S&W Model 19 Classic vs Original 

Again, if you are confused about the NRA plug, you've missed some recent videos that explain it. See "NRA Announcement," "Shooting the Breeze # 37," and "Shooting the Breeze #38." If you missed all these recent videos and feel a deep need to TROLL and HATE, have at it. Getting a little attention can be addictive. :-)

To those that think Hickok copied my video, it wasn't intentional and it's not a copy! These types of flukes happen more times than many of you may know. 😀 The truth is, Hickok filmed this before I filmed my video, he just didn't release it until after I had released mine. He didn't know my video was out there. As evidence of this, in this video he asks you to join the NRA which is something they stopped doing some time ago, well before I filmed my Model 19 video. It's just one of those freakish incidents that happen in life. Great video guys!!!

Bought a 19-3 back in mid 70's from an Oakland California motorcycle cop for 150 bucks. Best gun buy I ever made. Story has it that he had to shoot two guys that were holding up a store on E. 14th St. in Oakland with the gun and it kinda bothered him so he sold it. Doesn't bother me a bit, best shooter I own.

I bought my 19 back in the early ‘70s and carried it as a off duty weapon. There wasn’t A finer revolver out there in my day. The trigger squeeze is as good as it gets. I’ve always took great care of my weapons and i still own it to this day. At 82 I’m giving mine to my daughter when I cross the Rubicon.

I’ve had my Model 19 since 1980. It fires just as nice today as it did 40 years ago. You just can’t go wrong with it. 👍👍

I prefer the darker wood on the original.

Bought my model 19-3 at Big 5 in 1975, $167.50. I was 21 years old, and this was my very first handgun. This gun got me into reloading, put thousands of rounds through it. I have bought and sold dozens of guns since, but managed to hold on to the 19. With the current severe ammo shortage, I have rediscovered the joy of shooting this great gun with my target handloads! All shooting double action these days, makes for a good house gun.

The classic S&W's are far more elegant looking handguns than the new ones.

My 19-3 still going strong. Beautiful workmanship!

So much nostalgia. After I was taught about firearms and how to shoot them with a 10/22 and a Mark II around the age of 8, I graduated to a Model 19. I still have a special place in my heart for .38 special and .357 magnum and of course the model 19. It was a perfect progression for me. Flat, accurate shooter and controlable magnum fun at a young age got me hooked.

A frame lock and sleeved S&W will never be in my safe. Love the 19-3.

I have one of these (new 19). It's actually a well made gun. I do like it. It is DEFINITELY a very pretty gun. That said, it lacks the pure beauty of the original. The bluing is different (I think that some of this is that the polish isn't quite as good underneath the bluing). I would like to not have the key lock hole. That said, I got over that blemish a very long time ago. As for MIM parts, Smith has used them for a very long time (as have other manufacturers). I've never broken one and I've been shooting for decades.

Got my 19 from my dad. He got it when he was a LEO in late 50's. Finest firearm I own.

I'm 33 and every revolver I own was made before I was born.

Great video. My dad was an NOPD officer in the 80's and this was his duty gun. He recently passed and left it to me. Is a beautiful piece of hardware that will be passed down.

I agree the new 19's do not match the old ones. I have 3 REAL classic 19's and they are my favorite revolver. Great comparison video!

I agree with you Hickok. I would never buy that so-called Model 19 “Classic” what a joke. I bought my 19-4 in 1975. I carried it at times as a patrolman in Philly. Due to holster wear I sent it back to S&W and had it re-blued, simply beautiful, A REAL CLASSIC. They inspected and replaced any worn parts. I love it.

I inherited a 19-3 model from my grandfather. I believe by researching the serial number it was from 1972. It's a beautiful piece and I'm happy to have it!

Good video. I agree with your comments. I have several S&W revolvers from the 60’s and 70’s. The golden generation of revolvers.

This guy is cool. With everything that is going on with gun violence today he still manages to make them seem safe and fun. Don't own any firearms myself but i intend to own at least 4 or 5 some day.

