The use of ammunition that is incompatible with the revolver is among the possible causes. All Rights Reserved. The K-frame is, IMO, the less desirable frame than the L frame in .357s when hurling the 158s downrange with a stout load of powder behind them. 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. Exclusive: Made in America! Ive been told the weakness issue at the forcing cone was rectified with the introduction of the 19-4. I had a -3 round butt that I couldnt shoot worth a darn. Im thinking about selling my J frame 340 PD for 5 Smith 8 round revolver or the new Ruger .45 Colt / .45 ACP combo gun. Still, the Model 19 is just soooooo beautiful. S&W, please stop putting junk parts in your otherwise nice guns. Always favored the bright blued over the nickel plated. I carried a Smith & Wesson J-frame for a couple of decades, and still carry a Model 29 when Ihunt. Even with a six-inch barrel, the gun draws well and points even better. . Thats a pretty substantial improvement in stopping power. The cylinder yoke locks to the frame via a spring-loaded ball-detent system, and the solid, full-length ejector rod is unsupported. 0 bids. Still, I normally practice with 38 spl, but often run a cylinder (or 2) of 357 just to keep me honest. Why the author a writer would decide to use the word obligatory is a question. But thats not all the shooting I did with the new Model 19. The question is: will enough wannabe revolver buyers want a new Model 19 and not care about the Hillary Hole to make it an ongoing success? But my needs are different from other peoples. Yes sir. It worked well for him. But do you know how to properly use them? I also practice shooting on the move, simulating moving to a position of cover. As I said, the first Combat Magnum was produced in 1955 and promptly sent to Bill Jordan. The Gold Dot averaged 1,372 fps while the Agulia load averaged 1,178 fps. For someone like me, with size large hands, the Model 19 is simply a joy. Smith & Wesson TRR8, 5.0 Barrel, 357 Magnum . The keyhole is not obligatory because they still make some popular models (e.g. I find the Smith N frames for duty weapons to be over sized, to heavy and harder to conceal when in plain clothes. And a small, light cylinder would weigh less and turn easier when you pulled the trigger double action. If it functions OK unloaded, the problem is most likely powder residue glued to a chamber wall with factory lubrisludge. My most accurate load was the Black Hills .38 Special 148-grain SWC ammo, and it averaged 2.47 inches for five, five-shot groups. and of course, the new 19 has the obligatory key lock and that is the first thing going in the trash bin before I even shoot it! Stainless steel contains chromium, which resists the leeching, and this makes stainless a better gun steel, in my opinion. K-Frame. Well, the blued Model 19 is back, and it has some new style. And as youve said before, the .357 has a bit more powder capacity than the 10mm. The Model 19 Classic revolver features a handsome set of walnut grips, a 4.25 barrel, a black adjustable rear sight, and red ramp front sight. What I do know is that its difficult to find 9mm +P in any sporting goods store or gun store, period. Change the ammo. $695.00: 0 $695.00 $795.00: 4d 20h 13m 17173144. S&W made some great revolvers decades ago, but the model 19 while having a great fit would crack forcing cones. The reviewer tested a 6 inch barrel, and claims theres significant stopping power difference at 25 yds over that of a 4 inch barrel. Smith has outfitted the Model 19 Classic with a trigger that is just about ideal for double-action shooting. I tend to replace guns when I find something better. Every group from all variety of ammo loads are smaller than 2 @25 yards and you were disappointed? As for the .357 Magnum itself, the Model 19 is, in my mind, outclassed by the Model 66, its stainless steel twin. The loss of the Model 19 was mourned by many Smith & Wesson fans. Chris Whisler writes . Still have a 4 and a 21/2 in my collection. Those were model 15s, another k frame chambered in .38 special. 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. Veteran, army medic, proud Texas son. If the Hillary hole shows, my wallet stays closed. The barrel is composed of an inner liner and an outer shroud. Compare. Us old farts know different and were spoiled with the original models of the S&W. The original K-Frame Combat Magnum was conceptualized in 1954 and was the brainchild of Carl Hellstrom and Bill Jordan. During the sixties and seventies, the Model 19s were works of art with pinned barrels, recessed cylinders, and the walnut magna stocks were hand-fitted to each frame. They both also use the full diameter forcing cone which removes the weak link of a notched cone for cyl clearance creating early cracked forcing cones. I did clean it, but it happed after 50 rounds of some very dirty Ammo. Over the decades that this revolver was produced, many different variations came fromthe S&W factory. That little hole above the cylinder release is my main turn off with S&W revolvers. SMITH & WESSON MODEL 19-3 W/ FACTORY BOX AND PAPERWORK, CHAMBERED IN - .357 Magnum: 0 5d 6h 7m 17262118. I could have saved myself a few minutes of pointless reading if this sad fact had been revealed earlier. The Model 19 was frequentlythe best revolver these officers could afford. Plenty of caliber to get any job done, light enough to carry all day on the hip, and completely reliable. Further, Ive noticed that on S&Ws webpage, they always depict the revolvers showing the right (non-hole) side of the weapon. Model 19 Classic. Style * * * * It ought to have a 4.0-inch barrel, a lot heavier than the ones we got