S&W Model 60 Chief or Model 19

[capturedlive]

I've been wanting a revolver for traveling cross-country, and I've got an opportunity to pick up a stainless S&W Model 60 Chief 2" or Model 19-4, either one for $425. They're both at about 90-95% condition. I know S&W has historically made some pretty sweet roscoes, but is either one of these considered a great "find" for the price?

[dougtoni]

Both are great finds. Get them both.

[Paradiddle]

The Model 19, IMO is the finest revolver S&W has ever made. The K frame is fantastic, it has a wonderful look, Bill Jordan was involved in it, balance is perfect, and they shoot like crazy. Plus - I like blued guns. The 60 is also great.

[Ron-Solo]

i kick myself every time I think about how I sold my Model 60 years ago. Great revolver, price is fair.

[Revoman]

Both are excellent and both are priced about right.

A Model 66 would be the same as the Model 19 in stainless by the way.

I agree with the above poster, the Model 19 is close to, if not the finest revolver Smith & Wesson made. I like the L frames too, but there's just something about the K's.

[bsg]

it would be helpful to those that could assist you... if you would provide more information. if available, pictures would also be helpful.

[redcliff]

What barrel length is the model 19? And hows it's condition?

I like both the revolvers you listed, but 2" J-frames are not the easiest to shoot accurately (not saying it can't be done but you need good skills). A 4" barrel Model 19 would be significantly easier to shoot plus of course you can use .357 magnum loads or .38 special.

[beerman]

Your crazy if you dont buy both...These are a few of the best ever, and $425 is (at minimum
a hundred each under Cali value. If you can only swing one..Redcliff is spot on....again

[capturedlive]

Thanks for all the great feedback. It's obvious that there are fans here in both camps. I apologize, I don't have pics to show you, all I know is that they are 90-95%. redcliff, the barrel length on the 19 is 4"

It looks, though, like I may have my decision made for me. The owner of the Model 60 isn't calling back, so I suspect he may have sold it.

[bsg]

imho, it's really not about two camps; these two revolvers ideally exist in one camp, together. each model is an entirely different and separate entity, yet both serve the same master. is this to be a carry gun, hotel companion, range shooter or? i assume the purchase is to be for defensive duty of one sort or another.

the Model 19 4" is more of a primary carry gun, and the Model 19 and 66 frequently served in that function in the law enforcement circle before the semi auto became dominant in that role. the Model 19 is also appreciated by the civilian gun crowd, both as a range shooter and defensive handgun. it is housed in the K frame, which permits more comfortable/pleasant shooting than the smaller J frame Model 60 2". a steady diet of 38. Special loads and .357 Magnum 'as needed' is a great combination for a classic defensive duty revolver.

the Model 60 2" is a classic hideout gun, but is not a pleasant range shooter, nor is it known for being accurate at any real distance. if the shooter is truly proficient with the Model 60 2" he stands above the crowd; more of a 'close encounters' revolver, it is known as a great backup, concealed carry gun and as they say... "five for sure." like the Model 19, the Model 60 2" has always been appreciated by the law enforcement circle and civilian gun crowd, as well. if you could have picked both of these gems up, a great team together they'd make... as they have for many throughout the years.

if the question is "which model can be used impressively with it's own known strength, yet overlap function into the known territory of the other?" i'd be hard pressed to pick. if this purchase was to be my only handgun... of the two candidates being considered for purchase, the Model 19-4 would get the nod.

it appears that your decision has been made for you, as you have shared. in the condition you mentioned and price you gave, i suggest you pick up the Model 19-4 before another buyer turns the deal.

[capturedlive]

Thank you for the detailed insight, bsg. Funny how the wheels of fate turn; it turns out the Model 19-4 had already been sold and the 60 is still available. And, though you tagged the 19 as your choice (as have others), sufficient endorsement has been made for the 60 to make me want to go over, prepared to buy it anyway (after inspection, of course). I personally am not a good judge of secondhand revolvers, but I know the owner and trust him.

To answer your question, this will primarily be for carry/travel. I WILL probably take it out on the range from time to time, too, just to get a feel of "accuracy proximation." I've got a beautiful Blackhawk .327 as my REAL "range revolver."

Thanks again for the input. I'll post on here if I do buy the gun, and will post pics.

[bsg]

Thank you for the detailed insight, bsg. Funny how the wheels of fate turn; it turns out the Model 19-4 had already been sold and the 60 is still available. And, though you tagged the 19 as your choice (as have others), sufficient endorsement has been made for the 60 to make me want to go over, prepared to buy it anyway (after inspection, of course). I personally am not a good judge of secondhand revolvers, but I know the owner and trust him.

To answer your question, this will primarily be for carry/travel. I WILL probably take it out on the range from time to time, too, just to get a feel of "accuracy proximation." I've got a beautiful Blackhawk .327 as my REAL "range revolver."

Thanks again for the input. I'll post on here if I do buy the gun, and will post pics.

good luck on your tentative purchase of the Model 60. hope it is a winner for you.

btw, i own an older (1979) Model 60 2". it's not one that i'd want to part with, and i believe you'll quickly bond with yours... should you make the purchase.