Ohiopaints. The point you bring up about the S&W model 19 not being able to handle a constant diet of 357 loads is a point that has been brought up many times. Unfortunately, there is no solid proof of that accusation. What few cases people have reported, seem to have been very early models with very hot loads. It appears from all posts, that the "K" frame 357 mags such as the model 13, 19, 65, and 66 can handle any factory load 357 mag ammo longer than you will be around. That is also the position of S&W. The "K" frame revolvers in 357 mag are indeed 357 mag and can shoot all the factory loads you give them.
Every single make and model of every gun in the world has had issues with particular guns having a problem. Just because a few guns had an issue doesn't make the entire make and model of that gun bad. This isn't like the 45 long colt Ruger Blackhawk. Those guns were made specifically to be able to shoot and much hotter than normal 45lc that the colt or other single action revolvers can. There is ammo specifically marked as Ruger Blackhawk Only loads. Now, if people are loading or buying "Hotter" than normal 357 mag loads, then I agree that the "K" frame S&W will probably wear a lot faster than normal. It's also probable that there are a lot of other revolvers such as the GP100 that can handle the "Hotter" than normal loads. That's great. But that doesn't mean that the "K" frame can't shoot factory load SAAMI marked rounds bought in a store. Saying that the "K" frame isn't as good because it can't shoot hotter than normal loads is the same as saying that the Colt 45lc revolvers aren't very good because they can't shoot the "Ruger Blackhawk Only" loads.
Anyway, I've asked S&W, I've asked numerous gun smiths, I've asked plenty of owners. Etc... They all say the same thing. The "K" frame was NOT designed to shoot 38 specials as a normal diet of ammo with shooting 357 mag only on occasion. The truth is, until otherwise proven, that the "K" frames are indeed 357 mag revolvers and can shoot all the factory loaded 357 mag ammo and reload ammo that doesn't exceed SAAMI factory load specs, as much as you want for it's entire life. And that the gun won't wear down any faster than normally suspected or anticipated. "Yes, a 357 round will put more wear on ANY revolver than a 38 special". Anyway, it just seems that this has been a perpetuated factless rumor that has be pushed down throughout the years all because of some guns that issues and/or the use of hotter than standard loads.
To answe the original poster; It's a no brainer. Get the Model 19 if all things being equal. I have nothing against the gp100. it's an excellent gun. But, if they are both in the same shape, the same price, etc... then the model 19 is a better deal. It's automatically worth more. The trigger action is better. The gun is much better balanced. (Especially if you use hogue type grips). The list goes on. The gp100 is an excellent gun. The model 19 is a GREAT gun. It is the baseline in which other 357 mag revolvers are measured. It is a classic. Later... Mike....
