Todays Question.

[dragongoddess]

The question is. Do I buy the Colt Anaconda or the S&W Model 19-3.
Say for the sake of comparison both are used with the S&W showing less use. The Colt is SS w/4inch barrel and the S&W is blued and has a 6 inch barrel.
Your choice is?

 

[MrBigStuff]

Personally,

I favor stainless to blue and 4 inches of barrel over 6. All things being equal, I like the aestetics of the Colt better. Both are good guns but I would take the Colt.

 

[BobMcG]

To use for what purpose?

I can shoot a 6" barreled revolver much more accurately at 25 or 50 yds off hand than a 4".

IMO a 4" revolver makes a better CCW than a 6".

IMO a 6" revolver makes a better hunter than a 4".

Will the weapon be exposed to harsh elements a lot?

What do you want it to do for you?

 

[Starter52]

I happen to own both an Anaconda and a K-frame S&W. Mine's a Model 66.

Guys, the Anaconda is a big revolver. It weighs in at about 52 ounces. Compared to this the S&W is a featherweight. Also, most Anacondas are .44 magnum (there's a few .45 Colt). The S&W Model 19 is a .357

You can't really compare these two revolvers.

I shoot my S&W a lot more than the Anaconda.

 

[10-Ring]

I have learned to really like Colt wheelguns...I just picked up a Python and love it! I also own a model 19-3 and love it too.
It may depend on circumstance - why are you looking for this gun? Is it your first? Do you have others in a collection this would be keeping company with? Tough call, but I might go w/ the mod 19 just becuase Anacondas aren't quite on my radar yet

 

[dragongoddess]

Not my first. Was just wondering how people felt about the two. I have the Colt Anaconda and a King Cobra. I've also put the S&W Model 19-3 on layaway.

What it really comes down too is I'm wondering if I'm making the right selections for revolvers. I'm still really new to revolvers and to the sport for that matter and being new to anything you seem to question yourself on your decision making from time to time.

 

[dfariswheel]

Depends on what you want it for.

S&W Model 19 revolvers are common, plentiful, reasonably priced, and will be for a LONG time.

The Colt Anaconda was a low production revolver, with the 4" barrel being VERY rare.
The Anaconda has been discontinued, and will probably never be made again.
They are not common, (especially in 4") not plentiful, and the price is skyrocketing.

 

[Boats]

Colt Anaconda

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I pickup the Anaconda first. 19s are much more common. And prices on Anacondas are in-sane. If you can get one at a good price, get it. Pristine 19s are all over the place by comparison.

 

[Majic]

Without considering anything else just ask yourself if you want a mid bore or a big bore.

 

[MCgunner]

I'd get the Anaconda. I don't own a Colt nor do I own a .44 magnum, so it'd kill two birds with one stone. Nothing against the M19, had one for a time, but I have other .357 revolvers.

I think the Colt might be a better investment, too, depending on how much you'd have to give for it.

 

[Ditchtiger]

The Colt is a stronger gun. S&W lockwork doesn't take well to a lot of heavy pounding. Colt puts the notch for the cylinder lock to the side of the cartidge, S&W placed it right on top

 

[Logan5]

I'd say buy the Anaconda now if there's one handy, then the M 19 in the near future. The odds are much better for for finding another nice model 19 when you're ready to buy another handgun.

 

[dragongoddess]

I've just learned aout a problem that exists with the forcing cone on Model 19's. Seems they like to crack and S&W are no longer making barrels for this weapon. I've seen suggestions to shoot 38 special instead of .357 to avoid the problem of the forcing cone cracking but why buy a .357 and not shoot.357 ammo through it. Must rethink the purchase.

 

[JShirley]

Yeah, I was reading today (Combat Handguns, maybe?) about that.

As well, the K frame is really ideal for CCW...but a 6" barrel is not. The only rationale I can think of for wanting a 6" K frame, would be for open carry while out doing outdoor pursuits, such as hunting, where velocity but low weight was desired.

A Model 65 or 66 with a 4" barrel would be a good piece as a "heavy .38", if that interests you.

John

 

[MachIVshooter]

The question is. Do I buy the Colt Anaconda or the S&W Model 19-3.

Dragongoddess:

Did you not post a few weeks (months?) ago that you found the .44 mag a bit much? If I am correct, the answer is obvious.

 

[CSA 357]

Iwould get the 19, im a smith man all the way! my brother had a anaconda it didnt hold up very well, and about the 19 not handling 357 loads, i dont think thats the case, i have had 19s 66s that were shot alot with hot 357, yea you might get some top strap cutting but it only goes so far and stops, the hot 125 gr bullets being the worst about this, the 19 is a fine gun you wont ever regret it i have a 19 nickel 6 inch thats a tack driver! my 66-1 is smooth as butter , csa

 

[Ala Dan]

I agree, it depends on what your intentions are foe either revolver.
Keep in mind that I prefer S&W K-frames; so with that said, I'd grab
the model 19 in a heartbeat~!

 

[10-Ring]

If I had to chose, I'd go w/ the Anaconda 1st and then pick up a 19 down the road

 

[XavierBreath]

A Model 19 with a six inch barrel negates the portability of the Model 19 as a .357 handgun. The forcing cone issue apparently only occurs with 125 grain ammo. This pretty much negates the Model 19 as a defensive weapon. The long barrel negates it as a carry gun. Thus, the Model 19 is relegated to being a range gun, especially when it has a 6 inch barrel.

If you have problems with .44 magnum, I would avoid the Anaconda. If you are more a collector than a shooter, then the Anaconda would be the right choice, if it was priced right.