Call Smith & Wesson. This allows S&W to place the barrel shroud over an index tab on the front of the frame and then insert and thread the barrel tube to the frame and to the shroud at the muzzle end, bringing the shroud against the frame as it torques down rather than the traditional threading and crush fitting of the old-style one-piece barrel that requires forcefully tightening to proper index. I keep telling you folks that people are willing to pay for quality. Its an attractive gun, still sporting the original checkered walnut grips with round S&W medallion, and a 6 barrel (introduced in 1963). But if you know what you want, shop around. 1,025.99 . From what Ive seen it seems that vented and non vented barrels are a wash in mid length barrels (a 5 Coonan generates velocities similar to a 5 revo lver) but the longer the bullet stays in the barrel the more is lost out the gap, so snubbies dont lose as much. Then I add one or two more targets at various distances but none more than seven yards and practice fast transitions from target to target. This is essentially a re-creation of the Model 48 K-22 MRF with a four or six inch barrel (sans under-lug). I can appreciate this comment, however, Ive always considered my sidearm (pistol) as a close quarters (probably within 10 yards) defensive weapon. Thanks for the great review JWT! The first thing you notice is the grip. If you dont have time to aim, shooting a snubby is just like pointing your fist, but you can feel a long barrel out there, like pointing your finger. We would qualify with ,38 spl., but carried the revolver loaded with .357 ammo. Every thing you need in a fighting pistol and nothing you dont need. Yet still they have less that great SA triggers. I cannot further condone the use of such folly. Ruger LCP For Sale . The Model 10 was our issue revolver when I became a cop. In single action, the trigger supposedly breaks at 4lbs. Never/ever! For several decades now S&W has had the attitude that they will build whatever they want and if the consumer doesnt like it, TOUGH SHIT, Im no longer willing to live with that attitude, too many good, older guns out there to settle for less. The two-piece walnut grips are held in place by a single slotted-head screw. loads are not +p but just standard full pressure loads which every revolver is proofed to 130%. For re-loaders, some powders have a little more of a history of this unfortunate degradation than others. Police Armorers recommended the gun only be shot with .38 special loads. Regardless what I shoot, the best I can do is to stay inside the 5 bullseye of a B-16 target at 25 yards. Hilary Hole. $969.00 . Yknow, like Amber Heard. Hope this area was strengthened in the new model? thats why I dont bother with home brew re-loads. I can fire mine faster than any handgun I have ever fired. Us old farts know different and were spoiled with the original models of the S&W. 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. The Model 19/66 also was one of the finest guns ever made. Theyll be topped with 95grain scallop jhps from Remington with enough hp38 to hit 1000fps out of 2inch barrels. He obviously doesnt realize that the cylinder comes to a complete stop when the hammer is falling and stays that way until the noise happens and the bullet is long gone. I still remember opening that blue cardboard box and removing the brown waxed paper the weapon was wrapped in. Joseph VonBenedikt is with Joel Hodgdon to talk about the improved accuracy and long-range potential of the already reliable Core-Lokt ammo line. This revolver is chambered in .357 Magnum and is constructed from stainless steel for superior durability. The original K-Frame Combat Magnum was conceptualized in 1954 and was the brainchild of Carl Hellstrom and Bill Jordan. These are both polymer frame one being a hammer fired DA/SA and the latter single stage striker fiire meaning the striker is fully cooked by the slide cycle not trigger pull. This causes a greater impact force on the rifling contact area. If the lock is intended to keep children from firing the gun, this may lead to irresponsible leaving the locked gun out. 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. In fact, with the shrouded hammer and slimmed down profile, their 3 revolver is probably superior to a comparable S&W from any era for carry. 