[LUBrowningBoy]

So...I'll be turning 21 this coming December and I'm in love with the look and feel of this revolver. Like the .357 but have not been able to shoot it through this piece.

Would those who own one please comment on what they like/dislike about it? What grips and barrel lengths do you like?

[danf_fl]

Before changing anything, I would shoot at least a couple hundred rounds through it first.

Then, if I decide that it is not for me, I did not put my hard earned money into something (like grips) that the next owner may not like.

[c3shooter]

What's not to like? That was Bill Jordan's baby, son of the Model 10, father of the Model 66. Mine is a 6 inch, balance dang near perfect. The oversized target grips are s smidge big for my small hands, but work well with really hot loads.

Out of production since about 99, it is the revolver other companies try to duplicate.

[mcb]

The best balanced revolver you'll ever shoot.

[LUBrowningBoy]

Thanks for the input guys. I've spent close to the past 2 years just rifling through my books looking at hundreds of handguns..and I keep going back to page with this beauty on it.

Update: My buddy in the dorm has a 4inch stainless model 19. He said I can shoot it

[JTJ]

I had a 19 and a 66. Both were very nice guns but I would choose a 686. While you will probably never shoot enough 357 to hurt it, the 686 L frame was brought out because of the K frames short comings. The K frame was never designed to shoot large amounts of 357 magnums. The police used to shoot 38 spl for practice and carry 357 for duty so very few 357 loads were fired. When the police started practicing with duty loads, the K frames started having problems and the L frame was developed. The L frame is in between the K frame and the much larger N frame and was designed specifically for the 357 magnum.

[axxe55]

both the M19 and M66 are excellent revolvers and IMO, some of the best ones ever made by Smith & Wesson. i think you have made a very choice in a pistol and one that you will enjoy for many years to come. good luck. BTW, nice to see a younger shooter wanting a revolver to start with!

[mongoose90]

This is my S & W 686 6 inch with the original wood grips.

[rslayden]

I have a 4" M19. Love it! It's the gun I used to teach my wife to shoot. The target grips work well for me. Balanced, heavy enough to handle recoil of .357 and pure enjoyment with .38s. One of my guns that my kids will be fighting over when I'm gone.

[robocop10mm]

The model 19 is a fine revolver. It is a little light for a steady diet of full power Magnum ammo. It will eventually develop issues (correctable), but it will take several thousand rounds to see this. If you shoot mostly Specials and a box or three of Mags a year, you will not likely have any issues.

I prefer the larger N-frames, but they are a bit big for mere mortals.