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New S&W Model 19 vs. old Model strength

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March 26, 2022, 12:08 PM
abnmacv
New S&W Model 19 vs. old Model strength
The original version had a warning (from users) about using too many 357 loads and/or the 125gr. round. Is the new Carry Comp version any sturdier than he original? The 2 1/2" unit has an appeal to it if it built stronger than the original.


U.S. Army 11F4P Vietnam 69-70 NRA Life Member
March 26, 2022, 12:26 PM
BBMW
IIRC there was a weak spot in the forcing cone of original K-frames. This was the reason S&W didn't want them to have a steady diet of .357 Magnums. Also IIRC, that was engineered out of the new production K-frames. I would confirm this before shooting a lot of .357s through one, though.
March 26, 2022, 01:40 PM
arfmel
I had a carry comp. It went away because it was ridiculously loud, and blinding in low light. I figured out I don’t want a comp on a “carry” gun. Or anything else, really.
March 26, 2022, 02:41 PM
Ogie
quote:
Originally posted by arfmel:
I had a carry comp. It went away because it was ridiculously loud, and blinding in low light. I figured out I don’t want a comp on a “carry” gun. Or anything else, really.


It is stronger than the original. The forcing cone has more material and there is a ball detent for the lock up. Also, I wouldn't worry about it blinding you in low light. I don't think the comp makes it much worse than the flash coming out of the front of the barrel. Louder it is.
March 26, 2022, 03:27 PM
Jimmo952
It's stronger than the original. Shoot it without worry if you get one.
March 26, 2022, 05:12 PM
ArtieS
I have a 19-6 from the original series. I sent the following to Smith & Wesson customer service:
quote:
Dear Customer Service:

I am the happy owner of a (new to me) mid 1980’s Model 19-6 with nickel finish. I have heard the rumor, more than once, that I should limit the number of .357 magnum rounds I fire through this gun, and typically use it with .38 spc.

Is there any truth to this, or will the cylinder and action take a lifetime of .357 shooting. I do not hand load, so I will always be running popular brand factory ammunition through the gun.

It fits my had beautifully and I look forward to enjoying it. Please advise.

Thank you very much,


They replied:

quote:
Hi, with the 19 we recommend standard .357 loads.


That said, I have largely shot 158 grain stuff, rather than the lighter, faster bullets.



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March 26, 2022, 06:32 PM
BBMW
If you want to see the issue, watch the video below. Skip to 2:15 to cut to the chase. This is about the current production 66 (vs old.) I would assume, but can't say I know for an absolute fact, it would apply to new production 19s.

Edit: I've found pictures of the new production 19s. They do NOT have the flat spot in the forcing cone. So they should be the same as the new production 66s.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: BBMW,
March 26, 2022, 11:42 PM
abnmacv
Thanks for the comments, Sig forum is great way to gain information.


U.S. Army 11F4P Vietnam 69-70 NRA Life Member
March 26, 2022, 11:52 PM
bcjwriter
I have the 19 K Comp and it’s very strong.



March 27, 2022, 12:08 PM
Ogie
quote:
Originally posted by BBMW:
quote:
Originally posted by BBMW:
If you want to see the issue, watch the video below. Skip to 2:15 to cut to the chase. This is about the current production 66 (vs old.) I would assume, but can't say I know for an absolute fact, it would apply to new production 19s.

Edit: I've found pictures of the new production 19s. They do NOT have the flat spot in the forcing cone. So they should be the same as the new production 66s.

[FLASH_VIDEO]<iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bMVy-B0Oh6k" width="560"></iframe>[/FLASH_VIDEO]


They are.