I have an op to purchase a used S&W model 19 in mint condition,only been used at the range with .38....for five...Is this a good deal...I think so from what I've read...Isn't this one of the best revolvers made..Also it is in blue with a 6" barrel and target grips...What do you think...Going to check it out on Fri.
Smith and Wesson Model 19 used..
- Thread starter conmaesta
- Start date
In good shape that's a good deal. - dan
Well, as things happen, it wasn't a go...after a little more research and serious thinking about this purchase I decided not to go with the S&W 19....Thing is I wanted a nice revolver and the Smith sounded really good although it was a 70's model and used for 550...After reading a lot of pros and cons about Smith and Rugers I decided to go new and get a Ruger GP100, I was going to go with Wolverine however after talking to one of their salesmen about the transfer and Ontario and no club requirement (he figured I needed to be in a club) I said ok no prob I'll buy from EPPs....The price at EPPs was a buck more, same HST maybe less postage and NO HASSLE because they understand the no club thing in Ontario...What is it about the Western stores that don't get it...Put down the buyer is a sports shooter fer cripes sake...Anyway, should have my revolver in a week or so...BTW, my club soon to be will be the Sudbury Revolver Club and the Rifles and Reels Game and Fish Club in Suds Ontario...The first one of these is an IPSC club so I'm looking forward to some good learning.
Smith or Ruger? I wouldn't have to think long about that one before deciding on the Smith. The only downside to the Model 19 is that it is a bit light for .357 loads. Maybe that influenced the OP's decision? If one plans to shoot a lot of .357, then one can go with the Model 27.
I agree with you the Smith would have been my choice as well but everyone has there own ideas.
Graydog
I don't doubt that the Rugers are reliable and durable guns. But the finish on new entry level Rugers just can't compare to that on the Smiths made in the 1970s. I looked at a couple of new Rugers yesterday; the blue finish looked thick and dull, not at all like the beautiful deep bluing on the older Smiths and Colts. Someone told me that Ruger does offer a higher level of finish, but the shop did not carry those.
The S&W Model 19 will handle 357 loads as long as the bullets are 158 gr. It was a steady diet of the super hot 125 gr 357 ammo that cracked the forcing cones. Those hot 125 gr loads were powered by a hot powder, name slipped my mind at the moment, but the 125 gr bullet isn't long enough and the hot cutting gases of that powder escape the b/c gap cutting the front of the cylinder and forcing cone. I've got some of that powder but rarely use it. The 158 gr. bullet is longer and is seated in the rifling and on it's way before the bullet clears the cylinder.
Anyways, the P&R Model 19 and Model 27 or Model 28 S&W revolvers are an excellent choice for a shooter that appreciates quality and performance. Other than a Colt Python, they're tough to beat. I'll attach three photos below for comparison.
Model 19. I bought this new in March, 1976.
5 screw pre-Model 27's, mid 1950's
Another 357 N-frame S&W, a Highway Patrolman, that became the M28 (similar to the M27 without the frills)
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As a model 19 owner that has shot some Rugers I frankly think you're nutz. But to each their own I suppose.
At $550 for a clean low round count 19 that thing would not last more than a day or two on the EE. You should have bought it and tried it. If it wasn't to your liking then you could easily have sold it for the same amount and gotten the Ruger.
Ah well, hopefully that 19 finds an appreciative new home soon.
At $550 for a clean low round count 19 that thing would not last more than a day or two on the EE. You should have bought it and tried it. If it wasn't to your liking then you could easily have sold it for the same amount and gotten the Ruger.
Ah well, hopefully that 19 finds an appreciative new home soon.
Just a footnote on cracked barrels at the forcing cones of smith model 19s and 66s. If you shoot copper .357s through a badly leaded barrel you can CRACK the barrel and it won't matter what the bullet weight is. Check the barrel gap on the smith before you buy. You won't have to worry about the Ruger.
Ok, this Smith and Wesson is mine...From the feedback I've gotten from y'all, and the other research I've done, I'd be a moron to pass this up...I really hope it is mint as described...Once I acquire this revolver I'll try to get some nice pics of the 19 and the Ruger GP100 that is in Missisauga on it's way to my home...The Smith is 6" and the Ruger is 4.2"....
