Which revolver, security six or model 19?

[Confederate]

The Model 19's are reported to have some durability issues if you're shooting a lot of .357s. Some say that's really only applicable to the 66's (the stainless k-frame .357).

Yes, the Model 19s are more prone to wear and tear but actually, stainless steel is less prone to this wear than carbon steel as the stainless properties help protect the gun from the leeching of carbon from the steel. It should also offer some protection from frame stretching, or warping, although how much I don't know. The insertion of a sideplate causes the stress of the blast to be unequally distributed throughout the frame. One NRA technical writer (C.E. Harris) wrote that he wore out a Model 19 with as little as two thousand full powered magnum loads. He then switched to a Security-Six which he's probably still shooting.

Back in the early 80s, gun writers were giving high praise to 6-inch Smith 66 and Ruger Security-Six revolvers as the perfect hunting, camping and hiking pieces. When the respective companies dropped these pistols with the boat anchors now in production, such articles disappeared. The new guns were fine for range and target shooting, but not so much for outdoor hiking in the snow and quick and fast shots. And since Harris had outfitted his Security-Six with round-butt Pachmayr Compacts, I thought it was a good idea for my shorter barrels and so I ground some down. I didn't believe it to be advantageous for 6-inch guns, though, and still feel that way. But Compact grips can always be traded in for square butt grips if preferred.

As for the "Six"-series guns, a Wolff spring kit and several hundred dry fires can make them as good as any Smith I've ever seen.

 

[Comrade Mike]

If you want a six inch .357 look no further than the 586/686. You really can't beat that line IMO.

 

[returningfire]

I have both a 19 and a Security Six. If I could have only one of these it would be the Security Six.

 

[Paul7]

I looked after you suggestion, but I can't find any troopers on armslist for less then 900 which I'm willing to spend 6 I will keep eyes open though, I don't know too much about colts other then that they cost some $$$ these days

There are a bunch on Gunbroker for $600-700+. Here's one with a current bid of $500. I'm pretty sure in 10 years it will be worth more than a Ruger.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=444472726

In addition to being great guns, they aren't a bad investment. I got one four years ago like the GB one above but in 6" for $350.

 

[Huskerguy]

I have a 4" stainless security six, a 4" model 19 (just picked it up), Colt Trooper Mark III 6", and a Dan Wesson 15-2V 6". Love them all. All are accurate. All are well made. Shooting single action not much difference between them. In double action I like the Dan, followed by the 19 then a tie. I know it wasn't on your list but take a look at the DW. I also should mention I have a 66-2 and it is right up at the top, 4" and it is sweet. Find one that fits your hand and go with it. Have heard the 586/686 are very good but have never shot one.

 

[PistolPete45]

The colt is a fine revolver and true if something breaks it is hard to get it fixed . I had a Smith for a while liked it fine still have a Ruger SP101 have a old Taurus 44 from the early 90's Those have the life time thing . I like the colt the best . I guess your right about heavy shooting and hunting .. Ruger GP100 would be the best for him ..
Arch A .. but still I love my Colt Mk V

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I shoot Colts regularly and have for a long time. I rarely have trouble. The couple of problems I did have were fixed by a local gunsmith....a real deal gunsmith, not some YouTube schooled hack...Anyway, back to shooting Colts. If I bust one, I will get it fixed. If it can't be fixed, I will replace it and part out the busted one.

 

[CajunBass]

I've owned both and several of each. They're both good guns.

Having said that I like the Model 19 better, but I freely admit that I'm a Smith & Wesson guy. I'm also the guy who goes to the range, and shoots 99.9% 38's in anything chambered for 38/357.

The GP-100, and the 586/686 have never interested me one little bit.

 

[mac66]

A stainless Security Six was the first revolver I ever bought. It was for my first police job on a small department back in the 1970s. I bought it because I couldn't afford a Smith Mod 66 and their issue guns were old, old skinny barrel Model 10s. The next department I worked for issued nickle plated Mod 19s so I sold the Ruger. With the price of revolvers now I regret selling it but the 19 was a nicer, more refined and now iconic revolver. Go read some stuff from Bill Jordan (not the camo guy, the long gone gun writer Border Patrol guy). That'l make you want the 19.

 

[22-rimfire]

I'd choose neither and get a new Ruger GP-100 and have a knowledgeable gunsmith tune it. But if I had to choose one of the two, I'd choose the Smith.

 

[highpower]

What you need to do is handle both and see which one fits you better. I have owned a few Rugers over the years and now I only have one New Model Blackhawk.

In reality either one will serve you well. I just prefer the way the Smith and Wessons feel in my hand. You need to look past Armslist for prices on used guns, IMO the vast majority of guns listed on there are way over priced.

Look around in your gun stores and don't be in a rush to buy immediately. If you are patient a deal will probably turn up. Last year I found a 6" Model 66 in very good condition for $340 at a LGS and a few months later I got a 6" Model 27 for $380 at a different store.