Ah, the good old days...

[PALADIN85020]

Call me old-fashioned, but they just don't make 'em like they used to. Case in point: this Model 19-3 Combat Magnum, shipped in 1976. Nice size. Not too large and heavy, not too small and puny for a .357. Beautifully done nickeled finish. Pinned and recessed. Carefully fitted. Beautiful rosewood presentation smooth grips. No stupid "lock thingy" to mar the looks or go wrong in a pucker situation. This one dates from 1977, 35 years ago, smack in the middle of what I call "the golden age" of S&W revolver manufacture. I betcha if S&W could make something similar today, it would sell like hotcakes. The only way to get one now is to scour the gun shows and the internet auction sites - and, trust me on this, these guns will only become more and more valuable in the coming years. Treat them nice, preserve them carefully, because these relics of a time gone by are money in the bank. I got mine, and I'm a happy camper!

John

 

[kennethg]

That is certainly one nice speciman!

 

[Snapping Twig]

I have to agree with you. My collection has a 1967 mfg 29-2, but otherwise is completely an early to late 80's exemplar. Some newer of course, but none with the MIM, lock, etc.

Mid 80's 13-3

 

[C Islander]

Couldn't agree more. I've got a nickel 19-3 that looks just like yours except mine has checkered target grips.

 

[semperfi71]

I have seen people come to the forum and state that $XXX.00 is too much to pay for an older S&W.

I believe that even paying a bit more than what the "supposed" price for an older S&W is still getting a better quality handgun cheaper than what a currently produced S&W sells.

Nice M19-3, I have always felt that M19s really look great in nickel.

 

[larry8]

Whats a "MIM" ?

 

[PALADIN85020]

Whats a "MIM" ?

That stands for Metal Injection Molding - a manufacturing technique currently used compared to the old forging method. Metal combined with a plasticizer is injected into a mold; when released from the mold it shrinks slightly to very precise dimensions. It's quick, but scorned by those who appreciate the older, more laborious hand-fitting methods.

John

 

[RobertJ.]

Very well said. Hopefully, this newer generation of shooters will stay enamored with their "black plastic", and overlook shootin' irons like the one pictured.

Nice Model 19, BTW!

 

[TSQUARED]

Nice gun!
When you staetd the good old days I thought you were referring to the 1950's & 1960's (tells you a bit about my age).

 

[GF]

"I got mine, and I'm a happy camper!"

I think a 4 inch K frame Mod 19 is about as good as they ever got it...

... and yes, it is good to have one already.

GF

 

[phenson]

Those Rosewood stocks are exquisite!

 

[fyimo]

Great looking revolver and you are have figured what many have of us have known for a while.

 

[Mickey D]

Beautiful nickel 19!

I have a few 19s, but only one that is nickel.

 

[WFR]

Those Rosewood stocks are exquisite!

My thoughts exactly!
They really make that gun look great!

 

[JCS&W]

John, I do not know you, but man, we think alike. I was having this very conversation on Sunday with a couple of "plastic" gun lovers who are friends. I do not have a 4" M19 yet, (yours is beautiful BTW) but I will sooner or later, hopefully sooner. However, I do have M19/66's 2 1/2" versions, and I really like them. My nickel M19-3 is one of my favorites.

 

[18DAI]

Beautiful in its form. Beautiful in its simplicity. Beautiful in its function.

Simply.........beautiful. Great post PALADIN85020. Regards 18DAI

 

[H Richard]

My accumulation of S&W's ended with 1991. And, I agree the Mod 19 is one of the best of the bunch.

 

[Pilgrim]

I don't have a nickle 19 - yet, but has a nice blued one that is finished so well, that in the right light, it almost looks nickle. They finished them really well then.

 

[pawncop]

John,

Great looking Model 19. You are so correct with all you said.

 

[Hoppe's no.10]

My first nickel plated....

I will be the first to admit that I've never been fond of nickel plated revolvers. I've always thought they were awfully ostentatious....having said that ....

For quite a while I've been looking without much success for a nice older 4" S & W .38/.357 revolver to shoot in I.D.P.A. matches (6" barrels are not allowed and barrels much shorter than 4" are not practical). Then I ran across this one at a local shop - M19-4 Combat Magnum DOB 1980. I thought the price was high especially since the nickel plating had faded to about the color of dirty dishwater. But what finally sold me on the gun was the trigger work. Who ever did it knew what they were about - there is absolutely no "stacking" on double action - perfect for competitive combat/action style matches.* I brought it home and then went after the finish with some flannel patches and Flitz and boy did the Flitz make the nickel "POP" .

The target stocks had already been altered somewhat ( a portal hole was drilled through the stocks so that the mainspring tension screw could be accessed without removing the stocks) so I didn't mind relieving the left hand grip to allow for speed loader clearance. I took away a fair amount of wood with a Dremel drum sander and then stained the bare wood to match the rest of the stock. I would have liked to have sanded a little more but I was right up against the medallion.

. Kind of changed my mind on nickel plating...

Hoppe's no.10

* I'll only use Federal primers in my reloads with this handgun.