Another help me decide which one thread.

[ontarget]

Would you buy a S&W model 19-3 with a 4 inch barrel and factory nickel plating if you knew you would only fire 38 Spl in it?

I am in the camp that says it's truly special to shoot 38s in a gun chambered for 38s, as opposed to shooting 38s in a 357.
I have other 357s that just don't get the range time they deserve because I'm not a lover of the 357 cartridge. I'm not a big fan of designated safe queens either.
I have several 38 Spl K frames that I shoot semi regularly.
The thing is, the 19-3 in question is in excellent condition and at a good price, and would fit into my ever growing S&W collection nicely right next to my 686 no dash.
It's definitely not a need, but I know that plays no part in a proper gun buying equation LOL.
So my question is would you add a 357 K frame to the collection or just look for another 38 K frame that I dont already have?
Thanks for any input.

 

[J-Bar]

I am in a similar situation, taking delivery next week of a nickel Model 19-2 snubbie. I will shoot it a little but mostly just for looking at. Beauty is justification enough.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Do it!

Any possible accuracy deficiency from shooting the shorter cases is likely going to be unnoticeable, and having the capability to shoot the occasional magnum is nice.

If one admires a shrouded ejector rod, you pretty much gotta get a Magnum anyways.....

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

I am in a similar situation, taking delivery next week of a nickel Model 19-2 snubbie. I will shoot it a little but mostly just for looking at. Beauty is justification enough.

Agreed, the snub-nosed 19 is one of the most attractive revolvers ever-

I really keep this one just to look at too. Its not that much fun to shoot (certainly not Magnums) anyway, and I have lots of other revolvers for that.

 

[Zendude]

You can buy it and download 357 mag hand loads to 38 special velocities. If you don't reload, then add a Lee Challenger reloading kit to the tab and start. Think of how much you could save

 

[tominboise]

I like the 38 and the 357. That being said, I've never shot 38s in my 357s. I think i have 3 38s and 4 357s. The model 19 is a classic for a reason. I think you'd be happy having it and shooting it. That being said, if you don't care for the 357, I'd probably look for a k frame 38 special

 

[jdc1244]

So my question is would you add a 357 K frame to the collection or just look for another 38 K frame that I dont already have?

Both.

 

[ontarget]

You can buy it and download 357 mag hand loads to 38 special velocities. If you don't reload, then add a Lee Challenger reloading kit to the tab and start. Think of how much you could save

I haven't fired a factory loaded 38, 357, 45 Colt, 45 ACP, in years.
Also now loading for 32 long, 32 H&R, and 32 Auto.

 

[CajunBass]

I honestly don't know if I have EVER fired a factory 357 round in my life. I remember buying a box about 45 years ago when I got my first handgun, a Model 19, and putting the ammo up. I never fired it because it was so expensive I knew I'd never replace it, so I just saved it. It was still there when my ex and I split up about 20+ years later. No idea what happened to it after that. I started reloading with a Lee Loader not long after, and have always been a brass scrounger. I've got thousands of pieces of 38/357 brass that I have no idea where they really came from. I'll load 357 brass but only load it to maybe a P+ 38 level, but I only do that because I have the brass. If I only had 38 brass I wouldn't worry about it. I've got two Pythons, a Model 19, and now a 686 that are all 357, and four other 38's. I don't shoot anything but paper, and it doesn't take a lot of killing. My 38 brass get's 148 grain wadcutters, my 357 brass gets 158 grain RN. I don't fool with anything else now.

Yea...another 19-3 in nickel could tempt me, and I wouldn't worry one bit about what ammo I was stuffing into it. I've given up trying to explain it to my wife. They're all "38's.

Both.

Works for me.