The bullets go where Hickok tells them to go! Pretty good group on the cowboy for just messing around! I’m not super old but I’ve started to appreciate wood furniture and older models more lately. Polymer is functional but has no soul. Been loving wood furnished shotguns and revolvers lately. Great vid as usual!

I think the modern machining is better today than it was even back in the 1970's. Heck, just look at cars. (My 1971 Camaro was a piece of junk after 60K compared to even my 1990's Civic) . The Civic lasted over 200K and was still in good shape. There is no point in producing an almost in spec gun that has to be hand fitted when the machining produces the same thing within tight specs item after item. I bet computerized machines can make a gun within tighter specs than a person could. I'm unconvinced by the internet mythology. Like I said, I have several very nice early S&W's but my new ones are just as nice and in some ways improved.

“Classic” is simply a marketing term that is employed to draw in those that are wanting a old school revolver . Those buyers are likely young and don’t have the knowledge or experience to know the differences. Perhaps the buyers feel that these “classic” revolvers will have future collector value. I think that videos like this will educate those that have taken the time to view them.

LOL You can tell he's really not excited about the new 'classic' at all.

I agree MY MODEL 19-3 that my Uncle bought back in the beginning of 1973 and it just sat on his table next to his bed all its life is absolutely mint the blue and the wood handles are just pristine , it is just so beautiful to look at, I seriously doubt he or anyone else ever fired the gun. He died last july 11, I have been playin with that gun since I was 8 yrs old an I am blessed that the old boy passed it on to me, GOD bless you and thank you Uncle Amen.

I bought a new one in 76. it had a 6" bl and was a nickel finish. Probable the best and my personal favorite pistol I've ever owned. The nickel finish cracked on the cylinder once and I sent it back to S&W., and they fixed it for free. Since then only 38+p and light 357s. Great gun!

I have a 19-4 I bought in 1978 new and paid 125 dollars for it. Knowing what I know now I wish I had bought 5 of them. Great shooter.

Just watched this vid while cleaning my freshly soiled model 19-5. I have no experience with new ones but the older ones are perfection! Thanks Hickok, and Happy New Year!

The only thing better than a S&W model 19 is two of them!

I would seriously consider buying the Classic if they would just leave the heinous key lock off.

Just acquired my best friends model 19-4. He passed away in 2000 and his wife finally decided to let it go. Just the sentimental value to me was worth it at any price. Only thing missing were the original grips as my friend loved aftermarket grips. I’ll shoot it this week and remember all the good times we had at The Range. Great video.

I found and bought a Mod 19-3 4" in a Pawn shop today. It is pinned and recessed and doesn't appear to have ever been fired. Seriously! Pinned and Recessed for $569. I can't not shoot it. I was 20 -23 yrs old when it was made. It came from a collector's family after he passed and I doubt the store or the family knew its value. I had an Ahrends Retro Target grip for it and I'm in hog heaven. I guess even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while :o)

Bought my model 19 (Combat Magnum) new in 1972 with some fur money for $145.00. Wanted something convenient to carry while still on the trap line during deer season. Still have it.

The Original looks better than the Classic... without questions. 😉

I'll show my age a little here, but when it comes to my S&W revolvers I'll choose the original models every time. The sleeved barrel of the new "classic" is one of many things I don't care for. I'm not worried about the forcing cone difference, I shoot .38 special in my old 19, when I feel like shooting .357 mag I'll take my model 28 highway patrolman to the range, or sometimes my model 27. The "N" frame is more comfortable with full power .357 loads.

Your shooting with the pistols always impresses me. That 2 liter and gong shot with that little gun! Very cool!

My 19-3 4" .357 has the best single action trigger I have ever felt on a firearm! Love it. Granted it doesn't see many .357's, ir does see a few 38spl's a year. Love it!

There r actually 51 improvements in the new classic - including out of the box trigger - cylinder lock up - always perfect barrel alignment to just name a few

My dads 19 was the first gun I ever shot. Absolute classic!

