Smith and Wesson 357 Magnum Model 19
I purchased my Smith and Wesson 357 Magnum Combat Magnum in 1966. The S&W is a great revolver! I chose this model over the Colt Python because of the double action of the Smith, in my opinion, was a lot smoother. I believe I paid between $400.00 and $500.00 which was about the same price as the Python. Colt discontinued their model before S&W discontinued the Model 19 Combat Magnum, so on the used market, the Python is selling for $1,800.00-$4,000.00. S&W has reintroduced model 19, and if you are looking for an excellent revolver, I highly recommend the model 19. There are unique videos on YouTube, and I highly recommend Hickok45 and Team Sooch. Hickok45 also has a great video on a Colt Python. I had a couple of exciting experiences with my Combat Magnum that I will share.
Thirty-six years ago, my wife, Nancy, woke me out of a sound sleep at 2:00 A.M. and told me that someone pulled in our driveway and turned their lights out. I did what any reasonable person would do. I put on a pair of pants, walked out the back door, sneaked around the car to the driver’s door, and placed the barrel of my 357 Magnum against his head. I asked him if he was lost. He replied,” Jesus Christ, Mr. Reidy, don’t shoot; it’s me, David.” David is a friend of my son, Larry, and I told David that I didn’t think that it was a good idea for him to stop at our home at 2:00 A.M. with his lights out. We never had another late-night intruder! I interviewed a young man for a sales position for my company in the mid-1970s when my secretary interrupted me because Nancy was on the phone and she needed to speak to me. She told me that the children and our miniature Schnauzer, Sniffles, had a groundhog cornered, and she needed some advice to handle the situation. I said,” get the 357 Magnum and shoot the son-of-a-bitch”. When I finished the conversation, the gentleman I interviewed told me that he did not want to work for me and was almost running towards the door. Go Figure!
