I have been given a Model 19-4, sn 66kI655 (or 66k1655 format?) by a friend I did some work for, who only deals with quality firearms...so it got my attention, beyond being grateful.
1. which of above is the correct sn and what does the format "mean"?
2. I am trying to buy a vintage box for it off ebay...no idea of the match but it beats what I have
3. it has beautiful wooden gips and appears to me not to have been fired alot, is Nickel plated & polished finish...deinitely my classiest weapon.
4. I have fired 1/2 box of .38 special through it (they seemed dirty...) can you recommend a practice round in .357 magnum that is reasonable? I am not a high volume shooter so not sure if there is a practical limit to load i shoot shoot in this weapon.
5. i just like holding it more than shooting it!

Based on the serial number, 66K1655 (not an I but a 1), the Standard Catalog of S&W shows that serial numbers 57K0001 through 91K6800 were shipped in 1980. If the stocks are magna style stocks, and if the stocks are original, the serial number will be on the stocks. If the M19 was an original nickel plated piece, a "N" will be stamped on the butt of the gun, under the stocks obviously. Any standard load .357 will be fine, but I would not put a steady diet of .357's through it. Congrats on getting the M19. Great Smith.

Greetings from Maine. Welcome aboard!

Thanks all

Gosh, in my hast to find the info you requested, I forgot to say "Welcome". An oversight on my part.

Yes, welcome. And pics of new to you are always desired items...

And I hope the hammer and trigger aren't plated... That would be a home nickel job...

pic attached...I love this gun....

Attached Images

mod 19_4 overall a.jpg (59.0 KB, 14 views)

usma77-35008, welcome from North Carolina.

usma77, you ought to love that gun! It looks great! Congrats again!

JCS&W-I will check under stocks tonight to see what it says under there...never been a "collector" I usually just get functional stuff that I can drag through the mud w/me...not this one. Like I said, I shot a few times through it to make sure what i could and could not do. Took it only a couple of times in the field with me (loaded w/ .357 125 gr. JHP (I think) and shot a small doe in KY on edge of a corn field...maybe 10-12 yards ...then I put it away...recently thought about consulting more knwoledgeable people and getting better at revolver shooting

Welcome from Va.

__________________
Roger

I project this will be the beginning of another S&W addiction!

__________________
Peace Thru Superior Firepower

Welcome from Texas usma77 35008. Great forum for all things S&W, have fun, learn lots, share what you know.

__________________
I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

I'm glad you've decided to join us! Welcome!