Need advice on a used S&W model 19, with 2.5" barrel that has some pitting on the inside surface that measures approximately 3/4' long. There is some rust on the sides of the hammer. The price is $325.

My question is whether I should consider buying this revolver as is? Is the barrel safe to fire .357 loads over a period of time in its present condition? Is it expensive to replace the barrel with one in better condition?

Suggestions and answers to these questions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Spitfire-1,

Replacing the barrel is expensive. If it is light surface pitting, I would think it would be safe to shoot as normal. IMHO, the K frame is not really intended for thousands of rounds of magnum use, but it can handle some magnum usage.

Thanks for your quick reply.

Do you think the price of $325 is reasonable for this gun, in the present condition, as described in my posting?

Spitfire-1

Question Used S&W Model 19 with interior barrel pitting

Bountyhunter,

Thanks for your quick reply.

Do you think the price of $325 is reasonable for this gun, in the present condition, as described in my posting?

Spitfire-1

If you like the 19 as a shooter,it is a fair to good price.
You can carefully clean up the hammer,see how it shoots and gently
hone the pitting as needed.
But you need to want it as a shooter.

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Barrel pitting has become far less common since the mid-1950's or so when priming compounds were changed from the old fulminate of mercury to lead styphnate and other compounds. It is possible that powder residue in the barrel attracted and held moisture, causing such pitting.

It is also possible that what you are seeing is something else, such as heavy fouling or leading.

A worn bronze bore brush can be wrapped tightly with 0000 steel wool and used to polish the bore. This will not cause any damage (0000 steel wool can be used on blued surfaces without damage to remove surface rust) and might just clean up the bore very well. Same treatment can be used on the case-hardened hammer and usually works well.

$325 is a pretty good price for a Model 19 these days, and the 2.5" models generally bring a little premium. I would take a chance on it myself if everything else is in very good condition or better.

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as lOBO G.l. said, you may have lead fouling in the bbl.
Try a Lewis lead remover.
A little surface rust on the hammer is not a big problem - do some price negotiating.

Out here in Kali, that would be a steal. Not sure where you are, but sounds decent.

I would use the condition issues to negotiate. A hammer could be easily replaced if you couldn't restore it. As others noted, the barrel issues may not be serious and I don't think a few rust pits would hurt the firing performance anyway.

That's one of those things that's hard to judge without seeing it in person.

19's around here seem to go for $400+, so if everything else is in VG condition, it could be well worth it. But again, hard to say without seeing it.

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BountyHunter, Goucho1, LoboGunLeather, Phils, s3dcor & Walkure;

I would like to thank all of you for your input on my questions pertaining to the S&W model 19 issues. I will follow your suggestions & recommendations.

This was my first query on this Forum and, am really impressed with the quick replies and expertise of all the members. It is a pleasure to be involved with a great group. Thanks again.

Spitfire-1

SOP from my experience here. Also, I concur, it's a pleasure to be here....

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