19-3 2-1/2" project - what's under the muck?

[ameridaddy]

Found this at LGS, a 19-3, Ser 1K386xx. It's the dirtiest gun I've ever bought, but I think something good lies beneath. All the mechanics are tight and smooth, no boogered screws except a little on the sight elevation, no end shake or push-off, with a fantastic double action pull.

Can one of you good folks put a year on this for me?

All I did today was check for rust under the grips (none, but tons of lint and other dirt) and do an exterior wipe down with oily patches and a toothbrush.

The grips number to the gun, are tight, but checkering worn nearly smooth and silver from the medallions all but gone. I haven't decided whether to touch it up myself, set them aside for some nice targets I have, or see if Curt? would refresh/refurbish them for me.

Not sure about the Tylers - just clean them up, or I could black anodize them?

I'll try acetone to get the white paint/caulk/whatever from the lettering.

I apologize for the tilted cell phone pics. No matter how I rotate them in my file, they appear 90^ from right side up in the post.
I'll post better pics after I finish a detailed interior and exterior clean up.
Meantime, I'd appreciate any advice or suggestions from you all.

 

[Narragansett]

I want to say 1970.

Not much to say, sounds like you have a plan. Just remember, compressed air is your friend.

Looking forward to pictures

 

[ameridaddy]

More pics of the muck.
I better get a shovel.

 

[ameridaddy]

And more pics

 

[ameridaddy]

Last pics for now.

 

[Baxter6551]

That's a home run and the pics look much better thank your description! Thats a keeper for sure.

 

[DETROIT]

Found this at LGS, a 19-3, Ser 1K386xx. It's the dirtiest gun I've ever bought, but I think something good lies beneath. All the mechanics are tight and smooth, no boogered screws except a little on the sight elevation, no end shake or push-off, with a fantastic double action pull.

Can one of you good folks put a year on this for me?

All I did today was check for rust under the grips (none, but tons of lint and other dirt) and do an exterior wipe down with oily patches and a toothbrush.


The grips number to the gun, are tight, but checkering worn nearly smooth and silver from the medallions all but gone. I haven't decided whether to touch it up myself, set them aside for some nice targets I have, or see if Curt? would refresh/refurbish them for me.

Not sure about the Tylers - just clean them up, or I could black anodize them?

I'll try acetone to get the white paint/caulk/whatever from the lettering.

I apologize for the tilted cell phone pics. No matter how I rotate them in my file, they appear 90^ from right side up in the post.
I'll post better pics after I finish a detailed interior and exterior clean up.
Meantime, I'd appreciate any advice or suggestions from you all.

Some flitz will clean up the grip medallions nicely. For the chalk, heat, acetone and a wood pick works.

 

[mh51]

A good sonic cleaner will help flush out a lot of the crud. After that, it will just take some time to finish the thorough cleaning. Curt can make those stocks look almost new ( at a very reasonable cost).
Good luck....think you might have a diamond in the rough.

 

[flundertaker]

Great find. What were they asking for it?

 

[chief38]

WOW - that was neglected! However like you said, under all the muck it looks like it will turn out OK. You could chase the checkering on the grips to bring them back and then refinish them.

 

[rjm6120]

I love adopting Smiths like this. I strip out all the internals and give them a nice 4-5 day soak in Hoppe's No.9, as well as the cylinder and frame/barrel. The vast majority of the crud is usually gone and what's left comes off very easily.
I am envious of your adoption!

 

[firefighterjohn]

That's a nice 19 you found there even if it needs some TLC. Kinda sad too see one neglected like that but sounds like a fun project. You got a lot of great cleaning advice that I'd never heard about. Sure nice to come on the forum and learn something every time. There's a wealth of knowledge here, wow!

Can't wait to see the AFTER pictures.

 

[Rodan]

That doesn't look bad at all!

 

[StrawHat]

There is a good revolver under the muck. Take your time and find it.

The Ed's Red is a good solvent to soak the metal in. The grips are easily salvageable or use as is. The Tyler is fine as is, not all of them were anodized. If you don't like the shiny, I am sure you could trade them for what you want. I may have a black one in my parts bin.

Good luck and keep us posted of your progress.

