I see there are 19-2, -3, -4, -5. Are some good, some not etc.
I have a Nickel 19-4 in 2-1/2" A beautiful revolver. Is it desirable in the 19 realm?

Thanks guys.

It’s more rare than the blue models, that’s for sure.
As far as what models are good/bad, all I know is mine isn’t pinned and recessed and that’s a shame.

The 19-4 was the last of the 19s with the pinned barrel and recessed cylinder. Made prior to 1980. To me it’s the most desirable of the 19/66 family.

After experience with the new 19s and 586s, if you go into a new purchase with the expectation that the QC is going to be spotty it’ll be fine. I only mention that because if I was going to shoot a 19/66 a lot, I would buy a new one. The older guns like yours to me is too much a gem.

One day soon, I want to start competing with a revolver. My next challenge is single stack so it’ll have to wait.

A 19 or 66 2 1/2” nickel is on my short list. Will match my wife’s 36 in the 1 7/8” barrel.

The sexiest of all revolvers.




I had a nickeled 2 1/2" model 19 for a time before finding the 66. I always preferred the stainless steel models.

My 19-6. It's a fantastic revolver. Is it as valuable as a pinned and recessed version, no.

But it is still miles better than many other revolvers, and is an absolute joy to shoot.

quote:

Originally posted by sigfreund:
I always preferred the stainless steel models.

I prefer stainless for actual use, but the nickel guns are probably the best looking. Especially after a nice wax treatment!

The 2 1/2” are most desired by collectors. And, they are beautiful. From a practical standpoint, the 357 Magnum begins to shine in a 4” barrel.

Yours is a perfectly serviceable and collectible variant.

I have several in 2.5, and 4 in blue and stainless. Never been offered a nickel for sale.

a 4 inch K frame magnum is what I would likely take if I was told 1 gun for life. Everything you need and not much you don’t. You could haunt with it in a pinch and it’s more than enough fkr defense against 2 leg targets.

I've shown these before. The blue one is a -5 and the Nickel is a -3. Hard to beat an old school S&W Model 19.

Thank you guys. Great info. I appreciate the education on the 19 . Always thought she was a beauty.

My service revolver was a Model 19 and it was the nicest, best trigger, most reliable handgun I ever owned. They were hard to come by in the early 70s, but my lgs finally got one in and I took it for his asking price plus tax and was a very happy young policeman. Mine was shot a lot with full power 357s and 38s, and had to go back to the factory for a rebuild in the late 90s, long after I had left police work. I sold it cheap to my friend this year as I wanted it to go to someone who would care for it as I did.

The 19s were always, IMO, better and smoother in overall function and operation than the Model 66s, the stainless version of the Model 19. Back 50 or so years ago I felt quite well armed with a Model 19 and a J-frame. If that was all I had today, I believe I'd still feel the same.

Bob

I agree with sigfreund on the 2.5" 66!

Movie stars agree as well.

Have a Dash 2 2.5 and a Dash 4 4", both blued. They are, in My opinion, one of the finest fighting handguns ever made.

The Smith & Wesson Combat Magnum (later designated the Model 19): “The answer to a peace officer's dream.”
— Bill Jordan

Here's another Model 19 movie (Falling Down) gun in the hands of the good guy.



In the mid 90s and early 00s I had a snub-nose 19 and 66 (different times, not together). Sexy AF, but I couldn't hit anything with them.

I have a 19-2 4" and a 19-4 6". The 19-2 was built in 1963 and is one year older tham I am. I don't know who owned it before I did, but they barely shot it. The 19-4 was more heavily used when I got it, bus still a nice gun.

I had a S&W Model 19 Combat Magnum in the mid 1970s. I am sorry that I ever sold it. It was a beast with a 4" barrel.

There is info floating around on the Google about what changed with each dash version. I wouldn’t shoot many full power 125 grain magnums. It can crack the forcing cone, or so I have always heard, hence the beefed up 586 and 686 models. 158 grain bullets are good to go though.