Contemporary Model 19

[tatume]

While I'm familiar with the history of the original Model 19, I'd like to know how S&W enhanced the strength of the current-production gun. Is the frame of the Model 19 a modified K-frame, is it actually an L-frame, or did they quietly increase the strength of the entire K-frame line?

 

[bobsguns]

The only thing wrong with the older Model 19 line was the forcing cone. Non-.357mag models had no issue(s).

I have a new 19C. Someone in another thread listed the changes to the new models, but I don't recall the details. Seems like I recall a recutting/redesigning of the forcing cone was one of them?

Sorry I wasn't more help.

 

[Beju]

About 10 years back, switching to the current
two piece barrels allowed S&W to do away with the flat cut at the bottom of the K-frame forcing cone that was known to crack if you fired a lot of the lighter, faster Magnum loads.

The new Model 66s reportedly have held up well to high round counts of .357 Magnum loads.

 

[stansdds]

The current production Model 19 and 66 have a slightly larger frame to accommodate the multi-piece barrel system, this also allowed S&W to eliminate the flat spot on the barrel shank. The forward cylinder lock was also moved from the ejector rod tip to the cylinder crane, so barrels as short as 2 3/4" still have a full length ejector rod.