Smith & Wesson Model 19 Combat Magnum

     Hello American revolver fans and fanatics.  I wanted to create this blog so that other collectors of these amazing American firearms would have a chance to read and share their passion like mine.  I have been a fan of firearms since I was about 9 years old.  I served a combat tour in Iraq and carried countless firearms while serving in our countries military.  Does this make me an expert? Hardly! I do truly love them and want to find like minded people to share their stories with me on my blogs.
    I would like to start off writing about the Model 19. Anyone who has ever held this magnificent firearm  can tell you that it is truly like no other.  The K-frame fits like a glove in virtually all hands.  The .357 cartridge design was created by Philip Sharpe in the 1930's when police were looking for a more powerful round.  Winchester developed the .357 round and essentially it's .125 longer than the .38 special.  The additional length gave the round an incredible punch with amazing accuracy.  The model 19 is a very accurate revolver and anyone who has ever dropped the hammer on one can verify this.  I understand that many other revolvers are just as accurate but in my opinion, none possess the comfort and ease of use that the 19 does.
     How does this revolver vary? Well, it's one of the only revolvers that an amateur can pick up and become quite proficient in a very limited time.  Whether you're a farmer or a school teacher you can pick up a model 19 and fire it with great effectiveness.

I have seen many variations with the grips and barrel lengths.  No matter what size barrel, the 19 is deadly accurate.  The K-frame S&W fits most hands much better than the larger N frame models.  Yes this results in a little more recoil than the N-frames but the ease of use is unparalleled.  Many start off using the .38 calibre bullets for less recoil and ease of use.  This round is not only cheaper but allows the user to become proficient with the firearm before moving into the more powerful round.
The model 19 is one of the most balanced and ergonomic revolvers ever designed. The first models that Smith and Wesson released were in April 8th of 1935.  These were refereed to as the .357 Magnum Revolvers. The man who was responsible for the physical design was Bill Jordan of the US Border Patrol.  He consulted with S&W on every turn of the firearm. The first one was called the "Combat Magnum" and has serial number K260,000 and was presented to Mr. Jordan on November 15th, 1955.  
The model 19 came in a variety of choices such as 2.5",3",4" and 6" barrels with wood or rubber grips and an adjustable rear sight.  It also had a serrated trigger, semi target hammer, and it's weights are 30.5 ounces, 36 ounces, and 39 ounces.  
If you have never held one, or if you have never fired one, do yourself a favor and go and do so.  You can rent one at your local firing range and let us know how it felt.  If you would like to add your own experiences with the 19, please do below.  Many people think that if there was only one pistol they could own, they would own the S&W model 19 Combat Magnum.