Handgun shootout - Smith Model 19 wins!

[mes228]

I've shot hand guns quite a lot, and would guess I've owned 50 or more. Mostly a mix of revolvers & semi-autos with about a 4" or longer barrel. Recently I purchased a new in box Model 19 Smith with a 2 1/2" barrel made in 1973. Put a set or Ahrends finger groove grips on it. Today a friend and I took a Ruger (4 5/8 barrel), Contender (approx. 8-9" barrel), Glock (Model 23 approx. 3 1/2" barrel), and the Smith to the range. We were shooting small bore NRA 50 foot target at 25 yards. Both of us shot the Model 19 more accurately than any of the others. From the bench, resting over a gym bag. both of us could keep all 6 rounds in the black (approx. 2" or so). The older Smith had better sights, better trigger (incredibly good!!) than any of the others. Quality of blue, perfect construction, pinned & recessed, shoots like a rifle. I really think the Model 19 was the peak of hand gun perfection. I was shocked to discover the 2 1/2" barrel was very little (if any) handicap at all. I never liked the really long barrels but generaly purchased between 4-5 inch guns. I am impressed with this old Smith revolver. They really don't make them like they used too! I don't think money can buy a better revolver than the old Combat Masterpiece. Just my two cents worth.

 

[Confederate]

Y'know, everyone told me that shorter barrels were a handicap, but I haven't found that to be the case. The front sight *seems* steadier, but the wobble helps one control the sight picture, or so it's said. I shoot better with shorter barrels with 4-inches being my favorite. I have hit orange clays out at 75 yards with my Ruger 2.75-inch Security-Six and the ones I don't hit I come close. And the anti-gunners say they're only good for table top accuracy.

 

[Arcticfox]

I have also read that the 19 is one of the best ever to come out of the S&W factory.

I also have had good experiences with shorter barrel revolvers (i.e 696.)

I was surprised how accurate they could be!

 

[HSMITH]

The M19 is what a 357 should be, it is the right size package with the right ergonomics and a S&W action. There isn't anything to not like about a M19!!!

I prefer the 4" length, but wouldn't feel at all handicapped with a 2.5" or a 6" M19.

 

[Majic]

Although the Model 19 is a very fine revolver it's hard to believe it outshot a Contender and especially shooting from a rest. What caliber was the Contender shooting?

 

[Revolver fanatic]

The S&W Model 14 is a Target dream.

Hi
If you were impressed with the accuracy of that model try a Target Masterpiece in .38 special. These were the most accurate target revolver Smith & Wesson ever produced and many have used them to qualify with because of it. Revolver Fanatic

 

[Cowboybootnut]

I had a S&W Model 19, 4 inch that I recently traded. It was 30+ years old but was still a fine shooting pistol. The only reason I got rid of it was that I wanted to fire more potent loads, and I was afraid that the frame wouldn't handle it.

It was my first handgun purchase, I miss it already.

 

[mes228]

Model 19

Majic, I'm sure the Contender was the most accurate. But it couldn't be shot as accurately as the Smith for the horrible trigger it had. Also it was an early Contender that had been sent back for failure to "cock". The problem had not been fixed by the factory and we experienced several mal-functions in cocking.
The Smith has the best trigger I've ever had on a hand gun - and I've had several with pro-trigger work. The early Smiths were trully nice guns in every respect. Also there is a post on durability of the frame on the K guns. I think the carry-ability, balance, etc. so far exceed the N frame guns it isn't funny. I've had several large frame revolvers and they are just not my cup of tea. If you shot thousands of full house loads you MAY induce looseness. But I've never seen it and who could afford to shoot the tens of thousands of rounds necessary to do that anyway? Most shoot .38 specials for target practice anyway. The Model 19, in my opinion, is the finest, most balanced, most carriable, hand gun ever made. This opinion also carrys over to the Model 66 which is the 19 in Stainless steel.

 

[medmo]

If your 19 is a round butt; Hogue makes a nice set of bantam grips for the K frame for CCW. I have a set on my 19 shorty and it both carrys/shoots excellent.

 

[CSA 357]

SMITH & WESSON YOU SAY? DONT SUPRISE ME NONE! I LOVE EM,