Did I make a mistake ?. S&W question

[shooterjon]

Just traded my 19-5 2" barrelled blue for a 19-5 4" with better bluing . Did i make a mistake? Really liked my shorter one but didn't like shooting the occasional Magnum through it. I figured the 4" would be more versatile . And don't have a CCW so the concealibilty of the smaller isn't a issue. Any Input? Thanks Jon

Also noticed the 4" has a serial number on the frame by the model number of ADR4XXX, and a number stamped on the cylinder support of 56XXX with a E15 in big letters. Are the numbers supposed to match? has this 4" been rebuilt? Never bothered to look at the 2.5" to see if the numbers match. Are they supposed to? Thanks

 

[Oro]

If you like the 4" better then you are fine. 2.5" 19s are less common than 4", but not "rare." You can certainly go find another if you really miss the 2.5" ones. I have both and like them for different reasons. If you got a much better finish/fancier gun then the trade sounds fair - the 2.5" costs a little more usually but not like double or anything.

The numbers sounds normal. S&W used to put the s/n in the frame cut, but now just on the butt. Those numbers are assembly numbers for parts tracking during manufacturing and it does not indicate anything odd with your revolver. As an aside, the ADR would indicate around 1982 manufacture I think. If you really want a mid sized revolver that tames full power .357 rounds, try the L frame like the 686. Another tip is to get smooth target grips without the checkering - spreads the pressure more evenly with the greater contact area, also keeps the checkering from "biting" the hand under hard recoil. A S&W guru turned me on to that trick a few years ago. S&W made some gorgeous ones in the 60s and 70s, or there are aftermarket ones from Ahrends, Spegel, and others. If you are interested in that route, pm me and I can steer you to some vendors.

 

[shooterjon]

Thanks

Thanks so much for the info. I really like the feel and weight of the SW 4". And really got it with a idea of having it for a hiking backup sidearm. That way I can load it with magnums and have some control. I have a Python and a Trooper but don't want to mess them up ( the Python is a 1978 and 100%) . I actually like the feel of the S & W alittle better. As for the grips would a pair of Hogues rubber combat do the same thing? Thanks Again. Jon

 

[shooterjon]

One more thing . Im new to this site so Im not sure how to PM you for more info on the grips . Thanks

 

[Maj Dad]

jon, click on the poster's underlined handle/name/pseudonym on the left of the post (mine is Maj Dad) and you will see a drop down menu with "Send Private Message" one or two down - click on it, and off you go.

I prefer 4" bbls in general if it's the only one I have. But after that, I like shorter, and longer, and intermediate and every size in between. I bought a 6" M19 in 1977 but didn't like the longer bbl, so traded it off for a DCM M1 Carbine 5 or 6 years later. Thought I'd been taken for a while... My first S&W, bougt in '68, was a M36 for carry and I liked it for that, but plinking was not its forte, so I picked up M10 5", which I liked, but it had fixed sights, so... you know the rest. I have always liked Magna grips, too. I put a pair on my M1917/M1937 Brazilian Navy contract, and it shoots great with them. I have Hogue grips on a M10 4" and a 686 4" and like them, too, but they lack warmth and charm...
Just ruminating,
Maj Dad

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO if you are going to use your revolver for the range and home defense you are probably better off with a 4" rather than a 2.5" barrel. The longer sight picture will make accurate shoots easier. I own a 4" .357 Magnum which I use at the range a lot and carry in the woods. I wouldn't do without it. (although I might have kept the 2.5" M19 and bought a 4" too)

 

[gyvel]

And what's even better is that you apparently snagged a pre-ILS lock gun.

 

[jpatterson]

A lot of people on here will tell you that .357 4" revolvers are one of the most practical and versatile handguns there are. I just took mine out yesterday and am awestruck by the accuracy (and don't mind the power of .357 either )

 

[shooterjon]

Thanks for the feedback. I am picking up a Colt Trooper 4" from a buddy of mine tomorrow. Did a little horse trading. Its a 4" also. If I really like it I can see if I can "re-trade" my SW 4" back for the 2.5 and have it all. Man I love this gun stuff. AND Maj Dad, I too have a M1 Carbine , a Saginaw S.G. ( horse trading again) . Its at the gunsmith getting a good cleaning and checkout. Can't wait to shoot it. Thanks again for all the help. Jon

 

[ArchAngelCD]

You are getting a 4" Colt Trooper? Ohhh you WILL like it, I'm sure.... Those older Colt revolvers all have great triggers.