Range report: My 30-year-old Model 19

Gary7

Gary7

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I posted in another thread about digging my thirty-year-old 19-4 out and getting it cleaned up. This was the first handgun I ever purchased and I bought it brand new in 1980. The last time I shot it was sometime in the early 80s before my dad passed away.

I'd forgotten what a sweet shooter this thing is. I put about 50 rounds through it today at the range. This target is typical of the groups I was getting at 15 yards, standing, modified Weaver stance, shooting single action.

19_target.jpg
 
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Yep....It's a Smith alright! That's the way mine all shoot. The most accurate of the herd however is my fathers 1949 K-38 that he shot on the sheriff's pistol team. We are talking the epitome of smooth and accurate.
Ya gotta love em'!!!
Randy
 
Aren't the 19s fun. Smith built a winner with the 19 for many years. I wish they would bring the 19 back.

Looks like you enjoyed that 19.
 
That's a beauty. They sure don't make them like that any more. One of the best handguns ever IMHO.
 
They sure don't make them like that anymore...

... They sure don't.

The first S&W revolver I bought new was a 19-4 nickel 4", also. In 1979, I think. Mine came with target stocks. I still have it, and its still sweet.

I now have four Model 19s, including a Pre-Model "Combat Magnum" (Thanks Lonnie). The Model 19 has maybe the finest trigger I've ever pulled, and 4" the best balanced barrel.

My nickel 19-4 will go to the youngest of my 3 daughters. She's the best shooter of the bunch, and can handle it.
 
I have a nickel one like those pictured that I bought in 1974. In 1986 the forcing cone split while shooting it. I was shooting 168 gr. cast swc's pushed by 2400 powder. I ordered a new barrel for it and changed it out. I still shoot it occasionally. Mine came with goncalo alves target grips.
 
Mike said:
I have a nickel one like those pictured that I bought in 1974. In 1986 the forcing cone split while shooting it. I was shooting 168 gr. cast swc's pushed by 2400 powder.
Click to expand...

That's why I don't shoot 357's in my 19. The hottest thing I shot in it "back in the day" was Federal 38 Special Treasury loads my dad got from a friend at the DOJ. Those were +P+, but still not quite up to full-house 357 levels.
 
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