 

[horsemen61]

I honestly don't know if I have EVER fired a factory 357 round in my life. I remember buying a box about 45 years ago when I got my first handgun, a Model 19, and putting the ammo up. I never fired it because it was so expensive I knew I'd never replace it, so I just saved it. It was still there when my ex and I split up about 20+ years later. No idea what happened to it after that. I started reloading with a Lee Loader not long after, and have always been a brass scrounger. I've got thousands of pieces of 38/357 brass that I have no idea where they really came from. I'll load 357 brass but only load it to maybe a P+ 38 level, but I only do that because I have the brass. If I only had 38 brass I wouldn't worry about it. I've got two Pythons, a Model 19, and now a 686 that are all 357, and four other 38's. I don't shoot anything but paper, and it doesn't take a lot of killing. My 38 brass get's 148 grain wadcutters, my 357 brass gets 158 grain RN. I don't fool with anything else now.

Yea...another 19-3 in nickel could tempt me, and I wouldn't worry one bit about what ammo I was stuffing into it. I've given up trying to explain it to my wife. They're all "38's.


Works for me.

Well said

 

[Armored farmer]

If I had a bird in the hand .....
The 19 if it's reasonable.

 

[Tallball]

The cylinder is an eighth of an inch longer than the OP's preference.

Up to him whether or not it's worth turning down a nice deal on a nice revolver.

 

[nick22]

What's a good price on that revolver in your area? I say buy it and run mild .357's out of if you feel like it and your pet .38 load when you don't want all the flash and muzzle flip of the magnum. I would like all the revolvers but they're expensive I am currently trying to negotiate a fair price on a 686-3 for 700$ not sure it's going to happen though.

 

[Speedo66]

As others have stated, makes no difference if you shoot .357’s hand loaded down to .38 specs.

That’s a classic revolver and should shoot great.

 

[Thomasss]

I have a 586 Nickel 6 inch and I looove to shoot .38s in it. I appreciate the somewhat thicker grips that came with it over the grips on my Model 10.
And it is a nice addition to my small collection of S&W revolvers.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

I recently added a second Model 60 in .38 Special to my EDC .357 M60 Pro Series. I can't really tell the difference between them when shooting .38 Special ammo, particularly target wadcutters.

To me shooting magnum loads through a J-frame is an outer ring of hell, so when present I ignore the magnum chambering and used them as .38 Specials.

Ignoring the .32 H&R Ruger in the middle, the M60 at bottom right is the only .357 in this bunch.

 

[lee n. field]

Would you buy a S&W model 19-3 with a 4 inch barrel and factory nickel plating if you knew you would only fire 38 Spl in it?factory n

Yes!

I have a 4" 19-4, factory nickle. I've had it for 20+ years, and have almost exclusivly shot .38 Special in itr.

I am in the camp that says it's truly special to shoot 38s in a gun chambered for 38s, as opposed to shooting 38s in a 357.
I have other 357s that just don't get the range time they deserve because I'm not a lover of the 357 cartridge. I'm not a big fan of designated safe queens either.
I have several 38 Spl K frames that I shoot semi regularly.
The thing is, the 19-3 in question is in excellent condition and at a good price, and would fit into my ever growing S&W collection nicely right next to my 686 no dash.
It's definitely not a need, but I know that plays no part in a proper gun buying equation LOL.
So my question is would you add a 357 K frame to the collection or just look for another 38 K frame that I dont already have?
Thanks for any input.

 

[doubleh]

I can't tell you what to do. I will say that I have owned a model 19 for many years and around 98% of the rounds it has fired have been 38 special. They are fine revolvers and I doubt a dedicated 38 special will shoot any better.

 

[Old Dog]

Would you buy a S&W model 19-3 with a 4 inch barrel and factory nickel plating if you knew you would only fire 38 Spl in it?

I would, but but then I'm a sucker for any revolver in nickel. And I rarely fire .357s these days, preferring 148-grain WCs in .38 SPL.

 

[ontarget]

I have no doubt a M19 will shoot 38s wonderfully. My only issue is that I already have 10s, 64s, K38, 15, etc that I can shoot 38s through.
Maybe I will just add a 19 for the sake of filling that gap in my collection.
The 19 in question is in excellent condition and would be a win any way I look at it I suppose.

 

[bangswitch]

Would you buy a S&W model 19-3 with a 4 inch barrel and factory nickel plating if you knew you would only fire 38 Spl in it?

Thanks for any input.