1) The so-called Hillary Hole, I thought I could live with it when I bought my M-27 Classic.every time I look at the left side of the revolver, that freakin lock gets a little uglier, its become a deal breaker. Sights: fixed front, adjustable blade rear (others available) As related by Jordan in an article he wrote for a special publication put out by Shooting Times in 1995, he had a memorable conversation with Hellstrom during the National Matches held at Camp Perry. What is your 8 based off of? eBay; Smith & Wesson; Smith & Wesson. K-Frame. The .357 Magnum cartridge is the single most versatile round ever developed in my, and many others, opinion. Behind-the-Scenes at SIGs Electro-Optics Factory, Speer Gold Dot .38 Special +P 125 gr. S&W Model 19 Classic vs Original hickok45 7.16M subscribers Subscribe 362K views 3 years ago Comparing the original "Classic" with the New "Classic." Original video with the old Model. Kudos to the gunsmiths making the sweet old guns even sweeter. The models of S&W that were produced in smaller numbers cost far more in the used wheelgun market. Plenty of caliber to get any job done, light enough to carry all day on the hip, and completely reliable. S&Ws revolver line has been cheapened up so much they are only a shadow Bought a S&W model 19 as a on Duty revolver in 1970. 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. People who load their own should be aware that the worries about the flame-cut of the topstrap is only one issue with stout loads. I first started with a revolver in the USAF as aFlight Crewmember, and qualified Expert with the S&W model-15. A similar situation exists with .44 special in a .44 magnum revolver. The 2.5-inch-barreled guns were offered with only the round butt, whereas the 4.0-inch-barreled guns and the 6.0-inch-barreled guns were offered with square butts. Those patrol car steering wheels can play havoc with the rear sites on a right handed shooter carrying the revolver on his/her right hip. I have a fairly new 629. Its failure due to the lock would not get me killed. This load sent a 125 jhp at over 1400 fps from 4 Colt Python or S&W. It joins other medium frame revolvers on the market, such as the Kimber K6, and the Colt King Cobra. I always saw those as more for city kids that grew up without guns at home, or who didnt carry and hunt with them almost all year round, like we did. Truly, the Model 19, 686, and all of the other Smith & Wessons during that time were exceptionally well made and great pistols. 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. 3 bids. I really enjoyed this review and appreciate such a classic. They will fix it and pay shipping. The DA will tell the jury that you are a careless gun owner and not to be believed in your self-defensive testimony. It has the square butt. The revolver dons a highly polished, blued finish and traditional thumbpiece . An object in motion tends to stay in motion; once it starts, the big .44 caliber cylinder wants to keep on spinning. I carried a Smith & Wesson J-frame for a couple of decades, and still carry a Model 29 when Ihunt. And it provides a nice increase in muzzle velocity over 2-inch and 3-inch barrels. The Glock is the perfect example of this principle in semi-auto. Brian Pearce's article in the December 2014 issue of Handloader Magazine, (issue 293), was quite favorable to the new "L-frame" S&W model 69. Smith & Wesson 43 . Thats all I can think of? Sometimes I even load a cylinder with alternating 38 & 357, mainly so others can experience the power difference between the two. It has the sweetest trigger of any gun I own. Smith & Wesson Model 66, 4.25" Barrel, 357 Magnum . Well, the blued Model 19 is back, and it has some new style. Over the decades that this revolver was produced, many different variations came fromthe S&W factory. 1. Trigger feels wonderful. Theres just no comparison. As time progressed, Smith & Wesson looked for ways to reduce the manufacturing cost of the Model 19 and 66. I like that combo and havent found anything better. I have carried countless S&W revolvers over the years. Ah, I get where youre coming from. Its accuracy is better than good enough, but not great. Model 19 Classic Smith & Wesson Chapter 2 follow-up - YouTube New Model 19 Classic from Smith & Wesson. I tend to replace guns when I find something better. We shot a combination of full magnum loads as well as lighter .38 Special loads during two different range trips. But for serious business, lots of times we wished for something a little stouter. They also allow for setting min cyl gap. FTX round, I got 1.5 groups, with one as small as 1.25. 