S&W 19

[res308]

Is the 19-8 any good? I found and I'm thinking about trading my 686 for it. Not sure yet though.

[gregintenn]

Why would you trade?

[Patton]

I would much rather have the 686.

[hipower]

I don't know that I've had any contact with the -8 models, but a 19 is generally considered the pinnacle of S&W revolvers. I can't imaging it being otherwise unless it's been modified or abused.

 

Well, after checking the Standard S&W Catalog, I see that the -8 is listed as:

Change in frame design, cyclinder stop stud eliminated, eliminate serrated tangs,change to MIM hammer with floating firing pin, change internal lockwork.

 

Hmmm. Maybe I should say I don't know instead, and just say I might pass if not a very good condition and price.

[TNWNGR]

You'd be upside down in the trade....

[VERO1]

I would not make that trade.

[Garufa]

The only thing a 19 has over the 686 is it's blue.  As much as I love 19's I'd keep the 686....it's a better gun.

[res308]

I do love the 19. Always have. The thing the 19 has over the 686 is better balance and slightly less weight, but not quite as strong. This one looks to be in great shape. But, he wants $600 or trade for a 686. Thing is, I have to agree, I'd hate to trade a 686 even for a 19. And I guess the real bottom line is that I'd have a hard time letting go of my 686-4 round butt. Sometimes a man just needs a little outside perspective to set him back straight. Thanks for the input fellers. 

[Garufa]

For $600 (or maybe a few bucks more) I'd like to think you could find an older 19-4 or earlier that's pinned & recessed with a proper hammer.

[res308]

For $600 (or maybe a few bucks more) I'd like to think you could find an older 19-4 or earlier that's pinned & recessed with a proper hammer.

Yeah that part bothered me too. I'm still not sold on the MIM parts myself. I'm about to buy another square butt 686 (no dash) anyhow. What I really wouldn't mind doing is reworking the -4 and finding a 3" barrel for it.

[nightrunner]

No way in he// id trade a 686-4 for a 19-8. Nope. Id have a hard time letting a 686-4 for ANYTHING. From what little research I did awhile back, the -4 is the best one to have all things considered.

[LCPfraTN]

As the others have said, the 686 is almost always going to be more valuable than a 19. I have nice examples of both revolvers and I definitely had to spend more to get my 686. So, I would expect to receive some cash in the trade if I was trading a 686 for a model 19.


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[Grayfox54]

I wouldn't trade. For that matter, I wouldn't even consider a 19-8. This model was when S&W made all the changes that many people don't seem to care for. They changed the frame, firing pin and started using MIM parts. Personally, I won't own any S&W revolver made after 1997. But then, I'm a grumpy old traditionalist anyway. 

[SmokyBaer]

......But then, I'm a grumpy old traditionalist anyway. 

 

 

Me too.  I'll keep my old model 65 with laser grip.  :up:

[res308]

I wouldn't trade. For that matter, I wouldn't even consider a 19-8. This model was when S&W made all the changes that many people don't seem to care for. They changed the frame, firing pin and started using MIM parts. Personally, I won't own any S&W revolver made after 1997. But then, I'm a grumpy old traditionalist anyway. 

Well on that note, how do you tell when it was made anyway? I did, by the way, never contact the guy. Decided to keep my 686. Too long and hard of a road to find it and too hard to let go of. I went ahead Saturday and gutted the ole girl and did a trigger job. Turned out real nice. I'll go back in later and put a spring kit in.

Edited February 16, 2015 by res308

[Grayfox54]

 how do you tell when it was made anyway?

 

You can get a general idea from the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (SCSW). This is the S&W collectors "Bible". It gives general dates for serial numbers. However, you have to bear in mind that S&W does NOT build guns in serial number order. Frames have been known to sit in the store room for years before actually being built. The only way to know for sure is to get a factory letter which will list the Ship Date.

However, in your case the "dash number" is more telling. The book lists every model and every dash number for that model including what engineering changes were made and when. The 19-8 was when the afore mentioned changes were made (1998). 

You don't necessarily need to run out and buy one. I have one and I'm sure a few others here do as well. Or you can simply go to Smith & Wesson Forum and ask.  :D

Edited February 17, 2015 by Grayfox54

[duder]

You can get a general idea from the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (SCSW). This is the S&W collectors "Bible". It gives general dates for serial numbers.

If anyone is interested in collecting or maybe identifying something you've inherited, the Kindle version is an excellent resource for $25 or so. There's a lot of information that was overwhelming to me at first, but if there are specific models you're looking for, it's nice to be able to access that info should you run across a pawn shop find.

[hipower]

Yes, the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson is a great resource book, not to mention a great place to see some of the best gun porn ever.

 

I have a 3rd Edition copy I bought from a member here, and it's been a very good informational tool. One of the best purchases I've ever made in the realm of gun information.

 

I understand the 3rd Ed is the last published. That may or may not be absolute, but that's as far as I know. 

[moondawg]

I'd keep the 686.  But that's just me.