Goodbye S&W 25-5 in .45 Colt, I hardly knew you.

[DAL]

A quick visit to my local gun shop this morning revealed a used S&W 19-5 nestled amongst the used semi-autos. After examining it, I asked them to hold it for me and went home to retrieve my 25-5 to trade. It's lucky I put a hold on it because someone else wanted to buy it. I got there first and now I'm the happy owner of a gun that better fits my hand.

I don't really regret trading the 25-5 because I didn't own it that long--less than a month--and even though I could tell it was a well-made gun, I
never warmed up to it. The caliber was great, but the grip was too big for my smallish hands; I would have had to spend a healthy amount of money to have it converted to a round-butt. With the 19-5, however, I found a gun, albeit in a smaller caliber, that worked well for me without modification.

It'll be a week or two before I get the chance to fire it, so I'll reserve final judgement until then. I sure hope it's a keeper, 'cause it fits so well.
DAL

P.S. BTW, does anyone know of a 'smith who does moon clip conversions on a 19?

 

[Hal]

I would have had to spend a healthy amount of money to have it converted to a round-butt

I always wince when I see someone say that. Ever since S&* went to an all round butt lineup, those square butts have become a finite thing. Even though I have somewhat small hands, I like the looks and feel of the square frame K's and N's and the wooden target style stocks. You done good in my book by making the wise move and letting one escape the chopping block.

The moon clip part has me puzzled though???

 

[maxwayne]

Try moonclips.com

 

[DAL]

RAE, I understand what you mean by wincing. Even though I thought of doing, it didn't sit well with me. You're probably correct that I did right by selling it.

The moonclip idea is so that I can use the gun for IDPA competition. I know, of course, that I can use speedloaders, but I think moonclips would be faster.

One thing I have noticed while dry firing the 19-5 is that the action seems a lot faster than my beloved Python. Also, whereas the Python's trigger pull is buttery smooth, the 19-5's is crisp and it returns quickly; I think I can learn to like this thing VERY easily.
DAL