Do I sell a 19-4 for a new model 66?

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friscolatchi

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Hi,
Long time no see. I have a question.
A few years ago I purchased a target model 19-4 in excellent shape for about 350 dollars. I have not have fired it for awhile. I would like to handgun hunt with a 357 mag load, preferable the BB 180 hard casts, as well as have more leeway for using more modern cartridges, which is a more remote secondary use. I would be carrying the K frame at the camp as well, off hunting season.
We're going to use the 180 hard casts in the lever gun as well.
Given the problem with the early K frames forcing cone with the hot modern loads, (which I have been educated as to why this occurs), would I be gaining anything by trading in the 19-4, or selling privately, for the newer k frame model 66? I understand that the 180 would probably be fine, if used on occasion, with the older K frames due to the length of the bullet.
My wife would say keep them both, but the 19 has been up until now, and will probably remain a safe queen if I keep it.
I hope that this makes sense….
Thanks for the input.

Frisco
 
the heavier weight bullets do not cause the issues- it is the 125 grain bulletts and under at high velocity that causes the issues. Generally :) I would keep and shoot that gun even with midrange loads if is a really decent all arounder, I would then look for a L frame or bigger in smith or ruger for shooting heavy loads often ... A lot depends on the actual 180 grain load you are using... midrange stuff I would not worry about at all... nuclear loads on the other hand I would likely avoid!
 
Personally, I'd never sell a 19 to pick up a 66. I'd keep the 19 for what it is, a fine revolver suitable for safe occupancy, and range fun. Also possibly HD duty.

I'd then turn around and buy a L Frame 686 or 686+.

"the heavier weight bullets do not cause the issues- it is the 125 grain bulletts and under at high velocity that causes the issues."

Exactly
 
the heavier weight bullets do not cause the issues- it is the 125 grain bulletts and under at high velocity that causes the issues.

Not necessarily, I split the forcing cone on my Model 19 with a steady diet of 158 JHP magnum loads.

To the OP, unless you get the current Model 66 which has been redesigned to strengthened the forcing cone area, I would not bother making the switch. you will not gain anything in reliability. The improved Model 66 has been on the market for about a year or less.
 
You got that M19 for a very good price and if you sell it you will never replace it for that price again. I would never trade in a classic M19 for any current revolver because the old guns were had fitted and have extremely good triggers. You will be sorry in tge future you sold such a nice revolver, believe me.

If you are going to hunt with a .357 Magnum I would suggest buying the larger N frame M627 which will be a better platform for the heavy hunting loads and carry the M19 in camp.
 
I would not sell or trade a 19-4 for any 66, new or old. That being said, I really like my 66-2. I agree that an N frame would be a better choice for hunting. Another good choice would be a Ruger Blackhawk.

My suggestion is to keep the 19-4, and wait until you can afford whatever you are looking for as a hunting firearm.
 
I've regretted every old revolver I've ever sold. Haven't regretted keeping any though. Considering that your vintage K frame is increasing in value as we speak, I would say to keep it. The new 66 will decrease in value once you shoot it for the first time.

Of course, you're also very unlikely to have issues with that load. Velocity is generally the driving factor in forcing cone failure on those guns.
 
Not just no ... heck no! How could you get rid of one of these:
DSCN0156.jpg
For one of the ugly new 66s? Not even gonna mention "The Lock" ... (or MIM) ... Just pick up a used 686 if you feel the need for a durable, reliable stainless S&W in .357.
 
Not just no ... heck no! How could you get rid of one of these:
DSCN0156.jpg
For one of the ugly new 66s? Not even gonna mention "The Lock" ... (or MIM) ... Just pick up a used 686 if you feel the need for a durable, reliable stainless S&W in .357.


Gorgeous gun! You've reminded me that I don't have a 4" .357 K frame, and that I should remedy that.

And yeah, there are many older L frames that would hold up well to stout loads, but with the svelte finish and quality of the pre lock guns. Truthfully, I don't see much of a reason to buy a new Smith. Just my opinion.
 
