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06-03-2016, 10:48 PM
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To Shoot or Not to Shoot an old Model 19?
Hi,
New to the forum and wanted some thoughts on a 4" barrel Model 19 I purchased. It may sound stupid, but ever since I saw Lethal Weapon as a kid, I wanted a Beretta 92 (Riggs' gun) and a Model 19 (Murtaugh's gun). (Got the 92 a while ago, but actually an M9A1). So I've been casually keeping an eye out and saw this Model 19 in a gun shop for a not completely silly price (to me, anyway) and impulse purchased it after a quick look-over.
I guess a pic is in order…
Anyway, from searching the internet (mostly this forum), I've discovered this is a "no dash" model, Ser. No. K34xxxx, which puts it in the 1958 manufacture year. Gun has original grips and is in decent shape. Wear marks in spots you'd expect, a few small scratches, and a bit of pitting around/above the S&W emblem. It wasn't a garage queen (so to speak) and certainly saw some carry use during it's life. (Barrel, however, is amazingly clean, so I don't know if it was shot much or the previous owner(s) cleaned the barrel after each range session.)
My question is this: should I shoot this gun?
Because, in the end, I bought it to shoot, not to sit in the gun safe. But given that there seems to be some "collectability" to this gun, I don't want to do anything to ruin that, even though this will never be considered a "mint" gun. I'll just sell it and go buy a new Model 66 (which I was close to doing until this came up).
Thanks for your time,
Ant
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06-03-2016, 10:51 PM
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It's already seen use. Continue to use it.
It's not a safe queen unless you make it so.
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06-03-2016, 10:54 PM
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I would shoot and enjoy it,
About the only thing a 4 screw Combat Magnum has in common with new production MIM/IL Model 66 is caliber.
The Model 19 was designed for any .38 special round or 158 grain .357 loads,
Avoid the lighter 110 - 125 grain .357 loads and your Model 19 will serve you well.
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06-03-2016, 10:56 PM
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Thanks… that was my thinking, but you never know with these things.
I guess this really should've been posted in the "1896 to 1961" forum. Sorry about that, mods.
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06-03-2016, 11:00 PM
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Shoot it.
Sounds like you did just what I did a couple weeks back. Saw a M19 at a local funstore, checked it out and plopped down some cash.
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06-03-2016, 11:01 PM
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That is one nice looking pistol. Choot it!
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06-03-2016, 11:07 PM
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Welcome to the forum! You found a really nice gun. Shoot it as often as you care to, but take care of it and it will only increase in value.
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06-03-2016, 11:07 PM
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Absent Comrade
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Never having been able to afford to be a collector, I can't imagine owning even a like-new gun and not shooting it.
You'll enjoy that fine revolver.
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Oh well, what the hell.
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06-03-2016, 11:19 PM
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Thanks! Well, the overwhelming response is shoot it, so shoot it is what I will do!
I have to say, I don't know if they just made better triggers back then or it is 60+ years of break in, but the trigger is downright amazing! Not heavy, and smooth like you are pushing your finger into a stick of butter!
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06-03-2016, 11:20 PM
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Absent Comrade
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Nice revolver,,,,Enjoy it!.....Shoot it!
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06-03-2016, 11:24 PM
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Like everyone else, my advice would to be shoot it and enjoy your revolver. It's what you want to do and why you bought it. As long as you take care of the gun it's not really going to change it's value. Collector types would be looking for like new in the box examples with everything that came with it.
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06-03-2016, 11:31 PM
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Beautiful firearm. It was made to shoot. I shoot everything I have... can't wear them out using 38+P or less. You can leave them to your kids or enjoy them while you can. I choose to enjoy them all. Good luck and have fun.
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06-03-2016, 11:39 PM
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You describe a very nice, used gun. You may put it in a safe, but it will never be a queen, maybe third or fourth in line to the throne. Shoot it and take care of it. You'll enjoy it, and the value won't take a big hit.
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06-03-2016, 11:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M640M19
Thanks! Well, the overwhelming response is shoot it, so shoot it is what I will do!
I have to say, I don't know if they just made better triggers back then or it is 60+ years of break in, but the trigger is downright amazing! Not heavy, and smooth like you are pushing your finger into a stick of butter!
