Found a 2 1/2" Model 19-3

[max503]

Well....



Are you gonna shoot it?

 

[ImDrRich]

My all-time favorite and my first purchase. You did extremely well!

 

[H Richard]

I did a little better than that, but different circumstances. It was a 19-4. It was 2008 and in my favorite small LGS. It had just hit the shelf, and it had been in a gun rug that had gotten soaked because of a small fire and had been overlooked for some time. It had some minor pitting and surface rust. Looked bad on the surface, but was basically a new gun. My OTD $ was $258. After taking it home and doing all I could for the surface, I sent off to Metaloy in Berryville Arkansas. I instructed them to leave the top strap and sight black. I removed all internal parts before shipping. It still had a couple visible marks (pits) if you looked hard enough. Had a lot of fun with it.

 

[SS336]

Looks like a very good buy to me. Hard to find that model revolver around here and more expensive when you do. Definitely shoot it, will leave a smile on your face. I know mine does.



Made in 1970, M19-3, a gift from a friend many years ago.

 

[CH4]

I have a few, with my most recent find costing be about $500 via a trade. It's a mint -7, the last of the no BS 19s. However, the 19 I found just before the -7, was a cherry -3 that I happily paid $925 for, because it came with the combats.

 

[Gater]

You are like a thief in the night. Good job! I’m still kicking my ***** for not buying a pre-lock M66 2.5” at cabela’s last summer. It was priced at $650.

 

[Nframe_is_no1]

I appreciate everyone’s wonderful feedback! You guys never cease to impress with your insight and expertise!

max503,
Yes, I did shoot it with 6 rounds of 158 gr hard cast 357 mag. I do that with all my K frame magnums with just a 6 round test using 158 gr 357 as a function test at full power. I avoid 125 gr. It shot perfectly. Going forward, now that the full power function test is passed, it will be shot occasionally with a diet of 158 gr cast LSWC or LFP 38 special +P, like all my vintage K frame 357s. However, it will not be carried or go anywhere near a holster so as to preserve the finish! I treat all of my vintage K frame 357s lovingly and carefully because I want them to stay in high condition!

CH4,
I love those combats! They are gorgeous!

 

[bananaman]

I had a 66-2, 2,1/2". Not near as classy looking as the 19. Bob

 

[chief38]

I always thought the blued M19 in the RB and 2 1/2" bbl. configuration was one of the most gorgeous revolvers S&W ever made! I never bought one new when they were being produced and never cared for the more modern versions. I always regretted never buying one, and began to hunt one down but it had to be in or near pristine shape. My search had not turned one up and I sort of gave up trying to find one - at least for a somewhat reasonable price. I also liked the stainless version (M66) but not nearly as much as a gorgeous blued version.

About 2 years ago one of my shooting Bud's came over so I could help tweak a few guns for him. He had 3 tasks for me to do but had 4 boxes with him. When I finished the three tasks, he said "do you now anyone who might be interested in this M19-4, 2.5" RB revolver"? The rest is history and it now is mine! Oh- BTW other than being test fired, the revolver had never been shot and was in pristine condition. Of course I have and do shoot it on rare occasion so it is still pristine but not quite a safe queen.

 

[Baxter6551]

In the early 80 during my first year of marriage I had to sell some guns to make the mortgage when the wife got sick. I can’t recite the list without getting ill myself but one was a 2.5 inch model 19 (I wasn’t paying attention to dash numbers back then). I had taken it to Springfield for same day service so the trigger was perfect. I’ve since filled the hole with a 2.5 inch 66 but those model 19s still call my name.