Back during the '82-'83 school year when I was in 7th grade, one of my teachers knew some of my friends and I were really getting into guns, so he took us out to the teachers' parking lot one day and showed us his Model 66 with 2.5" barrel, the stainless version of this gun. He popped it out of his glove compartment, unloaded it, and passed it around to the 5 of us so we could handle it. Totally different time back then, obviously. 😄 Every time I see a 19 or 66 snubby, I think of that day and I remember Mr. C (one of the coolest teachers ever). 👍
I graduated in 1994 and even back then I remember our ag teacher had a model 686 in his desk... loaded. I asked him why he had a gun in his desk and he said "because people can be idiots sometimes". Different times.
I have 2 Model 19`s. An old 19-3 and a near mint 19-6. Sweet guns. Given that I own two original classics, I`m not sure I`d buy a new production one. I say I dont mind the new Smiths, but then again, I`ve never spent money on one.
This was my handgun while employed with the Secret Service during the 1980's, while assigned to the Reagan family detail. We used +P+ ammo during that time. An excellent weapon until they transferred to semi-automatics.
I have a slightly older model (with the pinned barrel) in the same barrel length. Love it. Got it primarily for sentimental reasons as this model was my issued duty gun when I was on embassy duty in the mid 80s. Qualified expert with it on the very first try.
Man, that's one fine snubby! I'm a Southpaw so I have to look at things differently. The S&W logo on the left side of the frame is fine w/me as it will be on the outside when holstered. 👍👍
Have a 19-3 4" blue. Absolutely one of the finest and handiest revolvers ever built. Very accurate and compact enough to carry without notice. Love the 2.5" bbl.
I’ve had a 19-3 2/12” since 1976. I’ve had a lot of S&W come and go but I’ll never part with this one while I’m on this planet. It was a long time off duty gun for me. The dash numbers signify engineering changes, not barrel length or other model features.
I purchased a M19-5 in 4" barrel and another target model with a 6" barrel. Both fine shooters and the craftsmanship is obvious. Compare these to a Roscoe and the difference is laughable!
No, they do not make them like this anymore. I was a police office from 1973 until 2009. My first, dedicated, off duty handgun was a S&W Model 19-3, nickle plated, 2.5" barrel. I bought in 1974. I still own it. I still carry it occasionally (it is not my primary EDC). If I had to choose to keep only ONE handgun, it would be a hard choice between the Model 19 and a S&W Model 28, 4", which was also one of my duty revolvers before I switched to a semi-auto in 1988. The 2.5" Model 19 is one of the best _looking_ revolvers ever made. And yes, that includes comparing it to the Python. TBH, I think the blued versions looks better, but for daily carry in a city with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, I went with nickle plating. They all still look great. BTW, I would prefer to buy one of the older Model 19s over the new ones they are making any day.
I love seeing videos of this revolver! There's not very many on TH-cam. I also have a 19-5 with 2 1/2" barrel. If you gave $500 for your example, you got a pretty sweet deal. I had to give a little north of 1K for mine, but still glad to have it. The P&R snubbies are seldom seen at the gun shows. Thanks for sharing yours!
Nice to see a younger guy using an old revolver. The old, pre lock, Smiths are hard to beat. Can you imagine we used to throw fits over S&W giving up the pined barrel and recessed cylinders😅. I have a lot of old Smiths, non of which have the Hillary hole, I won't buy a new Smith. The dash number only indicates a production change in that model. Nice revolver Matt, be carefull they come with an addiction at no extra charge. Smith will never make revolvers of that quality again so enjoy and appreciate. Love your videos man.
I have this exact model. Mine has a lot of holster wear. I traded an S&W 910 semiuuto for it even. Got it from a police detective that didn't like revolvers . I had this gun since 1996 and it is a great shooter. Never selling it!
I have a 19-4 in 4". It was made around 1977. I think they made the -5 change around 1980. I also have the stainless brother to your's. A 66-4 in 2.5". Two of my favorite revolvers I own. $500? You did great!
I have the Rossi m971 vrc . It is a 19 clone stainless 3 in but 2 in barrel with compensator built in . Has j frame grip . It is the best 357 38 carry piece I ever shot . It’s over 25 yrs old and looks new . No Hillary hole . 3 in full lug stainless is great look . Full power magnum has no recoil for me and no shock or sting in the hand . The stainless m971 vrc is perfect . I made a video about it .
