The barrel pin actually did nothing, although if a barrel was loose it would keep the barrel from unscrewing from the frame. I have found recessed chambers to be a bit of a pain to clean and since balloon case head brass is so rare these days, recessed chambers are simply not necessary. As to a 7-shot K-frame in 38 Special or 357 Magnum, the cylinder is far too small in diameter for such a thing. Enjoy that Model 19-5, it should make for a great carry revolver.
The only point in polishing nickel is to remove oxidation (haze) and surface scratches. Do not be aggressive with the polishing as it is possible to polish through the nickel and expose the underlying steel. Use Flitz or Semi-chrome paste and a soft, cotton cloth, polish by hand, no power tools, and polish gently. If you plan on using it as a carry gun, I would not bother polishing.
For best recoil control, 38 Special +P ammo. I prefer Speer's 135 grain JHP 38 Special +P Short Barrel ammo, but Remington's 125 grain Golden Saber is also a good performer. If you plan on stepping up to full power 357 loads, avoid the 125 grain loads advertised as having a muzzle velocity of 1400 fps or more, this is the ammo that can quickly erode the barrel's forcing cone.
Such a pretty snubby, and the box is outstanding - a true NIB! Did those combats come original with it? I thought the combats would not be introduced until 1982 or so...Would love to confirm if they had them before that.doubletapp357, that is a very nice Model 19-5 in nickel and congratulations on the purchase. I like the nickel guns and have several.
Here is my Model 19-4 in nickel and combat grips, from 1980. Mine does not have the red ramp front sight.
Like Hawg Rider mentioned above—I like the pinned and recessed guns too.
Note— My 19-4 came in a S&W Blue, 2 piece factory box.
Thank you. No, the gun came with round butt Magnas and I bought the S&W Combat grips the same day I bought the gun. I paid between $30 —$35 for the grips NIB. Next time I'm in the safe that has my older receipts I will double check the purchase date but I remember it to be 1980, but could be 1981. I don't have a clue when S&W came out with the Combat grips. You never know about some things S&W done in those years. Example—Selling nickel guns in a blue box instead of the Silver-Gray box most Nickle guns came in. I have several as I mentioned.
