Thinkin about S&W M19 for CC?

[JerryW]

Does anyone have statistics on # of shots averaged when CC needed? Here's some background. I'm older and have always shot revolvers for target practice. I've never had a concealed carry permit because my home state didn't allow it until a few years ago. Now I'm scheduled to take the course, so I've been reading and thinking about which firearm to eventually carry. Some opinions are that revolvers are not the best choice, for among other things, the limited shot capacity, but I own a couple and don't have much spare money to buy a special gun just for carry purposes. So, what are pros/cons of carrying my old M19 with 4" barrel? I expect answers like "carry what you got", and I will, but if the overwhelming evidence says that semi autos have proven to be the most effective in CC, I will consider it. Thanks.

[Jack]

Jerry, welcome to HuntChat!
If you can shoot the M19 well in double action mode, use it. Only hits count, and what you can hit with instinctively, in a hurry, is what you should carry. That's my .02$ (and worth exactly what ya paid for it :) )

[Mr. 16 gauge]

If you are familiar with it, then I say carry it. The only problem that I can see is you might have trouble finding a 'concealable' holster for that 4" barrel. As far as a semiauto being "better" than a revolver, I think that is a crock! I feel just as well armed when carrying a Colt Detective special and a couple of Bianchi speed strips.
My Uncle had a M19 as his service revolver when he was on the sheriffs department; it was the first handgun I ever shot.
As far as statistics go, I think I read somewhere that most gunfights are over (intruder dead or flees) in something like 2.3 shots, IIRC.
Good luck with your CCW course!;)

[Adam Helmer]

JerryW,

Welcome to the Forum; I see this is your first post.

As a retired federal agent, who carried a revolver most of my 26 years on duty, let me assure you there is nothing wrong with a revolver for CCW. Most older folks fired cap guns and water pistols as kids and they can readily fire a good revolver double action in gravest extreme. Many folks carrying automatics have not spent the time and money for ammo to be "well grooved" to use the auto and need to hesitate and think about this decocking lever and that safety gizmo when they need to be shooting!

Good luck with your CCW process and training. I have several M19 Smiths and that is one of my favorite handguns. Again, welcome to this site.

Adam

[JerryW]

Thank you for the "welcome" Adam. You and others make some good points. A couple of things crossed my mind as I read your posts. One is that I used to own a Colt Commander and I didn't shoot it that much, so I eventually traded it off. I preferred to shoot my revolvers, primarily because I liked the accuracy. Concealed carry was not on my mind in those days, but because it is today, I have to rethink my target practice methods and objectives. Another thought is about the size of a CCW. I'm a big guy with big hands, and I don't like the feel of a small grip on a handgun. But do I need a smaller sized CCW? I'm retired and spend most of my time at home or cabin. Seldom wear dress clothes and our summer season is short, so most of the time I'm in baggy clothes with at least a sweatshirt on, and most often a longer jacket. In other words plenty of cover to conceal, but what about accessability? I guess there's not one best solution for everyone. So I think what it boils down to for me is to carry my M19 most of the time, and get a smaller CCW for some occasional use. And that gives me the need to buy another firearm - and that's a good thing! Thanks for your help.

[Adam Helmer]

JerryW,

If your M19 is a 4-inch, you should be able to conceal it ok. I carried a 4-inch M10 (also a K frame) for 10 or 12 years on duty and none ever "made me" carrying. For accessability, I used a strong side pancake holster. Hope this helps.

Adam

[Dan Morris]

Welcome to the group. I too have and alternate carry with a 1911 and a ole M19 4in that I have had for years. I use a Safari land pancake (med high rise) for the 19 and a jacket. CC jacket with a inside pocket for the 45. Just practice with your carry and pray to God you never need it!
The 19 will do you well......I do not recommend a steady diet of mags for general shooting.
Dan

Number of shots...............1 in the heartbeat beats spray n miss!!!!!!

[Rapier]

Jerry,
Welcome. The 357 Mag has long been held to be the best all round defensive round for CW. It is a man stopper of the first order. As always, shot placement is #1. If done right you need one shot, but I instruct if you must shoot, never shoot once, always shoot twice. It has worked out well for my students over the last 40 years. I do not carry a 19, but I do carry a 4 inch 66.:D The stainless version.

Do not worry about going bang 15 times, just once is enough if you mean it and you are in ernest. Practice and more practice.
Best,
Ed