Smith and Wesson Model 19-7 Performance Center

[mholcomb1988]

Hello,

I am considering purchasing a Smith and Wesson Model 19-7 Performance Center, 3" bbl ported by S&W PC. Below is some information provided by the seller:

"Introduced in 1994, there were two runs of this pistol, the first with a serial prefix of SDA which includes this weapon was a stocking dealer exclusive, there were only a-couple hundred of these made. the second which ran in 1996 with a KCP serial number prefix built for distribution through Lew Horton."

Does anyone know what these are worth or what a reasonable price would be? Any opinions on the firearm itself? Any opinions concerning its use for CC?

[jamisjockey]

If its a valuable limited production gun, I wouldn't use it for CC. One consideration is if you're in a self defensive shoting, the weapon will most likely be confiscated for evidince until the investigation is completed. The treatment of the weapon while out of your control might not be good for it.
Secondly, if you need to leave it in your vehicle while you access a prohibited facility, you expose it to theft.
IMHO, YMMV, INAL and all that jazz.

[RECIT]

K-frame in my opinion is a little large for CC. If its ported then it will get back on target quickly. But other than that its a big wheel gun...

[mholcomb1988]

jamisjockey, thank you for your reply. It is true that if the firearm were ever to be used that it would exit my care for sometime. I have considered this before; however, currently carry a firearm that is no longer in production. I seem to have an affinity for older double action revolvers. Nevertheless your point is indeed something that is an important point to consider when selecting which guns a person intends to carry.

RECIT, thank you for your reply. From what I can tell the majority of the CC community would agree with you; however, I myself currently carry a Model 581 (4" bbl, L-Frame, 6-shot, .357). I believe that you choose a gun that meets your needs and then find a way to conceal it. I would be looking at using this Model 19-7 as a back up gun rather than a primary carry. I have been advised by others in the past that one downside to ported barrels is the flash they cause when shot in dark areas, and more specifically the blinding effect this has on the person welding the gun. Do you have any additional opinions concerning ported barrels?

[RECIT]

I think a ported .357 is a good carry gun, keep in mind that it is a hazard to yourself to fire it when close to your body with a muzzle blast. Other than that blast away.