Debating K-Frame

[drannor]

I've amassed a small collection of S&W revolvers over the past two years, all L or N frames. (28-2, 29-3, 586, 625-8, 686-1) Since I'm not a fan of snubbies, the J frames don't hold much appeal for me. However, I am interesting in the K frames after handling and shooting a friend's 10-5.

Priorities in order:
- blued!!
- 38spl (.357 nice but not necessary)
- 6" barrel
- pinned and recessed
- shrouded extractor

Unless I'm mistaken the model 19 is the only K frame to meet all of the above. The 14 and 15 were available in the longer barrels, but only after pinned and recessed had gone the way of the dodo bird. The revolver will strictly be a target gun, no carry or household duties intended.

I'm looking for thoughts and opinions on the models mentioned above (13,14,19) and any others that I might have missed. Actually, thoughts on the k frame in general and things I should look out for during my "hunt" would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Jim March]

Only the Magnums were recessed, so you're looking for a classic Model 19.

38Spls were pinned, never recessed.

 

[tbeb]

I've never owned a model 10 or model 14. I did own a blue 4" model 15, and it is one of my all-time favorites. Mine sported Pachmayr Presentation grips. It was very accurate, and after breaking it in, the trigger action was very smooth and light. I've owned model 19's and 66's with 2 1/2", 4", and 6", and they are my favorite .357's. When someone asks for a .357 magnum revolver recommendation I tell them 19/66. The models I've owned had an extremely light single action trigger pull. The DA trigger pull was excellent like most Smith's are. I don't know dates on pinned and recessed. I've never heard of any advantages for pinned and recessed, other than some people just prefer them.

 

[HSMITH]

You are looking for a M19-4 or prior M19. Mid to late 1981 is when they stopped making them, but there are quite a few around. In this area they are still somewhat reasonable, a very good/excellent brings $375. Some finish wear brings them down to $325ish. I've not seen a 6" barreled 19 in a while, but the ones I have seen have been similar in price to 4" guns. The 4" guns are very common.

For a range blaster that you intend to shoot 38's out of pick up a nice pinned M15. The M15 is a little lighter, and with a 4" barrel has the best balance of any handgun I have ever shot. The action is the same as the 19. I prefer the 15 for shooting, and would recommend it unless you need magnum capability.

 

[JoeHatley]

19-4 or earlier should fix you right up...



Classic.

Joe

 

[Paladin7]

There just isn't enough good things to say about a Smith K Frame Magnum or special for that matter.... They are classics. The L Frame is great, but they don't handle like the K. Get one and don't look back, you won't be disappointed.

 

[thatguy]

As Mr. March noted the .38 Specials were never recessed. Nor were the .44 Specials, .45 Colts or other centerfire non-magnums. The older Model 19 and Model 14 were made in 6 inch and both are great shooters. Do you plan to shoot magnums a lot? Need the magnum power? If not, a 14 is a little cheaper. I picked up this one off an auction site last month for $165 because the finish is only about 80%. Nicer ones usually bring about $225 or so. they all shoot great.

 

[drannor]

Thanks for the pics and advice gentlemen.

I'm a little low on funds at the moment but I will be heading to the gun show this weekend in order to handle a few k-frames and get a judge on availability in my area. Prices are inflated at the show, and a bit at local stores as well. I may end up using gunbroker, but I am hesitant to buy a wheelie that I can't put through the "checkout".

I've seen 19's around, I'm hoping to see a few 14's and 15's as well.

 

[JNewell]

Getting to the questions in your last paragraph, the Model 19 is a genuine classic that will reward you in many different ways. The only thing I'd say is make sure you really give them a careful check. I was looking for one a while back and found a surprising number of examples that would not pass even a casual inspection.

 

[Bullet Bob]

Although there's no underlug, except on the a few of the very last ones, a model 14 is to me more of a classic than the 19, and no finer or more fun gun exists for pleasure shooting. the 2003 Gun Digest has a good article on these guns. There's one in 98% condition with diamond grips on gunsamerica.com right now for slightly less than $400.00, and I'm having to fight to keep my wallet in my pocket, even though I already own, uh, more than one 14.

 

[drannor]

I found a 19! Not without some pain though. I spied a nice boxed 19 at the Austin gun show last month. I went home to grab my FN Highpower as the dealer said he was interested in a trade. Unfortunately, the dealer didn't know who FN was and was skeptical of my FN marked Highpower. :banghead:

So I stopped by Collector's Firearms today in Houston. Blued Model 19-4 6" bbl, wood target grips, pinned and recessed in the box with manual, warranty card, sealed accessory bag (brush, screwdriver, jag, etc), holster advertisement, original packing paper.... The revolver is best described as "Minty Goodness". Very light drag line, vault like lock up, perfect blueing, looks unfired with the exception of factory testing. It was a bit pricy, but I don't think I will see another one like this! Yes, it WILL get shot. SOON.

I also picked up a NIB PC 627. Amazingly the M19 locks up even tighter than the new N frame. All of this on trade for some SIGs I was looking to sell. Can't wait to hit the range.

 

[stans]

I'm sorry Drannor, but you have been so mislead. That model 19 you bought? Absolute junk. It is likely to explode the first time you shoot it. In fact, it might disintegrate by just looking at it. If you send it to me, I will...ummm....errrr...."dispose" of it for ya. In fact, I'll be generous, just because I don't want to see you get hurt, and pay the shipping charge.


In all seriousness, enjoy that model 19. I have a four inch barreled 19-3 and although the exterior is horrible, it shoots so well that I just don't care. The model 19 was a great 357, treat it well, do not hammer it to death with a constant diet of 110 or 125 grain magnum loads, and it will give you a life time of shooting pleasure.

 

[BluesBear]

Unfortunately, the dealer didn't know who FN was and was skeptical of my FN marked Highpower.

Are you sure that moron wasn't trying to sell you one of those really rare Rossi marked S&W?

 

[drannor]

Stans:

I have several other Smith .357's to shoot magnums outs of so the 19 will most likely be fed my .38 target reloads. Perhaps some occasional magnums, but nothing terribly stout. The revolver balances very well, and looks very svelte compared to it's N and L frame safemates.

Bluesbear:

I think the guy meant well, but was just woefully uninformed on the history of Browning. Shame as the M-19 he had was gorgeous. At this point I'm thinking of giving my old man the FN as birthday gift. Might install a cylinder & slide hammer and sear to show some "involvement" in the gift.