[JohnGill]

Hi,I just fired my M19-nothing and I am very impressed with the accuracy I
can get ,even at long ranges. Ran the target all the way back and the bulls-
eye couldn't hide.D/A is much the same. I see why so many folks use adj.
sights.This 19 is the 4" model.
Can I expect simular accuracy with the shorter 2.5" bbl.? If so, I know what
my next purchase will be.

Best,
John

[Byron]

I have owned several 2 1/2" M19's over the years as well as Chief Specials in various models. Accuracy can be very good. In the 2 1/2" M19, I have shot 125 grain and 158 grain bullets with good results.I have not had as good of accuracy in other short barreled revolvers. Byron

[Walosi]

The accuracy is there, but the shorter sight radius will require more focus/concentration to wring it out of the little ones. There is a side benefit, to me anyway, in that experience with the 2 1/2" guns sharpens my concentration and makes my shooting with the longer ones better.

[JohnGill]

Another thought: The action on this revolver is like no other I've ever fired.
So smooth and fine. My 4" M10 is close, not so much my 2" 'er (newer?).
Well the hunt is on-again!

[Old Fuff]

Having tested both 2 1/2 and 4 inch model 19's out to 50 yards using a Ransom machine rest I can say that the barrel length in itself doesn't make much if any difference. However hand-held accuracy is another thing. You have a shorter sight radius and the slightest movement at the muzzle will throw the shot off more then the same amount of movement with a longer barrel. However, with the same ammunition, most shooters will do better with the model 19/66 snubby then with a similar J-frame.

Under most circumstances I haven't found it harder to carry a 3 or 4 inch barrel when going to a K-Frame. I see little advantage to the 2 1/2 inch length in this frame size. Shorter lengths on smaller guns may, depending on how you plan to carry the piece.

[JohnGill]

Good point Old Fluff. I too find the 4" bbl more comfortable to carry, they
seem to stick "closer" to my body. Maybe I would be better served with a smaller piece when the K frame is too much ?

Thanks,
John

[Old Fuff]

John:

There is a good reason the longer 4 inch barrel hugs the body better. Your hips below the waist taper outward. This causes the butt to be pushed against the body as the barrel follows the vertical hip line. When the same revolver has a 2 to 2 1/2 inch barrel you don't get the leverage to push the butt inward. The only good solution I've found is an IWB holster, but many people don't like them.

My favorite barrel length on a K-frame used for concealed carry is 3 inches. You get a full length ejector rod, more sight radius and better balance then with a shorter length while it's easier conceal while sitting - doesn't jab you under the ribs.

[Blueduck]

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-8/362435/NHRYK-1925.jpg

Mine had some issues at first, but once fixed up has worked out nicely. Inside 25 yards I can shoot it as well as my 4" version. SOmetimes better but thats likely just because it has a lighter trigger. Longer range the decreased sight radius takes it's toll on me.

[JohnGill]

Blueduck, I'm curious,what issues did you have? I ask because my usual ccw piece,the 2" M10 is now experiencing misfires about once every hundred rounds or so. Now, do I retire it or just switch over to a shorter
bbl. in .357 ? This would open up my ammo selection considerably.
The M10 had problems when brought by my father years ago stemming from a botched trigger/refinishing job. Decisions,decisions.
Sometimes carring deep is the only option and the shorter barrel helps. I'm
even looking at the 3" SP101. I do like the older Smith's 19/66. The adj. sights do help- a lot. Wow,what a job. By the way,like your M19 snub.

Thanks,
John

[Blueduck]

John,

Issues came from my own impatience in buying a gun out of town without checking it out properly. Had a very funky uneven cylinder gap and bent yoke. Worked out fine in the end (with no help from "If it goes bang it's perfect" Johh and Kate at the S/W service center:cuss: Thats over I digress ;)

Occasional misfires could be many things. I'm no smith to be sure but the order of things I'd look at is:

1: Mainspring Screw been shortned in the past by somebody...? (get new one, cheap)

2: Mainspring been replaced by non factory unit by somebody in the past or maybe factory unit just worn out- very rare? (Get new fairly cheap).

3. Firing pin look OK?

4: Really excessive endshake?

5: Headpspace alright?

In short could be several causes, but 95% of them are very quick and cheap fixes by any even close decent smith in your area. S/W will repair it too but after shipping would likely be more expensive.

'Course don't let that talk you out of getting another revolver either. Thats not my job here :)

Best, Blueduck

[Blueduck]

PS

Going over the "revolver checkout" thread on the top sticky might help you evaluate your M-10 current condition and it's issues.

[JohnGill]

There is another open thread here on this same issue. I'm betting on the main spring or tension screw. Will let a real gunsmith check. Some previous
owner tried to improve on a fine revolver and screwed some things up. It's
tight and has had some work,like refinishing. Guess my smith missed the the misfire thing but it is a rare occurrence. I shoot all my revolvers quite a bit so I picked it out (at the range). It is a handy little pistol so guess I will
return it for service. Ok,I'll probably get another one too, it's just money.

Thanks again,

John

[Blueduck]

Oh before I forget, or you even take it to smith. Talked about how someone may have filed off the mainspring screw. First thing to check though is just to be sure either they or time did not just back it out a little bit. It should be snug in the frame. If you don't know which screw I'm talking about it's on the front strap maybe a half inch from the bottom.

Like I said lots of possible causes but 95+% are really quick and cheap fixes. Gunsmith could easily miss your gun having light strikes depending on the ammo he test fired with. Some comp guns have incredibly light double action pulls, still work perfect with Federal Primers seated deep. Defense guns typically should have heavier triggers, but work with the harder primers of about anything you would ever feed it.

Good luck!

[JohnGill]

Yep, checked the screw first thing and it was snug. Anyway I just dropped it
off at the gun shop. Said he'd check and I also will have it bobbed and DAO.
Came from Dad and heck,I just like the little thing. Thanks for your help.

Best,
John