I'm a big fan of 3" barrels (vs 2.5" barrels) because they provide full length extraction as well as a bit more velocity and sight radius. Above all though, I like dressing up my revolvers (like my S&W Model 66-3 here) with upgraded stocks. This one has a set of stocks made by Craig Spiegel. It takes a while to work your way up the list, but everything about these grips (fit, feel, and aesthetics) is perfect for me.

125 grain .357 loads should not be used in any of the older k-frames, as they may cause the forcing cone to crack. sometimes you can get away with it, sometimes you can't

the stainless guns might be more resistant to this, but i don't know if anyone can say for sure

quote:

Originally posted by pulicords:
I'm a big fan of 3" barrels (vs 2.5" barrels) because they provide full length extraction as well as a bit more velocity and sight radius.

I used to have a 3" model 13 (fixed sights) that I still kick myself for selling. This is my current 66-1:

quote:

Originally posted by pulicords:
I'm a big fan of 3" barrels (vs 2.5" barrels) because they provide full length extraction as well as a bit more velocity and sight radius. Above all though, I like dressing up my revolvers (like my S&W Model 66-3 here) with upgraded stocks. This one has a set of stocks made by Craig Spiegel. It takes a while to work your way up the list, but everything about these grips (fit, feel, and aesthetics) is perfect for me.

Man! That is nice!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Expert308:

quote:

Originally posted by pulicords:
I'm a big fan of 3" barrels (vs 2.5" barrels) because they provide full length extraction as well as a bit more velocity and sight radius.

I used to have a 3" model 13 (fixed sights) that I still kick myself for selling. This is my current 66-1:

That is a clean example, the grips go perfectly with the SS. Very nicely done !

19s and 66s carry nice and shoot better. If you will shoot lots of full power or nearly full power loads, you may prefer a L or N frame for durability. But for carrying, a K frame is hard to beat.

quote:

Originally posted by got2hav1:
That is a clean example, the grips go perfectly with the SS. Very nicely done !

Agreed. The tan G10's look great with the stainless.

As long as we're sharing, here are my 19's..


Adios,

Pizza Bob

I sold myself a couple then got rid of them. (Heavy sigh) Maybe there should be a First Amendment formula about how many rounds you had to fire practicing before you could debate. But thats bad for business. I know.

Then I got a six inch 586. I am incorrigible.

When I was a rookie my first duty gun was a 4" 66. I carried a model 60 backup, and carried a 4" 19 off-duty. I still have all three. When I retired, the agency sent my last service weapon home with me, a Glock 31. For 35 years I carried a 357 of one type or another.

With regard to the above 19-P, does P stand for "police?"

I'm wondering as well. There was a small order of 3" M19's for the French GIGN, and I've also caught wind of rumors that fixed sight M19's went to the French and German civilian markets but I can't confirm that.

quote:

Originally posted by abnmacv:
With regard to the above 19-P, does P stand for "police?"

Here's a link with some information on what the 19-P is:

https://www.gunsinternational....cfm?gun_id=103161757

Very nice thank you.

quote:

Originally posted by WaterburyBob:
Here's a link with some information on what the 19-P is:

https://www.gunsinternational....cfm?gun_id=103161757

Picked up a clean 66 no dash this morning. 50 years old and looks like it hasn’t been shot.

Had a 19 for a long time and foolishly sold it about 15 years ago. If you can get one-get it. Just shoot 158s thru it or limit 125s because of the known cracking forcing cones issue with the 125 ammo

I believe that the whole forcing cone issues are presently a boogy man. When it was an issue, they were cracking because people with .gov ammo supplies were crushing them. I don’t think people realize how many 125 magnums that it takes all things being equal.

Could you get a used gun that is already on its way thanks to a .gov budget? Sure. But, your average Joe isn’t going to afford to shoot enough magnums to make a difference. Besides who in their right mind would want to shoot that many hot magnums?

To me, and it is strictly opinion, the 125s were an answer to a question that shouldn’t have been asked in .357 specifically. .38 plus P is a different conversation ballistically.

Some amazing K frame .357s in this thread. Bill Jordan’s delight with this platform was all the endorsement I ever needed. I do agree with the rationale of a 3” barrel due to the full length ejector rod however I just never had the opportunity to buy one. Still holding out hope though.

I have a 2 1/2” M19-4 and a 4” M19-5. The -5 came first and though it’s not a P&R it is the most accurate revolver I own. How it works better for me over 7.5” or 8 3/8” barrels is a mystery to me, but it just works. I had a M29-3 that was made in a similar time and it was a total lemon even the factory could not fix yet my brother’s M29-3 is a gem. QC was spotty then I have read and my experience bears that out.

The M19-4 snubbie was carried and shot a lot with the previous owner but I grabbed it because of the price and the original box and it shot well. I sent it back to the factory for a reblue and action job 10 years ago and the craftsmen in Springfield did an amazing job. Not as accurate as the 4” but it holds its own and the action is the best of any revolver I own or have owned.

I also have a M66 with a 4” barrel from 1973 that was an FBI agent’s personal gun and it is also wonderful and is the gun a carry as a sidearm in the field more than any other gun. Just a great match of material and capability that digests the occasional Buffalo Bore bear rounds well.

So yeah, I’m a big fan of the K frame .357 magnum. I don’t shoot thousands of rounds through them and there was an obvious need for the L frame for those that do, though for me, the K frame is the perfect balance of performance and comfortable carry. If I could only have one handgun, it would be my M19 4”.

I hope you enjoy your K frame .357 for many years to come.