Hickok45, take a look at the re-issue 586 Classic. I purchased it over the 19 Classic because I prefer its full underlug barrel and square-butt frame. My only complaint is the Altamont grips that S&W uses (poor fit at the backstrap). As for the lock...I don’t even notice them anymore. I own old and new S&W’s and have never had an issue with the new stuff. Good review!

I am a model 19 owner, original! There are no substitutes or exceptions to the quality of the original Smith & Wessons. Thanks Hickok.

I'm a long time Model 19 fan. My first handgun was a Model 19 and I've probably owned a dozen or more over the years. I've got two now. A 19-1 and a 19-9. The -9 is a worthy successor to the older guns.

That 2002 may be named The Classic, but the 19-3 is dripping with ELEGANCE. Having the 2 1/2" 4" 6" 19-3 All manufactured in 1972 the Year of my eldest Daughter I have it all covered.

Best gun channel on RU-vid, following You for 6 years, cheers from France

The Old one looks 10 times better!

Ah, i think the model 19 is possibly the best looking firearm.. Like of all time.

Growing up in a family that strongly dislike firearms, I never got a chance to handle them let alone see one in person. Recently, I bought a house and now living on my own. A co-worker and friend took me to a gun range because I told him I never even see a real gun in person. He had, basically almost ever types of gun, from pistol to shotgun to rifle and from modern times to pre-historic use. When I shot one of his 357 magnum revolver... hot damn, it was quite nice. Long story short, I'm getting myself a revolver and the S&W model 19 is one of my few consideration. Even if it may not be the original, it still looks nice and the shooting based on tests looks good. Thanks for the in-depth review of the gun. :)

The older smiths are elegant, however as I understand it the ejector shaft’s new D shape is much more durable than the old two little pins and track, the frame mounted firing pin is also said to be more reliable, and moving the front lock from the end of the extractor shaft to the yoke prevents a bent shaft from locking up the revolver. Ratchet is also said to be improved. Bottom line, I prefer the originals, but if I had to bet which one would handle 5000 full power loads without going out of time or other problems, I’d bet on the -8.

That bluing on that old one 😁😁 vs the new is gorgeous

My original Model 19 went through the police academy with me in 1981, and then rode my hip for several years afterwards before I changed to Model 66 due to Louisiana's climate. Both of them "got away" from me over the years, but I am the proud new owner of a 19-4 again. I never once considered buying one of those Model 19 "Classics." Like you, I find them "atrocious." I'm an old school guy, and simply calling a new gun a "Classic" does not make it a classic. My old true classics served me well, and you are right that S&W can't build the old quality guns at a price most people can afford. Honestly, most people aren't going to shoot a lot of .357's in a K frame revolver. The L- and N-frames are much more suitable for that. Most people will shoot .38's in their 19's and then load them with .357 for the potential of having to use the gun for social purposes. Forget the idea that the new gun might be "stronger." In real life that's not a factor.

I wonder how they're selling.... For me, ill spend the extra money and get an old one

Thank you for speaking about the mim parts, Seems like most reviewers sweep that stuff under the rug, funny thing is by now it seems like the mim is really good.

7:38 I found a 4 inch 19-3 at my local gun shop for a steal of a price under $700 and it's in great shape.

I like the old model 27 highway patrol 357 very tough revolver have prob 8000-9000 rounds of very hot hand loads and 5-6000 38 specials through it great gun

My Dad has a Beautiful 70s model 16 Dan WESSON ... Nothing like Old Steel and Wood

Just look at the Grips alone to compare the craftsmanship of the old compared to the new. I've bought new Smith's but was unimpressed comparing them to the quality of my older ones.

I love my model 19 I found one in a pawn shop. The previous owner did a trigger job on it but I was getting light primer strikes so I had to put a new hammer spring in there. They run like a clock just don't shoot 125 grain Magnums through it like Hickok said the forcing cone can crack. Stick with 158 grain and you'll be fine.