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Depending upon how "Not heavy" the trigger pull is and whether or not the butter is approaching a liquid state, your gun may have been treated to a "spring kit" somewhere along the line. There are several---I know about just one. I recently installed a Miculek Spring Kit in a true "beater" M&P model. "True beater" defined as bought new in 1920, and carried daily in the hip pocket of my father-in-law's overalls------for 50 years or so. This kit is instantly recognizable by the mainspring. It's bent forward about 45 degrees 3/8 to 1/2" down from the top. It transforms S&W's typically "downright amazing" (DA) trigger pull into truly mind boggling!! If you try it, and don't like it (difficult to imagine), you've invested less than $20.
Ralph Tremaine
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06-03-2016, 11:49 PM
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shoot it, if you take care of it, even shooting it hard wont hurt it, I would not run really hot ammo in but mid powered stuff would be fun.
I dont get the safe queen mentality, unless its an investment firearm, shoot it.
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06-03-2016, 11:53 PM
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I agree with engine 49 and would add that lead bullets would be preferred IMO.
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06-04-2016, 12:00 AM
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Just checked and my closest Model 19 is Serial K-345422 Shipped Aug 1959 for reference.
Dont worry about posting serials we do it every day on the SWCA side .
Edited to add, if you enjoy the Combat Magnum checkout this thread:
The ultimate Model 19/66 Combat Magnum thread
Last edited by Engine49guy; 06-04-2016 at 12:04 AM.
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06-04-2016, 12:03 AM
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I dont get the safe queen mentality
I don't get the safe queen mentality either. I suppose if it is truly a collector's gun, then yes, but I buy all my guns to shoot, not look at.
Depending upon how "Not heavy" the trigger pull is and whether or not the butter is approaching a liquid state, your gun may have been treated to a "spring kit" somewhere along the line.
You may be right. The trigger is certainly not the typical revolver "heavy". I paid money for an action job to get a trigger like this on my first Model 640 back in the mid-90s. I stupidly sold that gun and just picked up another one a few months ago, which has a typical "revolver" heavy trigger.
Thanks to everyone for the advice on ammo for this gun. I picked up two boxes of 38 Special to shoot through it tomorrow (now today, I suppose). I'll check in after with how it shoots.
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06-04-2016, 12:04 AM
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Shoot it? Yes
Holster it/Carry it? No, don't do that.
Shooting it and cleaning it will not hurt the finish on that beauty, holstering it will.
Also, when you take it to the range and lay it down, make sure you have a good gun rug or pad to put it on, and also make sure there isn't any sand on the table at the range, as people use sand bags for bench shooting and the sand gets everywhere and it will scratch up any gun.
Enjoy it as Mr. Wesson intended.
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06-04-2016, 12:07 AM
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Very Nice 19 and welcome to the Forum.
Take it out and shoot it !!!!!
It's not a safe queen when you bought it
so the decision should be easy.
It won't lose any value if you take care of it
and keep it clean.
As said previously, shoot .38's and the heavier
bullet loadings for the .357 mag.
I've got a few guns in 95-99% range and they
still get shot.
Watch you don't put on a lot of holster wear and
you'll be able to get your money back easily at a
later time if you wish.
Chuck
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06-04-2016, 03:41 AM
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Shoot it with .38 ammunition? Yes.
Put it in a holster? No.
Nice gun.
Regards.
Bob
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06-04-2016, 04:00 AM
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That's a fine looking Model 19 you got there.
I used to worry about this question also.
Then one day my wife pointed out, "When you're dead, the boys will shoot them, or they'll sell them to someone else who will shoot them. You might as well have the fun yourself."
Good point.
I wouldn't shoot a lot of 357 ammo through it, but only because I don't see much sense using expensive 357 ammo to punch holes in a piece of paper.
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06-04-2016, 12:42 PM
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A very nice find there, I agree, shoot it! If you just case it and take it to the range shoot it, take it home and clean it properly you will incur little additional wear as long as you keep it out of a holster. Now as for me I do recognize the fact that these are no longer made the "old" way and out of deference to their age and value shoot them accordingly. I have four model marked 19's and shoot a "lite" .38-44 style load with a 158gr LSWC bullet to reduce "wear" and tear on em. If I want "full zoot" .357 Mag loads I have 586's and 28's for that sort of thing. In any event enjoy that one!
