Changes to .38 K-frames to make the Model 19

[PALADIN85020]

In 1955, S&W introduced the Combat Magnum revolver, later to be called the Model 19. To do this, they made a few changes to the K-frame to accommodate the more powerful .357 Magnum round, which before that was only chambered in the large N-frames.

Some time ago, I did a chart on the changes to the .38 K-frames, and it's shown here. In fact calling the Model 19 a K-frame is technically inaccurate - probably should be called a modified K-frame! At any rate, here's a photo illustrating the changes.

John

 

[ispcapt]

I don't know if the original Model 19s had the overtravel stop but Model 19s had the stop. I had a 4" (can't recall the - number) I carried that I removed the stop. I've since traded the 4". I still have my 2.5" 19-3 with the stop in place.

 

[Hair Trigger]

My M19-3 (1974) has the slot for the stop, but no stop in it. Don't know if the original owner removed it or if it never had one.

 

[Hair Trigger]

In 1955, S&W introduced the Combat Magnum revolver, later to be called the Model 19. To do this, they made a few changes to the K-frame to accommodate the more powerful .357 Magnum round, which before that was only chambered in the large N-frames.

Some time ago, I did a chart on the changes to the .38 K-frames, and it's shown here. In fact calling the Model 19 a K-frame is technically inaccurate - probably should be called a modified K-frame! At any rate, here's a photo illustrating the changes.

John

Nice diagram, can you change "crane" to "yoke", since that is the S&W term?

 

[Scharfschuetzer]

Nice chart. Tracks well with my understanding of the changes an in an understandable format too. I've owned four Model 19s over the years and used two of them as an LEO. As I recall, my early ones did have the overtravel stop.

 

[ispcapt]

My M19-3 (1974) has the slot for the stop, but no stop in it. Don't know if the original owner removed it or if it never had one.

Removing the stop was a common modification done by LEOs. The stop could loosen, slide, and would not allow the trigger to travel enough to release the hammer. That's why it was removed from the 4" I had. I carried the 2.5" off duty alot but never removed the stop in it. Always thought the next time I removed the side plate for detailed cleaning that I'd remove it. Then I'd forget to do it.

 

[UncleEd]

Nice diagram, can you change "crane" to "yoke", since that is the S&W term?

There's a lot of yokes about
how high a crane can fly.

 

[Straightshooter2]

John, thank you for the diagram of the most beautiful revolver Smith & Wesson ever made.

 

[snw19_357]

Nice diagram, John.

I, like others, don't agree with the trigger stop statement. Combat Magnums through early 19-4's (1979) came with the trigger stop.
Although eliminated for .265" service and later .312" combat triggers, they were still standard with the .400" target trigger into the -90s.

 

[PeteC]

My 19-3 made circa 1973 still has the trigger stop (just visible below). To the best of my knowledge it was in private hands for decades (no holster wear).

I also have a model 15 with a slot for it and no stop, and that gun was owned by a LEO (still has his badge number on the trigger guard, lol).

 

[Dieseltech56]

My 19-3 has a stop but my 19-6 has the slot but no stop

 

[PALADIN85020]

Nice diagram, John.

I, like others, don't agree with the trigger stop statement. Combat Magnums through early 19-4's (1979) came with the trigger stop.
Although eliminated for .265" service and later .312" combat triggers, they were still standard with the .400" target trigger into the -90s.

The 19-4 illustrated is from 1980. At the time I did the diagram I was not aware that the earlier models had the stop. I changed the image in the OP to eliminate any reference to the stop, and changed "crane" to "yoke".

John

 

[Loyaljeeper]

Are we positive the magnum frame was heat treated over the standard k frame? I know there is talk, supposedly from S&W the frames were the same.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Are we positive the magnum frame was heat treated over the standard k frame? I know there is talk, supposedly from S&W the frames were the same.

The only thing I heard was that the frame was "strengthened." Whether this was accomplished by updated heat treating, bulk, or both, I really don't know. Maybe Jim Supica can shed some light on this.

John

 

[Muley Gil]

S&W sent out a bulletin advising that the K frame trigger stop be removed from revolvers used in law enforcement.

I believe this was in the late '70s.

 

[snowman.45]

S&W sent out a bulletin advising that the K frame trigger stop be removed from revolvers used in law enforcement.

I believe this was in the late '70s.

Yes, they did. Those of us who were carrying 19s at the time removed them. I think I still have a couple floating around in my parts bins.

 

[Muley Gil]

Yes, they did. Those of us who were carrying 19s at the time removed them. I think I still have a couple floating around in my parts bins.

I removed several from M19s and M15s myself for my fellow officers.

The same screw that secures the trigger stop also fits the rear sight on adjustable sighted revolvers where the leaf is attached to the top strap.

I used to have a pill bottle full of stops and screws.

 

[torizus]

S&W sent out a bulletin advising that the K frame trigger stop be removed from revolvers used in law enforcement.

I believe this was in the late '70s.

I remember seeing a letter like that on the bulletin board at the range when doing qualifications about that time.

 

[Muley Gil]

I have always read that the frames also received a different heat treatment.

 

[stansdds]

Changing the heat treatment would certainly be the most cost effective method of strengthening the frame. Other methods would be to use a different alloy an/or increase the mass of the top strap. I doubt that S&W would use a special alloy for just one caliber of revolver and I do not know that there are any significant differences in the mass of the top strap between K-frames chambered in 357 Magnum vs. lesser calibers.