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Old 03-02-2017, 12:24 PM
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Default S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ???

I figured I'd post this in the gunsmithing section to see what the experts thought.

Many years ago I bought a S&W 19-2 4" blue stripped gun from an estate. The gun has some handling marks, but it's a solid base to rebuild the gun from. What say you gurus, is it wirth to rebuild the gun, sell it to someone who can rebuild it or just leave it as a paperweight ?
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Old 03-02-2017, 12:37 PM
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S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ???  
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I guess the question is, why was the frame stripped in the first place? If the integrity of the frame can be confirmed, then the answer is yes, I would certainly restore the gun by replacing and fitting the missing parts.

Sounds like a great project.
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Old 03-02-2017, 01:39 PM
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S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ???  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by armorer951 View Post
I guess the question is, why was the frame stripped in the first place? If the integrity of the frame can be confirmed, then the answer is yes, I would certainly restore the gun by replacing and fitting the missing parts.

Sounds like a great project.
^
That is what I would do too. The frame integrity is a good question.
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Old 03-02-2017, 01:59 PM
captainjohnsofd captainjohnsofd is offline
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S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ???  
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Keep in mind that if it has a serial number in the eyes of the Feds it is a gun.
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Old 03-02-2017, 02:00 PM
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S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ???  
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Default Rebuild

You said it was stripped...I would need to know to what degree. You said 4 inch, so I am assuming the barrel is present. If it has the sideplate and the frame is not damaged, then it is a definite candidate for a rebuild.
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Old 03-02-2017, 03:03 PM
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Thanks for the replies. The frame and barrel look and measures true, there's nothing obviously wrong and there is no sideplate. Where would I find all the parts for a price that makes rebuilding this economical ?

I'm aware the frame is the firearm but not only by the ATF, but by local LEO also.
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Old 03-02-2017, 04:50 PM
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S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ???  
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Before I did anything, I'd see if I could get a local law enforcement agency to run the serial number through their NCIC system to see if it's listed as a lost or stolen firearm. If it is, you will lose it, but if you can prove where you obtained it, and can establish that it was stripped when you bought it from the estate, then you likely won't face any thing other than the loss of the frame. It's a **** shoot, but my antenna is quivering. Why would anyone strip a perfectly good revolver down to the frame? There could be reasons, but it's not too likely unless there was a problem with the frame and they could salvage some money through the sale of the stripped parts. Lots of things don't necessarily make sense, but you gotta wonder.

It'd sure be sad to go to the trouble and expense to return that frame to a functioning revolver and then find out the serial number is trouble! And BTW, fitting a sideplate that comes from a different revolver can be done, but hardly ever perfectly and not without a LOT of tedious handwork!
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Old 03-02-2017, 05:03 PM
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S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ???  
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Model 19 parts on ebay;just put S&W Model 19 in the search box

Try this link also:
19-2 Accessories | Numrich Gun Parts
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Old 03-02-2017, 06:50 PM
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S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ???  
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spacestuff4me,

I sent you a PM.

Muley Gil
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Old 03-02-2017, 07:46 PM
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The gun is NOT stolen, the gentleman who's estate I purchased this from, was a long time serious collector. I purchased 37 guns from this estate in the 80's, none were stolen and I forgot I even owned this. I'm selling off a lot of my collection, I happened to find it in a box of parts while cleaning out a 40' container.

From the looks of it he was probably going to refinish or customise or even engrave it. The frame has some bugger marks along the top strap but there is no rust.

I looked at Numrich and other parts companies, it would cost 2-3x to buy individual parts, kinda like the auto parts business. I could buy a mint 19-2 for 1/2 of what the individual parts would cost. If someone had a frame cut 19, then it would be worth rebuilding it.

I've worked with law enforcement for many years when I owned a pawnshop, when I managed one of the largest gun stores in the country and over the last 30 years as an FFL. I just have never rebuilt a gun, I always knew gunsmiths who did work for me but I haven't done much in guns for the past 10 years.

Trust me, I'm not some noobie who's selling stolen stuff and I've been around the block a few times.