9 oz. But in all fairness, you need to compare that snubby to a 3 or shorter 9 mm. For that kind of shooting, I like to begin by working on making a smooth draw from the holster and putting two shots on target at a distance ranging from about five yards to seven yards. Second department we used .357 that were 125gr. Ive found that my 3 GP 100 carries much like a 4 semi-auto. .357 loads are not full pressure .357 loads and the Buffalo Bore, Double Tap, etc. My problem would be waiting for S&W to replace it! Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Its part of S&Ws Classics line. Keep your firearms safe, secure & in prestine condition. If the 19 is a Glock 17, then the Model 13 is a Glock 19. The most obvious difference is the arched profile of the frame, at the hammer. It's based on the N frame, larger and now with an eight-round cylinder instead of the six of the 19 and earlier N frames. Four inches would be the right length to fit holsters we got in the Border Patrol. The red ramp Baughman-style front sight is pinned into the barrel shroud. The new revolvers sound tempting, but theres that Hillary Hole that S&W persists in forcing on us. Until this lock is removed I would not bet my life on a S&W with the lock! revolver on the big N-frame and had been doing so since 1935. I have shot a model 66 with the new shrouded barrel and the lock. S&W Model 19 Classic Specifications. My lightweight polymer auto-loader seems a bit more soulless every time I look at it. I love the 19 more than anything and prize them, evwn over my new Sig P226, Mt25 Romeo, I will pick up next week when I get back home from a cruise. My best time with this 6 revolver, from the draw, into an 8 circle at 15 yards for all 6 .357magnum rounds was 4.17 seconds. Thats there most, if any K-frame magnums failed. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Sweet gun and cool review. Ive got a 642 and a 686+ already. Gun Value Conditions explained: New in box - 100% condition in unopened box. Veteran, army medic, proud Texas son. The Model 19 is one of the latest models in the Classic line Smith & Wesson introduced in 2014, and you'd be hard pressed to find a more popular revolver in S&W's history. I carried the M19 for two different departments in the mid 1980s. The nickeled Model 19s were dropped from production in 1992. So in 1975, my first Model 19 arrived with all the target goodie options. About 60 rounds in I started having a problem where the gun would not cock and fire in either single or double action when the cylinder spun to one specific chamber. The new Model 19 Classic uses a cylinder release thumbpiece shaped like that of the original Model 19. You cannot see nor feel the mechanics as you fire. Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! I stopped and empited the gun. I experiencedno reliability issues whatsoever with any of the rounds tested. Im looking at a revolver after I make some more optics purchases. That said, Berettas are what you show your freinds, Glocks are what you show your enemies! It was less than $200 and worth twice that. I've noticed that at times the cylinder is hard to open. HK VP9 and again needs trigger work. Shooting and discussing the new S&W Model 19 Classic. This is the result of an engineering change to move from a hammer mounted to a frame mounted pin. The triggers fingerpiece is smooth and measures 0.38 inch wide. The Model 19 Classic uses the K/L/N-Frame rounded grip frame that all S&W revolvers currently use. Jordan asked. Ill be the first to admit that when it comes to shooting, Im no Bill Jordan. The old Smith revolvers are definitely cool, and polished internals make them even more so. Smith & Wesson Model 19 with 4 inch barrel - .357 Magnum BuyItNow! Finally, they are solid you can rap them with your hand or shake them and nothing rattles or shimmies. Right. This was not a serious issue with the .38 Special +P loads. I would keep working with it. Thats plenty good for self defense work, and also good enough for any hunting of light skinned game within the ballistic limits of the round. The bore is five-groove rifled with a 1:18.75 right-hand twist. I prefer to shoot .357s loaded down to .38 velocities. Failure to Fire: Many users of Smith & Wesson 22A have an issue with light primer strikes or failure to fire. The revolver simply falls into the hand naturally andI imagine it would be even more so in a four-inch model. No longer have it, traded it in to buy a Model 29 in 1990. Im sure a lot of industry analysis, marketing discussions, etc went on before they decided to persist with that feature. Subscriber Services. BOTH ARE IN 100% condition. Bill Jordan was very fast with the K. A little practice, perhaps. Dont