Model 19-5 in need of help...

[EdK]

Have recently come into possession of a model 19-5. It is very clean (95-98%) but suffers from a serious problem: it is missing numerous critical parts. In fact all that exists are the frame (with barrel), sights, crane, cylinder, cylinder stop assy. and cylinder latch assy.

The previous owner suffered from Alzheimer's/dementia and had at some time during his decline disassembled the revolver and lost the side plate, trigger, hammer, grips and more.

So the question posed is: what is the most sensible path toward getting this fine revolver put back together? Not looking to create an heirloom however what is in hand is in such nice shape it would be a shame to not finish it off somewhat nicely.

Thanks, Ed

 

[SAFireman]

Ed,

If you check gunbroker, there are often 'parts kits' offered for sale. You can expect that some may require fitting by a pro however.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congrats on getting a great revolver! I'm sure you'll be able to restore her! Maybe a call or email to S&W might provide some help or info.

 

[mrchuck]

You should have a well known gun store up there you visit.
Go to them with your weapon, and ask for their advice.
They will know if they can do it ,or who you should contact.
Try to keep it local.

 

[OldChief]

Ed, give S&W Customer Service a call. They should be able to give you advice as to whether or not they can do it.

 

[EdK]

Spoke to the source.

This morning I got a chance to speak with Smith & Wesson customer service. I laid my problem out and got the reply it could not be done due to lack of parts availability. I offered to scare up the discontinued parts and asked if that would be acceptable. Admirably they were willing to deal with a used hammer and trigger so long as they were within spec. The side plate became the deal-breaker. The part and fitting alone we're between $100-$200. Now for the bad part: the finish of the entire gun would have to be refinished/downgraded to the present style blueing at significant cost. Add to all this my cost to source the forged parts, S&W's charge for the balance, and then labor to fit it all up. They do have a business to run so no sour grapes on my part except for that this does not look like a good approach.

To address those who suggested I deal locally, my local gunsmith was consulted before posting here. He was indeed willing and able to help. I appreciate that he is a gun shop owner living and working in the 21st century who actually suggested I check other sources and even offered to work with my own parts to save him the time of looking around and my wallet the pain. This seems a good direction to take.

Thanks to all for your help. Ed

 

[Tadeus67]

Check out Numrich, they still have a good selection on parts for S&W revolvers

Gun Parts & Firearm Accessories | Numrich Gun Parts

 

[Arm]

Excuse my ignorance, but missing all those parts, how can it be
95-98% condition? Just asking. My 19-5 I class as 85-90%, what am I missing?

 

[EdK]

Just asking.

Since you are asking, I was attempting to describe the fractional firearm I held in my hands relative to some standard: Fjestad's Blue Book of Gun Values wherein a firearm is judged relative to the percentage of original finish remaining on the metal surfaces. The purpose being so that others might be able to gauge the sort of effort and/or expense that might be appropriate to put it back into service. I think everyone else got it but I'm glad to spell it out for you.

Ed

 

[Zipdog]

You need to go back and find that sideplate. Otherwise a parts gun at best.

 

[Coaltminer]

Model 19-5 Help

As stated, and as you know, you're looking at
a lot of money and a lot of time searching parts and someone to
fit them. Ultimately, you'll wind up spending more than it'll be worth, especially since it's not an earlier gun that's pinned and recessed. Too bad it's in that shape. No loss so far, too much AFU, I'm sorry to say. It's a project for several years

 

[reddog81]

Ebay has a number of model 19 and other K frame side plates for $20 to $50. I've bought trigger and hammer sets online before.

The biggest problem is that the side plate is probably never going to be an exact match unless you refinish the whole package.

 

[Jdavis]

Your only real difficulty will be finding a side plate to fit the gun. In that era and possibly today, side plates were fitted to individual guns making it an impossibility to find a side plate to match your gun. You will find sellers on eBay who gather parts from destroyed revolvers and sell them as a repair kit. You should find all the other missing parts there for reasonable cost. Good luck with the project!

 

[EdK]

I'll definitely think on it before spending a pile of dough. Perhaps a parts gun is all it is. The customer service rep at S&W described a tech at a bench covered with side plates doing a shuffling act until one fit reasonably close and then hand fitting the final bit. Too bad they want to turn a blued gun black!