How did I do? Mod 19-3

CorvZ061

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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?
 

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If the Model 19 fits your eye, your hand, and balances well;
you have found a shooter that will make you grin and look good.

The model 19 is a favorite by many for good reason. When I want to go dancing at the firing line, this is the model that always goes to the party.

Prescut

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.
 
The M66 is the stainless steel version of the M19. It still can have the same forcing cone problems with hot 125 gr. bullets. The 686 will probably go on forever. Ball powders are known to cause erosion of the forcing cone in hot loads. Better to go with a stick or flake powder for those.
 
I think the "forcing cone issues with 125 grain JHP ammo" are exaggerated by the internet. I put thousands of 110 grain and 115 grain JHP's through my Model 19 in the 1980's. The barrel and forcing cone were fine. The finish on the inside of the top strap was the biggest issue I saw, directly above the barrel / cylinder gap. The nickel plating was completely removed there.
 
The M66 is the stainless steel version of the M19. It still can have the same forcing cone problems with hot 125 gr. bullets. The 686 will probably go on forever. Ball powders are known to cause erosion of the forcing cone in hot loads. Better to go with a stick or flake powder for those.

My 66 is a -8 model, 2 piece barrel. I think that forcing cone issue is resolved there, but it has a lock. I don't mind that aspect of it actually, just figured I also need some older smiths in the collection.
 
I think the "forcing cone issues with 125 grain JHP ammo" are exaggerated by the internet. I put thousands of 110 grain and 115 grain JHP's through my Model 19 in the 1980's. The barrel and forcing cone were fine. The finish on the inside of the top strap was the biggest issue I saw, directly above the barrel / cylinder gap. The nickel plating was completely removed there.

I've heard both sides of the 125 theory. I load my 357's with either VV N340 or N110. I'll just go back to 158's after I finish off my supply of 125's. I found a load that both my 66 and 686 really shoot well with the 125's, pretty close to minimum on the N110 data, my 66 will shoot a ragged hole at 25 yards.
 
The M66 is the stainless steel version of the M19. It still can have the same forcing cone problems with hot 125 gr. bullets. The 686 will probably go on forever. Ball powders are known to cause erosion of the forcing cone in hot loads. Better to go with a stick or flake powder for those.

I load my hotter 357's with VV N110 which is a tubular powder. But I'll probably go to 158's after I load all my 125's.
 
Although I really like SIG's pistols and I own several, you did really well to get that Model 19-3. My only 19-3 is a 4" Texas Ranger Commemorative, but it's a beautiful and top-of-the-line revolver, and one of my favorites. As Bald1 said, the 19 will continue to appreciate while the P320 will be losing value over time (plus, SIG is still making the P320 by the thousands!). I don't think the stocks are all that rough...and with a little DIY TLC you could bring them back to original condition (or have one of our Forum craftsmen refinish them for you). Are the stocks numbered to the revolver? That's a great revolver that just shows some honest wear. Enjoy!
 
Although I really like SIG's pistols and I own several, you did really well to get that Model 19-3. My only 19-3 is a 4" Texas Ranger Commemorative, but it's a beautiful and top-of-the-line revolver, and one of my favorites. As Bald1 said, the 19 will continue to appreciate while the P320 will be losing value over time (plus, SIG is still making the P320 by the thousands!). I don't think the stocks are all that rough...and with a little DIY TLC you could bring them back to original condition (or have one of our Forum craftsmen refinish them for you). Are the stocks numbered to the revolver? That's a great revolver that just shows some honest wear. Enjoy!

The stocks are numbered to it, I swapped them for some hogue stocks I already had when I got home, but I do plan on having the original ones refinished. I think they look better.
 

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I think you got a great deal on a sharp 19 with the most versatile barrel length! The deep bluing on them is incredible and yours is a perfect example of that shine.

As Breakaway 500 said above: "First prelock". Ahh…the slippery slide begins..

He's exactly right...now you'll have to find a no-lock 66 to go along side it. It's definitely a fun addiction though!
 
I load my hotter 357's with VV N110 which is a tubular powder. But I'll probably go to 158's after I load all my 125's.

I used only maximum loads of Hercules 2400 in mine. I shot some in a friend's 2" barrel M19 at an indoor range once. Huge fireballs and within a couple cylinders full I had the range completely to myself.

Wish I still had that one. I have a more recent M19-5 that I shoot today but normally with 38 special ammo / 148 GR powder coated wadcutters. Not much recoil and cuts nice holes in paper.
 

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