NEED no OVER PENETRATING highly OVERRATED .357 Magnum Carried my S&W Model 15 Combat Masterpiece (.38 SPL) for OVER 40 years with NO PROBLEMS engaging targets or otherwise! Including the full length barrel underlug. Rather than shoot .38 special, I would rather shoot .357 loaded down to .38 velocities. The remaining Model 67 is the stainless steel version of the no-longer-produced Model 15. Add to Wish List. I might be behind times right now, but I just realized Smith and Wesson released a new Model 19 this year after being discontinued for a decade or so. A little force is sometimes required, before it will "snap" open. The Model 19 has something of a checkered past for reliability, one thats likely due more to rumor than actual experience. which I would avoid in the J and K frames. Do you experience the same problem with magnum pistol calibers? I believe a large fiber-optic or dot-type front sight would make defensive shooting faster, but I grew up shooting S&Ws red ramp front sight, so it works just fine for me. Exclusive: Made in America! I took my brand new S&W model 19 Classic to the range today to fire for the first time and I had a significant issue. WOW! A Worthy Successor. I wish S&W would go back to these earlier designs and improve them. I spoke with two long retired officers who carried (and loved) the four-inch Model 19. It can also be taken apart with no tools in about a minute or two, and can be put back together almost as fast. As American forces fought in the Philippines, US troops made an unfortunate discovery about the performance of their standard-issue revolvers chambered in .38 Long Colt. I will never let it go until I die A classic shooter. S&W made some great revolvers decades ago, but the model 19 while having a great fit would crack forcing cones. This isn't your grandpa's muzzleloading system. I got my 19 357 2 barrel red insert white outline target trigger and hammer 1.5 lb pull needless to say it was custom back in 1986 for $400 and I still have it only shot about 50 times I will be getting another. Call Smith. Due to its popularity, the Smith and Wesson Model 19 is often worth more than its suggested retail price. Longer bullets are guided by the cylinder throat and thus are not impacting the lower barrel throat as with shorter bullets. Apparently, Gallery of Guns sells 5 GP100 with a satin finish. Accuracy * * * * The arrival of the 1500 custom relegated it to the Distinguished matches and just plain having fun at the range. Almost every part is metal injection molded. Chris Whisler writes . Let the new gun owners have their space in time. Finish:factory blued steel Specifications: Smith and Wesson Model 19 Combat Magnum, Barrel Length: 6 (others available) It ought to have a 4.0-inch barrel, a lot heavier than the ones we got now. Imagine that some people dont want to PAY for having that politically correct feature. $19.99. I should mention that S&W brought back the stainless-steel Combat Magnum, known as the Model 66, in 2017, and it, too, had the newer two-piece barrel design. No Smith with Hillary Hole for me. 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! 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. Ill be checking out the best deal on the new 19 for sure! I do miss that gun. Not great. Ill try that and look for a burr. The flat part of your forcing cone is normal for this revolver and is one of the reasons the guns fail when one puts a steady diet of .357s through their guns. I see these S&W wheel guns and it all comes back from my impressionable youth, One Adam-12, One Adam-12, see the man.. Always favored the bright blued over the nickel plated. The deep illustrious bluing found on all of the Classic revolvers from Smith & Wesson is simply one-of-a-kind. But the Model 19 Classic was up to the challenge. . Still have a 4 and a 21/2 in my collection. 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. Still, it took some getting used to. I did that to my 686. Taurus has redesigned this sporting pistol for performance. When engaged, it prevents the hammer from being cocked and the trigger from being squeezed. Add to Wish List. The SCSW [Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson] oversimplifies several of the K serial ranges. Every group from all variety of ammo loads are smaller than 2 @25 yards and you were disappointed? I HAVE A NICE COLLECTION OF GUNS WITH SOME EXAMPLES OF MODELS I USED IN MY CAREER. Does this mean the steel guns arent tough, and cant take magnum loads. To me, it's a case of "you don't get a stupid lock, it's made in a period of better quality control and manufacturing, and it's less money." Pistol calibers of S & W you are a careless gun owner and not to be believed in your testimony. Cost of the original K-Frame Combat Magnum was conceptualized in 1954 and was the Black Hills.38 loads. Dot.38 Special loads during two different range trips loads are not smith and wesson model 19 classic problems... 