Last edited by s&wchad; 03-03-2017 at 07:08 AM.
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Old 03-02-2017, 08:20 PM
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S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ???  
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Given your extensive history and the cost of rebuilding the gun and the fact that you are selling most of your collection, I would sell. Unless you just want an expensive shooter in that configuration. Not likely to recover the cost of rebuild.
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Old 03-02-2017, 08:30 PM
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S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ???  
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What would I do with it? One word: Pinto.
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Old 03-02-2017, 08:50 PM
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S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ???  
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There are complications to rebuilding it. Cylinders, side plates and yokes are fitted to frames after which the barrel is fitted. The odds are good that a random yoke would not work or the barrel would have to be set back to meet up with a random cylinder. There is a good chance that a used side plate will leave gaps around its edge where it was shaved to fit a different frame. Also very few gunsmiths have experience fitting side plates.

A local gunsmith has a late pre-war stripped N frame that for the last 50 years he has talked about building into a .45 Colt. Some how it's never gotten built.
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Old 03-02-2017, 08:55 PM
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S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ???  
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I work on revolvers as a hobby. Thing that would worry me is finding a side plate and getting it to fit right. Cylinder, yoke, trigger hammer etc, not so much. But, It all takes time tools and patience.
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Old 03-02-2017, 09:06 PM
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S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ???  
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Bear in mind, steelslaver is a (retired?) machinist who has a lathe, milling machine and other precision tools to work with. Also he is not charging himself union wages.

No offense is intended. I'd love to own your shop.

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Old 03-03-2017, 12:11 AM
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S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ??? S&W 19-2 Stripped Frame, To Build Or Not To Build ???  
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spacestuff4me View Post

Trust me, I'm not some noobie who's selling stolen stuff and I've been around the block a few times.
What you say puts a different light on the situation. You know the possibility. Some don't, and I had no way of knowing that up front. I meant no offense and I apologize if I gave it! Sounds like you also know what you would be up against to rebuild the frame to a working gun. I'm sure it can be done. Whether it would be worth the cost is the question.
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Old 03-03-2017, 06:30 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steelslaver View Post
I work on revolvers as a hobby. Thing that would worry me is finding a side plate and getting it to fit right. Cylinder, yoke, trigger hammer etc, not so much. But, It all takes time tools and patience.
Good point - I missed it not having a side plate. Still doable, but as others have pointed out, expensive and difficult.
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Old 03-03-2017, 01:14 PM
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It's difficult to 'build' a revolver from the stripped bbl'd frame when looking at it strictly from the $$ standpoint.
You've already seen that individual parts add up quickly. Buying a parts kit,,basicly everything but the frame, from another revolver is one way to get what you need.
But then the labor enters the picture.

Doing it yourself and for the fun of it,,it's a project and we don't keep a clock on it. If we did, we'd find most times we'd be working for a few $$ an hr when the final product is done and you put a market price on it. The first thing you'll hear is..'Well I could buy a nice condition Real One for xx$, so your mongrel made from parts gun is only worth -xx$.

If you're going to hire out the labor, it really gets to be upside-down in value. You just aren't creating anything special with that investment.

You could pull the bbl and sell that separate. The M19-2 , 4inch Bbl itself would bring pretty good money.
The frame itself being a magnum, adj sight frame, would sell to either a project tinkerer (make a wildcat caliber revolver, make a revolving carbine, ect), maybe someone with a M19 with a damaged frame that wants to replace it, or even a stock/grip maker,,they use the frames to fit grips and hold them while working on them.
The sideplate being missing is a big deal to most but to someone who is going to rebuild the whole thing, refinish, ect, not so much.
A stock/grip maker can use it as-is but I would probably just screw on a K frame plate just to cover the sharp edges while working.

Just some thoughts from someone who's been there.
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Old 03-03-2017, 02:28 PM
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well as someone who has put back together his fare share of guns ....i can tell u it can be done...u can find low cost solutions with guns now being cut apart and sold on Gunbroker...local police sell them with the barrels cut off and have all the parts included.....how i do it is figure out what the make and model u have is worth when it is done...just like u did at the pawn shop...and then see what the costs will be...the work can be done at home...it will require a lot of patience and some hand tools...it u get jammed up...i would think u have a local gunsmith u can call on for advice or help too...i have right now two pre 1900 winchester 1894's i was told never could be repaired...and i am about 80% there...i love to save old firearms...but it is not for the faint of heart...some of these parts are hard to find...but with the model u have...i would think this is very straight forward too..i have found there is also people selling lots of smith parts on ebay here recently too for very reasonable price...when u can keep us updated...God Bless and some pics of what u are working on too,John
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