Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

Smith .357 K-frame revolver questions. . .

beantownshootah
I tried out a Smith 66 last night at the range, and BOY was that gun sweet! Can any of you Smith buffs answer a few questions about this class of revolver?

1. When did Smith stop making the counter-bored/pinned models?

2. What's the difference between the 19-2s, 19-3s, and 19-4s, (etc)? Which one (if any) is considered the best shooter?

3. Is there any significant difference in quality between the 66s and the 19s?

Thanks in advance for the answers, which I know are going to be informative!
0

Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • richbug
    The quality difference between the 66 and 19 is simple, the 66 won't rust. I still prefer the 19 because I am a sucker for a nice blued S&W. They aren't making them any more. Get one while you can. The new S&W's are going to have the multi piece barrel which I am not find of.

    Ideally the highest dash number is the most improved/evolved model, but many times the change was for the purpose of cost savings, not improving the gun. I try and buy my S&W's with the lowest dash#, most screws on the side plate, and with the nicest deep dark blue.

    .
    0
  • Laredo Lefty
    Smith discontinued the P&R "pinned and recessed" guns in 1982.

    Model 19-2 change was in 1961 with cylinder stop change and deletion of the triggerguard screw. 1963 introduced the 6" barrel and in 1966 they introduced the 2 1/2" barrel.

    The model 19-3 was 1967 where they relocated the rear sight leaf screw, and 1968 when they stopped putting the diamond pattern around the grip screw.

    The model 19-4 was in 1977 where they moved the gas ring from the yoke to the cylinder. And it goes on from there to the model 19-8.

    I prefer the smoother action of the model 19. I have 3 model 19's and 3 model 66's with 2 1/2", 4" and 6" versions of each. The model 19's were discontinued in Nov 1999.

    All the model 19's and 66's are great shooters. Most of these changes to the model 19 are minor "small part" modifications and cosmetic design changes that do not effect accuracy.

    It is interesting to note that S&W is no longer going to make the "K" frame guns, so get them while you can. I own about 25 "K" frames. Along with the "N" frame, they are my my favorite.



    Joe
    "Never let school interfere with your education"
    0
  • mballai
    Both 19 and 66 are great. Generally speaking I find the older guns seem to have better triggers as is.

    Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead
    0
  • David Nunn
    I don't know about the 1982 date. I have an early 686 made in 1978 that is not pinned or recessed. I have never seen a pinned and recessed 686.

    FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com the best gun auction site on the Net! Email gpd035@sbcglobal.net
    0
  • ATF
    Originally posted by nunn
    I don't know about the 1982 date. I have an early 686 made in 1978 that is not pinned or recessed. I have never seen a pinned and recessed 686.

    FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com the best gun auction site on the Net! Email gpd035@sbcglobal.net
    [/quote


    The S&W Standard Catalog of Firearms Second Edition on page 313 says pinned barrels were discontinued about 1982. [:)]

    Eagle_Guns.gif
    standard.jpg
    standard.jpg
    When a worm wants to relax,does he go fishing? "And remember a wet dog doesn't fly at night" "My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be." ATF,Eagle Guns
    0
  • William81
    Not saying your are wrong there Nunn, but I believe the L frame series was announced around 1980 and was available sometime there after....

    Guns only have two enemies: Rust and Liberals....
    0
  • SP45
    As I recall the L frame came out around 82 or 83 to respond to some worries that the K frame would shoot loose at a faster rate than a heavier frame. The Colts had the larger frame and this was more in line with their product.I ordered a 6" 686 as soon as they came out, and still have it. At the time they came out they were offering tradeins to police departments and my department within about a year time switched to them. I went to the Smith armorers school in 84 after we got the guns. The L frames had the new crush fit barrel instead of the pinned and recessed.
    0
  • richbug
    I have a first year 586 arround here somewhere and if I recall correctly it is an 82. No pinned or recessed. I think it is an aab prefix gun

    .
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity