Would you trade a XDm for 19-3 in very good condition

[saenzrich]

I have been wanting a 19-3 for a while. I have a XDm 9 compact with night sights that I was thinking of trading for this 19-3 very good condition, but no box though. What do you think about this trade. I have another 9mm to fill the void, but what is your opinion. Do you think this is a fair trade if gun is as described.

Is the 19 the bigger brother caliber wise to the S&W model 18. Meaning same in size, frame...just the 18 is the 22lr practice version?

 

[funklord12]

I believe its a fair trade value-wise. XDm pistols are still in production and can be replaced, while pre-lock S&W revolvers are not and values keep rising.

Both the S&W 18 and 19 are based on the K-frame and have adjustable sights. The 19 barrel will have a half underlug with shrouded ejector rod, while the 18 will have an unshrouded ejector rod.

Personally, I would make the trade. I own a S&W 66 (stainless model 19) and enjoy it immensely. Conventional wisdom concerning K-frame magnums is to avoid the lighter 125gr .357 magnum rounds to prevent splitting the forcing cone. The 158 gr .357 rounds are fine. It will eat .38 and .38+p rounds all day, everyday.

 

[saenzrich]

That's how I was looking at it, the XDm can be replaced. If the 19-3 4" is as good as it looks in the pics my 18 and other S&W's might have a new rangemate.

Do the S&W 17 and 18 have identical models in .357 mag or is this as close as it gets.

 

[lowercase]

I would make the trade.

 

[rswartsell]

The -3 was from 1967 to 1977, regardless of what you have heard the revolver is aces with ammunition with bullets of 148 gr or above. Bill Jordan's "perfect combat revolver". Ain't making those anymore. I own an SA XD9, love it. They are cranking those (and similar) out as fast as they can stamp them. I vote for the S&W 19-3 in a no brainer.

 

[funklord12]

The 19 is a close as you are going to get. The other K-frame magnums are the 13 and the 65, but they have fixed sights.

You probably won't even notice the weight difference between the barrel profiles. I can't feel a weight difference between my 4" 66 with a half underlug and my unshrouded 4" 10. S&W says they both weigh 36 oz.

 

[saenzrich]

A few months ago I started with a 34-1 and mentioned it here. BIG Mistake thanks to you guys I added a 17-3, 18-4, 617-6, and now looks like 19-3. The only thing I am disappointed about is this will be the only one without box and papers, but you don't need those to shoot! Where would we be without enablers.

 

[19-3Ben]

In a heatbeat. Of course, look at my handle here on the forum. I'm not exactly an unbiased opinion.

 

[bannockburn]

I would do the trade, provided the Model 19 checks out okay. Two of my favorite .357s from back in the 70's were the Model 19 and the Ruger Security Six. Great size and weight for that cartridge.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I'd do it if the 19 checks out. XDM's are easy to find.

 

[Frank44]

I would absolutely make the trade. The 19 is a superb revolver. I would definitely check the revolver thoroughly first, especially the forcing cone.

 

[Iggy]

saenzrich,
Model 19 has an ejector rod shroud that the 14s,17s, &18s don't have. Thus a little heavier at the muzzle.

After checking the forcing cone for cracks, I'd do the trade in a heart beat.

It's clear you have stepped out on the slippery slope of S&W revolvers.

Seeya at the bottom.

 

[sixgunner455]

In a hot minute! And giggle like a little girl all the way to the range.

 

[saenzrich]

Thanks for the info. Next on my wish list is a 34-1 4" and a model 19 6". Just fyi if anybody might wanna get rid of a pesty gun that is just taking up space. I take PM's

 

[ATLDave]

Get it. Get it, get it, get it. Model 19's are great guns.

 

[horsemen61]

id make that trade it would have been done five minutes ago

 

[BYJO4]

Like others have already stated, I would definitely make the trade.

 

[saenzrich]

Meeting tomorrow at gun show with dealer for trade...will post pics for all those who have commented. Very excited!!!...love my Xdm, but I have a M&P to fill the void...which has always felt better and has been a more accurate shooter.

What makes the 19 more pricey than some of the other S&W 357 mags? Kinda new to S&W, I have a GP100 6" with rosewood grips which I love but that seems to stay at the same value while the S&W keep going up.

 

[BCRider]

I don't know if I'd call it more pricey. Just that good ones are going to hold their value. And they don't come much better than a 19-3 with all it's pinned barrel and recessed cylinder goodness. And if this gun has been babied and pampered gun all this time instead of rubbed raw in holsters then it's a double or even triple bonus.... with a cherry on top!

 

[TanklessPro]

Dollar for dollar they are about the same. The only difference is you can order a XDm and you can't order a 19-3. I would make the trade.

 

[Elkins45]

Yep, I would do it based on financial considerations alone. No new pre lock 19's are being made and the prices of ones in good condition have been climbing steadily. An even trade would be an immediate $100+ gain for you.

 

[Snake Plisskin]

Every day of the week and twice on Sunday , now get that 19 and enjoy

 

[wanderinwalker]

We need pictures!

I have an 18-4 and a 19-5, you won't notice the difference between the two at the range, until the hammer falls anyway. Perfect .22/357 set IMO. But beware the S&W slope, it can be pretty treacherous. Wait until you learn how nicely an L-frame .357 shoots with full power ammo. My 586 sees about 50/50 Magnums and Specials, versus the 90% Specials the 19 gets.

Good luck with the addiction!

 

[788Ham]

Some years back, I bought a 629-2, about 6 months ago I bought a 15-4, my slipping has started…. I'm now also looking for a 19-3. That slippery slope does seem to quicken if one isn't aware of this !! Good luck !

 

[Jaymo]

Hmm, trade a bottom-feeding Combat Tupperware for a S&W Combat Magnum?

I can't believe you actually had to ask.
I would do it in a heartbeat, as long as the revolver checks out.
K frames are sweet.

I've always loved K frames, even before I like S&Ws (It's complicated, don't ask).

I have a 66-1 2.5". It's the stainless steel version of the 19.
I couldn't find a nice 19 2.5", so I got the 66.
From my cold, dead fingers.
It's a sweet shooting gun.

You'll be hard pressed to find a better handgun than a Smith K frame.

My 15-3 is probably my favorite shooter.
However, my 10-5 2" and 10-6 4" shoot better than they have a right to.

S&W revolvers are addictive.
You have been warned.