Help recommend a .357 or .38 revolver

[Chrome]

I've located two revolvers locally. One is a Model 66 in Stainless with a 4" barrel. The other a 19 in polished blue. Owner says it's got a "wide combat hammer and trigger" Said he shot 50 rounds though it some time ago and put it in a safe. Comes with 100 rounds of .357

19 is $300 otd
66 is $465 otd

I'm really leaning towards the 19. Thoughts?

Later,
Chrome...

Also, seller is including three brand new .357 RCBS dies he got in a trade a few weeks ago.

 

[Bearhands]

the 19 without a second thought.

 

[camsdaddy]

Shot a 19 this weekend. WOW I was instanly in love I was probaly as accurate with it in the first six shots as a gun I have been shooting for years. It was not uncomfotable to me with 357 or 38+p.

 

[machinisttx]

19 is $300 otd

If you don't buy this gun, send me the contact information for the store because I will!

 

[Funderb]

S&W 4" 357 mag revolver, you can shoot both.

 

[Shade00]

The 66 is the stainless version of the 19. If they are both in like new shape, I don't know that there will be that much difference between them. My dad has a NIB 66 (no-dash) that is pretty sweet. I wouldn't mind having one as a shooter. I guess the question boils down to whether the stainless is worth an extra $165 to you. Some on this board might say buy both... the 19 is definitely a fantastic deal, so I would say at any rate you don't need to stray from those options.

 

[Tom Servo]

19 is $300 otd
66 is $465 otd

Wow. See if you can get a discount if you get both.

Both are phenomenal guns of a quality you don't see much any more. The 19 will be a hair lighter and require just a hair more attention to the finish. Otherwise, they're identical.

Smith & Wesson K-Frames are some of the most well-balanced, pleasant shooters ever made. There's a reason they were in production for a century.

 

[20nickels]

^^^ Erik, is stainless heavier?

Chrome, make a bee line to the M-19. Also, see revolver checkout sticky.

 

[Deanimator]

If it's fixed sights you want, an S&W Model 65 4" should be just fine. They're widely available for very reasonable prices, usually in the $250-$350 range, depending upon condition.

I've got a 3" Model 65. It's an excellent CCW revolver.

 

[Chrome]

Bought a 19-4 today that looks practically brand new. Pinned, recessed, target hammer and trigger, the works. Beautiful gun.

$300 otd with 50 UMC yellow box 357 158gr wad cutters.

I'm going to have to get pictures of this to share. Guy's friend bought it new, never shot it. Gave to said seller who shot 50 rounds (gave me the box and casings) and put it away. A tiny bit of surface rust that needs to be removed, but should come off just fine with ultrafine steel wool and oil.

Later,
Chrome...

Later,
Chrome...

 

[ArchAngelCD]

WOW, a almost new M19 for only $300, you got a great deal and made a good choice. I would have tired to get both at a discount like mentioned above but if you were to buy only one, the M19 was a great choice.

I just bought an unfired 1975 vintage M36 no-dash for $300 and thought I got a great deal. I think your $300 gun deal is a little better than mine.

 

[Chrome]

The guns were two different places. The 19 was off an individual, the 66 from the local gun shop. I'm going to borrow a digital camera later today and see if I can't get some pictures for you guys.

Later,
Chrome...

 

[machinisttx]

I'm addin' more as I find 'em.

 

[jpsimms]

My Taurus M66 .357 magnum has run perfectly for me for 3 years, and a ton of rounds. I got it used for $300. blued finish, hogue grip, low-light front sight, adjustable rear, they can be found in a few different barrel lenths, and when compared to the Smith it is a much better value.

Granted I probably got a good deal, but don't rule out Taurus, you can find them inexpensive, and in my experience they are every bit as good as a S&W.

 

[lanternlad1]

For carry I suggest a Colt Cobra or Detective Special. Six shot revolver about the same size as a Smith J-Frame, and according to Colt, you can use +p in them (sparingly). The Cobra is aluminum and makes for better carry, The Det Special is steel and is tougher. I found a nickel Cobra for $500, and from what I can see, thats about the going price.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Chrome My Friend-

Lots of great choices are out there; and much good advice has already
been written here at THR. Just make sure that with any purchase of a
"good old revolver" that you follow the guide lines as set forth by my
friend Mr. Jim March in the sticky posted here at THR; as a lot of head
aches can be avoided, before your money is spent~!

Quite frankly, like many others here I have NO quarms with good old
solid S&W revolvers. However, prices are going up on these everyday-
so be cautious~! Such models as the 10's or 15's would be a really
good begining, .38 caliber wise. The 10 is a fixed sighted model, while
the 15 will have adjustable sights. Likewise, a hard-to-find S&W model
13 is a fixed sighted .357 magnum; while the 19 is its counterpart.
All of these also have stainless steel variants, at a slightly premium
price.

Then, there is absolutley nothing wrong with a good used but not
abused S&W model 27 or 28; and 581 or 586. The 581 and 586 also
have stainless steel variants; models 681 and 686 respectfully. For
my own use, I prefer a 4" S&W model 19; which when introduced
by S&W was considered one of the best police handguns available.
Ever changing times have seen the "wheel gun" fall from favor in
police circles; but with a huge civilian fan base they should remain
on the scene for a long time.

Oh~! one other quick look at S&W's. Be aware, the 3" model 65
.357 magnum is very difficult too find. You might as well be on a
river bank looking for old Indian relics~!