I have a Model 19-4 S/N 61K0XXX 4" (blued) that I think was from the early to mid "70's with a split forcing cone and needs a barrel replaced. As I understand that they are no longer supplied by S&W will another fit (threads, etc.). I understand that if it is not drilled for pinning it would have to be drilled. I am open to a 6" or maybe a 2" if I can't find a 4".

Keep you eye on ebay, many barrels show up there. If necessary a nickle one could be de nickeled and blued. A barrel for an unpinned model will work. The barrel shank is not drilled, just a small slot cut across the threads in the correct area. Any smith qualified to install a barrel could do that to it easily.

Model 19 barrels do not show up often though. You could also use a model 13 barrel (I see those more) but, the front sight ramp and sight would have to be replaced for higher front sight to match 19s adjustable rear sight. A K frame 38 barrel from something like a model 14 or 15 would also work, but barrel shank would need some shortening and forcing cone recut as well as the barrel remarked to 357.

In any event any barrel will need adjustment when to you gun unless you get pretty lucky.

There was a 2.5" 19 barrel for sale in the forum yesterday but IIRC the snub barrel will not mate to your 4" frame correctly at the rib.

Here is a link :

http://smith-wessonforum.com/accesso...her-items.html

Great, that was the type of info I was looking for. Not all gunsmiths give the same story. I am not overly concerned re looks as mine had a lot of carry in earlier life and shows a lot of holster wear. I plan to only use 38's after repair.

Try USA Guns and Gear Smith & Wesson Revolver Firearm Parts they have original barrels for a 19 listed.

Dicem - did your forcing cone split under your ownership? If so, do you know why?

Bum luck, in any case. I hope you can find a suitable replacement and get your 19 back in working order.

__________________
Some collect art; I shoot it!

Yes it was in my hands when the "D" part of the forcing cone split. I had sent 12 +P's 38's through it and after the next round of 18 .357's I could not get the cylinder to swing open. The range master was able to put enough pressure on it and found that it was hanging up on the "D". Obviously it will not close. The gun has been in the family since new or almost new and has had a ton of 357's sent through it. Seems like fatigue.

Jack, thanks. I am about to call them as soon as I post this.

too bad about your revolver... would have been a thriving industry to buy all the take off barrels seen over the past couple decades.

I wish I had a nickel for everyone I've seen or heard about that was split.
I wish I had a dollar from each and everyone who said the splitting was a myth...

Guess which would have produced more $$ ??

Good luck on your search.

__________________
.............SmithNut

Found a nice looking (on picture) 4" pinned at USA yesterday. Talked to them and confirmed condition. Now on its way to me. Decent price and excellent service from them. As soon as it arrives in Kommiefornia where I an stuck for now, I will be heading to a gunsmith to have in installed and properly set-up. Can't wait to get it back in service. I'll have to empty brass using some on my auto-loaders.