Kevin

 

[swagmeister]

I've seen much worse than that one. Looks like it will clean up well and be a good shooter grade 19. As someone said "perfection is boring." I have always thought that the 2 1/2" 19's and 66's were two of the most good looking Smith revolvers made. To me, a handgun is made to shoot; not to be treated with white gloves like some priceless object. Shoot it and enjoy it in good health. Thanks for showing.

 

[SS336]

That will clean up very nicely, looks pretty good already to me. Doesn't look abused, just used.
I have one a little earlier than that that was pretty filthy and took a while to get it cleaned up. Looks great now and shoots fine. Can't wait for the after pictures of yours.
I would just polish up the T-Grip, it looks good on it. A little mineral spirts and a soft toothbrush will make the stocks look a lot better.

 

[Bald1]

I've used "gun scrubber" aerosol spray on several guns in that condition. Then I learned automotive brake cleaner works the same way at half the cost. If the little red tube u can blast gunk out of every crevice. But it removes every drop of oil/lube so wipe here back down.

 

[M29since14]

I agree with Swagmeister. I've seen a LOT worse. Congrats on your new Model 19. It deserves a good home.

 

[BAM-BAM]

You said the grips numbered to the gun..... but it looks like the grips and gun lived different lives for the past 50 years!!!

The grips are similar to ones on my Dad's 1946 M&P that he carried as his duty gun for 30 years.

The gun looks like it spent most of its life in a sock drawer..... I see little muzzle wear in the pictures....... lint and dust!

 

[wetdog]

I noticed the cylinder is numbered. Is there a refinish stamp or a date stamp on the left side grip frame ?

 

[ameridaddy]

I noticed the cylinder is numbered. Is there a refinish stamp or a date stamp on the left side grip frame ?

See #5 for added pics of cylinder & grip frame stamps. I have no idea what they mean.

 

[MajorD]

Nice looking revolver - I would do a five minute clean to get it clean enough to run then shoot it until it really got dirty. You guys must be into white glove inspection clean- that doesn't look at all bad to me. A gun needs to be clean enough to function that's it beyond that I don't waste my time.

 

[wetdog]

No stamps for what I was thinking. Maybe just needed a rework when being built.

 

[KEN L]

Found this at LGS, a 19-3, Ser 1K386xx. It's the dirtiest gun I've ever bought, but I think something good lies beneath. All the mechanics are tight and smooth, no boogered screws except a little on the sight elevation, no end shake or push-off, with a fantastic double action pull.

Can one of you good folks put a year on this for me?

Most likely shipped September 1971.

 

[ameridaddy]

Most likely shipped September 1971.

Thank you!

 

[Nightowl]

Looks like it was carried by a left handed detective!!

 

[cndrdk]

Looks like it was carried by a left handed detective!!

Could have been, I've known officers that sanded down the checkering on grips as it would really "chew" up the lining on a sport jacket. When I was in the detective division I had smooth grips on my 66 snub, but I did grind and polish the checkering off the hammer. Of course that was many years ago when our police department detectives wore jackets and ties.

 

[ameridaddy]

Could have been, I've known officers that sanded down the checkering on grips as it would really "chew" up the lining on a sport jacket. When I was in the detective division I had smooth grips on my 66 snub, but I did grind and polish the checkering off the hammer. Of course that was many years ago when our police department detectives wore jackets and ties.

That's interesting. I was wondering why it was so heavily worn on both sides. Normally, it's just the outboard side of a long time carried and holstered gun that's beat up.

 

[Green Frog]

Dirty? Mine usually look worse than that after a single good range session! That gun was made to carry and shoot, and although it shows signs of having both done with it, it's still in great shape to my sight! Looks like a great find to me!
Froggie

 

[DGNY]

That 19 looks to have really great "bones". Yes, a bit of wear here and there, especially on the grips; but the underlying visible condition, notably the bluing, is impressive to me.

Whether or not 1970/71 was a pristine timeframe for Smith and Wesson I know not. Maybe it was a Wednesday morning product.

But it certainly speaks across the last half century to say "Look at me, my form and function are admirable. I have a lot of life left and I'm ready to serve."

Please let us know how it's doing at the range/in the field, when a report may be available!