help deciding on a revolver

[Bill K]

They're in .44 mag/.44 spec. and .22 lr/.22 wmr but I'm thrilled with both my single action Rugers.

[jdavis]

Since the OP requested opinions of the S&W 19 and the Ruger Security Six, I will limit my opinion to those weapons.
In that both guns are medium frame .357s the issue of shooting .38 Special +P loads is moot. Either gun will gobble up those loads without breathing hard since they are designed for a steady diet of higher pressure loads. They both have adjustable sights which will serve you better than fixed sights as a range gun or field gun. I have owned both of these fine guns and shot many rounds through them. I like the trigger and appearance of the Smith better than the Ruger. Not that the Ruger trigger is bad, it just isn't as smooth and crisp as the Smith. The Ruger is slightly larger and heavier and seems to absorb the recoil of full power .357 loads better and would be my choice for field use. The Smith may be a tad more accurate due to the better trigger, but the Ruger is no slouch on the range either.
In your case, I would go with the Ruger. You can beat the daylights out of it and it isn't going to let you down.

[Wolffire99]

Well I couldn't decide so I waited and I'm glad I did. I found a used duty s&w 19-3 for $350 and couldn't pass it up for that price. Still has the original s&w issued duty holster with it.

[Wolffire99]

And here it is...still can't believe I got it for what I did.

[Barth]

Well I couldn't decide so I waited and I'm glad I did. I found a used duty s&w 19-3 for $350 and couldn't pass it up for that price. Still has the original s&w issued duty holster with it.

Congratulations!
Years ago, after a long search, I turned up this for $350 - LOL!
Taking your time really pays off with handguns.

[Markis82]

And here it is...still can't believe I got it for what I did.

Nice piece! I have a 19-4. Great guns! You'll love it!

My 2.5" 19-4 along with my G19.

[Barth]

I can't pass up a revolver / Glock photo op

S&W 640-1 357 Magnum
Glock EXO G27 357 Sig

[les strat]

COngrats! I know finding a used Smith at a good price is always a good thing. I picked up my 4" 686 no-dash for $399 out the door. I couldn't believe it, Still can't.

[tv_racin_fan]

I am feeling better and better about swapping the Smith I had for the Kahr K9 I got for it.

[jocko]

Imo

Since the OP requested opinions of the S&W 19 and the Ruger Security Six, I will limit my opinion to those weapons.
In that both guns are medium frame .357s the issue of shooting .38 Special +P loads is moot. Either gun will gobble up those loads without breathing hard since they are designed for a steady diet of higher pressure loads. They both have adjustable sights which will serve you better than fixed sights as a range gun or field gun. I have owned both of these fine guns and shot many rounds through them. I like the trigger and appearance of the Smith better than the Ruger. Not that the Ruger trigger is bad, it just isn't as smooth and crisp as the Smith. The Ruger is slightly larger and heavier and seems to absorb the recoil of full power .357 loads better and would be my choice for field use. The Smith may be a tad more accurate due to the better trigger, but the Ruger is no slouch on the range either.
In your case, I would go with the Ruger. You can beat the daylights out of it and it isn't going to let you down.

The Model 19 is a more attractive gun, ur not gonnahurt it either.ruger are tanks,can't take that away from them either.. I guess I have been \a Smith fan to long..Just sayin..:israel:

[Barth]

COngrats! I know finding a used Smith at a good price is always a good thing. I picked up my 4" 686 no-dash for $399 out the door. I couldn't believe it, Still can't.

If I ran across a 686 no-dash for $399 out the door,
even with three S&W revolvers already,
I'm not sure I could walk away from that.

[Wisewolfhowling]

Look how good this gun looks after a good day at the range:-) My opinion sp101 hard to beat.

[Barth]

S&W M65-3 SS 357 w 3" heavy barrel

[MO_Soldier]

@Barth that's one fine looking revolver! What would I look for to get one of those?

[Barth]

@Barth that's one fine looking revolver! What would I look for to get one of those?

It's a S&W 65-3 pre-lock 3" heavy barrel 6 shot 357 mag.
I'm really not up on this one yet.
Just got it at the gun show about an hour ago.
It was priced at $550.
I offered 500 and have a new baby!

I'm not sure it's in production anymore.
And I'm thinking the 3" heavy barrel version isn't as common either.
I'm told It's a LE trade in. That S&W made special runs for LE (3 inch barrel).
Mine is NIB condition, polished stainless, tuned action, SS hammer and trigger
with what looks like a combat abbreviated hammer?

It carries sweet on a belt and is perfect sized for carry IMHO.
Weight and balance is perfect.
32.1 oz empty. 35.1 oz loaded.
It's a K frame and seems to be in between a J and L (640/686).
Can't wait to shoot her.

S&W 65-3 6 shot 3" / S&W 640-1 5 shot 2.125"