First S&W - Model 19-3

[golfnfish]

I just bought my first S&W yesterday. It's a Model 19-3 Nickel 2 1/2". I shot about 20 rounds this morning just to check it out. Both 38 spl and 357. I've never shot a snubnose revolver before and it's going to take some practice to get the accuracy I want but I absolute love it. Serial # is 5K9xxxx. Thanks for looking

John

 

[Old cop]

If it's your first snubbie I predict you'll be hooked. Very nice first aquisition, congrats.

 

[saemetric]

(It's a 2 1/2" bbl). Very nice snubby

 

[pownal55]

Start with light loads at close range and work your way out from there, then up to magnums. You will enjoy the experience.

 

[golfnfish]

Thanks for the compliments guys and the barrel correction. Accuracy wasn't terrible with a 5" group at 20' but I definitely need to practice with it as the DA trigger is pretty stiff but the SA is very, very light. The recoil was not unpleasant even with the 357 rounds.

 

[66Park]

Beautiful gun! I always find I shoot better with larger stocks than the magnas, though I love the way they look. Is the trigger stiff compared to other revolvers, or are you used to shooting a semi auto? A properly working K frame trigger should be crisp and smooth. If it were mine, I'd spend a lot of time with the .38 Specials getting used to the gun before doing too much with .357. At any rate, enjoy your new gun. There's nothing quite like a Smith and Wesson K frame!

 

[JP@AK]

I just bought my first S&W yesterday. It's a Model 19-3 Nickel 2 1/2".

Welcome to the Forum.

You certainly picked a good revolver to start with! I love the Model 19-3 with all barrel lengths, but the 2 1/2" is a favorite.

Here is a picture of mine. It has the blue finish - at 99%.

 

[JP@AK]

And since you like nickel - here's my 19-3 4" with the nickel finish.

 

[golfnfish]

This is the first revolver I have shot in over 20 years. I have a Sig P220 Elite in DA/SA with a short reset trigger and the 19-3 is stiffer in double action but lighter in SA. I don't find the trigger rough but it is a heavy pull. I'm taking it to a S&W smith next week to have him go over it thoroughly as it doesn't seem to have seen much use for a pistol made in the 70s. It could be that it just needs a thorough cleaning inside. I also just shot a few 357 rounds to see how the pistol handled them and plan on practicing with target 38 spl loads. I also bought a set of the pachmayr grips off the classified this morning as the wooden grips, while beautiful, seem small in my hand as well.

Thanks for the advice and compliment!

John

Beautiful gun! I always find I shoot better with larger stocks than the magnas, though I love the way they look. Is the trigger stiff compared to other revolvers, or are you used to shooting a semi auto? A properly working K frame trigger should be crisp and smooth. If it were mine, I'd spend a lot of time with the .38 Specials getting used to the gun before doing too much with .357. At any rate, enjoy your new gun. There's nothing quite like a Smith and Wesson K frame!

 

[golfnfish]

Wow. Those are beautiful JP@AK. Thanks for the welcome!

 

[iwanna]

Great gun. Beefy little snub. I have a 19-7 with the Uncle Mikes grips. Very accurate at 15 yards. Beautiful barrel design on these.

IMHO, the .357 is kind of wasted on such a short barrel. Lots of flash and bang, but no extra power. (I'm more of a .38 guy, anyway, I admit.)

 

[JCS&W]

Great first Smith! Can't go with a M19. Looks like your was shipped in 1974. I have a real weakness for the M19-3.

 

[holo]

had this one for a few weeks now and lovin it

 

[Snake Plissken]

Congrats, love those snubbies

 

[JP@AK]

love those snubbies

Yes. Me too. I've been trying to negotiate a deal on a Model 15 Combat Masterpiece 2" but can't get it down to a reasonable level. The owner is stuck on $675 and that's just too high for only the gun - no box, nothing else. I offered $575, which is even a bit high IMHO, but I would pay that. Got a flat "no." I've never owned a CM with anything but a 4" barrel and would like to add a snubby to the group. Eventually I'll find one that isn't made of gold . . .
Jack

 

[Beauetienne]

Sweet find. I have one 19-3 with a six inch barrel.

I'm sure you'll love it.

 

[kosamson]

Very nice! Congratulations.

 

[00Buck2]

That's a good looking pistol!

A word of caution those short barrels are addicting.

 

[joefay]

storing my dads 19-2 that he got from his brother. Trying to figure the year it was made. serial is K784xxx. I think it was his service revolver when he was on the job in the 70s.

 

[JP@AK]

storing my dads 19-2 that he got from his brother. Trying to figure the year it was made. serial is K784xxx. I think it was his service revolver when he was on the job in the 70s.

Probably c. 1968. I believe K7508xx shipped in 1967. But a 1968 date should make it a 19-3, which came out in 1967. There was, of course, overlap, and your frame may already have been drilled for the old location of the sight leaf screw. In any case, that is close.
Jack