@ k frame heavy barrel 3 in and j frame grip is peak carry 357 in stainless. You feel it could cover all the bases . I put hot 125 357 and hot 158 full power magnums and felt like shooting 38 in recoil .
I have a m19-4. I am the original owner. It does have a pinned barrel. It does have recessed chambers. The logo is on the right side. I also have a front red ramp and a rear white outlined sight.
They definitely don't make them like that anymore , what a damn shame. I have the classic Model 29 and the Bluing really sucks. It's nice I like it but not as near as nice as let's say a model -2.
I have quite a few K Frame S&W's... Mine are all 4" and 6 " and are "Dash 3's"... I've been in the market for a "Pinned and Recessed Snubby" for quite a while... Sellers always seem to set and figure their Prices on "Old Memories" or some off the wall story on how that particular Firearm "Saved Daddy's Life in Vietnam on 7 different occasions"!... Haha!... I don't care about all that!... I'm NOT a Publisher or Writer looking to Publish my next Book!... I want to buy the damn thing for what it's worth, market value or a little less... Anyhow, that's a pretty nice Wheel Gun you've got there!... I like that!... And one more thing, I will NEVER Purchase one of those "Lawyered Up", New Model "Classic Series" Revolvers from S&W.... NEVER!.. I feel the same way about The Colt "Snake Guns"!... Good Video!
The hammer nose vs frame mounted firing pin is an emgineering improvement, both are equally safe. The frame mounted is more durable and simpler to service...held in by a loose pin inside the frame. Modern sw do not use transfer bars. Its the same old rebounding hammer with an added hammer block lever. Colts and rugers use the transfer bar.
the guns ARE completely safe. what is inside is a sort of transfer bar that works the opposite way, comes up when the trigger is released instead of when it is pulled, so basically the same thing. as far as the firing pin on the hammer, I prefer it that way. it makes it easier to change out when needed. firing pin breaking from dry firing? never heard of it but suppose it could happen. I dry fire mine alot. but do not fear, snap caps are here. get some A ZOOM snap caps. get about 24 of them. yep 24, load 6 in the gun and load 3 speed loaders and practice in your home shooting and reloading. you will get quick at it.
Good video man, you should try and find a Ruger Speed-Six or at least a Security-Six or a Service-Six with a snub nose barrel to compare with that S&W.
I recently picked up two model 19s, a 6-inch from the mid-80’s, looks unfired, and a 4-inch from 1970, pinned and recessed, with target trigger and hammer. The quality and workmanship of these older Smiths is infinitely better than their new Hillary Hole garbage.
Beautiful classic Smith snubby Matt! Looking at my 66-3 and 19-3. The 66 is 21/2" and the 19 is 4" and a nickle plated. Both being-3 guns but some interesting differences. Both have the forged trigger and hammer with the firing pin. However the 66 is not pinned and recessed and the 19 is pinned and recessed. Also the 19 has the S&W logo on the right side of frame and the 66 has it on the left side. I think I got the 66 in the early to mid 80's. The 19 belonged to Seth's father. It was his duty gun when he was a deputy for Stafford County. So don't know the years difference between the two but thought it was interesting with the changes between them both being -3 guns. Transitional at some point? Not a Smith expert either but one who really appreciates the older models. Sorry for the long post! Great video of a truly classic revolver!
The reason for the difference in the 19 and 66 is even though they are both -3 is that the stainless version was released a few years after the 19. They are on a different different time line. Your 19 -3 may have been made in the 70's but your 66 was made in the mid to late 80's. I have a 66-2 made sometime in the mid eighties.
.....ofcourse: the Mod.19>2.5" is the BEST. BUT: it has the difect [like all the 2.5"barrel]: to have a too short ejector system: it does not push out the empty [.357Mag.]case for its a quick->total< ejection >entire length] of the ase. It was simply/enough to augment it, for: 10-11/mm. at level of 'mouth/barrel'😊
When you said about The Hammer and Firing Pin and all that Safety Stuff.... When you talked about the Hammer, That Function is referred to as a "Rebounding Hammer".....
yeah have 3 of them 2.5, 4.2, and a 6 inch. my 2.5 and 4.2 are 19-4s. don't no what the 6 is. my barrels are pinned and the cylinders are recessed. they are really nice guns.
