Which Handgun is Better

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Mike K.

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North Central Sask.
Which is the better handgun--a S&W Model 19-4 with a 6" barrel or a S&W Model 28-2 with a 6" barrel? They are both .357 Magnum calibre. I have the 28-2 and have a chance to aquire the 19-4.
 
Better is subjective. The 28 is heavier. The 19 is lighter. Both shoot well. The 19 will be easier to get some parts and accesories for.
 
Better for what?

The 19-4 is a medium sized K-frame that is designed for 38 special and the occasional full bore 357 mag. Fed a continuous 357 diet, it will shoot loose in a relatively short time. This 19-4 is easier to carry due to its lighter weight and to hold, due to its smaller size than the 28.

The 28 as you know, has the large and heavy N-frame, suitable for big hands. It will gladly shoot full 357 mags as its only diet.

And the 19 should be finished (shinier) better than the 28, if that matters to you.
 
easyrider604 said:
Better for what?

The 19-4 is a medium sized K-frame that is designed for 38 special and the occasional full bore 357 mag. Fed a continuous 357 diet, it will shoot loose in a relatively short time. This 19-4 is easier to carry due to its lighter weight and to hold, due to its smaller size than the 28.

The 28 as you know, has the large and heavy N-frame, suitable for big hands. It will gladly shoot full 357 mags as its only diet.
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You beat me to it:). I've had one model 19 and two model 66's, same frame size, and feeding them heavy loads I had 'problems' with each of them.
 
Had both & there equal for what they were designed to do. Like others have said the 19 is a lighter and smaller framed revolver than the 28. Do you have smaller hands? Do you plan on shooting magnums mostly or a lot? Do both have target hammers, triggers or sights. Is that what you want?
Between these two, it's not a matter of which ones better. It's the situation that you will be using it that should determine which one you should get...
To contradict what I have said though: Some feel that certain variances (dashes) of these two models are better than others of the same model... If this was what you were eluding to, my apologies...
 
What is a 19-4 in very good condition with a six inch barrel and original box worth? The fellow who owns it has probably fired less than 100 rounds through it. The serial number is 56K###X so when would it have been made?
 
Mike K. said:
What is a 19-4 in very good condition with a six inch barrel and original box worth? The fellow who owns it has probably fired less than 100 rounds through it. The serial number is 56K###X so when would it have been made?
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I'd offer $575, but worth more... No scratches / finish wear , popped panel or cylinder drag marks, comes with papers and service tools in the bag... $750? Somebody with more knowledge than me can say for sure...
 
For a 357 Mag, my 'pick of the crop' is the early production Colt Python I have.

357MagColtPython.jpg


A close 2nd would be a S&W model 27.
 
Mike K. said:
What is a 19-4 in very good condition with a six inch barrel and original box worth? The fellow who owns it has probably fired less than 100 rounds through it. The serial number is 56K###X so when would it have been made?
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Check out this for S&W XX-Y designations. Can't vouch for its accuracy though.
http://www.handloads.com/misc/Smith.Model.Changes.asp

I will not pay more than 500 bucks for a mint example, plus shipping ($20.00). For one in "very good condition", $450. YMMV, but to me, the Model 19 is a 38 special that has been uprated to 357 by improving the processes in manufacturing/heat treating the cylinder and such. Note that I am not a collector, but collector value of that piece, if any, is low since it has been fired.

Yes it could be a beautiful piece and nice addition to any S&W fans safe, since it is still the pinned and recessed model (I think), and possibly pre-Bangor Punta.
 
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