Smith & Wesson 19 Carry Comp vs. model 66 2.75" barrel

I'm looking for a new concealed carry gun. I normally carry a S&W 356 but the recoil is a little "snappy" and I found using the safari land comp 6 shot speedloaders for K frames a lot easier to use than speedbee 7 shot L Frame speedloaders (comp2 don't come in 6 or 7 shot L frame size), hence considering a K frame.

Is there anybody that had experience with both guns who can tell me what I get for the extra $$ a Carry Comp costs? Is it a better carry gun? I'm not worried about the price of a Carry Comp, but I don't like to spend more money than I need to. I'll be carrying appendix, so a shorter barrel is an advantage. Other than that they look to be fairly similar in size.

thanks

I've owned two S&W Comp guns, both L-frames. Take this for what it's worth.

The comp built into the end of the S&W revolver barrels does not reduce recoil as many think or assume. What does do, and this more so with higher pressure ammunition, is reduce muzzle flip. The 586 comp guns I had (a 3" and a 4") smacked my hand just as hard with full power 125g 357 Magnums and any other L-frame. It did however come back on target much quicker than any other L-frame I've owned, including 4" 586s, 686s, and a 581.

Dave

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Originally Posted by Dave T

I've owned two S&W Comp guns, both L-frames. Take this for what it's worth.

The comp built into the end of the S&W revolver barrels does not reduce recoil as many think or assume. What does do, and this more so with higher pressure ammunition, is reduce muzzle flip. The 586 comp guns I had (a 3" and a 4") smacked my hand just as hard with full power 125g 357 Magnums and any other L-frame. It did however come back on target much quicker than any other L-frame I've owned, including 4" 586s, 686s, and a 581.

Dave

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IME with a 642 power port This ^^^ is spot on.

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Originally Posted by Dave T

The comp built into the end of the S&W revolver barrels does not reduce recoil as many think or assume. What does do, and this more so with higher pressure ammunition, is reduce muzzle flip.

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That's been my experience with a magnaported 6" Model 29.

I'm not really concerned about recoil as both will recoil a lot less that my 386. I was thinking more in terms if S&W does do $300 worth of extra work warranting the extra cost of the gun.

But all this talk about porting made me remember why I don't like ports - the blinding flash in low light conditions and the very unnatural (to me) lack of roll during recoil. I'll think I'll go for a 66, stone and polish the action myself and save myself some money.

My buddy has a m19 carry comp. Very nice gun but it doesn't do anything better that a m66. The night sight sucks. It's very hard to see in low light. Putting a meprolight in either is much better.

I also think the action is better on the 66

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Originally Posted by 03RN

I also think the action is better on the 66

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That's not good. The Carry Comp is supposedly a "PC" gun. I would have thought they would put effort into making trigger better than the other models.

Well, all the more reason to go for a 66 over the carry comp.

Just this morning, I read a new post on the S&W Forum from a guy that purchased a new Carry Comp. Very disappointing review on a new S&W let alone a PC gun.

Pol,

I believe there's another thread somewhere here (or maybe I saw it on another forum) but the general consensus was that in the last few years all the "PC" label means is they charge you more for a stock gun that has "PC" stamped on it someplace. Oh yea, and they have that cool seal on there too. That gotta be worth something...isn't it? S&W just ain't what they used to be.

YMMV,
Dave

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Originally Posted by Dave T

Pol,

I believe there's another thread somewhere here (or maybe I saw it on another forum) but the general consensus was that in the last few years all the "PC" label means is they charge you more for a stock gun that has "PC" stamped on it someplace. Oh yea, and they have that cool seal on there too. That gotta be worth something...isn't it? S&W just ain't what they used to be.

YMMV,
Dave

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My experience is that everything that S&W has built since the lock was introduced has been garbage. I have one and many other pre lock guns so I can compare. If you want an L frame buy a pre lock gun. My cut off is about 1990.