Is it sacrilege?

[Lonegle57]

I ran across a model 19 yesterday in (my opinion) at least 90% condition but lacking the thumb/cylinder latch. Is it sacrilege to put a new style latch on a gun that used to have the old style?
The new style was the first type I ran across and ordered it. I figure I can hunt up the old style at a later date if it looks just wrong.
I couldn't pass up a 250 dollar price on the gun when all it is missing is the latch and nut/screw that holds it in place.
thanks for the input..Lonegle

[bamabiker]

I would not have a problem with it until I could find the correct one. If it's just a shooter or carry gun I might not even bother. MHO.

[GerSan69]

I agree. Get it in shape to shoot it! Unless you put it up for sale, "correct" parts won't mean much.

[jinx]

There are some latches and screws on Ebay right now that will fit your gun.

[C17]

I took the new style cylinder thumb latch and replaced with a SDM Fabrication old style. I did this because the "concave" style of the newer latches was causing me to have to rotate my hand off the grip to fully engauge it. Now I dont have that problem. Check them out on their site. They are awesome. I had mine 3 days after ordering and it was only $35

[Hillbilly77]

I say don't worry about it. Especially for $250.
My 586 no-dash has a modern barrel on it and a re-blue.

GerSan69 nailed it - unless you sell the gun, it won't matter.
In the case of my 586, I'll never sell it so it'll never matter.

If it bugs you that much, sell it to me as-is. I'll give you your $250 back, plus $10 for your trouble.

[pineappleshooter]

It would be sacrilege if you didn't buy it for $250! I don't care if you make a latch out of day old bubble gum!

[Ranger514]

Great buy on you M19. I just replaced the stock thumb latch on my M66-3 with the SDM New Style latch. IMO it not only looks better, it's made better, and functions better. I'll keep the original just in case I feel nostalgic, but my M66 snubby is a carry gun, not a safe queen.

[daveyc]

I personally prefer the old style latch, but either work well.

[K-9]

Can't go wrong for $250.00.

It's a gun. Make it the way you like it.

[rwsmith]

....... I'd have no problem with replacing the part. Like somebody posted, if it makes a difference to you, you can replace it later. Personally, I wouldn't bother.

[Green Frog]

While I see the utility of the "new style" thumb latch design, I can't get past the way it sticks out on the bottom... too much metal there. My solution for years has been to take the original style and remove the bottom wing so there is plenty of clearance for speed loaders, etc, but the top 2/3s is there to engage with your thumb. If that doesn't work, either your thumb is too weak or the e-rod springs are too strong! JMHO, of course, and YMMV.

Froggie

[GLL]

The original style latch parts are easy to find !

Nice !

Jerry

[CoMF]

If it were my M19, yes. On anyone else's, it's a matter of personal preference, and there are convincing arguments for using either one.

New latches are less expensive and indeed easier to find. Going the "traditional" route will require a phone call to Numrich or Jack First Inc. and more than likely cost more. Either one will serve its purpose just as well as the other.

Oh, yeah. I'll hazard a guess you already have the thumbpiece screw, but if not, S&W or the aforementioned parts houses can set you up with one.

[Ranger514]

No clearance issues with my SDM New Style thumb latch and my HKS #10 speed loaders. I really like the sharp cross hatching surface that provides a very solid contact. SDM makes a traditional style thumb latch with the same sharp milled surface for those who want the stock look on their older models.

[Mule88]

Ive changed out a few of my older latches with the newer ones, I like the looks of them better.