Just Purchased 19-3, have some questions.

[JeremyFr79]

Ok so I'm new here, been reading post's the last few day's and it's obvious there are some extremely knowledgable people around here.

I just purchased a 1974 19-3 2.5" bbl from my Grandfather for $450. As far as I can tell I got a pretty fair deal, I got the original box and warranty card but it's missing the owners manual and tools. I can't say how many rounds have been through it but it's not much (though I put 100 through it last week with him before I bought it) I must say this thing shoot's like a dream. I have the original stock wood grip's but switched them out for the Houge Monogrip as I prefer the feel of the Houge.

Anyways I have a couple of questions in relation to the box label. First the stock is written in as R not sure what this mean's in front sight is written what appears to be 445, and in WO 43, I'm not sure what either of these mean as well. I've attached pics of the label and gun. I greatly appreciate any help anyone can provide on what I'm quickly realizing is one fantastic gun!

 

[snw19_357]

Welcome to the forum!!

The R in stock means round butt.
The 445 and 43 were most likely added by someone after it left S&W, maybe the distributor, and don't mean anything to anyone but them.

How'd you feel about posting some pics just a little bit more from the front.
That's very close to when they moved the gas ring from the cylinder to the yoke. It's probably still on the cylinder face but, it is a S&W so you never can tell.

 

[JeremyFr79]

Welcome to the forum!!

The R in stock means round butt.
The 445 and 43 were most likely added by someone after it left S&W, maybe the distributor, and don't mean anything to anyone but them.

How'd you feel about posting some pics just a little bit more from the front.
That's very close to when they moved the gas ring from the cylinder to the yoke. It's probably still on the cylinder face but, it is a S&W so you never can tell.

Great thanks, give me an idea on the angle you're looking for and I can try my best...

 

[GJH77]

Great looking gun and a good deal. I believe the R means Round Butt. I see snw19 beat me to it!
Congratulations on the purchase and welcome to the Forum.

 

[snw19_357]

Just a little more from the front so I can see the space between the cylinder and the frame.


Just kidding.
Here's two pictures showing the differences between the two.

Here's a picture of the cylinder and the yoke with the gas ring a part of the yoke.

Compare the face of the cylinder and the widest part of the yoke barrel.

Gas ring located on the cylinder

 

[JeremyFr79]

It appears its on the cylinder by my visual inspection. Is this a good or bad thing?

 

[snw19_357]

I don't know.

There were cases were the early gas rings (like yours) could 'shoot loose' so they moved it to the yoke. That turned out to be a problem too so they came out with an improved, crimped on, gas ring and moved it back to the cylinder (-4 change).

 

[JeremyFr79]

I don't know.

There were cases were the early gas rings (like yours) could 'shoot loose' so they moved it to the yoke. That turned out to be a problem too so they came out with an improved, crimped on, gas ring and moved it back to the cylinder (-4 change).

Got ya, I have seen the whole issue with feeding it constant .357 rounds as well. I keep it loaded with a round of birdshot (first shot) followed by Speer Gold Dot short barrel rounds in .357 for home defense. Range wise I'm just putting standard 158grain JHP .357 and .38 SPC FMJ through it. Taking it out next Monday with the wife to try out the new grip's which should be fun.

 

[StatesRightist]

Bird shot is a mistake from a self defense standpoint, if that is your intention. It does not have enough penetration to do the job. Goggle it and see what you think....

Nice gun!!

 

[M29since14]

The improved gas ring on the cylinder always caused me less trouble, but I shoot lead bullets almost exclusively. If you shoot jacketed, you may not have that problem. In any S&W, no matter what you shoot, it's always best to keep the yoke and cylinder clean so as not to put extra stress on the ratchet and hand. It is a simple matter to remove the yoke and cylinder, clean the areas involved, and replace. Takes a couple minutes. There is no reason not to do it.

Congratulations on your new gun. Very nice looking - and since it came from your Grandpa, even better. Hang on to it!

 

[JeremyFr79]

Bird shot is a mistake from a self defense standpoint, if that is your intention. It does not have enough penetration to do the job. Goggle it and see what you think....

