S&W M-19 accuracy?

[firestar]

I just bought a S&W 19-5 at a gunshow. I really wanted a K-38 but I couldn't find one for a good price. I want to use it for 25 yard Bulls Eye shooting, will the M-19 do me right? I have heard great things about the K-38 but is the 19 often very accurate?

Mine has a 6" bbl, target trigger, target hammer, oversized grips, build in trigger stop, partridge front sight and a very nice DA/SA trigger. It looks very similar to a K-38 in all respects but it also shoots .357 mag which is nice. Will I be able to tell the differance in accuracy or is it likly going to be close to the level of a K-38?

I am shooting my Ruger Speed Six now and it has a 4" bbl with fixed sights and a good SA trigger but not as good as the S&W 19. I can do 1.75-2" groups when I do my part. Is the S&W 19 going to be a lot better?

The only reason I am asking is because I can't remember the S&W 19 being mentioned as being a tack driver. It seems like the one I have is set up for target work so it should be better than my Ruger.

 

[capbuster]

Shoot it! I believe you will be pleased with your model 19. You basically have the same revolver as the k-38 with the advantage of the magnum chambering and the shrouded barrel.

 

[Lone Star]

Those M-19's, especially with six-inch barrels, aren't very accurate at all. Why, I've seen examples that sometimes wouldn't even keep all six shots inside a quarter (25 -cent coin) from offhand at only 25 yards!

Of course, when they shoot that badly, the fault is often with the shooter...

Seriously, a good shot with an M-19 six-inch gun that he knows well can often hit a mouse at 25 yards. You should have little trouble hitting human silhouettes at 100 yards or more from a steady sitting position, but I wouldn't use it on game larger than small to medium sized deer to about 75 yards, max.

If you won't shoot animals larger than deer to maybe 150 pounds, javelina, coyotes, bobcats, etc., or the gun will just be used against felons or for target shooting, a six-inch .357 is a sweet deal. I really would prefer a .44 Magnum for deer over 125 pounds...or a rifle! But, the .357 is probably the most versatile handgun ever made for 90% or more of handgun use.

Lone Star

 

[HSMITH]

Will it shoot better than the Ruger? Probably not. It WILL be easier to shoot though, and that will translate to higher scores if it is accurate enough. If I were you I would load some of my WC's in 357 cases, and test them against the 38's you have been shooting. Be sure to get data for 357 target WC loads, data does not interchange with the 38. Some guns will shoot the 38 ammo just as well, and some like the longer case.

You occasionally find a handgun that is a real turd accuracy-wise, but most are good and better. The only way to tell about the one you have is to shoot it.

 

[firestar]

Thanks guys.

I did notice that my Ruger shot .357 WCs a little better than .38 WCs. It doesn't matter to me, I reload for both cals and whatever shoot better is what I will use.

I don't hunt or kill animals, just paper. I have other guns for defense use. I would use a revolver for self defense if I had a choice so this is going to be my dedicated target gun.

It is weird, I buy and sell auto pistols looking for the "perfect" pistol but almost every revolver I have had just seemed to fit great. I don't sell off my revolvers because I am happy with them. I guess that means I am really a revolver kind of guy even though I don't know it yet. I love accuracy and it is really hard to beat a revolver unless you want to spend fat cash.

 

[Ala Dan]

I would have to agree with my friend Capbuster;
as I have owned and shot Smith & Wesson model 19's
off and on for over 30 years!

Comparing the S&W 6" model 19 to a S&W 6" model
586/686 or a 6" Ruger "KGP" series; in the hands of
a true professional, I believe the 6" 586/686 or the
Ruger would win hands down. Why? Cuz the extra
weight of the fully lugged barrels would keep recoil
and muzzle flip down to a minimum.

But heck, there is nothing wrong with a 6" S&W 19;
just shoot it, as practice makes perfect! I wouldn't
mind having another one myself. Currently, I'm
shooting the 6" Smith & Wesson 686-5.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Tom B]

I recently compared my M66 and 686 in a side by side slow fire SA shoot. Both are newer S&Ws purchased NIB at about the same time. MIM, internal lock,4in barrel, yada,yada. Ammo shot was Ga Arms 38spl 158gr FMJ. I was surprised to learn that the 66 was more accurate and felt and balanced better in the hand for me. Of course this was not a rapid fire magnum test.

 

[firestar]

I'm only shooting slow fire SA offhand anyway so I don't recoil will affect my accuracy. I had a 586 and I know how good they can shoot, I only hope the M-19 is as good as my 4" 586.

I will shoot it on Sunday or at least on Tuesday and let everyone know how it shoots.

 

[stans]

I have found that you can load Magnum brass to match 38 Special ballistics by adding about 0.5 grains to any given 38 Special load. I do not even own a 38, I have found most quality 357's will be just as accurate and are far more versatile. Don't think a 357 can be accurate? Just look toward the Colt Python for proof. Enjoy your model 19 and develop some loads for it.