Interesting. First time I've heard that. Were they pretty warm loads?
Yep. Max loads.

I was shooting standing IHMSA silhouettes with the Model 19 at the time. Even so, the 200m rams were iffy with the 6" barrel 357 magnum revolver.

Heavier than 158 grain 38 cal jacketed pistol bullets were just beginning to hit the market and not widely available.

The Model 19 was the best alternative I had at the time. S&W replaced the barrel on their dime and I scrounged enough funds to buy a Contender for silhouettes.

I still have the Model 19 but it only shoots 38 Special level loads now. I like it too much to risk damaging it again.
 
Thanks to all. That settles it. I'm going to keep the 19, especially after seeing Old Dogs picture. I must have been out of my mind. I feel bad I even considered selling it. I love the old blued Smith's. It makes more sense to pick up a heavier weight gun in that caliber.

Thanks again.
 
Yep. Max loads.

I was shooting standing IHMSA silhouettes with the Model 19 at the time. Even so, the 200m rams were iffy with the 6" barrel 357 magnum revolver.

Heavier than 158 grain 38 cal jacketed pistol bullets were just beginning to hit the market and not widely available.

The Model 19 was the best alternative I had at the time. S&W replaced the barrel on their dime and I scrounged enough funds to buy a Contender for silhouettes.

I still have the Model 19 but it only shoots 38 Special level loads now. I like it too much to risk damaging it again.
I called S&W in the past. No more barrels available.
 
Not just no ... heck no! How could you get rid of one of these:
DSCN0156.jpg
For one of the ugly new 66s? Not even gonna mention "The Lock" ... (or MIM) ... Just pick up a used 686 if you feel the need for a durable, reliable stainless S&W in .357.
Mine is a shade less brilliant but almost a twin. I can't seem to the get picture right or I would post one. I need a photo tutorial. Thanks for sharing and your input. My mind is made up.
 
I've regretted every old revolver I've ever sold. Haven't regretted keeping any though. Considering that your vintage K frame is increasing in value as we speak, I would say to keep it. The new 66 will decrease in value once you shoot it for the first time.

Of course, you're also very unlikely to have issues with that load. Velocity is generally the driving factor in forcing cone failure on those guns.
You are so right. A few years ago I found a 22/32 kit gun, 1954 vintage in New Jersey. It was owned by a older gent who died and his wife sold it to a FFL. I was lucky to get it as it is almost NIB with papers. It did not seem to be shot much, probably placed in a drawer. Paid 500 and change. There was a similar model 15 snubby that was a it's partner for about the same price, and owned by the same gent. My wife encouraged my to buy it too, but I felt guilty spending almost 1200 for both guns. I didn't get it now I regret it. It's not like I couldn't afford both of the revolvers. Well, I had the 22/32 shipped to a NY FFL and had the gun place on my permit. (As you all know about NYS infringements).
No need to shoot the high velocity loads. I'll stick to what is recommended, 158's, as well as the rare 180's.
Thanks for sharing….
 
Listen to the wife. Not only are they always right, never sell a collectible Smith like that. You can't touch them for 350 these days, and blue ones are worth quite a bit. Now, for a durable hunting and playing .357, get a 686, not a 66. Blasphemously, I might even consider a GP100 for the modern, shooter gun.
 
IMG_0258.JPG For hunting with a .357 using heavy bullets, I would think that a heavy N-Frame S&W with a 6" barrel would be the ideal choice. Look for a used model 28 shooter grade and you won't be disappointed. They are very accurate weapons and can handle your BB180 grain bullets easily. The large N-Frame will absorb the recoil better than it's smaller frame cousins.
 
Listen to the wife. Not only are they always right, never sell a collectible Smith like that. You can't touch them for 350 these days, and blue ones are worth quite a bit. Now, for a durable hunting and playing .357, get a 686, not a 66. Blasphemously, I might even consider a GP100 for the modern, shooter gun.
Thanks. Makes Sense.
 
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