Have a 19-3 4 inch with the bigger wood grips. It's not a Colt, but it's an absolute legend! The cops might be paying you a visit, as you stole that at $500!
I thought all double action revolvers had a transfer bar but I am wrong. lol. I do like the transfer bar better though. And I tend to like Ruger single action revolvers because they look beautiful. But that is just me. In all I am happy to watch your videos because they are about guns and guns are awesome. Thank you.
I have a 4 inch version in pristine condition. was thinking of selling it or my 686. how will it handle 357 long term. i know the 686 is more robust but not sure about the 19.
How about a video shooting at the range in the weather in December or January! You must have a stockpile of videos you shot in the summer. Keep em coming.
Smith and Wesson doesn't know what they're doing. They're sitting on top of a gold mine of classic revolvers that desperately need to be revived. The only classic revolvers that they still manufacture are the models 36 and 10 and they're outrageously overpriced for what they are. I'd die to have a stainless version of the model 36. They used to manufacture it as the model 60. Today's model 60 isn't even the same firearm. In fact, it's a 2.25" 357 Magnum. That's NOT what the original model 60 was. Maybe CZ will buy them out soon? 😳❓️
I Agree With You Completely!... I have quite a Few S&W's... I am a Shooter and Collector of all kinds of various Firearms... Anyhow, I don't go past The "Dash 3" Models..... The Newer Ones just don't do it for me... The Frame Mounted Firing Pins, "Hillary Holes", MIM Parts, Etc. just doesn't do anything for me.... I think the "Hillary Holes" are the absolute worst!...They're just plain ugly!... There are Plug Kits Available to do away with it, but if something were to happen, an accident of some sort, or it getting into the wrong hands, there could very well be Legal Ramifications.... Anyhow, You Will Never Go Wrong With A Smith and Wesson!...
Modern Smiths might be fine but I'm not buying them either. The older guns aren't necessarily better shooters but F&F is often superb and details like pinned barrels, forged triggers and hammers, real case hardening, and some hand fitting means the old guns can be passed down to another generation of shooters. That's priceless.
Back during the '82-'83 school year when I was in 7th grade, one of my teachers knew some of my friends and I were really getting into guns, so he took us out to the teachers' parking lot one day and showed us his Model 66 with 2.5" barrel, the stainless version of this gun. He popped it out of his glove compartment, unloaded it, and passed it around to the 5 of us so we could handle it. Totally different time back then, obviously. 😄 Every time I see a 19 or 66 snubby, I think of that day and I remember Mr. C (one of the coolest teachers ever). 👍
Those were the days! 🤠
Those were the days when teachers actually taught ! Awsome story
I was in 6th grade, I miss those days
I graduated in 1994 and even back then I remember our ag teacher had a model 686 in his desk... loaded. I asked him why he had a gun in his desk and he said "because people can be idiots sometimes". Different times.
@@Brett235 I call the '90s the last normal decade. 👍
Those old school smiths have a real mean look to them. They’re beautiful.
I have 2 Model 19`s. An old 19-3 and a near mint 19-6. Sweet guns. Given that I own two original classics, I`m not sure I`d buy a new production one. I say I dont mind the new Smiths, but then again, I`ve never spent money on one.
This was my handgun while employed with the Secret Service during the 1980's, while assigned to the Reagan family detail. We used +P+ ammo during that time. An excellent weapon until they transferred to semi-automatics.
Cool 😎
@michaels908 Woah, thank you for your service sir, that's awesome, how many inches was the barrel on the Model 19 you were issued?
Classic beauty. Great review WGP!
I love the old smiths 😃
I have a slightly older model (with the pinned barrel) in the same barrel length. Love it. Got it primarily for sentimental reasons as this model was my issued duty gun when I was on embassy duty in the mid 80s. Qualified expert with it on the very first try.
Man, that's one fine snubby! I'm a Southpaw so I have to look at things differently. The S&W logo on the left side of the frame is fine w/me as it will be on the outside when holstered. 👍👍
Have a 19-3 4" blue. Absolutely one of the finest and handiest revolvers ever built. Very accurate and compact enough to carry without notice. Love the 2.5" bbl.