The one thing that you left out... And it surely is not everybody's cup of tea... Is reloading the round. A lot of people get intimidated by a Magnum round. But in the 357 format... You can change that scary recoil. You just reload with a lesser powder charge. It allows a new shooter to get used to the feel of the handgun. It gives a new shooter confidence... So they are not flinching because of the recoil. That's one thing you can do with a revolver that you can't do with a semi-auto. I got my wife use to the 357....by reloading rounds that were probably around the 22 caliber range. It gave her confidence before we moved up to 38... Then 38 special..and 38 + p. She has not shot a hot and heavy load yet. But when it comes time for that 158 grain... I think she can handle it. Build confidence and technique... Everything else should fall into place.

I recently watched a video on these revolvers by a S&W trained gunsmith. In his opinion this model is very good. The MIM parts are precision made, the steel alloys used are first rate. Collectors turn up their noses at the new ones but turns out they are very good.

We are of a similar age & era, and I as well lean heavily toward vintage firearms. There are newer to new pieces in the vault, but I love the old ones a wee bit more. My son has pushed me into owning newer gear... and I enjoy all of them. However, I have swayed him toward shooting vintage firearms and loads. In the end, we push each other and learn something useful in the act.

had a model 19 classic saved in my cart at bud's, watched this video and changed my mind. bought a 19-5 yesterday. love your videos even if you are soft on colt

I carried the 4" S&W 19 as a U.S. Marine at three American Embassies 1992-1994. We carried .38SPL +P Nylon Clad JHP ammo. I loved that gun. I now personally own a 1978 6" version. Love it. Keep it loaded with .38SPL +P JHP in case the boogie man breaks into my house 🧐.

The grips on the old one are gorgeous. The new grips look nice, but no comparison.

One handed .357 group on the Cowboy.....Come On! …...Phenomenal! (9:44)

I started working security back in '85 and carried the model 19-3 with a 6 inch barrel. I replaced the grips with Pachmayr combat grips. It had belonged to a police officer with Dallas P.D. who had bought it new in '77. Back then it was frowned upon to carry magnum loads so I carried the .38 +P semi jacketed hollow points. Since then I have fired 1full box of magnums out of it.

The world loves you Papa HICKOK!! Killin it review! Pls keep rollin the clips. Your the best!! 💯

Good stuff. Thanks again Sr & Jr Hickock

9:44 Nice echo!! Kinda spooky but still groovy.

I bought my Model 19 in 1964 at the Rodman Naval Exchange in the Panama Canal zone. I ordered it with target trigger and hammer along with smooth rosewood stocks. I carried it all over south and central America including the Amazon. It was also my bear protection gun later in Alaska. I still have it and it's still a great firearm.

Relatively new subscriber - love your videos. On the new 19 Classic: I can accept the new style grips & making only a rounded grip frame; it is easy enough to fit a set of "conversion" grips - as S&W does - to replicate the older style target grips & you can also fit a round butt set of grips. I would rather have a hammer mounted firing pin, but can accept it is now frame mounted. The differences between the hammer thumb pad & cylinder latch thumb pad don't really annoy me. I can accept MIM parts; that technology & processing is becoming mature & done right those parts serve well. I think the cylinder latching in the crane area would probably be more robust than latching at the tip of the cartridge ejection rod (I'm sure Ruger would say so!). It would be nice to have the cylinder recessed for the cartridge heads & a pinned barrel but I understand how the extra machining & assembly processes would probably be restrictive. A shrouded barrel is OK; it probably allows engineering to design it to be only a barrel without worrying about the aesthetics that the shroud accomplishes. But there is no way I can accept that safety key hole in the frame for the internal safety. I don't accept that it would cost too much to produce the Classics series without it. It would be less internal parts, & they currently produce both key hole & solid J frames. I would be a buyer for a few of the Classics line, but will continue to search for clean used pre-lock examples. Sorry for the rant..but the hole is ugly.

If given a choice, I would still choose the early 70's over the 2018. I truly love the thicker hand grips on the older Smith's. Just my preference....

I have a 19 and 686, and a 17 and 617. Four of the best SW revolvers ever. They all get regular use, and no sign of forcing cone crack.

