Which is a better model S&W 586 357 magnum or 19-3 357 magnum

[mac1911]

OK so the itch for a wheel gun keeps coming back. I have come across 1 of each and the price seems good to me. Its a shooter.
SO which model is better are there considerable design changes between the 2 or is it a matter of model # change.
From what I been told the 19-3 is from the early 70s the 586 late 80s early 90s ? I dont have serial numbers handy.

 

[SPG]

For shooting full 357 loads, go 586/686 over 19/66 for comfort. Both great guns!

 

[Palladin]

I have a 586 and previously owned a 19. The 19, 'combat magnum' was comparable to the mod 15 'combat masterpiece', with a slightly beefed up K frame. The 586 is on the L frame, slightly smaller than the N...mod 27/29 etc.

You can shoot full load 357 all day long from the 586 ( mine's ported, even better). The 19 will have your hand hurting after a box.

 

[ArmaNotSoLite]

I'm afraid I don't have any experience with the 19-3, but my 586-4 is one of my most fun guns to shoot. Depending on my mood, it gets out more than my semi autos. It's very controllable with full bore 357 mag loads, and my wife loves shooting it with .38's. Here's a picture of it breathing fire:

 

[Chris.Cal]

I'm afraid I don't have any experience with the 19-3, but my 586-4 is one of my most fun guns to shoot. Depending on my mood, it gets out more than my semi autos. It's very controllable with full bore 357 mag loads, and my wife loves shooting it with .38's. Here's a picture of it breathing fire:

View attachment 20933

Oh Boy, Think I just found my next acquisition. Nice picture!

 

[Remsport Mfg]

The 19 is a K frame and the 586 is the slightly larger L frame. Go with the 586.

 

[mark056]

The problem with the M19 is that it doesn't hold up as well with .357 magnum loads. Forcing cone erosion was a major problem.

When the M19 was introduced, conventional training wisdom by law enforcement was to carry .357's but to train with .38's as "practice ammo" either the traditional 158 gr lead roundnose, or the 146 gr target wadcutter, saving the .357 for duty. Police training changed and .357 ammo improved from the standard 158 gr semi-wadcutter to 125gr or 110gr jacketed hollowpoints. This is when it became apparent that the M19 couldn't hold up. The 586/686 (581/681 in fixed sight versions) came out and was S&W's solution to the problem. In terms of frame dimensions, they were very similar to both the Colt Python and Trooper Series (which have similar frame sizes "I" frame, I believe but much different lockworks). About the same time, Ruger came out with the GP100 series to address the same problem, although by all accounts the Security Six revolvers were pretty durable.

A lot of people love the Model 19 (one of dwarven1's favorite handguns, I believe). It has been characterized as a "carry much, shoot little" gun. I have always thought of it as a very durable .38 Spl with a .357 capability on occasion.

So as others have said: what do you want to use your revolver for? If you shoot mainly .38s, then go with the M19, if you are going to shoot a lot of .357 then go with the 586. I have a personal preference for the 586/686 series myself and have owned both the stainless and blue models.

 

[Knob Creek]

Remember for some odd reason the S&W 586 is not on the Mass list.

 

[mark056]

Remember for some odd reason the S&W 586 is not on the Mass list.

It might have something to do with the fact that it is not been in production for some years now . The only "L" frame revolvers currently available new from S&W are the 686's...but there are numerous 586s used out there, some at attractive prices.

 

[samandglove1]

For your purposes, to be a "shooter", I would go with the 586. For collecting, I would go with the 19-3.

 

[dwarven1]

The 19 will have your hand hurting after a box.

Wuss. Never had that problem and I've put plenty of .357 through mine.

The problem with the M19 is that it doesn't hold up as well with .357 magnum loads. Forcing cone erosion was a major problem.
A lot of people love the Model 19 (one of dwarven1's favorite handguns, I believe).

No, they don't hold up real well, and yes, they are one of my favorites. S&W charges $60 to fix the forcing cone erosion problem these days. Do I really have to explain how I know this?

 

[TonyT]

I you intend to shoot mostly full power 357 Magnum loads then get the 586. Users of Model 19's are advised not to shoot 357 Magnum ammo with the lighter 125-130 gr. bullets and only use the 158 gr. bullets. Apparently the ammo with the lighter bullets tends to damage the forcing cone.

 

[dwarven1]

I you intend to shoot mostly full power 357 Magnum loads then get the 586. Users of Model 19's are advised not to shoot 357 Magnum ammo with the lighter 125-130 gr. bullets and only use the 158 gr. bullets. [STRIKE=.]Apparently the[/STRIKE] Ammo with the lighter bullets tends to damage the forcing cone.

Fixed that for you. There is no "apparently" about it. It erodes the inner edge of the forcing cone. It should look like a perfect circle with a sharp inner edge, not beveled - if it looks like it's beveled, it's worn and needs to be repaired. Don't a$k me how I know.

BTW... the procedure that S&W does at the factory is as follows: they measure the barrel:cylinder gap, then remove the barrel (there are no more M19 barrels to be had). They then turn down the forcing cone until it's perfectly flat. Then they turn down the barrel where it comes up against the outer part of the frame the same amount, ensuring that when the barrel is again mounted into the frame the barrel:cylinder gap is the same. (Well... I'd guess that what they really do is turn down it down a bit longer and then adjust the barrel:cylinder gap by taking what is needed off of the forcing cone, but that's just me speculating. What is above is how the procedure was described to me by an S&W rep.)

Oh, and it's about $60. Plus shipping. Might be cheaper to drive it out there and pick it up when it's done.

 

[mac1911]

all good to know...thanks guys

 

[vellnueve]

Find yourself a 520. Classic look of the 19 but with the frame and strength of a 586.