Smith & Wesson Model 619 (left) and Smith & Wesson Model 630 (right)

At the 2005 S.H.O.T. Show in Las Vegas, the folks at Smith & Wesson unveiled a variety of new handguns. The ones that drew my immediate attention were a new pair of seven-shot revolvers: the Model 619 and Model 620.

Smith & Wesson recently announced that it would be discontinuing the .357 Magnum K-Frame revolvers, including the Model 65 and 66. For decades these stainless-steel round guns were extremely popular with American police agencies, but problems arose with some when they were fed a steady diet of Magnum ammo. In 1981 S&W announced the L-Frame revolver that, while only slightly larger than the K-Frame, was capable of standing up to all the .357s you might care to launch out of it.

Both of the new seven-shooters are chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge and can also fire all types of .38 Special ammunition. As do all current production S&W revolvers, the new Models 619 and 620 feature an internal security system. Activated by a special key, it locks the hammer and trigger to prevent unauthorized firing.

In 1996 S&W began offering the L-Frame revolver with the option of a seven-round cylinder. By reducing the chamber wall thickness from 0.177 to 0.055 inch, S&W's engineers squeezed seven rounds into a space where previously only six resided. In addition, the redesigned lockwork provided a slightly shorter trigger stroke. The Model 686-Plus became popular with competitive shooters and police officers.

SPECIFICATIONS S&W Model 619 .357 MAGNUM DA REVOLVER
MAKER:	Smith & Wesson
MODEL:	619
ACTION:	Double-action revolver
CALIBER:	.357 Magnum/.38 Special
CAPACITY:	7 rounds
BARREL LENGTH:	4.0 inches
OVERALL LENGTH:	9.5 inches
WEIGHT:	37.5 ounces
SIGHTS:	Integral blade (front); groove in topstrap (rear)
STOCKS:	Uncle Mike's rubber
FINISH:	Satin stainless steel
SAFETY:	Internal security lock
PRICE:	$615

To replace the venerable K-Frame Magnums, S&W wisely chose to use the seven-round L-Frame platform but with cosmetic changes that were guaranteed to appeal to fans of the discontinued models. Thus it is that with its four-inch, heavy barrel and fixed sights the Model 619 apes the appearance of the Model 65 while the Model 620's adjustable sights and underlug barrel are reminiscent of the Model 66. Readers should know that the Models 619 and 620 will fit most holsters designed for K- and L-Frame revolvers.

Where the new Models 619 and 620 L-Frames differ from their L-Frame predecessors is that they lack the full-length underlug barrel that is one of the 686 line's most distinctive features. The barrels on the new Model 619 and 620 revolvers are S&W's two-piece design with an inner rifled sleeve and a stainless-steel outer shroud. As the sleeve is screwed into the frame, the flared muzzle end secures the shroud in place against the frame.

As do all current production S&W revolvers, the 619 and 620 have an internal security locking system that uses a special key to immobilize the trigger and hammer so as to prevent unauthorized firing. When engaged, a wing is elevated alongside the hammer to provide a visual and tactile indication of the revolver's condition. When locked, the cylinder can be opened for loading or unloading.

Shooting The New Seven-Shooters
A few weeks after the S.H.O.T. Show, I received samples of both revolvers to evaluate for Shooting Times. As one would expect of products from the world's premier revolver manufacturer, both displayed first-class materials and excellent workmanship. Their stainless finishes were clear of any machine marks, and while there was a bit of "new gun" stiffness in them, their DA trigger pulls were smooth and stage free and both were fitted with recoil-absorbing rubber, finger-groove grips.

VELOCITY & ACCURACY
Model 620			Model 619
Factory Load	Muzzle Velocity (fps)	25-yard Accuracy (inches)	Factory Load	Muzzle Velocity (fps)	25-yard Accuracy (inches)
.357 Magnum
Remington 125-gr. JHP	1471	2.38	Remington 125-gr. JHP	1451	1.75
Winchester 145-gr. Silvertip	1287	2.50	Winchester 145-gr. Silvertip	1250	2.88
Black Hills 158-gr. LSWC	952	2.75	Black Hills 158-gr. LSWC	945	2.50
.38 Special
Corbon 110-gr. JHP+P	1161	2.00	CorBon 110-gr. JHP+P	1089	1.50
Federal 158-gr. LSWC+P	858	268	Federal 158-gr. LSWC+P	839	2.38
NOTES: Accuracy is the smallest of three five-shot groups fired from a sandbag benchrest at 25 yards. Velocity is the average of five rounds measured 15 feet from the gun's muzzle.

Though I am a longtime revolver fan, I was not offended that these new guns are seven-shooters. Having used S&W 686-Plus revolvers in competition for many years, I can assure you that extra round has come in very handy on a number of occasions.