2 model 19 questions

[joedaddy]

I have a model 19-4 357 and have noted several differences with it compared to my model 29-10 44 mag. I have searched and found answers to most of the differences, excluding these two.

First is the recessed cylinders. Is there any inherent benefit of this?

Second is the firing pin directly located on the hammer of the model 19. Is it considered safe to carry this revolver with 6 rounds loaded? It's main purpose in life is a range gun, but I have used it on occasion to hunt and typically carried it with five rounds, empty under the hammer.

Thank you in advance.

 

[ikor]

The recessed chambers were once considered safer with Magnum loads in the event of a case separation, etc. Long after modern cases had made such worry obsolete, they continued the practice until finally they dropped it.

The firing pin (properly called the hammer nose on your M19-4) is perfectly safe to carry with six loaded rounds. The primary internal safety is the interface of the hammer seat and the seat on the rebound slide and then the secondary safety is the hammer block inside.

 

[P&R Fan]

It is absolutely safe to carry fully loaded. Since the mid '40s all S&W revolvers have a hammer block to ensure a blow on the hammer will not fire the weapon.
The advantages of a recessed cylinder are to contain the case head in the event one would blow out. Only rimfires and Magnums have this feature. It is probably not that important with today's ammo. However, Smith and Wesson collectors, me included, just prefer the Pinned and Recessed models because they are from a time when more attention was paid to details like this, and they were given these added quality features. A non- P&R revolver is just as strong as a P&R revolver. Just not as cool.
Jim

 

[joedaddy]

Thank you Gentlemen for your time and expertise.

Now I can shoot six rabbits instead of five without reloading!

 

[sodacan]

You must hunt really big rabbits.

 

[mjb99]

You must hunt really big rabbits.

I heard tell of a guy named Tim who used to talk about how dangerous rabbits could be...

Matt