Hell Yes. M19's are great revolvers and every S&W collector/accumulator should have one, whether it's a safe queen or you only shoot .38 Spl or magnum loads in it. I have a blued 4" M19-3 and I shoot mostly .38 Spl+P loads in it now, because I have several N frame .357's that handle the recoil better. I also have a M66-1 snubnose that does get shot with both .38 and .357 loads, and is carried with .357 loads.

 

[Oldschool shooter]

The Model 19 is one of my favorites and I would have no issue shooting only .38 spcl. loads in it. If it helps you at all, I regularly practice with .38 Spcl.loads in my N frame Model 28. That is a pussycat!

 

[jdc1244]

I honestly don't know if I have EVER fired a factory 357 round in my life. I remember buying a box about 45 years ago when I got my first handgun, a Model 19, and putting the ammo up. I never fired it because it was so expensive I knew I'd never replace it, so I just saved it. It was still there when my ex and I split up about 20+ years later. No idea what happened to it after that. I started reloading with a Lee Loader not long after, and have always been a brass scrounger. I've got thousands of pieces of 38/357 brass that I have no idea where they really came from. I'll load 357 brass but only load it to maybe a P+ 38 level, but I only do that because I have the brass. If I only had 38 brass I wouldn't worry about it. I've got two Pythons, a Model 19, and now a 686 that are all 357, and four other 38's. I don't shoot anything but paper, and it doesn't take a lot of killing. My 38 brass get's 148 grain wadcutters, my 357 brass gets 158 grain RN. I don't fool with anything else now.

Yea...another 19-3 in nickel could tempt me, and I wouldn't worry one bit about what ammo I was stuffing into it. I've given up trying to explain it to my wife. They're all "38's.


Works for me.

Sorry I wasn’t much help, but 357 K frames are cool and I’m always up for adding something to the collection I don’t already have.

 

[Riomouse911]

Would you buy a S&W model 19-3 with a 4 inch barrel and factory nickel plating if you knew you would only fire 38 Spl in it?

I am in the camp that says it's truly special to shoot 38s in a gun chambered for 38s, as opposed to shooting 38s in a 357.
I have other 357s that just don't get the range time they deserve because I'm not a lover of the 357 cartridge. I'm not a big fan of designated safe queens either.
I have several 38 Spl K frames that I shoot semi regularly.
The thing is, the 19-3 in question is in excellent condition and at a good price, and would fit into my ever growing S&W collection nicely right next to my 686 no dash.
It's definitely not a need, but I know that plays no part in a proper gun buying equation LOL.
So my question is would you add a 357 K frame to the collection or just look for another 38 K frame that I dont already have?
Thanks for any input.

I would buy it if the gun, and the price, are good.

Even if you don’t shoot it, or rarely do, they don't make the old ones anymore so you will not lose anything if it gets sold for something else.

I do not shoot anything more than mid-range .357’s in my K frame Smiths, (Models 13, 19, 65, 66 4” and 6”. I primarily shoot .38’s and leave the 686+ and GP-100 for shooting full house magnums.

(I don't want to add any undue wear on these older guns. I recently sent a 624 .44 Spl. back to HQ and S&W let me know factory support isn't there for these older guns anymore. )

Stay safe.,

 

[ontarget]

SSSSOOOOOOOOO........
Thanks to all of my good friends here at "Enablers Anonymous" I'm now the proud owner of not just one, but two K frame 357s!
The original gun that I was looking at was at a LGS. One of the employees happened to mention to me that he really wanted that gun too. He said it'd be a couple of weeks before he could get the money together, and I was going to wait because I didn't want to buy it out from under him.
So off I go to GB yesterday.
I found a nice 19-3 with 2 days left and still at a good price so I bid on it.
Then, figuring someone would outbid me, I found a very nice 65-1 from the same seller and threw a bid on that one too.
Well, nobody outbid me on either of them.
So, the 19-3 will pair perfectly with my 15-3, and the 65-1 will pair perfectly with my 64-8, and Snub nose 64.
Ahhh, the joy of being a S&W accumulator/collector.
Dang, I'm going to have to start selling off the Non S&W revolvers to make room.