Hey everyone, this is Shooting Illustrated bringing you another episode of “I Carry.” In today’s feature, we’ve got a classic Smith & Wesson Model 19 .357 Magnum revolver and some related gear. Let’s take a closer look at this setup:
Firearm: Smith & Wesson Model 19 No-Lock (MSRP: $1,099)
Smith & Wesson launched a retro series of revolvers based on classic models that removed the internal lock integrated in the early 2000s, to much rejoicing from fans. Added to the left side of the revolver, right under the cylinder-release latch, the “zit” as many called it was ridiculed as unnecessary and detrimental to the overall aesthetics. Smith & Wesson’s decision to remove the lock was met with a mix of rejoicing and “about time,” with sentiment overwhelmingly in favor of the removal.
One of the classic revolvers to undergo this treatment is the Model 19 .357 Magnum K-frame revolver we have today. I’ve long thought that a .357 Magnum revolver with a 4-inch barrel is about the single-best “do it all” firearm in existence—it is capable of nearly any task you might ask of it, with myriad ammunition choices ranging from shotshells to hard-hitting, hardcast bullets capable of stopping medium-size game. It’s also small enough to be carried concealed with a little effort, making it an ideal all-around choice. That you can stoke it with light .38 Special loads for plinking, or use wadcutters for bullseye shooting just add to its appeal.
Of course, we do have to recognize the Model 19’s perceived limitations. Compared to pistols like the P365, Hellcat, CC9 and others, it’s larger and heavier: that 4-inch barrel yields an overall length of nearly 10 inches, with a height of 5.9 inches and a width of 1.5 inches thanks to the cylinder. Weight is 37.4 ounces, more than double that of the P365, while the six-round capacity is half that of most micro-9mm double-stack pistols. While the .357 Magnum chambering is undoubtedly more powerful than 9 mm, it can be challenging to shoot. Yes, you can use .38 Special, but that negates the extra power of the magnum round.
The classic 4-inch, medium-frame revolver has a number of marks in its favor, however. Stocks can easily be switched to better fit the gun to the shooter’s hand, and since the model has been in production for well over a century and a quarter, there are many holster options. As stated, the ammunition choices are wide and varied, with defensive options well established and quite viable. And, look, let’s just come right out and admit it: it’s a beautifully crafted defensive tool that harkens to a simpler time. It’s just about perfect as a centerpiece barbeque rig that’s also eminently useful. Is that a compelling enough argument? For a number of folks, it certainly is.
Holster: Galco Masterbilt Revenger (MSRP: $259)
We’ve opted for a traditional, outside-the-waistband holster to carry the Model 19 in today’s kit, and have chosen Galco Holster’s Masterbilt series Revenger holster here. The Masterbilt series uses the highest-grade leather available and is assembled by Galco’s most experienced craftsmen to produce attractive, but quite useful holsters—which is exactly why we paired it with the Model 19 Classic No-Lock revolver.
The Revenger holster features detailed hand-molding designed to fit the handgun with minimal break-in, and this bore out the first time we holstered the Model 19. A slight forward cant facilitates a smooth drawstroke, and the mouth of the Revenger is reinforced to allow one-handed reholstering. Also reinforced is the belt tunnel, which allows the holster to stay tight to the body to minimize printing. Masterbilt Revenger holsters are available for a variety of revolvers, in both black and tan leather, but are only available for right-handed shooters—sorry southpaws!
Accessory: Microtech Ultratech ZBP (MSRP: $379)
Rounding out today’s higher-end kit is the MicroTech Ultratech ZBP out-the-front knife. MicroTech is basically the Rolls Royce of automatic knives, and the Ultratech has been its flagship automatic knife for more than a quarter century. This Gen 3 version of the Ultratech ZBP is crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum, secured with Torx screws and features an upgraded glass breaker on the bottom.
The 3.55-inch, M390MK-steel tanto-style blade gives the Ultratech an overall length of 8.54 inches when open, but only 5 inches when closed, with a weight of 3.6 ounces. The aluminum handle has grooves at strategic points to anchor the knife firmly in the hand, and Microtech’s proprietary Zero Blade Play system means exactly that—there is no wobble whatsoever in the blade. One last nice little touch? The pocket clip has a rounded interface to allow easy clipping to a pants pocket, even on thicker denim.
Read the full article here
