Smith and Wesson Model 19

[Seahawk]

My son is graduating from law school in a few weeks and he wants a revolver for his graduation present.

Does anyone here have any first hand experience with:

https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/performance-center-model-19-carry-comp

S&W Model 19?



He will be working in Norfolk, Va and will have a carry permit.

Thanks!

[KFC911]

I've had a heavier N frame M27 for 4 decades now, but back then most LEOs carried a M19. Is he gonna have .357 or .38 loads in it? I was never a 9mm fan....but now stick a Ruger LC9S in my pocket when I carry on my property...it ain't a .357mag...but it's there . Can't go wrong with a M19...but that would not be my choice...

Give him yer Combat Commander !

[Jeff Higgins]

I love Model 19's. They are wonderful little guns. You will not find a revolver with a smoother action, or one that is more accurate. There is one downside, however, and that is the fact that they are a bit small, and therefor a bit lightly built, to handle a steady diet of .357 mag ammunition. I shoot mine pretty much exclusively with .38 Specials, and only load it with .357 mags to confirm point of impact with them, and then if I ever carry it. They will eventually crack the forcing cone when used with a lot of .357 mag ammo.

I like the original, classic configuration in blued steel. I really, really do not like ported barrels on revolvers. They are not only unnecessary, they preclude the use of plain lead bullets. They still make their "Classic" line, which are more or less exactly like the originals.

Here is my mid 1980's Model 19:

[KFC911]

I'll put my M27 up against a M19 any day ...other than weight...it's just better...in every way...imnsho . But neither are designed for concealed carry either. Gawd bless Col. Jeff C.....but if I'm gonna carry something that large...a Combat Commander in .45ACP...yep!

I've had one of those since '80 too...and other than an 870 with buckshot...it's the spoon I want in my hand if the shtf.

.357 out of a lighter M19 can't be fun...unless yer Higgins .

[Seahawk]

Thanks for the below, Jeff.

Although he has shot my Vaquero quite a bit, this will be his first revolver...and trust me, KC, the boy has plenty of options to choose from

His choice of weapon, one I am happy to buy - he has done very well.

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

I love Model 19's. They are wonderful little guns. You will not find a revolver with a smoother action, or one that is more accurate. There is one downside, however, and that is the fact that they are a bit small, and therefor a bit lightly built, to handle a steady diet of .357 mag ammunition. I shoot mine pretty much exclusively with .38 Specials, and only load it with .357 mags to confirm point of impact with them, and then if I ever carry it. They will eventually crack the forcing cone when used with a lot of .357 mag ammo.

I like the original, classic configuration in blued steel. I really, really do not like ported barrels on revolvers. They are not only unnecessary, they preclude the use of plain lead bullets. They still make their "Classic" line, which are more or less exactly like the originals.

Here is my mid 1980's Model 19:

[KFC911]

I hear ya Paul...that said, and strictly my opinion, has he thought his options through in a concealed carry spoon and stopping power? He's allowed to make mistakes....he's earned the right....and can always correct it with another one .

.357 is just not a good round for CC in a large revolver with an exposed hammer...even S&W has better options imo.

Col Cooper was correct 50 years ago...and still is... RIP.

Has he ever shot a .357 out of a lighter revolver? Seriously...my Combat Commander (all steel) and baby Ruger (9mm) are absolutely tame by comparison...

He should shoot one first with what he intends to load it with (if he never has)...jmo.

And now I'll shut up

[flatbutt]

Favorite Quotes from Jeff Cooper » Sight M1911

Thank you for the Col Cooper reference!

[HardDrive]

Echoing KC. Is this a carry gun, or does he simply want a revolver?

I carried a S&W 442 for a while before switching to a small Sig 9mm. The revolver was just to porky to carry. And even in .38, it was no fun to shoot.

If he wants a revolver in .357, I would go right to a 686.

If he wants a carry gun, I would not get a revolver.

Just my 2 cents.

[Seahawk]

Interesting perspectives...thank you guys.

I'll ask, but he is stubborn. I have no idea where he gets it: his Mom?

[Jeff Higgins]

Both my sons are stubborn as well. I've long maintained they got it from their mother.

[jyl]

He’s gonna end up with a stable of guns, seems like a great first horse.

I have a 442 for CCW, I like the simplicity. Will eventually get a baby Glock. I seem to prefer guns without safeties :-)

[Jeff Higgins]

I will go ahead and cast a vote for a revolver as a carry gun. A round butt Model 19, like the one Paul is considering, would make a wonderful carry gun. No, they are not as ultimately concealable as a small auto, but under the right circumstances they are not difficult to conceal. Simply wearing a dinner jacket is one easy way to hide them. When it would be inappropriate (too obvious) to wear something that would adequately conceal one, carry something else.

And yes, absolutely, such a small revolver shooting full power .357 mag ammunition is "no fun" to shoot. Besides, like I said earlier, it's hard on the gun anyway. That's why we don't do it, beyond, like I said, verifying point of aim. In any defensive situation you will never notice the recoil. The other guy will be having even less fun than you. So don't worry about that - shoot .38 Specials for fun and practice, and load it up with .357 mags for "social" (Col. Cooper reference there) work.

[RWebb]

most lawyers like Rugers

[Jeff Higgins]

I'll try not to hold that against Ruger.

[Bill Douglas]

If he wants a revolver and for concealed carry he could consider the Model 36. Just a little puppy sized gun that shoots .38 Spl very well. Even hickok45 likes them.

[KFC911]

I can't shut up ....

I read JC's articles back in the 70s....did he "mellow" later on? All I remember is his suggesting that lots of calibers were fine....so long as it began with a 4 .

I recall the .44 mag was king back then...with a .45 ACP being 95% as effective in "stopping power"....and he did not like the .3** options if given a choice..

If I were buying a new revolver now....686

But I'm not ...

Now I'll shut up....until my next post

[tabs]

686 or it's blued or nickle brother the 586...bigger frame able to handle the 357.

Early production ones are my preference.

Never cared for the 19...why have something that is going to break eventually if used with the ammo stated it uses on the barrel?

The same is true of the Colt 1911 10MM...the 10mm cracks the slide.


S&W models 15 or 14...the 15 is aka Combat Master piece wt 4" B

Or Colt Trooper 38 spl wt 4" B

CZ 75 P01 Compact...9MM accepted by NATO after rigorous testing..carried by the Czech Police...

CZ makes one he11 of a line of spoons at a reasonable price for what you get ..labour rates are cheaper n the Czech Republic than in Germany for essentially the same quality of spoons.

[Jeff Higgins]

One of the funniest things Col. Cooper ever said was in regards to the "sub caliber" (as he called them) autoloaders, like the .380 ACP. He certainly didn't hide his disdain for them... It went something like "if you ever wind up having to shoot someone with one of those (and he finds out about it), he is not only going to be very upset with you, you will also be unarmed".

[tabs]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

If he wants a revolver and for concealed carry he could consider the Model 36. Just a little puppy sized gun that shoots .38 Spl very well. Even hickok45 likes them.

I have watched some of his Vids...they are fun as you get to see stuff go bang..

[tabs]

Originally Posted by KC911

I've had a heavier N frame M27 for 4 decades now!

Yep I like the big frame S&W 357 Mags...especially the Registered ones...

Back long long ago my WW2 Bomber Pilot friend showed me a 5 screw 357 Mag 3.5 " B...that he had just bought..his comments were that it was the spoon that FBI agents carried.

J Edgar was presented with one of the first Smith 357 Mags when they first came out in 35...