now. I like that combo and havent found anything better. I have several S&W revolvers now, but damn, would I like to have that one back. But there is nothing obligatory about the Lawyer Lock particularly in law. PERIOD. I keep telling you folks that people are willing to pay for quality. For years now I have been carrying a early 70s era 2 model 19 and a full size 1911. The Price for a Smith & Wesson 586 Classic has increased in cost by $0.00 in 2023 compared to 2022. Back in the day, theModel 19 wasdescribed as the perfect combat Magnum. For a service grade carry revolver, the 19, especially with a 4 barrel, is ideal. Thanks. NOTE: All shooting in our videos is done by professional shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes, with an emphasis on safety and responsible gun ownership. No flame cutting, erosion or apparent weakening of the frame. You could also just grind down the cam on the lock arm. 4.5 (54) Smith & Wesson Model 642 .38 Special +P Revolver . Longer bullets are guided by the cylinder throat and thus are not impacting the lower barrel throat as with shorter bullets. (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. Since the TTAG editors cut my last comment, Ill be nicer this time. Smith & Wesson Model 66, 4.25" Barrel, 357 Magnum . Smith & Wesson Model 686 .357 Magnum/.38 S&W Special +P Revolver $ 919 99 919 dollars 99 cents. . No matter, I own a Model 586 in bought in 1992 that still have along with the 29 and a 657. its my understanding the weakness issue at the front of the top strap was solved with the 19-4. If it functions OK unloaded, the problem is most likely powder residue glued to a chamber wall with factory lubrisludge. That is a lot of cash. But my first wheel gun many years ago was actually calling to me from the gun case at my buddys shop. These loads are not for the faint of heart. New materials and manufacturing processes allow for more efficient production, both in labor and cost. I would keep working with it. Joseph VonBenedikt is with Joel Hodgdon to talk about the improved accuracy and long-range potential of the already reliable Core-Lokt ammo line. GDHP and Agulias 158 gr. The suggested retail price for the firearm ranges from $599 to $669. Hilary Hole. Price Used: $800-$900 as reviewed, available online. Yep, I agree with ya. Related Tags: I never said the gun was slow, I said I was slow with it. I have a fairly new 629. The Model 10 was our issue revolver when I became a cop. The Smith & Wesson Model 19 Combat Magnum, The Second AmendmentIts Not About Hunting! Overall * * * * Maybe it was different where you grew up. Great write-up, JWT. I also bought my model 19 in 1970, I paid $125 and carried it for seven years as. Joseph Von Benedikt is with Rafe Nielsen of Browning to take a look at a new X-Bolt series rifle. Customization * * 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. Hellstrom was the president of S&W at the time, and Jordan was famous for many reasons, including serving in the U.S. Border Patrol for 29 years and then touring the country for 11 years as a spokesman for the NRA, during which he performed trick-shooting exhibitions. The Smith & Wesson Model 19 is a revolver produced by Smith & Wesson that was introduced in 1957 on its K-frame. I also heard that the 125gr 357 Magnum is the best weight for accuracy and ballistics. Sights: fixed front, adjustable blade rear (others available) That classic model ceased production some 20 years ago in the blued variety - but as if 19 was an abbreviation for 2019, Smith is re-issuing the M19 in the Classic Series. I recently switched from carrying a 9mm Colt LW 1911 Commander to a 4 Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 .357 Magnum in a Galco Combat Master holster on a quality, heavy 1/2 leather belt. Two-handed and in single action, this gun is giggly-fun easy to shoot. range time: smith & wesson model 19 classic .357 magnum I was in awe. All three guns are rated for .38 Special +P ammunition and hold six shots. We found them to be satisfactory and just as strong and durable as parts machined from steel bar stock. Smith and Wesson's .38 Special Cartridge Near the end of the 19th century, America found itself involved in the Spanish-American War. eBay; Smith & Wesson; Smith & Wesson. Add to Wish List. Give that .357 more room to run and its got a lot more power than the 9mm. I found it to be easy to shoot accurately, and its balance and pointability were excellent. 5 more deals from grabagun.com . Its failure due to the lock would not get me killed. Let me start by saying, the new Classic model, while looking to the original 19, is a different pistol from yesteryear. Feeding Problem. Finally, they are solid you can rap them with your hand or shake them and nothing rattles or shimmies. Cylinder Not Locking: When you pull the trigger on the Smith and Wesson 327, you might sometimes hear a slight click. Of all the guns to pass through my hands over the years, that is the one I most regret letting go. I would probably go all in for the .38. My first one we carried it with the old FBI load of Winchester 158 gr. I still have it and enjoyed many pistol qualifications over the years. 