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Stay safe people!
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06-04-2016, 12:50 PM
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You will get a lot more pleasure looking and shooting it than if you just sat there and looked at it.
I bet she likes to dance.... take her out dancing .
Gary
Last edited by gwpercle; 06-05-2016 at 05:35 PM.
Reason: grammer
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06-04-2016, 01:13 PM
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Just looking at the pictures that would be a collector grade gun to me and one I could shoot too. All these LNIB requirements for a collector grade gun are just bull. I don't own a pre WWII Smith that would qualify. If you subtract 20 years from your 1958 gun, you will find that the box will cost as much or more than the gun. . .because none survived. That's a super nice gun. Remember, most everybody threw the box away. Nobody threw the gun away. A box collector is a much more difficult thing to be than a gun collector.
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06-04-2016, 01:22 PM
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Hello Ant, I was faced with this dilemma. I wanted to buy a shooter mod-28 6". Mid 1970s era. Well at the club I bought a 6" 1966 mfg., brand new, no box. Got it for shooter price. Heck yea Im going to shoot it. See, problem solved. Shoot and enjoy. Best
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06-04-2016, 03:20 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M640M19
My question is this: should I shoot this gun?
Because, in the end, I bought it to shoot,
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Shoot it. It's not a flawless, unfired-outside-the-factory specimen.
If you ever decide to open a Smith & Wesson Museum, you're going to need a better gun than that one to put on display.
Take reasonable care of it and enjoy it.
It's a very, very nice looking gun, by the way.
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06-04-2016, 03:39 PM
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Ran two boxes of .38 Special Remington target ammo through it today and it really is a wonderful gun to shoot. It's rare in life when you buy something that exceeds all of your expectations, and this gun is certainly one of them.
First six shots two handed at 10 yards…
… it lives up to its name of "Combat Magnum." Certainly, a gun I will never be able to "outshoot."
Thanks again for the replies and setting my mind at ease about shooting it. It's going to probably become a regular in my range rotation.
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06-04-2016, 05:18 PM
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Absent Comrade
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Mothballed Guns?
These guns are meant to be fired and you won't hurt it considering that it has already been used.
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06-04-2016, 05:20 PM
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I tend to solve this problem by buying duplicates. One is a pristine safe queen that I like to admire, the other is an excellent condition shooter.
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06-04-2016, 07:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SLT223
I tend to solve this problem by buying duplicates. One is a pristine safe queen that I like to admire, the other is an excellent condition shooter.
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That right there is how the disease takes hold
Next thing you know its 1 in each barrel length, then each revision, then finish, then year, then rare lengths, then commemoratives .......
WARNING Slippery Slope Ahead Proceed with Caution !
Last edited by Engine49guy; 06-05-2016 at 05:29 AM.
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06-04-2016, 07:50 PM
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How are you guys opening up the photo?
I'm seeing a dash within a circle and clicking on it does nothing to open it
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06-04-2016, 08:30 PM
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I also have a 1958 Mod 19 which I purchased from the widow of an old friend. My friend took great care of it and I shoot it all the time. I've put 1300 rounds through it since I picked it up last November. I have several Smith revolvers and, at one time or another, shoot them all. I feel that's what they were made for. You should shoot yours and care for it after each session. I may be old fashioned but that's what I do, regardless what I may shoot, I always clean it following the session.
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06-05-2016, 04:42 PM
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I too just picked up a model 19 (19-2 actually), though there is no debate whether or not I will be shooting it. Guns were meant to be shot, not just looked at...
Aside from some holster wear, and a tiny bit of corrosion, this revolver is great condition, with a good trigger and tight lock-up. I can't wait to get her to the range.
Last edited by mainegrw; 06-05-2016 at 04:44 PM.
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06-05-2016, 11:33 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SLT223
I tend to solve this problem by buying duplicates.
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I was already looking at 2-1/2" Model 19s on gun broker, so yeah… I get it.
Some great looking Model 19s in this thread… glad to have finally added one to my collection!
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