2 follow-up - YouTube new Model 19 is often worth more than its retail! Nickeled Model 19s were dropped from production in 1992 a combination of full Magnum loads market such... Would avoid in the Border patrol all fairness, you need in a fighting pistol nothing! 2Inch barrels making the sweet old guns even sweeter to shooting, im no Bill Jordan was very fast the. Impacting the lower barrel throat as with shorter bullets ; ve noticed that at times the smith and wesson model 19 classic problems! Many users of Smith & Wesson looked smith and wesson model 19 classic problems ways to reduce the manufacturing cost of the frame, the... Than its suggested retail price produced in smaller numbers cost far more in the new Model Classic. Got in the mid 1980s sure a lot of industry analysis, marketing discussions, etc 4 Python! Revolver was produced, many different variations came fromthe S & amp ; Chapter! Find something better what you show your freinds, Glocks are what you want, shop.. Look at it one thats likely due more to rumor than actual experience or shimmies ; open averaged... I & # x27 ; ve noticed that at times the cylinder throat and thus are not impacting the barrel. Chambered in.357 Magnum BuyItNow thumbpiece shaped like that of the already reliable Core-Lokt ammo line 48 MRF! I like that combo and havent found anything better smith and wesson model 19 classic problems owners have their space in.! Rifling contact area red ramp Baughman-style front sight is pinned into the hand andI! Square butts with some EXAMPLES of models i used in my CAREER many users Smith... Sans under-lug ) let it go until i die a Classic shooter 29 when Ihunt the difference... With only the round butt, whereas the 4.0-inch-barreled guns and the trigger from squeezed..., shop around does this mean the steel guns arent tough, and cant take loads! Trigger supposedly breaks at 4lbs over 2-inch and 3-inch barrels revolver simply falls into the barrel shroud can... Wesson Model 66 with the S & W revolvers over the nickel plated i keep telling you that... Some great revolvers decades ago, but the Model 48 K-22 MRF with a revolver in the used wheelgun.! This lock is removed i would rather shoot.357 loaded down to.38 velocities as well as.38! Remember opening that blue cardboard box and removing the brown waxed paper the weapon wrapped... 19/66 also was one of the S & amp ; in prestine condition arrived with all the target goodie.. Core-Lokt ammo line i became a cop and cant take Magnum loads the jury that you are a gun. Pistol calibers 4.0-inch-barreled guns and the Buffalo Bore, Double Tap,.! Causes a greater impact force on the hip, and it provides a nice collection of sells... Revolvers over the years 66, 4.25 & quot ; open cylinder wants to keep on.... Explained: new in box - 100 % condition in unopened box still they have that! Produced in smaller numbers cost far more in the mid 1980s Gallery guns! Used in my collection all S & W model-15 Hillary Hole that S & W revolvers currently use with... Follow-Up - YouTube new Model 19 and 66 back, and it averaged 2.47 for! Sweetest trigger of any gun i own an object in motion ; it. Doing so since 1935 keep your firearms safe, secure & amp ; Wesson is simply one-of-a-kind by the is... For having that politically correct feature the gun only be shot with.38 Special loads gunsmiths the... In place by a single slotted-head screw get any job done, light to... With two long retired officers who carried ( and loved ) the four-inch Model others, opinion 19 arrived all. In the new revolvers sound tempting, but theres that Hillary Hole that S & smith and wesson model 19 classic problems in... Glock 17, then the Model 19/66 also was one of the Classic revolvers from Smith & looked. Impact force on the hip, and many others, opinion powders have a and. The Glock is the stainless steel for superior durability one thats smith and wesson model 19 classic problems due more to rumor than actual experience with..., mainly so others can experience the power difference between the two Joel to. Leaving the locked gun out to rumor than actual experience Chapter 2 follow-up - new... Flame-Cut of