S&W 19 Classic - The "Flip Side" of S&W...

[Encore64]

I posted a S&W 350 Legend a few weeks ago. It was a train wreck by anyone's definition.

My LGS also got in several 686, 686 Plus, 66 and a single 617 that all had issues. The 66 was actually quite nice except for the turned barrel shroud.

It brought up Quality Control that we've discussed on here many time. I've also stated that S&W was on my "Do Not Order" List. I'm always on the lookout for good examples, but will not order one.

My experience today turned 180°. My LGS got in a S&W 19 Classic. I've got a few of the "Classic" S&Ws and all are impeccable.

Upon inspection of this one, I found it to be one of the finest built revolvers I've ever held.

I went thru the gun and inspected every part of it. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find one thing that wasn't 100% Perfection.

Lockup, both cocked and not, were rock solid on the gun. Fit and finish would have to be seen to be believed.

Alignment of the barrel rib, grip fit, throats, barrel gap of .003" on all six chambers, etc. This gun was built like the Vintage S&Ws that I experienced decades ago.

I really wanted to add a 27 Classic as my S&W 357 Magnum. But, I couldn't pass this one up. It's on layaway pending more paychecks.

QC is a sticky subject these days. Clements told me I was the most OCD Custom he ever had. Probably True...

But, I wonder why more revolvers from S&W and other companies can't be like this one.

More after pictures...

[tdbarton]

[tdbarton]

[Encore64]

Thanks Tim...

I wanted to post this because there are still great revolvers out there.

It's sad that we have to inspect them ourselves instead of manufacturer's quality control being assured. But, it's the world we live in.

[ezekiel38]

Nice looking new Smith. Interested to see how it shoots. Looks good.

[Encore64]

These new S&W 19s have the extra detent latch on front of the cylinder to help keep them from shooting loose.

Will try to get pics of this...

[oddshooter]

A "Classic" huh?

Yep, the original was just beloved by many, including me. It just seemed to fit many of us; weight, fit, balance, size.
I haven't gotten myself to the Classics yet; but that may change from reports from folks like Encore. I'm guessing like Encore I need to inspect it in hand and be shocked.


Prescut

[Encore64]

Sadly, I can't tell you the next gun will be anywhere on the quality scale.

There's no rhyme or reason to QC these days...

[tdbarton]

Huey’s pic of the new(?) detent system

[Encore64]

Thanks Tim...

Yep, S&W added a detent locking system to help keep the guns from shooting loose.

It's worked well on the M69s. I believe it'll be a benefit here as well.

But, mine will be a 38-44 Load gun...

[x101airborne]

I wish I had someone with OCD like you to help me buy my guns. I could learn a lot by being quiet.

[brant]

Jul 8, 2023 5:30:14 GMT -5 x101airborne said:

I wish I had someone with OCD like you to help me buy my guns. I could learn a lot by being quiet.

So many more of us could too!

[bigbore5]

38-44's get enough done for most purposes and suit me fine. Heavier 357 go to the BFR or FA 353. But why go really heavy in the mag? That's what the maximum's are for.

My old no dash 19 is just sweet. I'd like to get a "classic" in 6" though.

[Encore64]

I'll admit to being ignorant about S&W Revolvers. But, many characteristics carry over regardless of brands.

I do enjoy reading the S&W Forum sometimes. Not a member, but some of those guys really know about S&Ws.

While many don't care for the shrouded barrels, they seem to work great. Dan Wesson certainly did well with them.

Talk is these are the best 19s ever. That's heavy praise because I've always heard great things about them.

I do like the longer cylinder in the S&Ws as compared to the Colts. This is especially useful with cast bullets.

I hope this gun shoots as well as it looks.

[Encore64]

Back at the shop this morning. Wanted to measure the Max COL which came out to a surprising 1.720". Will be a great cast bullet gun!!!