A Cop Walks into a Hardware Store...
A Testament to the Smith & Wesson Model 19
John Arens stopped at a hardware store in 1968 and stepped up to the handgun cabinet. Yes, at the time you could buy handguns over the counter at hardware stores. John had just been sworn into the Police Department, and he was there to buy his service revolver, with his own money, and without reimbursement.
He asked to see the Smith & Wesson Model 19. It was the only revolver he considered that day because he knew it was the first choice of nearly every uniformed American cop on a beat. After inspecting the firearm, cycling the action, and testing both the single- and double-action trigger pulls, he reached for his wallet.
Fast-forward fifteen years. Officer Arens, still protecting and serving, comes home after a shift and places his Model 19 and gun belt on the fireplace mantle as he always does. John’s three teenage sons - all hunters and shooters like their dad - sit on a nearby couch watching a North Stars hockey game. The youngest son suddenly asks, “Dad, when are you going to man-up and put a 9mm in that holster?” His response, “Never.”
Now retired from a glowing career in law enforcement, we asked Officer Arens about that answer and his fondness for his Smith & Wesson revolver. He explained that simple reliability, durability, and accuracy were the reasons he trusted the same handgun since the day he walked out of that hardware store. But performance reputations aren’t just born overnight…
The newest addition to the Model 19 assortment, the Performance Center? Model 19 Carry Comp? features a 2.5” PowerPort? vented barrel and tritium night sights.
The Model 19 Classic remains in production today as one of the iconic models that paved the way for the S&W revolver models we offer today.?
Among all the S&W revolvers to choose from, the Model 19 Classic still shines. In fact, it shines brighter than ever thanks to our approach to gun building. Since Officer Arens bought his Model 19 in 1968, monumental advances in engineering, machining tolerances and gunsmithing now allow us to create revolvers that are more exacting than ever. However, one thing has never changed – and that’s the attention to detail. All components, from the forged frames to springs and pins, are rigorously inspected and approved. And before final assembly, seasoned smiths and finishers perform the age-old handwork to ensure that the fit-and-finish is top tier.?
While reflecting on his long career in law enforcement with his Model 19, Officer Arens shared?“in all those years, it never let me down.”
Product Owner/Trusted Advisor 30 years in Aviation
1 个月My first duty weapon was S&W as well. However it was the Model 686 stainless. I still think nothing compares.
Leather holster maker specializing in custom and stock products. Business professional with experience in industries ranging from entertainment to technology and manufacturing.
1 个月My father carried a Model 65 as his last duty revolver as a Massachusetts State Trooper. I’m on a mission to find a MSP marked 4” Model 65. It is my “bucket list” handgun.
Senior Vice President, Portfolio Management Director, Financial Advisor with The Gregory Group at Morgan Stanley
1 个月Admittedly, I do not know much about weapons. What I do know is that my father was a Hartford, CT policeman from 1946 to 1976. On the day prior to his retirement, he was involved in a shootout at a local convenience store. I remember that he told me that his Smith & Wesson 38 revolver saved his life that day. Thank you Smith & Wesson.
Department of Homeland Security. Security Contractor
1 个月I bought my first S&W from the equipment section of the NYPD, it was a four inch, blue steel model ten. My two brothers pitched in to buy it! Carried my model 10 in the early 70's, then thru the 80's as a Deputy Sheriff from the mid 70's until I retired the pistol and carried a S&W model 4505 in 1998. Still have both of them. A finer pistol you'll never find!
Chief Executive Officer at AXON ENERGY SERVICES
1 个月I just bought a S&W 686 with seven rounds of 357 magnum capacity. Best gun I have ever shot!