Model 19-3 g14 357

[Casscade]

Several questions as ime new to these guns. Picked up a357 2.5 inch bbl for 350 last week. Gun appears to be a matte nickle finish. Was told all were shiny, this looks like my dads colt combat commander nickle 70s model. It also has a target hammer and rosewood grips with no finger grooves. What ime trying to find out is did it come that was or was this added on.
2nd question, can I shoot modern 357 mag loads in it. It's a 75 model according to the serial #. Was told to stay away from light 125 grain and under loads. What's safe to shoot. Thanks for any help.

 

[Casscade]

S/n is 6k5xxxx

 

[Dennis The B]

There were no "matte", or brushed nickel finishes on Model 19's. And the "g14", if that number is stamped on the gun, is only an assembly number, and has no meaning outside the factory.

The original stocks on a Model 19 would have been walnut service stocks, not rosewood. It's possible that the revolver could have been shipped with a target hammer. A competent gun smith could have replaced a standard service style hammer with a target style.

The K frame .357 Magnums are safe with magnum ammunition. Lightweight bullets (125 gr, 110 gr) are not recommended, since there's documented history that continuous use of those hotter loads can cause premature excessive end shake, excessive flame cutting on the top strap, and erosion of the barrel throat. Of course, it's safe to shoot any .38 Special in this revolver, also.

If you can, please post some pictures. It's entirely possible that the nickel plating could be hazed, or the gun may have been refinished with a matte or hard chrome finish. If you remove the stocks, there will be a stamp on the butt if the gun was returned to S&W for any refinish work.

 

[Casscade]

Thanks Dennis and do I need photo bucket to post on this forum. Got some pics I would like u guys to look at.

 

[DWalt]

No question that the Model 19 will handle any .357 factory load. However, that's not the same as saying that feeding it a steady diet of .357 rounds is a good idea. The design intent of the Model 19 was to use .38 Special for everything except duty use, or other serious purposes.

 

[toad67]

Thanks Dennis and do I need photo bucket to post on this forum. Got some pics I would like u guys to look at.

I just take the pics and download them in my computer. When you reply scroll down to "manage attachments" and you should be able to post them that way.

 

[old bear]

Casscade, fairly sure your M -19 was refinished. As for .357 Magnum ammo, yes it's safe in your revolver, but it will speed up overall ware on your gun and your hand and forearm.

 

[JP@AK]

A 2 1/2" Model 19-3 for $350 is a good buy, even if it was refinished. You did well. All the ammo advice you got here was spot on.
Here's my favorite 19-3 snubby. Obviously, I added the ivory.

 

[Casscade]

Also is it safe to use flitz in these guns to clean then up.

 

[Casscade]

Another pic

 

[19leben]

I wonder if someone has bead blasted the original bright nickel?
Of course, they could have simply applied a satin nickel finish.
Only way to know the original finish is ask S&W (letter it) for what, $50.00?

 

[Casscade]

Shoot the gun today. Have one cylinder that has some small brass like shavings or like dust in it. That same cylinder has a different feel from the other 5. All others have a click the 2 clicks before full cock position. The one that's off has the 1st click but the last 2 are almost as one. Also the cylinder is fit up tight to the yoke but if I shake the gun or try to move the cylinder side to side the movement I get is in the yoke, anotherwords if I hold pressure on the yoke or ejector pin under the barrel it has no movement at all. U guys think it's worth sending to smith to look at or just shoot it. Thanks.