One of the most beautiful revolvers ever!
Beautiful gun for sure. Thank you for sharing, Matt.
Thank you for watching my friend 🤠
I’ve had a 19-3 2/12” since 1976. I’ve had a lot of S&W come and go but I’ll never part with this one while I’m on this planet. It was a long time off duty gun for me. The dash numbers signify engineering changes, not barrel length or other model features.
I purchased a M19-5 in 4" barrel and another target model with a 6" barrel. Both fine shooters and the craftsmanship is obvious. Compare these to a Roscoe and the difference is laughable!
Gorgeous smith 19. I had 3 of them at one time. One blue and two nickle in the original small boxes from smith. Wish I still had them.
No, they do not make them like this anymore.
I was a police office from 1973 until 2009. My first, dedicated, off duty handgun was a S&W Model 19-3, nickle plated, 2.5" barrel. I bought in 1974. I still own it. I still carry it occasionally (it is not my primary EDC).
If I had to choose to keep only ONE handgun, it would be a hard choice between the Model 19 and a S&W Model 28, 4", which was also one of my duty revolvers before I switched to a semi-auto in 1988.
The 2.5" Model 19 is one of the best _looking_ revolvers ever made. And yes, that includes comparing it to the Python.
TBH, I think the blued versions looks better, but for daily carry in a city with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, I went with nickle plating. They all still look great.
BTW, I would prefer to buy one of the older Model 19s over the new ones they are making any day.
That is a beautiful example of one of S&W’s great guns!
I love seeing videos of this revolver! There's not very many on TH-cam. I also have a 19-5 with 2 1/2" barrel. If you gave $500 for your example, you got a pretty sweet deal. I had to give a little north of 1K for mine, but still glad to have it. The P&R snubbies are seldom seen at the gun shows. Thanks for sharing yours!
Thanks for watching man. That’s why I jumped right on it.
Nice to see a younger guy using an old revolver. The old, pre lock, Smiths are hard to beat. Can you imagine we used to throw fits over S&W giving up the pined barrel and recessed cylinders😅. I have a lot of old Smiths, non of which have the Hillary hole, I won't buy a new Smith. The dash number only indicates a production change in that model. Nice revolver Matt, be carefull they come with an addiction at no extra charge. Smith will never make revolvers of that quality again so enjoy and appreciate. Love your videos man.
I’m with you! The new Smiths suck.
Yeah their QC has gone to Sh!t over the years. The old smiths are where it’s at.
I love revolvers. They are an elegant weapon for a more civilized age. 🤣
I absolutely love those older revolvers. Altamont makes really nice grips for those guns. I just got mine in for one of my 1911's.
Browne Works makes some great grips too. 🤠
@wyominggunproject I've never heard of Browne. I'll look them up.
GREAT GUN ! 👍👍👍
I only buy older smiths ! No keyholes for me in 2024 I picked up a 29-2 in mint condition and a 686 no dash new in the box unfired
That’s a fantastic pick up man
Me too! Older Smiths only!
I have this exact model. Mine has a lot of holster wear.
I traded an S&W 910 semiuuto for it even.
Got it from a police detective that didn't like revolvers .
I had this gun since 1996 and it is a great shooter.
Never selling it!
Great review and a beautiful gun. Now I want a vintage .357 snubbie, not overpriced, sketchy new stuff.
I have a 19-4 in 4". It was made around 1977. I think they made the -5 change around 1980. I also have the stainless brother to your's. A 66-4 in 2.5". Two of my favorite revolvers I own. $500? You did great!
A terrific revolver you can bet your life on
The internal mechanism of the old S&Ws are superior in every way from the newer ones
I have the Rossi m971 vrc . It is a 19 clone stainless 3 in but 2 in barrel with compensator built in . Has j frame grip . It is the best 357 38 carry piece I ever shot . It’s over 25 yrs old and looks new . No Hillary hole . 3 in full lug stainless is great look . Full power magnum has no recoil for me and no shock or sting in the hand . The stainless m971 vrc is perfect . I made a video about it .
