First Range Visit With My S&W Model 19 Carry Comp Moss

[cremaley]

Made it to the range today and shot 50 rounds of Remington 130 grain FMJ .38 Special ammo. I normally shoot at black splatter targets but with the front sight being black I decided to use a competition target. I set it a 8.5 yards and shot combat style. Drawing from my holster and firing 6 rounds as fast as I could pull the trigger and repeating the same process until I ran out of ammunition. I managed to keep all but I round in the A zone. Shots were a little low so next time I'll shoot slower using single action to see exactly where I am hitting to see if I need to adjust the elevation on the rear sight. My overall impressions are very favorable, The trigger action is very smooth and predictable and the "Power Port " does work making it easy to get back on target quickly. My only issue is the cylinder is slightly difficult to release ( mostly stiff ). It will definitely open but I have to apply a little more pressure than I do on my other revolvers. Timing is perfect so I am not concerned, I did, however , speak to Smith & Wesson Customer Service about and they told me it will break in after more use. Other than that the revolver functioned flawlessly.

 

[snw19_357]

My only issue is the cylinder is slightly difficult to release ( mostly stiff ). It will definitely open but I have to apply a little more pressure than I do on my other revolvers.

I noticed that on the M19 Classics too. I'm used to the feel of the center pin smoothly pushing the locking bolt out of the way. With the ball detent in the yoke cut that doesn't happen.

 

[cremaley]

I noticed that on the M19 Classics too. I'm used to the feel of the center pin smoothly pushing the locking bolt out of the way. With the ball detent in the yoke cut that doesn't happen.

Hopefully it time it will get better.

 

[Dump1567]

On one of Nelson Fords video's (The Gunsmith), he talks about removing the ball detent to make reloading easier/faster. I guess it's just a pin holding in the ball and can be banged out with a punch. But I don't know if he's doing it for competition shooters or people that carry?

I bought my 19 Carry Comp used and didn't find it all that stiff to pop the cylinder out. So maybe it does loosen over time.

 

[snw19_357]

If you remove the ball then there's nothing 'locking' the front of the cylinder. Only the center pin at the back of the cylinder.

Yes, mine has loosened up and I have no difficulty opening the cylinder but it does (and always will) feel different than the locking lug at the end of the ejector rod.

 

[cremaley]

Problem solved. After shooting my Model 19 Carry Comp I thoroughly cleaned it and began working on the issue. Put a drop of gun oil on the ball detent and the cylinder release thumb-piece and began working both for almost two hours. Turned out the thumb release was stiffer than the ball detent. Both are now smooth and the cylinder releases easily. Now completely satisfied with my Model 19 Carry Comp.

 

[cremaley]

Second visit to the range today with my S&W Model 19 Carry Comp. It was suggested that I change from 130 grain ammo to 158 grain. They only one available was Monarch .38 Special 158 grain FMJ. All went well for the first 12 rounds and then light primer strikes. Out of 50 rounds 15 did not ignite. When I finished I kept those 15 rounds and fired 6 rounds of my carry ammo which is Gold Dot .38 Special +P. All rounds fired. I then purchased some 38 Special range ammo and fired 12 with all firing. When I finished I spent a few minutes with the gunsmith and he checked all 15 rounds of Monarch and none of them met specifications. All primers were set too deep not allowing the firing pin to make a proper hit. This is really puzzling to me since I have shot thousands of rounds of Monarch 9mm 115 grain without a single issue. Still have one more box of the Monarch .38 Special 158 grain ammo left. I will be interesting to see how they perform. More to come.

 

[Dump1567]

You can order a longer FP that may solve your issue with hard foreign primers. I guess the new FP-less designed hammers aren't as reliable as the old hammer mounted FP.

TK Custom sells them.

Smith & Wesson Centerfire Revolver Extended Firing Pin Kit – Competition & Duty Grade | TK Custom

If you're looking to improve the reliability of your Smith & Wesson centerfire revolver and prevent dangerous, unexpected light strikes, TK Custom has the solution trusted by competition and duty shooters alike.

This extended firing pin and spring combo kit enhances primer engagement and supports smoother trigger pulls—especially in tuned centerfire revolvers running lighter spring setups. Whether you shoot USPSA, IDPA, or carry for defense, consistent ignition matters.