OP
See #5 for added pics of cylinder & grip frame stamps. I have no idea what they mean.
19-3 2-1/2" project - what's under the muck?
- Thread starter ameridaddy
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See #5 for added pics of cylinder & grip frame stamps. I have no idea what they mean.
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.
No stamps for what I was thinking. Maybe just needed a rework when being built.
Most likely shipped September 1971.
OP
Thank you!
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.Looks like it was carried by a left handed detective!!
OP
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
Member
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
Froggie
DGNY
Member
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!
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!
pantannojack
US Veteran
Looks like it was carried by a left handed detective!!
I wonder about them L H detectives. If one ever fired a magnum from that in a dark alley would he, she, or they be able to see the way to the call box, and even be able to hear well enough to report the shooting?
bluetopper
Member
Soak it in diesel (yes submerge it) for a bit then clean it with a toothbrush and a nylon bore brush through the chambers and barrel. Then dunk it again to rinse it then blow it with compressed air. The bluing will shine like new.
I keep a little plastic tub for such for my handguns.
I keep a little plastic tub for such for my handguns.
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bluetopper
Member
My 19-3, 2 1/2" is serial 8K495xx. It does not have the red ramp nor the serial number on the cylinder.
SnidelyWhiplash
Member
I've always wanted a M19 snubby but the prices have always been higher than I feel justified…at least to me. I did scratch that itch with a near new M66…but I still want that 19. I looked at a 19-4 snubby last week at a gun store not far away. Again…the price was higher than I want to pay…it was in very good shape but I would expect a pristine example for the asking price.
Maybe I'll go back and negotiate…maybe just keep looking.
Maybe I'll go back and negotiate…maybe just keep looking.
OP
I went to the LGS to buy a $10 gun sock, and they had just put my gun in the used gun case minutes before I came by and saw it. I didn't have enough cash with me, left a deposit, went to an ATM, and came back. When I checked out at the package inspection, one of the store employees in the non-gun section said he would have bought if he'd seen it that day.
Serendipity - it happens, and I hope it visits you. Don't give up!
pantannojack
US Veteran
HUH!!
Just warning that they are very bright at night and loud.
SnidelyWhiplash
Member
If I was looking for a carry gun the one I looked at was fine...just enough wear to not baby it. To collect for the fun of it...I simply want pristine examples. Just me. Patience pays off when you least expect it.
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I bought a nickel 19-3 2.5 that was dirtier than that at Gander Mountain shortly before they folded. The counter kid tried to up sell me on a "service plan" that included twice annual cleaning. When I asked him if the same skilled gunsmith that cleaned it when it came to the store would be performing the service he looked puzzled. A fellow forum member has it now.
They are fine guns. It doesn't take long under a sport coat to pick up enough lint and dog hair to knit a pair of mittens.
They are fine guns. It doesn't take long under a sport coat to pick up enough lint and dog hair to knit a pair of mittens.
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