How did I do? Mod 19-3

[CorvZ061]

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?

 

[Bald1]

I think you traded a gun that is deprecating in value for a gun that is increasing in value. I'd have made that trade in a minute.

 

[Pantherclass2004]

Picked up a do it all gun…. Great shape by the looks of it. You did fine.

 

[Pine_Worker]

Even with the extra cash, you got the better deal!

 

[oddshooter]

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

 

[CorvZ061]

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.

 

[Protocall_Design]

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.

 

[Breakaway500]

"First prelock".

Ahh…the slippery slide begins..

 

[Model19man]

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.

 

[kev74]

You did well. Very nice!

 

[CorvZ061]

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.

 

[CorvZ061]

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.

 

[CorvZ061]

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.

 

[local_dirt]

New grips and you're golden.

 

[Hawg Rider]

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!

 

[dobegrant]

I think you made a very good trade.

 

[CorvZ061]

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.

 

[firefighterjohn]

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!

 

[Model19man]

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.

 

[Tunachaser]

one of my favorites. good deal.

 

[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.