balanced" in my hands as well. I had both the wood stocks and a set of Pachmayer grips as well. The grips make a big difference....Interesting. When shooting .38s, how do you compare the 19 accuracy with a 14, if you'd shot one?
I have 4 Mod 19's. One has never been shot but the other 3 are all on the same level of accuracy in SA. In double action, my fathers trigger is just so smooth it takes the prize though. I did own a 6" mod 14 a few years ago. I say that in general the 14 was more accurate using the identical loads. Probably more due to the sights and slightly longer barrel. I never shot a match with it, however if I were to actually do so, I would have taken the Mod 14. Seemed to be more well "balanced" in my hands as well. I had both the wood stocks and a set of Pachmayer grips as well. The grips make a big difference....