Got my S&W M-19 — what loads are best?

[Rob893]

I fell in love with the K-frame S&W M-19, and finally bought one. I think it is the best-looking revolver out there, and it feels great in my hand.

Now people are telling me not to shoot a lot of magnum loads through it, that it wasn't built to hold up to that. Others say you can shoot them, but use the 158-grain, not the 125.

The gun was made in 1970, a 19-3, black with a rubber grip. It is in excellent condition. I don't mind shooting .38 sp. at the range, but I do want to put some magnums through it. Any advice on this? Things I should be aware of?

 

[bbarer]

I love my Model 19, it is more robust than they say it is just not as strong as some of the newer models like the L frames. I have shot loads of 357 through mine with no ill affects. For the cost factor though 38 Sp is the way to go. 3.6 gr Bullseye with 158 gr LSWC. Very accurate round in these guns and pleasant to shoot...

 

[Mikie]

My personal experience with a S&W 19 6". I put several thousand (estimate 3K to 6K) through mine. Gas cutting began to erode the forcing cone and eventually one magnum round split the forcing cone. I continued my recoil junkie practices with the 19 and put another 3K through the gun with a 2nd barrel. The forcing cone showed significant erosion from gas cutting and I finally sold it. It was the 2nd gun I ever bought and I had it for nearly 39 years. I would have kept it if Smith could replace the barrel but there are almost no model 19 barrels anymore to be found. I now own a model 66 4" which I will shoot mostly 38 spl +Ps or significantly downloaded 357s. I want to make this one last so I can pass it down to one of my kids.

 

[mark056]

The Model 19 was used by law enforcement for several generations when conventional training wisdom was to train with .38 spl (freqeuntly wadcutters) and carry .357 Mag. When the "fight like you train" philosophy became the norm, it was found that the constant diet of .357 magnum loads started taking its toll especially when the 125 grain loads became popular. Forcing cone erosion became a major issue and as a result S&W developed the L frame series to allow for that.

I thank Model 19's are great guns, but I would restrict my diet to mainly .38's with an occasional use of .357's. Ross (Dwarven1) is a great fan of the Model 19 and I hope he responds to your post and he can share his experiences with this classic wheelgun.