Model 19. My favorite. It’s been in famous films like the 2018 Halloween and shows like stranger things. Laurie uses one in Halloween and hopper uses one in stranger things. Very iconic gun. I love it

I remember a few years back I was shooting my .38 and my uncle bought out his .357 and asked me if I wanted to shoot it im not going to lie I was so terrified lol but then he told me if you could shoot a .38 then a .357 will do you just fine and he was right! I fell in love with it and I went out a week later and bought me a model 60 and its my EDC . Now after seeing the model 19 I know what I'm getting myself for my birthday

I carried a model 19, loaded with Super Vel +P as my CCW for years. Awesome pistol, excellent trigger.

Sitting here with my 19-5 while I watch this vid. 2 1/2 in bbl ,nickel plated. I remember when I went to gun shop with my dad when he bought it. I will never get rid of it , best handgun ever.

Growing up in Louisiana I ran across Bill Jordan a few times and his favorite gun was the Model 19. His hands made it look so petit.

I’m 100% with you Hickock on all points you raised. My 19-3 rarely comes out of the safe, and when it does, it’s often to just look and fondle. If I were a LEO today, and round guns were the preferred duty weapon, the 19 Classic would be my choice, hands down. I hope S&W sells a lot of them, so it’s a money maker for them. Cheers!

I’ve been looking for a 357 wheel gun and I will check this one out. S an W have been around and proven. I don’t mind the sleeve barrel and as far as the key goes I’ll crank it up and toss the key. As usual. Great video and thanks for the review.

I have seen some detailed inspections and it looks to me like the new one is actually improved in almost every regard except for the lock. So I need to find out more of the specifics of how the lock works to determine how bad it really is. I know the early lock guns had issues with locking themselves at inopportune moments but I haven't heard anything like that in many years. If the lock is really not a reliability issue I could really learn to love the classic.

Probably the best gun channel ever? 👍

I will say that model 19, blued, with wood handles, is a wet dream for me.

Love your RU-vid channel. I though about buying one of these new "old style" revolvers from S&W because they are very nice, but like you said in your video they are not the same gun as the classic model 19. Fortunately for me, I found a model 19-3 nickel plated in excellent condition, it even had the original box and I bought it for around the same price as these new ones sell for. So happy I waited and bought the true classic when I found it.

Really appreciated your reflections on why they don’t make them like they used to!

The signature revolver used by Daisuke Jigen.

John busted my sides with that “15 round group” measurement

I don't like the key hole but that alone wouldn't stop me from buying that new 19. What does keep me from buying them is the EDM rifling. I bought a model 69 because the concept resulted in a very useful gun. Problems arose with lead bullets, which is what I load in most of my handgun ammo. The new rifling leads far worse than broach cut barrels. As I looked into it, I found many others were having the same problem with EDM barrels & lead bullets. I can het past the other negatives, not that 1 though

I’d rather have a new one. I wasn’t around when that 19-3 was made and I don’t like dealing with the gun show crowd. It’s the sentimentality that makes you not like the “classic.”

I'm literally picking up an old 13 from my FFL today. I'm a young guy but I absolutely refuse to purchase a newer Smith because of the changes. I would be happy to pay extra for a new one if it were identical to the early pinned and recessed models but with modern materials.

