Overlooked treasure

You know you have too many guns (yes, this is possible, and it's also relative) when you have forgotten how sweet a well-tuned S&W Model 19 handles because you've been busy with other shootin' irons. After a silhouette match last Saturday, I put 50 rounds of my .38 Spl. handloads through this great gun and was instantly reminded of what a pleasure it is to use. The gun points naturally, it's balanced, easy to shoot, and accurate.

I traded another gun (4" S&W Model 25 in .45 Colt) for this one some years back and I've never regretted it. The Model 25 was a fine gun too, but its large frame didn't fit my hand nearly as well as the 4" Model 19 does, and, to be honest, the .45 Colt cartridge recoiled a bit much for my tastes, although I have no problem with the recoil of my 1911 in .45 ACP.

Whoever owned the gun before had an exquisite job done on the trigger; I could be wrong, but I doubt it came from the factory in its present form. According to my research, the gun was made in the mid 1980s, so I guess it could have come from the factory with such a great trigger, but if I had to bet I'd wager that it has some post-factory work in it. The trigger is smoooooth and it doesn't stack at all. It definitely puts my late-'80s Python to shame with its factory trigger, which ain't bad, but nothing like the Model 19.

If you ever get a chance to acquire (legally, of course) a S&W Model 19, do NOT hesitate, jump on it--immediately! I doubt you'll regret it, but if you do, they are in high enough demand that you should get your money back quickly by selling it. The 19 is the the pinnacle of functionality and finesse in a revolver and all true revolver fans should still be lamenting its passing from production.

Take care.

DAL357

P.S. The photo shows an example of a Model 19, not my particular gun, nor is that my hand holding it.