Smith & Wesson M-19 (New Model)

Just scratched a new itch to add to my S&W collection. Picked up a new 4" M19. I have to say that this new pistol holds very little kinship to the old sleek 4" M19 I have. The gun seems bulkier than even the older 586 and the cylinder is actually about .040" longer and the top strap is wider. It is a beast of a .357, comparable to the M-28, and should probably last a lifetime.

Shot it some, today, out to 50 yards but conditions weren't right for serious grouping attempts. Have some stout loaded 158 grain cast loads it seems to like very well and showed NO barrel leading. Action on the pistol is quite smooth with only a very slight sensation of stacking.

I appreciate S&W bringing back the "classic" revolvers but these new ones aren't very loyal to the old ones. If you're wanting a new production of the old guns, you'll be disappointed. These new revolvers need to be judged on their own features, not compared to the old ones, and for that, I like them.

Just my $0.02 worth.

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Originally Posted by Ivantheterrible

Just scratched a new itch to add to my S&W collection. Picked up a new 4" M19. I have to say that this new pistol holds very little kinship to the old sleek 4" M19 I have. The gun seems bulkier than even the older 586 and the cylinder is actually about .040" longer and the top strap is wider. It is a beast of a .357, comparable to the M-28, and should probably last a lifetime.

Shot it some, today, out to 50 yards but conditions weren't right for serious grouping attempts. Have some stout loaded 158 grain cast loads it seems to like very well and showed NO barrel leading. Action on the pistol is quite smooth with only a very slight sensation of stacking.

I appreciate S&W bringing back the "classic" revolvers but these new ones aren't very loyal to the old ones. If you're wanting a new production of the old guns, you'll be disappointed. These new revolvers need to be judged on their own features, not compared to the old ones, and for that, I like them.

Just my $0.02 worth.

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All that and no photos.

Here’s a VERY detailed discussion of the new Model 19: https://youtu.be/4h9l2ipiKf4
He has me convinced. I hope you enjoy your new revolver! 👍

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Originally Posted by O4L

All that and no photos.

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^^^^ This. Very much this.

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Originally Posted by FrankB

Here’s a VERY detailed discussion of the new Model 19: https://youtu.be/4h9l2ipiKf4
He has me convinced. I hope you enjoy your new revolver! 👍

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MAC also has a video on YT going through the differences.

You asked for pics - you got it!

From top to bottom: M28, M19, M586, early .38spl Combat Masterpiece (before model 15 designation)

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Originally Posted by FrankB

Here’s a VERY detailed discussion of the new Model 19: https://youtu.be/4h9l2ipiKf4
He has me convinced. I hope you enjoy your new revolver! 👍

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I really appreciated you posting that link to the video. That's a VERY different take than "all Smith and Wessons made after X DATE are crap."

Does anybody know if all the changes discussed in that video are also true of the new Model 66-8 guns?

For a field pistol, I'll stick with my 4" GP100. I would only save 3 oz going with the Model 19. But I've been giving the 2.75" Model 66-8 some serious thought lately as a town gun.

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Originally Posted by Lester Polfus

I really appreciated you posting that link to the video. That's a VERY different take than "all Smith and Wessons made after X DATE are crap."

Does anybody know if all the changes discussed in that video are also true of the new Model 66-8 guns?

For a field pistol, I'll stick with my 4" GP100. I would only save 3 oz going with the Model 19. But I've been giving the 2.75" Model 66-8 some serious thought lately as a town gun.

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@03RN

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Originally Posted by FrankB

Here’s a VERY detailed discussion of the new Model 19: https://youtu.be/4h9l2ipiKf4
He has me convinced. I hope you enjoy your new revolver! 👍

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Thanks for the link. Learned a lot from it. Over the years, I have seen several of the issues with S&W revolvers he talked about. Always loved the revolvers but looked at them as somewhat fragile. I have, since I was a kid, a big fan of the .44 mag and still have my 4" M29 that I got in the mid 70s. However, I also kept around a Ruger Super Blackhawk for rough use like carrying on the tractor (always great reduction of boredom to stop and knock off a groundhog occasionally).

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Originally Posted by HCM

@03RN

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Ive been really pleased with mine. It's hold up to a steady diet of magnums. Its very accurate and easy to shoot well. Its also very comfortable to carry.