Well it took ten years, but I now have a Model-19 snubbie
 

Well I finally found a S&W Model 19-4 snub-nose. I should say I finally found one that I was willing to pay for. It cost me $675.00. I had to sell a couple of my guns to Cabelas in order to have enough cash (none of my S&W guns), but I'm tired of either finding one and not being able to afford it or not finding one when I have the money. I know that I would have made more money if I sold the guns directly to another private person, but that might take awhile and by then the Model 19 would have sold. So I took the loss. That's capitalism for you. I bit the bullet. I'm sure almost everyone here can understand sometimes dropping more money than you might like for that model that you've wanted for years. Whether it's a Model 27 3.5" barrel, pre-war S&W Outdoorsman, nickel plated Colt Government Model in Super 38, Colt Python or whatever you like.

Looks like it was a cop's Model 19. Mechanically it's very sound. Bore is clean. Passed the function check. Timing and endshake are good and I think mostly 38 Special was fired in it. Most of the wear to the finish is on the cylinder and the muzzle. Classic holster wear pattern. Date of birth is 1980. Lot of money (for me), but now I got my Model 19 snub-nose. I'll probably post photos tomorrow

I had to make the same decision when I got my Model 60. Took a loss in trade on my 870 and my 1911. I had no affinity for the jamomatic shotgun or the American icon that was made in Brazil, but I really wanted that no dash stainless snub before someone else got to it. One of the best gun decisions I've ever made; the snub is my go-to EDC here in hot, humid Florida.

I hope to get a Model 65 or 66 with a short barrel at some point. I have a lot of more practical items on my short list at the moment, though. Kudos to your new S&W snub, sir. Post pics when/if you can.

Congrats! I know what it's like to find your holy grail, I feel the same about my new Irish SMLE. Look forward to seeing pictures!

Okay here it is. Like I said there is wear to the finish mostly on the cylinder.

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...psc905b3b8.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...psc159dc68.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...psccb30172.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/...ps82cc796e.jpg

I very badly want a Model 66 snub

Nice! I always wanted one of those.

And I would consider getting a pair of Pachmayr grips for them.

I've got Houges on them right now, but in January I'll get my uniform and equipment allowance and I'll purchase a pair of Pachmayr grips then.

I can't even see the wear on the gun, it looks great. Did the gun come with a pair of gold frame Aviators and a mustache?

And a really awesome crushed blue velvet leisure suit. :eek:

Dude, all you need after your leisure suit, shoulder holster, aviators, and mustache, is a badge on a neck chain.

Oh, and a partner that carries a Colt Commander (that can be me).

I love it. Nice piece. Can't wait to hear a range report.

Funny you should mention the neck chain............I have two badges. One is for my uniforms and the other one is on a chain that I wear around my neck when I carry off duty or when I'm attending training and I'm wearing street clothes. Believe it or not the current thinking now for off duty cops and detectives is to have the badge on a neck chain.......again. Off duty cops who have been shot by on duty cops responding to a situation that has "gone south" have been found (in most cases) to have the badge on their belt or in a wallet (that they may or may not have been displaying). Research now shows that the neck chain makes the badge more visible and decreases the chance of friendly fire. So I guess our ancestors knew better. :eek:

Range report.

Got it to the range today (10/09/14). No hiccups. I currently have Houge rubber grips on it. Put some Remington .357 Magnum 158 grain semi-jacketed hollow points through it. Very comfortable. Actually I was surprised after hearing how the Model 19 snubbie is such a fire-breather when shooting magnums through it. Perhaps the Houges made the difference. As a comparison I fired a couple cylinders of the same load through my 4" Model 28. The Highway Patrolman was a little more mild, but not that much. Of course recoil is subjective so who knows what the reality is. Anyway I was surprised. I should add that I don't think it would be as pleasant to shoot with the Magna grips.

Also fed it a box of Federal 148 grain +P+ 39 Special. Shot out the center of the target at 15 yards and no lead blowback (i.e. no lead shavings flew back into my face). For those not familiar with revolvers lots of lead shavings can indicate that the timing is off. Guess the timing is on. I'm very pleased that my long sought after revolver is in good condition. :cool:

Sorry guys I didn't think to take photos.