I will have to check that out man🤠
@ k frame heavy barrel 3 in and j frame grip is peak carry 357 in stainless. You feel it could cover all the bases . I put hot 125 357 and hot 158 full power magnums and felt like shooting 38 in recoil .
gotta love the Colt hat while shooting the classic S&W, LOL
I have a m19-4.
I am the original owner.
It does have a pinned barrel.
It does have recessed chambers.
The logo is on the right side.
I also have a front red ramp and a rear white outlined sight.
Awesome. Thanks🤠
They definitely don't make them like that anymore , what a damn shame. I have the classic Model 29 and the Bluing really sucks. It's nice I like it but not as near as nice as let's say a model -2.
The -4 has a pinned barrel. My most cherished gun
I have quite a few K Frame S&W's... Mine are all 4" and 6 " and are "Dash 3's"... I've been in the market for a "Pinned and Recessed Snubby" for quite a while... Sellers always seem to set and figure their Prices on "Old Memories" or some off the wall story on how that particular Firearm "Saved Daddy's Life in Vietnam on 7 different occasions"!... Haha!... I don't care about all that!... I'm NOT a Publisher or Writer looking to Publish my next Book!... I want to buy the damn thing for what it's worth, market value or a little less... Anyhow, that's a pretty nice Wheel Gun you've got there!... I like that!... And one more thing, I will NEVER Purchase one of those "Lawyered Up", New Model "Classic Series" Revolvers from S&W.... NEVER!.. I feel the same way about The Colt "Snake Guns"!... Good Video!
The hammer nose vs frame mounted firing pin is an emgineering improvement, both are equally safe. The frame mounted is more durable and simpler to service...held in by a loose pin inside the frame. Modern sw do not use transfer bars. Its the same old rebounding hammer with an added hammer block lever.
Colts and rugers use the transfer bar.
I've got the model 66. Same gun, I believe, only stainless.
Old revolvers are making a huge comeback now , great investment at the moment
Have noticed that revolvers are making a comeback.
Thanks for your videos Wyoming :) Happy New Year to you young man :)
Thanks for watching a🤠nd a Happy New Year to you sir.
the guns ARE completely safe. what is inside is a sort of transfer bar that works the opposite way, comes up when the trigger is released instead of when it is pulled, so basically the same thing. as far as the firing pin on the hammer, I prefer it that way. it makes it easier to change out when needed. firing pin breaking from dry firing? never heard of it but suppose it could happen. I dry fire mine alot. but do not fear, snap caps are here. get some A ZOOM snap caps. get about 24 of them. yep 24, load 6 in the gun and load 3 speed loaders and practice in your home shooting and reloading. you will get quick at it.
Good video man, you should try and find a Ruger Speed-Six or at least a Security-Six or a Service-Six with a snub nose barrel to compare with that S&W.
Have a nickel 19-5. 6in. Bbl. Love it. Would like a blued one, one day.
I recently picked up two model 19s, a 6-inch from the mid-80’s, looks unfired, and a 4-inch from 1970, pinned and recessed, with target trigger and hammer. The quality and workmanship of these older Smiths is infinitely better than their new Hillary Hole garbage.
💯True
I have a Model 66-8 2.75 inch barrel, great shooter
They are great guns 🤠
Beautiful classic Smith snubby Matt! Looking at my 66-3 and 19-3. The 66 is 21/2" and the 19 is 4" and a nickle plated. Both being-3 guns but some interesting differences. Both have the forged trigger and hammer with the firing pin. However the 66 is not pinned and recessed and the 19 is pinned and recessed. Also the 19 has the S&W logo on the right side of frame and the 66 has it on the left side. I think I got the 66 in the early to mid 80's. The 19 belonged to Seth's father. It was his duty gun when he was a deputy for Stafford County. So don't know the years difference between the two but thought it was interesting with the changes between them both being -3 guns. Transitional at some point? Not a Smith expert either but one who really appreciates the older models. Sorry for the long post! Great video of a truly classic revolver!
I know you have some beautiful revolvers Mike. I have seen some of them. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you my friend 🤠
The reason for the difference in the 19 and 66 is even though they are both -3 is that the stainless version was released a few years after the 19. They are on a different different time line. Your 19 -3 may have been made in the 70's but your 66 was made in the mid to late 80's.
