S&W M-19. Accuracy question solved.

[firestar]

I just got back from a very nice afternoon of shooting and I am very pleased with my new S&W M-19. I asked a question about what kind of accuracy I could expect from my 6" TT,TH M-19 and now I know.

It is in a word, unbelievable! I am talking about groups in the 1/2" range from the .38 spl WCs I reloaded. These are decent loads but not the best. I will try some of the .357 WCs on Tuesday, these tend to be more accurate. My distance was short, about 20'. I always shoot close in when I am trying out a new gun, it lets me really get a feel for the accuracy of the gun with the human factor getting in the way too much.

I am so impressed. I just don't hear much about how accurate revolvers are anymore. It seems like the hype of the newest semi auto drowns out the truth about revolvers. I bought this gun for $281 OTD and it will shoot as well or better than ANY semi auto pistol I have ever owned and I have owned some expensive autos. It continues to blow my mind that for less than $300, you can buy a revolver that will out shoot just about any high dollar semi auto.

I wouldn't use a revolver for a CCW or home defense but for target work, they can't be beat. You revolver guys have it right about accuracy.

 

[Blueduck]

Glad your happy with it.

I own two Model 19's but could not really answer your original question of how accurate are S/W 19's because my response would have to be "I don't know, I can't shoot well enough to find out".

I do on the other hand know how well a couple of my other guns shoot- I the other way a lot better

 

[stans]

20 feet is not much of a test for a model 19, move that target out to 25 yards and try again. When you find a good 25 yard load, move out to 50 yards and give that revolver a good test. Model 19's can be crazy accurate!

 

[Quantrill]

Don't forget that 20years ago, S&W model 14 (K-38 Masterpiece - a model 19 chambered for .38spec) and the Colt Officers Match were the standard by which all other guns were compared for centerfire in National Match Shooting. Quantrill

 

[10-Ring]

My 1st outing w/ my M19 impressed me as well. I had puta target out to about 50' and began shooting. After 3 shots, I took a look and got upset. I could only see one small hole. I figured I'd bring in the target and sight it in at a closer distance. Upon closer inspection, I realized I didn't miss it, I had put all 3 shots in the same hole

 

[Atticus]

"I wouldn't use a revolver for a CCW or home defense but for target work, they can't be beat. You revolver guys have it right about accuracy."

I agree with your assessment of the M19. Mine's definately a better shooter than I am. I'm not sure why you don't think it suitable for HD. Accurate, powerful, reliable, no safeties or other small buttons to find in the dark while under stress. When/if something goes bump in the night - my 66 or 19 will be the first thing I reach for.