Nice gun!!

Sorry should have been a bit more specific, the birdshot is intended only for sound as a scare tactic, it's something the wife can let off into a wall or ceiling without worrying about who or what is on the other side and that will still let off a fairly loud bang and hopefully scare off said assailent, if that does't work the rest of the Gold Dot's should take care of anyone who decides it's still worth it to move toward's her or I.

 

[JeremyFr79]

The improved gas ring on the cylinder always caused me less trouble, but I shoot lead bullets almost exclusively. If you shoot jacketed, you may not have that problem. In any S&W, no matter what you shoot, it's always best to keep the yoke and cylinder clean so as not to put extra stress on the ratchet and hand. It is a simple matter to remove the yoke and cylinder, clean the areas involved, and replace. Takes a couple minutes. There is no reason not to do it.

Congratulations on your new gun. Very nice looking - and since it came from your Grandpa, even better. Hang on to it!

Thanks, yeah I feel lucky to have it and I told my wife to use it on me if for some reason I ever get the retarded idea to sell it lol, he's got a few other pistols (a Colt 1911 Mod70 MKIV and a Belgium Made Browning 9mm) that I've expressly told him need to absolutely stay in the family whether they eventually find there way to my hands or one of my cousin's whom I know would love and cherish them as much as I.

 

[ol' geeser]

DON'T encourage the "scare tactic " thing....if she feels threatened she should make her self and children as safe as possible, dial 911, if an intruder enters do what needs to be done....if she can't live with that then she doesn't need a gun right now.....
Good training and practice will probably save both your lives should the need arise....When a gun enters the picture the B.S. and game playing stops....

 

[JeremyFr79]

DON'T encourage the "scare tactic " thing....if she feels threatened she should make her self and children as safe as possible, dial 911, if an intruder enters do what needs to be done....if she can't live with that then she doesn't need a gun right now.....
Good training and practice will probably save both your lives should the need arise....When a gun enters the picture the B.S. and game playing stops....

We don't have any children (so far) and she's far from scared to use the gun in defense, but we do live with several other people a round of birdshot will at least get everyone in the house to hit the deck before she open's up on the guy. It's not that I'm encouraging scare tactics so much as trying to provide those that need it in the house a change to get outta dodge. We're both all for making sure the bad guy lose's just don't want any collateral damage along the way if we can avoid it.

 

[SixGunHunter]

IMHO, I don't like rubber on these classic S&W's. I would like to see this beauty with some wood on it.
Nice job keeping this Smith in the family too.

 

[Timber Wolf]

IMHO, I don't like rubber on these classic S&W's. I would like to see this beauty with some wood on it.

I don't like looking at them with rubber either, but I like actually SHOOTING snubbie k-frames with Magnums and wood EVEN LESS!

 

[JeremyFr79]

So I spoke with my Grandpa last night asked him more about the gun, turns out it's had maybe 500 rds if that put through it it's entire life. I guess I really lucked out on this one, I almost don't want to shoot it lol

 

[zonker5]

DON'T encourage the "scare tactic " thing....if she feels threatened she should make her self and children as safe as possible, dial 911, if an intruder enters do what needs to be done....if she can't live with that then she doesn't need a gun right now.....
Good training and practice will probably save both your lives should the need arise....When a gun enters the picture the B.S. and game playing stops....

Right on! If the situation develops to where you need to shoot, play time is over. You must try and make the first one count. You may well not get a second shot.

 

[ormmach]

Hello, I'v been reading this issue about the gas ring. I also have a mod. 19-2 6" bbl. How do you take it apart to inspect this problem ?
Thank's
ormmach

 

[Hapworth]

We don't have any children (so far) and she's far from scared to use the gun in defense, but we do live with several other people a round of birdshot will at least get everyone in the house to hit the deck before she open's up on the guy. It's not that I'm encouraging scare tactics so much as trying to provide those that need it in the house a change to get outta dodge. We're both all for making sure the bad guy lose's just don't want any collateral damage along the way if we can avoid it.

Strongly advise against this plan. If you don't want collateral damage, best path to that is only pulling the trigger when on target.