I have a 66-2 made sometime in the mid eighties.
.....ofcourse: the Mod.19>2.5" is the BEST. BUT: it has the difect [like all the 2.5"barrel]: to have a too short ejector system: it does not push out the empty [.357Mag.]case for its a quick->total< ejection >entire length] of the ase. It was simply/enough to augment it, for: 10-11/mm. at level of 'mouth/barrel'😊
Nice, 7 yards, 3 inch shoot-n-c targets :)
When you said about The Hammer and Firing Pin and all that Safety Stuff.... When you talked about the Hammer, That Function is referred to as a "Rebounding Hammer".....
Ah rebounding hammer. Thanks for the info that is good to know. 🤠
What a beauty!
yeah have 3 of them 2.5, 4.2, and a 6 inch. my 2.5 and 4.2 are 19-4s. don't no what the 6 is. my barrels are pinned and the cylinders are recessed. they are really nice guns.
Have a 19-3 4 inch with the bigger wood grips. It's not a Colt, but it's an absolute legend! The cops might be paying you a visit, as you stole that at $500!
I am the proud one owner of a model 19-3 and a model 66-1 both in 2.5". I bought both brand new and there never leaving my posession.
Hold on to those 🤠
Beautiful.
I thought all double action revolvers had a transfer bar but I am wrong. lol. I do like the transfer bar better though. And I tend to like Ruger single action revolvers because they look beautiful. But that is just me. In all I am happy to watch your videos because they are about guns and guns are awesome. Thank you.
Guns are pretty damn awesome 🤠
The original hand cannon
A double action trigger shouldn’t be stagey at the end. Staging the trigger at the end of a DA pull is unsafe and bad technique in general.
You can call s&w customer service they will run the serial number and tell you when it was made.
Thanks I will have to check that out. 🤠
I have a 4 inch version in pristine condition. was thinking of selling it or my 686. how will it handle 357 long term. i know the 686 is more robust but not sure about the 19.
The 19 is a beast man. I wouldn’t have any worries about a steady diet .357mag.
How about a video shooting at the range in the weather in December or January! You must have a stockpile of videos you shot in the summer. Keep em coming.
No sir. I am a fair weather shooter. I gotta get as many videos done as possible when the weather is nice. 🤣
@wyominggunproject Can't argue with that. Just had to throw it out there!
@@daveforys5095 I will try and do one in the snow for you 🤠
You basically stole that beauty! 🤘
I know. That’s why jumped at it. 🤠
Beautiful smith& Wesson but your hat advertises the Colt company......
Ok. Am I not allowed to like both?
Smith and Wesson doesn't know what they're doing. They're sitting on top of a gold mine of classic revolvers that desperately need to be revived. The only classic revolvers that they still manufacture are the models 36 and 10 and they're outrageously overpriced for what they are. I'd die to have a stainless version of the model 36. They used to manufacture it as the model 60. Today's model 60 isn't even the same firearm. In fact, it's a 2.25" 357 Magnum. That's NOT what the original model 60 was. Maybe CZ will buy them out soon? 😳❓️
I Agree With You Completely!... I have quite a Few S&W's... I am a Shooter and Collector of all kinds of various Firearms... Anyhow, I don't go past The "Dash 3" Models..... The Newer Ones just don't do it for me... The Frame Mounted Firing Pins, "Hillary Holes", MIM Parts, Etc. just doesn't do anything for me.... I think the "Hillary Holes" are the absolute worst!...They're just plain ugly!... There are Plug Kits Available to do away with it, but if something were to happen, an accident of some sort, or it getting into the wrong hands, there could very well be Legal Ramifications.... Anyhow, You Will Never Go Wrong With A Smith and Wesson!...
Modern Smiths might be fine but I'm not buying them either. The older guns aren't necessarily better shooters but F&F is often superb and details like pinned barrels, forged triggers and hammers, real case hardening, and some hand fitting means the old guns can be passed down to another generation of shooters. That's priceless.
You can’t compare the pre hole models to the new Smith and Wesson revolvers.
The fit and finish on the new revolvers is laughable.
Very true
Wearing a Colt hat to shoot a S&W? Were you dropped on your head?
Why? I’m not allowed to like both?