This year, we were fortunate to receive one of the new, Model 2.5″ Performance Center Carry Comp models. Based on the new K frame, it features a strengthened frame. One improvement is a frame-mounted detent that locks on the crane of the cylinder. The hammer, trigger and specific internal parts are manufactured using metal injection molding (MIM) but retain that classic look and feel. The new 19s also feature a frame mounted firing pin. Smith has reproduced the original “Micro” style, adjustable rear sight and the tritium insert in the front sight. The Carry Comp features a 2.5-inch barrel with a single chamber and single port compensator. The Model 19 comes from the factory with both wood and rubber grips. We found the wood grips didn’t fit our hands well and immediately replaced them with the rubber ones. We were glad we did!
The 19 Carry Comp, with the rubber grips, felt good in the hand and the fit and finish were well done. On the range, with 135-grain Critical Duty Magnum loads, the Carry Comp was an absolute joy to shoot. The comp significantly reduced muzzle rise while the grips absorbed the recoil. The evaluators did feel that the action was a little heavy, especially for a Performance Center pistol. However, the weak link for the Carry Comp was the sights. As noted last year, the notch on the rear blade of the Model 19 is extremely shallow. In addition, the tritium insert in the front sight blade is very small and located below the crown of the blade. The combination made the sights hard to see during the accuracy test. The good news is that in the recoil testing, the Carry Comp earned the highest ratings of all three revolvers.
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Every evaluator appreciated the ergonomics of the 2.5″ Model 19 and several thought the Carry Comp would make an ideal personal defense pistol. They also expressed disappointment over the sights and the action. In looking at the numbers, had the Carry Comp had better sights and a typical action from the Performance Center, it might have won this year’s roundup. With an MSRP of $1,152, the Smith earned a 4.10 in value.