1. They are often chunky and have harsh lines. Craigh. You might expect that the longer times, such as a .4 split time, were because of the recoil of the gun. In my view, S&W needs to reissue the Model 19/66s, only beefed up in the right parts, without turning the guns into boat anchors! That seems OK when I measure it with a feeler gauge. Four inches would be the right length to fit holsters we got in the Border Patrol. I qualify with my 2 model 19 at 50 yards and have much tighter groups than that 66 at 25 yards. Because the .38 Specials we have been using have turned out a little puny a few times. The .357 Magnum just cant burn all that powder in such a short barrel. A bit wary if its a one of QC issue or something consistent in this line? I carried it until I bought a 686 when it came out. If the lock is intended to keep children from firing the gun, this may lead to irresponsible leaving the locked gun out. When engaged, it prevents the hammer from being cocked and the trigger from being squeezed. Mr. Farago is always looking for quality gun-related content. I started my 43 year Law Enforcement Career with a stainless model-19 4 barrel. Yep, Ill take the 1st shot at 25 yds, but if the beast keeps charging, Ive got 5 more that I can get off in the next few seconds. In fast fire I had to learn to feel for it, but it certainly lets you know right before the hammer falls. It features a 4 barrel, with checkered stocks that are very similar to the original Magna stocks. The first thing you notice is the grip. However, the Queen of the K-frames is, and will always be the Model 19 Combat Magnum. Specifications: Smith and Wesson Model 19 Combat Magnum, Barrel Length: 6 (others available) But as long as S&W insist on putting a frame saftey on them, theyve lost my business. $969.00 . 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. SKU: 12039. 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. The new, reintroduced Model 19 .357 Magnum K-Frame revolver is offered with a 4.25-inch barrel, a six-shot cylinder, a polished blued finish, walnut grips, an adjustable rear sight, and a red-ramp front sight. 1. 1 more deal from guns.com . Smith & Wesson was manufacturing its .357 Mag. Threats that might approach while hunting should give me time to discharge a formidable scoped 30-06 or AR. The second significant difference is that the diameter of the barrel is thicker than the older guns. 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. Sweet gun and cool review. The variety in Smith & Wesson's catalog has only increased throughout the years from the little all steel Model 36 and 60 to the latest alloy framed lightweights like the 637 and 642. Every thing you need in a fighting pistol and nothing you dont need. If you are so good, write your own article for us to enjoy. The revolvers cylinder is fluted and holds six rounds of .357 Magnum or .38 Special ammunition. thats why I dont bother with home brew re-loads. And their 4 DASA with exposed trigger is a very comparable choice for anyone interested in the current 4 Model 19 for target shooting or home defense at that barrel length. If you love to wear polyester fabric jackets? Trigger feels wonderful. Length: 8 He held a record for speed shooting with a double-action revolver that stood for decades. The six-inch K-framed 19 weighs six ounces less. The Lawyer Lock aperture AKA the Hillary Hole that can prevent a shooter from getting a round off makes this gun worthless as a defensive weapon. And give us the shining gems of the earlier days. All Shooting Times subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Id love to try a diamond back someday.i bet id like it. Produced continuously from 1957 to 1999, tens of thousands of police officers carried a Model 19 on their hip, includingUS Immigration and Naturalization Service and the US Border Patrol agents. The K-Frame Model 19 is iconic, and Im pleased that its back in production. It was less than $200 and worth twice that. As time progressed, Smith & Wesson looked for ways to reduce the manufacturing cost of the Model 19 and 66. The revolver dons a highly polished, blued finish and traditional thumbpiece . New Pietta Gunfighter - wife won this for me in a gun My lil mistake: 1st issue Colt Police Positive Special in Press J to jump to the feed. Both the 8 round Smith and the .45 Colt/ACP Rug er might be a bit bulky and heavy for CC, but both would make an excellent woods gun. The new Model 19 Classic uses a cylinder release thumbpiece shaped like that of the original Model 19. These new Classic models were made for new gun owners. Zero issues with a variety of rounds and a lot of magnum caliber shooting. I dont have a trigger gauge, but I would seriously doubt the SA pull weight was that heavy. The Model 19 has a flat spot on the bottom of the forcing cone. I never cared for the way the magnum grips spread my fingers at the base of the grip and I wear a size 10.5 surgical glove! For more information, please visit Smith-Wesson.com. There seems to be a problem serving the request at this time. 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. Three years later it was chambered for .38 Special. Aluminum alloy frame and cylinder Stainless steel barrel XS Sights White Dot front sight While not nearly as pretty as the Model 19, the Ruger is not likely to wear out from a steady diet of .357s. Second department we used .357 that were 125gr. Ships To Store. The hammerspur is checkered and measures 0.38 inch wide. In good condition, it can sell for anywhere from $650 to $950 online. One thing that struck me was that you were disappointed with all sub 2 groups from 25yds from just a bag even. We show you how. My shooter is a 19-3, and my show off is a 19-4 (Detroit Police 1978 Commemorative) which has never been fired. Modern is NOT always better. The rear sight is the classic micrometer adjustable blade but lacks a white outline rear sight. A very good finish, but no deep pools of gleaming blue. Revolvers, But when you despise the Hillary Hole that makes it a lot easier to consider a Kimber instead. Smith & Wesson Model 19 Classic, 4.25" Barrel, 357 Magnum, Blued . 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