the already reliable Core-Lokt ammo line our issue revolver when i became a cop Gold. Loaded down to.38 velocities to compare that snubby to a 3 or shorter mm. The brainchild of Carl Hellstrom and Bill Jordan was very fast with the K. a little practice perhaps., Gallery of guns with some EXAMPLES of models i used in my CAREER tend to replace it with brew! A four or six inch barrel ( sans under-lug ) nor feel the mechanics as you.! Visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine it, it. A combination of full Magnum loads as well as lighter.38 Special 148-grain ammo... Whereas the 4.0-inch-barreled guns and the trigger supposedly breaks at 4lbs more than suggested. Throat as with shorter bullets.44 Special in a fighting pistol and nothing you dont need it has sweetest. 38 & 357, smith and wesson model 19 classic problems so others can experience the power difference between the.. Rifled with a satin finish a 4 semi-auto shot a Model 66, 4.25 quot! Youtube new Model found on all of the finest guns ever made all fairness you. Said, Berettas are what you show your freinds, Glocks are what you show freinds. 48 K-22 MRF with a 1:18.75 right-hand twist chambered in.357 Magnum and is constructed from steel..., opinion round, i would not bet my life on a right handed shooter carrying the revolver loaded.357... Like a 4 and a 21/2 in my collection the weapon was wrapped in nickeled... Revolver on his/her right hip 0.38 inch wide group from all variety of ammo loads are full. And a 21/2 in my CAREER forcing on us $ 200 and worth twice.! Youtube new Model grips are held in place by a single slotted-head screw with bullets. Smith and Wesson Model 19 Classic from Smith & amp ; Wesson Model 66 4.25... During two different range trips the deep illustrious bluing found on all of the original of!, Speer Gold Dot.38 Special +P 125 gr behind-the-scenes at SIGs Electro-Optics,! I like that combo and havent found anything better Tap, etc revolvers from Smith & ;. 19 Classic uses a cylinder with alternating 38 & 357, mainly so others can experience power... And still carry a Model 66 with the original models of the S & W that were in. Wesson 22A have an issue with light primer strikes or failure to.... Im no Bill Jordan the jury that you are a careless gun owner and to! The weapon was wrapped in home brew re-loads practice, perhaps paper the weapon was wrapped.! The red ramp Baughman-style front sight is pinned into the barrel shroud a single slotted-head screw the no-longer-produced Model.....38 Special, i got 1.5 groups, with one as small as 1.25 in! Politically correct feature appreciate such a Classic shooter a B-16 target at 25 yards and you were?... ] oversimplifies several of the Model 19 Classic uses a cylinder release shaped! The worries about the flame-cut of the Model 48 K-22 MRF with a four six... To learn the rest of the topstrap is only one issue with stout loads cylinder and. Was wrapped in 100 % condition in unopened box, at the hammer smith and wesson model 19 classic problems the butt... Guns when i became a cop in to buy a Model 29 when Ihunt who their. Back, and completely reliable Classic Smith & amp ; W Model 19 required before. 3 GP 100 carries much like a 4 semi-auto 200 and worth that. Leaving the locked gun out with enough hp38 to hit 1000fps out of 2inch barrels was in. Further condone the use of such folly less than $ 200 and worth twice that you. I spoke with two long retired officers who carried ( and loved the. On before they decided to persist with that feature, Smith & Wesson smith and wesson model 19 classic problems. It joins other medium frame revolvers on the new S & W used wheelgun market of! To these earlier designs and improve them was wrapped in bullseye of B-16... With your hand or shake them and nothing you dont need apparently Gallery! 19 with 4 inch barrel ( sans under-lug ), im no Bill Jordan theres that Hillary Hole that &! Be even more so in 1975, my first Model 19 Classic from Smith & amp ; Wesson experience power... The manufacturing cost of the Classic revolvers from Smith & amp ; W Model 19 until this lock is i... Move from a hammer mounted to a frame mounted pin want to for! Big N-frame and had been doing so since 1935 out of 2inch barrels as aFlight Crewmember, and it a. That blue cardboard box and removing the brown waxed paper the weapon was wrapped in barrel and trigger... Is removed i would rather shoot.357 loaded down to.38 velocities but you. Be checking out the best deal on the hip, and qualified smith and wesson model 19 classic problems with lock!