I have a mod 19 and a mod 29 from the 70s They are great and mint Condition

The Model 19 was introduced in 1955 and went into full production in 1957. It came from a suggestion from legendary Border Patrol Inspector Bill Jordan who was presented the first one on November 15, 1955. I have owned a number of Model 19s in both the 4-inch barrel and the 25-inch barrel, and the Model 66 with the 4-inch barrel. They were good guns and a lot lighter, making them great a duty sidearm. My right hip thanked me when I switched from a Highway Patrolman to a Combat Magnum. This was back in the good ol' days of the Jordan-inspired, steel-shanked holsters from Don Hume, among others. However, as a reloader I always preferred the heavier-framed Colts and the S&W Model 27 and Model 28 Highway Patrolman. They could withstand hotter rounds and had much less felt recoil than the Model 19. The big N-Frame Smiths were built like tanks and, after a quick action job, had one of the sweetest double-action trigger pulls of any wheel gun outside of a Reeves Jungkind-tuned Python I once had. These days my Magnum wheelgun fun is handled by a 1971 Colt Lawman Mk. III. The prices for a Model 27 or Model 28 are just too rich for my blood. IIRC, I paid less for my Model 28 than I did for my Model 19. I think the Highway Patrolman was $128 NIB back then. I don't have a problem with the key lock and I get a bit tired of people complaining about it. I don't know about anyone else, but I would rather have had the lock than have had to see Smith & Wesson sued out of business by Janet Reno and the Clinton White House along with Elliott Spitzer and the state of New York. Since the deal that added the lock was repudiated back in the Bush administration, I am not sure why S&W keeps installing them but that's above my pay grade. I will say that I have never had a problem with the key lock, even when firing a bunch of .38 Special +P rounds through a J-frame M637 Airweight. There were some tales early on, but they seem to have faded over the years and nothing was ever proven to be a manufacturing or design defect. Where I do have a problem is the round butt. I could see it for the snub-nose version with the smaller grips for plain-clothes or off-duty carry. But on a big gun chambered for a Magnum round, I want the most grip frame I can get.

I carried a Model 19 for years as a law enforcement officer. That requires thousands of rounds of .357 ammunition. Never had an issue. I think the criticism about the forcing cone is overstated.

When I entered on duty into the U.S. Border Patrol in January of 1969 there were 1500 Border Patrol Inspectors. The title was changed in 1970 to Border Patrol Agent. The issue sidearms were: S&W Model 19s, Smith & Wesson Military and Police heavy barrel models, and Colt Border Patrol heavy barrel, the latter two being in.38 Special. Most Agents waited for the day that they could be issued a Model 19. In the mid 1980’s my fellow academy firearms instructor and I lobbied for the agency to switch from .38 wadcutters to .357 Magnum ammunition for quarterly qualification. Sadly the Model 19s began to break down in the field as did the Model 66s when firing 110 grain .357 JHPs for qualification.

I like the older ones myself. They’ve smoked a lot of pots back in the day and still smokin today.

That Hillary Hole is such a turn off

I've owned 19-3s, 19-4s, in 2 3/4 in barrel, 4in barrel, and 6in barrel. All fine examples of .357 magnums. I'll be looking for another 19-3 and own one again in 4in barrel. I wouldn't even look at a modern one. I'm old school too my friend. Thumbs up. Thanks for your perspective.

Love this baby. It saved my life twice.

Well, I carried a 19 from 1981 until 1988 on the street. Loved that gun. Went to Glocks until I retired in 2006. Just purchased the classic 19 on 09/23/2020. Here is the difference. There are 51 areas gunsmiths generally fix on the older model 19. The classic is more precise in its manufacture as the times have allowed for better machining. A better firing pin, a better hammer, a better cone, a stainless steel barrel wrapped in the blued barrel. The barrel is not pinned. the cylinder is built stronger and the ejector rod has been redone to make it stronger and less likely to bend. The internals are polished for lack of a better description with changes made that frankly are to long to explain here. I totally understand the love of the older 19, and I wish I could have mine back. Unfortunately the ex wife has it and I will never lay eyes on it again. Even if I did have it though, the classic is simply a better built, more reliable firearm. If you are going to spend between $840-$900 dollars on todays market on a used 19 you are buying someone problems someone else was having or about to have, If it is your model out of the box from the old days that is different. Bottom line...if you want to spend money on a classic look and dependable firearm the classic is the bang for your buck.

I like both the old Smiths and new. I kind of prefer the new ones because that supports the factory. This day and age I believe we to support them. I also like the modern metallurgy and mim parts not to mention the quality of modern CNC machining.

Great way to start the day, and now I have that old Folgers commercial jingle in my head ("The best part of waking up is...").