Model 19-3

[LocoJarhead]

Hey guy's, first timer here and a disclaimer of not wanting to steal the thunder from member Efoen's prior post. We have a somewhat similiar story...

Long short, my Dad (and best friend) retired three years ago after 32 years as a deputy sheriff in Idaho. I have managed to locate and aquire most of his significant 'duty' pistols with the exception of his first one...until now!

Dad bought this M19-3 brand new and packed it for a number of years before trading it to one of his brother's. He recently traded back for it and presented it to me! Collection complete!

As you can tell in the pic's it was used! Dad is a practice, practice, practice kind of a guy and always wore his duty gear whenever shooting his duty pistol, hence the holster wear!

The pistol is mechanically sound however, I would like to send it off to S&W for a 'restoration', if they do such a thing?? I know it will cost me. I have two boy's of my own and would love to pass this down and have thier kids enjoy it as well. Dad found the stocks in his gun room and thinks they are the originals...I'm not sure?

I could care less about hurting the value of it if it's re-finished, the pistol will stay in my collection and i think it deserves to be brought back to life.

Is the custom shop at S&W the way to go?? Thoughts?

Thanks in advanced!

 

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on getting your Dad's gun. Many here would probably tell you not to refinish it but If I were in your shoes I'd send it to S&W and let them do it. It was your Dad's and you will never sell it so why not have it looking as good as possible.
There have been some members showing some guns done by S&W and they looked great.

 

[LocoJarhead]

Thanks bamabiker, that's what I was thinking. I have Dad's first 1911, a series 70 satin commander that I had customized and now I can't keep him away from it!

I ordered a field rig for the M19 from El Paso Saddlery and think it would be a nice fit.

 

[ect1222t]

It's your gun to do with what you will. But I've got to ask. How many years did it take you to get that gun? And now you're going to entrust it to UPS/FedEx/DHL, or far worse USPS? Yes, the factory is the way to go. Ask them how to ship it in for repair. Personally, I'd hand deliver it and camp out in the parking lot until it was ready. less ways for it to go missing. If you do send it, insure it for a boatload of money. If it gets lost, you can probably find another 19-3, but not THAT 19-3. Good luck.

 

[01shm]

fresh reblue by S&W

I've posted this already but its worth another look if it'll help you make up your mine

 

[The Proffesor]

Locojarhead, thank you for the post. I have one that "looks" just like it. ( holster wear & all. ) I Bought it in "65" & packed it on duty as an "uniformed" King County Deputy. ( it immediatly replaced the Dept. issue "10s" ) It still was my "favorite" gun, even after I went "plain clothes")

As to Refibing it, your choice, but in my case, every bit of wear & "dings" are "memoies" The only thing I have done is send to S&W to be "timed" & checked over.

The Proffsor

 

[borntoraisehogs]

I too love a beautiful gun that looks nearly new , S&W has done some wonderful work ,and examples have been posted here . After they are done with it , I would consider it a new gun . Still your dads gun , but no longer proudly wearing the badges of honor earned while nearly a part of your dad . It would be indistinguishable from all the safe queens who kept their bluing , while your dad and this model 19 were making this world safe to raise a family . As an Idahoan , who was the direct beneficiary of your father's devotion to his duty to serve and protect us , I would rather cut my arm off than change a single scratch or rub from that weapon , unless it was additional trophy marks incident to practice and instruction for you or the old Deputies grandchildren .

 

[LocoJarhead]

Wow! Thanks for the honest response everyone. Even a jarhead needs a little kick in the ass every now and then.

Ya know, it's funny..I'd skip a heart beat if someone re-blued an old Winchester, Colt SAA or 1911....

I'm thinking a tune job, inspection and leave it at that. Guess I spoke and thought a little too soon.

 

[Efoehn]

Nice post LocoJarhead. I've had some of the same thoughts (possibility of restoration) as you about my dad's 19-3 but I decided against it. I love my gun the way it is because every mark, blemish, the holster wear, etc. was put there by my dad. He retired from the force the year I was born so the gun gives me a strong link to his past and it tells its own story. That, to me, is worth way more than a shiny gun. I'm glad you decided to just get it cleaned up. I couldn't be happier with mine (unless I could find the original parts) and I think you will feel the same way.

 

[HAWKEYE10]

Another thing to consider is if you carry it in a holster it will start wearing the bluing off again. Don