How did I do? Mod 19-3

[oddshooter]

I can't wait to go shoot it, it has had a trigger job done at some point, single action is too light, and there is hammer push off. I'm hoping I'll be able to sharped that ledge instead of replacing hammer.

I shoot my 66 well, so I'm sure this will be no exception. This is my first prelock smith. I've heard of the cracked forcing cone issues, I usually reload 125 grain jacketed stuff, maybe I'll leave those for my 686 and 66.

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I love light triggers. I mean under 2 lbs. if shooting benchrested for tiny groups in handload testing. I like to be surprised when the hammer falls. Something like a glass rod breaking.

I don't plan on shooting in a self defense situation or hunting in heavy brush. I like 3.5 lbs for that.

Of course the push off is not good, but what do you consider a light trigger ?????

You've made a smart decision about dropping the lighter bullets from your shooting regimen. I believe the bullets don't actually harm the gun, it's the extra powder that is required for lighter loads. I use a lot of Vihtavouri powder which is very stable and doesn't seem to generate as much heat. N340 is my fav.

I am a fan boy for the model 19 and I shoot 357mag in them with 158gr and up, at around 1200fps. I have no fears about forcing cones or cracks. If it happens, it happens; but I'm not changing my joy because of questionable behavior by others.


Prescut

 

[Hair Trigger]

Recently traded a Sig P320c, 2 mags plus $100 for a Model 19-3 4" pinned barrel and recessed cylinder. it has some holster wear at the tip of the barrel, same on both sides and the grips are rough, I have a set of square butt grips that I'll be putting on it.

I'm told it was a police issued gun, no way to verify that, though?

I can't wait to go shoot it, it has had a trigger job done at some point, single action is too light, and there is hammer push off. I'm hoping I'll be able to sharped that ledge instead of replacing hammer.

If it was a police issue, it must have been the Chief carrying it. Finish is very nice, service revolvers generally got beat up from practice, actual service use, etc. The chipped stocks is typical of banging against a chair, or a seat belt buckle, exiting the car and hitting the door frame, etc.

The issue with push-off should be addressed prior to any use. That is an unsafe and unpredictable condition. It may be that the hammer sear notch can be repaired, but hammers can still be found and a replacement is probably better and less expensive than a good and experienced gunsmith's time. My guess is the push-off may be the main reason this gun was sold. No matter, it is fixable and you still got the better deal.

 

[CorvZ061]

If it was a police issue, it must have been the Chief carrying it. Finish is very nice, service revolvers generally got beat up from practice, actual service use, etc. The chipped stocks is typical of banging against a chair, or a seat belt buckle, exiting the car and hitting the door frame, etc.

The issue with push-off should be addressed prior to any use. That is an unsafe and unpredictable condition. It may be that the hammer sear notch can be repaired, but hammers can still be found and a replacement is probably better and less expensive than a good and experienced gunsmith's time. My guess is the push-off may be the main reason this gun was sold. No matter, it is fixable and you still got the better deal.

The only finish wear it has is at the end of the barrel and the sharp edges on the frame, I think you may be right that if it were an officers gun it may have been chief, or someone else in a position that didn't require it to get abused as much.

I don't plan on carrying it much, if at all, more of a range toy. I have my 66-8 to carry, not as concerned about the finish on it. But I do agree the push off needs to be fixed asap. Being a machinist I have everything I'd need, and have done triggers jobs in the past, I'll give it a go and see if I can fix the notch prior to going straight to replacing the hammer. Just haven't had time to open it up yet, probably this weekend.

 

[CorvZ061]

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I love light triggers. I mean under 2 lbs. if shooting benchrested for tiny groups in handload testing. I like to be surprised when the hammer falls. Something like a glass rod breaking.

I don't plan on shooting in a self defense situation or hunting in heavy brush. I like 3.5 lbs for that.

Of course the push off is not good, but what do you consider a light trigger ?????

You've made a smart decision about dropping the lighter bullets from your shooting regimen. I believe the bullets don't actually harm the gun, it's the extra powder that is required for lighter loads. I use a lot of Vihtavouri powder which is very stable and doesn't seem to generate as much heat. N340 is my fav.

I am a fan boy for the model 19 and I shoot 357mag in them with 158gr and up, at around 1200fps. I have no fears about forcing cones or cracks. If it happens, it happens; but I'm not changing my joy because of questionable behavior by others.


Prescut

I've got a load that my 686 and 66 shoots well using N340 with some 158gr berry's plated. Velocity runs right around 1200 or just under. I will be shooting those from my 19, I still have 400 125gr bullets left, so I'll probably download them a bit, maybe with N340, maybe with some CFE Pistol. Get them in the 38+p range or bottom of magnum range, should live just fine with the 125's there. But once these are gone I will switch to 158's.

 

[Birdhunter6]

You did very well.

I paid $800 for a very nice 4" 19-3 early in '21. It was a GB purchase. I had bid on several previously and saw examples in worse shape sell as high as $1000.

I'm not a SIG shooter but hey, they are still making them. Not so for the P&R Combat Magnum.

Enjoy!

 

[CorvZ061]

"First prelock".

Ahh…the slippery slide begins..

There was some wisdom here. Another 19-3 joined the collection today. This on is in much nicer condition. Traded a 66-8 for it. It is simply beautiful, slight blue wear at the muzzle, but that's it.