SMITH & WESSON MODEL 19-4

Posted Jun 14, 2023

Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 Revolver

In this review, I will give an in-depth and opinionated look at the Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 revolver. To begin, I will give a brief background and history of the revolver, as well as an overview of its features and specifications. After that, I will explore the features, pros, and cons of the revolver. Finally, I will provide my overall opinion and conclusion about this revolver.

Background and History

Smith & Wesson, best known for their excellent handguns, introduced the Model 19 in 1957 as a slightly less expensive and more modernized variant of their previous .357 magnum revolver – the Model 27. At the time, the Model 19 was an instant hit: it was favored by law enforcement as a reliable and trustworthy service revolver and by civilians looking for a personal defense gun. It featured a more bulky frame with a vent ribed barrel and an adjustable rear sight, as well as the ability to use either a .38 Special or .357 Magnum ammunition. Over the years, the design of the original Model 19 has been improved, and while the gun remains essentially the same, it is now known as the Model 19-4.

Features and Specifications

The Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 is a double-action revolver chambered in .357 Magnum or .38 Special. It has a 6” barrel length with a vent rib for increased stability and an adjustable rear sight. The 19-4 was also the first revolver to feature the ergonomic finger-grooved grips, which provide a comfortable and secure grip for the shooter. The frame is constructed of stainless steel, making it durable and resistant to the elements. The gun weighs approximately 41 ounces and is 9.5” long, making it a good size for both concealed carry and open carry.

Features

The Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 is a reliable and accurate revolver that can handle .38 Special rounds or .357 Magnum rounds efficiently and effectively. The adjustable rear sight allows for further accuracy, and the vent ribbed barrel provides improved stability when aiming. The revolver is also very durable and is resistant to environmental damage, making it an excellent choice for outdoor activities and hunting. The finger-grooved grips offer increased comfort and stability, and the gun has a decent weight and size for both concealed carry and open carry.

Pros

The Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 revolver has a lot of positive features that make it an excellent option for those looking for a strong and reliable revolver. It is accurate, durable, and capable of firing both .38 Special and .357 Magnum ammo. The adjustable rear sight allows for greater accuracy and the vent ribbed barrel adds stability when aiming. The gun also has a good weight and size for both concealed carry and open carry, and the finger-grooved grips make it very comfortable to fire.

Cons

The Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 does have a few drawbacks, mainly related to the fact that it is a large revolver. The steel frame makes it quite heavy, and while this can be an advantage for accuracy and stability, it can also be a hindrance when it comes to concealing and open carrying. Additionally, the adjustable rear sight can take some time to get used to, and the trigger pull is rather heavy, which can be an issue for some shooters.

Conclusion

All in all, the Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 is an excellent revolver that is reliable, accurate, and durable. It can handle both .38 Special and .357 Magnum rounds, and the adjustable rear sight allows for improved accuracy. It also has an ergonomic grip and a good weight and size for both concealed carry and open carry. The only disadvantages to this revolver are its weight and the heavy trigger pull, which might not be ideal for some shooters. Otherwise, it is an excellent choice and surely deserves its spot in the Smith & Wesson library.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Reliable and accurate, making it suitable for professions who require precision.

Moderately priced for a high-quality revolver

Low recoil and comfortable grips makes it ideal for beginners

Easy to maintain and operate

Excellent finish and design

Cons:

Heavy for pocket carry

Must be manually cocked prior to each shot

Costly ammunition

More expensive to customize compared to other revolvers

May be difficult to field strip

Who Should Buy

The Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 is a revolver made for general purpose use, designed for use by sportsmen, law enforcement and military personnel. It is a reliable and accurate revolver suitable for personal protection, target shooting, and hunting. It should be noted that the Model 19-4 is not as lightweight as other revolvers, weighing nearly two pounds unloaded.

Who should buy the Model 19-4:

-Sportsmen or handgun enthusiasts

-Law enforcement and military personnel

-People looking for an accurate and reliable revolver for personal protection and target shooting

Who should not buy the Model 19-4:

-People looking for a lightweight handgun

-People with little to no familiarity with firearms

Comparisons

MODEL	Capacity	Barrel Length	Weight (unloaded)
19-4	6 Rounds	4"	36 oz
686-4	6 Rounds	4"	37.7 oz
Model—57	6 Rounds	6"	42 oz
360PD	6 Rounds	1.875"	11.3 oz

Features / Specs

• Caliber: .357 Magnum

• Capacity: 6 Rounds

• Barrel Length: 4"

• Front Sight: Patridge

• Rear Sight: Adjustable

• Overall Length: 9.25"

• Material: Satin Stainless Steel

• Weight: 36 oz.

• Grip: Synthetic

Popular Accessories

The most popular accessories for the Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 include: Hogue Grips, Speed Loaders, Laser Sight, Holsters, Extended Magazine, Flashlight Mount, Scope Mount, Trigger Kits and Replacement Barrels.

Accuracy

The Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 is an excellent revolver that is highly accurate in the hands of even novice shooters. It has a 4-inch barrel that contributes to its accuracy as well. The trigger pull is smooth and crisp; this helps with accuracy. The gun is designed with a traditional open-hammer design that allows the shooter to accurately hold onto the sights. The adjustable rear sight allows for further customizing of accuracy. The accuracy of this revolver is going to depend on the individual shooter; however, you can expect it to be accurate within one inch at most ranges.