Dad's 19-3

[cobiker123]

My father passed away a couple weeks ago and his 19-3 came home with me. I first shot this pistol around 1980 and a couple times a year for a few years after that. I haven't seen it in about 35 years. It was in really rough feeling shape, could barely get the hammer back and it was rough, the cylinder didn't want to release or spin. Some surface rust that came off pretty easily with some copper wool. Complete (mostly) tear down and clean and it is buttery smooth again. Maybe better than my '94, 686. The serial number is 8K80xxx so 1975-77 as far as I have been able to find. If anyone knows more specifically that would be appreciated. Also have his pretty early Roy's Leather pancake. My dad carried this a bunch and was his truck gun for years. The wear backs that up. Still has the Pachmayr Gripper grips I remember. Will hit the range this week with it, with my son; I can't wait.

 

[RCL-09]

Beautiful family heirloom.

 

[G-Mac]

cobiker123, welcome and sorry that you lost your dad. A 19-3 snubby is hard to beat. Treasure that gun and take good care of it.

 

[shamuscull]

Sorry for your loss. Enjoy the memories of you father and take good care of his model 19.

 

[John Patrick]

Condolences.

That M19 will bring back memories of your dad and your time together, and that's wonderful.

 

[Babysitr]

Welcome to the forum,sorry for your loss...I have the few guns my grandfather and my father each had...priceless.. enjoy that 19 with your son

 

[JP@AK]

The serial number is 8K80xxx so 1975-77 as far as I have been able to find.

1977 (8K80001 - 8K99999). Nice inheritance.

Sorry for your loss. It has been just 10 years since my dad passed away. You don't get over it, you just learn to live with it.

 

[JJM7288]

Sorry for your loss.

 

[.38SuperMan]

Very sorry about your loss. My dad passed almost thirty years ago.

I inherited several of his guns too. My favorite is a 2.5" model 66. Fabulous revolver! One nice thing about inheriting something like this, great memories are attached to it. My dad introduced me to shooting when I was 5 and I think of him often when I visit the range we both shot at in 1953.

 

[toddimusnimski]

A great memory of the one who brought you into this world. I'm sorry you've had to deal with his passing. He was a man of good taste. Welcome to the Forum sir; you are in good company.

 

[robvious]

sorry for your loss.. now make it a true family heirloom.. shoot it with your child and the heritage will carry on...

 

[gmborkovic]

Most of us share our dads guns and we all know how much they mean to us. Did you check under the rubber grips for moisture?

 

[Laketime]

Well its nice to hear your story and that you appreciate the heirloom, and will cherish your father's gun. All too often these type of posts are strictly looking for resale values of a special gun left to them.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum...and condolences on your recent loss. The Model 19-3 that you inherited from your father is a nice .357 Magnum snubby. It looks like you did a great job of cleaning it up and getting it back into service. Maybe use a little Renaissance Wax (or paste wax) to shine up and protect the finish. My Dad gifted me a number of firearms, though none were S&W. Mostly WWII souvenirs (Walther P-38, Browning 1922, Carcano Cavalry carbine, Berthier-Lebel Artillery carbine, and a custom-made scheutzen rifle based on a bolt action Mauser 1871). I'm sure that you and your son will really enjoy your range time together, and shooting that 19-3 will certainly bring back some fond memories!

 

[old bear]

cobiker123, sorry about your dad's passing. He did leave you a wonderful firearm to remember him by. Very pleased that you were able to get it back in proper working condition. Do remember to remove the rubber grips, to check for moisture, then give the grip frame a light wipe down with silicon spray.

 

[cobiker123]

Thank you all for the wishes, was more than I expected. Great words up there, thank you.
No, no selling this one, was never a thought. 1977 - thank you for confirming that.
I will look into the wax, hadn't heard of that before.

Thanks again all.

 

[lkabug]

Sorry for the loss of your father.
You have a wonderful heirloom from him which will provide many special memories.
Share those memories your son while creating more for him to cherish.

 

[cobiker123]

Well my son and I were eager to get this thing hot and we got to the range on Wednesday. It was pretty special to have the 3rd generation shooting the same pistol. My son has been to the range with me since he was 7 and is 18 now, so no slouch, this is his grouping at 7yrds once we got the sights dialed. Such a fun gun to shoot, we ran everything from 110grn SJHP to 158 SWC's and it was awesome. Please note how high the rear sight is lifted. Is this normal and okay? That is what it took for us to get it dialed. Thanks all.

 

[sourdough44]

When I get a used S&W with a history of unknown care(just about all) I like to remove the side-plate for inspection, cleaning, & light lube.

I have found some bone dry inside, a few a bit gunky. There are videos on the procedure. Most of the time no reason to remove any internal parts, leave them in place.

I have an older Model 12 20 ga from the grandfather, has two sets of barrels. It mostly sits in storage, but I give it attention once in a while.

 

[Nightowl]

That's a real nice 19. And yes, I think the sights are too high. They should be regulated about the middle of the adjustment range.
The 158 grain bullet was the standard when the 19s were designed, so I would guess the sights were regulated for the 158 grain .357 Magnums of the day. The 110 grain .357 Magnum bullet will shoot low in most guns.
I would start with grouping some factory 357 Magnum, 158 grain bullets and adjust sights accordingly. Several factors affect point of impact, especially on short barreled guns, to include type of grips and how strong your grip pressure is. If the sights still need to be adjusted that high, you may want to install a taller blade on the rear sight. Your sight looks like it has ran out of adjustment.