Back in August, I told you about my decision to spend the next year, as much as possible, shooting and using just one gun. My gun of choice is a 4-inch barreled, Smith & Wesson Model 19-3 revolver, and is based upon the fact that I need a gun for personal defense but also for dealing with varmints such as feral hogs, coyotes and rattlesnakes. My project raised a lot of interest among readers, and I told you that I would keep you posted with my progress through periodic updates.
My first step was to remove the factory target stocks and replace them with the Roper stocks from Altamont. I have used Altamont’s version of the Ropers on several guns in the past and find that they fit my hand better than factory stocks. They also seem to help me manage recoil a bit better when using heavy loads.
The next step was to select a suitable holster. As many of you know, I regularly use holsters built by Barranti Leather Company and Simply Rugged Holsters, as both manufacturers are quite good. However, rummaging through my old holster box, I found a virtually new Summer Special inside the waistband holster from Milt Sparks Leather. Made specifically for the Model 19, I wear it in the appendix position and find that it conceals pretty well under a vest or jacket. It appears that my holster search was short and successful.
Currently, I am testing various brands of ammunition to find a good carry load. On hand and under evaluation is ammunition from Black Hills Ammunition and Winchester. Also to be tested is ammunition from High Desert Cartridge Co. which has worked up a carry load and a separate, less expensive, practice load which shoot to the same point-of-aim. I’ve also got an order from Underwood Cartridges which should be arriving shortly.
Based upon my particular needs, I am looking for a 158-grain load that is both accurate and will provide adequate penetration. I want to be able to sight the load for dead-on at 25 yards and, by sticking up a bit of front sight, hit well out to 50 yards and slightly beyond. Trips to the range, lots of holes in paper and empty brass getting dumped out … life is good.
I’ll keep you posted.
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