Model 19 info

[Rubyblue]

Hey there, I am a new member. I inherited a Model 19 .357 magnum from my father-in-law and thought I might enjoy learning about it and those who do the same.

Model 19 .357 magnum, 4 inch, blued, front sight pinned, rear adjustable, K3583XX serial number. Any help with when made or other?

I am from SE Washington state and enjoy spending time shooting.
I do have a question, what would be the simplest way to find out about my revolver? Thank you for any assistance. I look forward to learning from this forum.

Thanks
bruce

 

[handejector]

Your gun was probably made in 1959.

 

[Pizza Bob]

If you intend to go beyond your Model 19 (Most likely a 19-1), then you will find this an invaluable tool...

[ame]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N00RZDQ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1[/ame]

Welcome to the forum.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

 

[jack the toad]

Welcome to the Forum.
This link is a sticky that can help you, especially if new to Smiths.
We also like pics plus they can be invaluable in IDing and establishing worth, etc.

To IDENTIFY your Gun >

 

[Sevens]

There are others more qualified and far better at this than I am, but I can get you started. The 19 is a K-frame, medium frame. The K-frame was the classic S&W revolver for .38 Special that was legendary for police use all across this continent and the K-frame pre-dates your Model 19 by a good 60 years.

The .357 Magnum first arrived in 1935 in a revolver with a significantly larger frame than your Model 19, the N-frame Registered Magnum.

A legendary Border Patrol officer, gunwriter and known figure of the day had asked S&W to chamber the medium K-frame in the much more powerful .357 Magnum revolver — to give officers the powerful cartridge but in a sidearm that was easier for all day carry. The result was the Combat Magnum… which was christened the Model 19 just a year or two after it's debut.

I don't know your level of experience with handguns but if you are not aware, the .357 Magnum and the .38 Special are quite similar. The cartridge case of the .357 is lengthened for safety and will not fit and function in a .38 Special revolver. The .357 Magnum uses a bullet of the same diameter and similar weight and basically twice the internal pressure as does the .38 Special.

Any and every .357 Magnum revolver ever made can safely and happily also make fantastic use of .38 Special ammo which is more sedate.

Hope that helps you start your journey of finding out more about your Model 19.

 

[BrovoEchoSierra]

Model 19 that you inherited is a wonderful gun. Sorry to hear of your Father in law's passing.
Enjoy the gun, and shoot mostly 38's in it and it will probably out last you.
A steady diet of 357 ammo, will accelerate wear greatly. There were some issues with forcing cone cracking with 19's 66's when lots of 357's were used.

 

[mdf9183]

Welcome from Bastrop, Texas

 

[JP@AK]

Your gun was probably made in 1959.

I agree.

Here are some known ship dates in roughly the same serial range:
K349673, shipped in March, 1959
K352341, shipped In March 1959
K376764, shipped in February, 1960

Most likely a 19-1

Possible, but I tend to doubt it.

Rubyblue
Open the cylinder and look to see whether it is marked MOD 19 or MOD 19-1. If the latter, we need to inform you of a matter that won't affect the function but could make a difference in maintenance of your revolver.

 

[AManWearingAHat]

Welcome from the midwest! The Model 19 is a great K frame magnum that is very popular here. Take care of it and enjoy it!

 

[Rubyblue]

Regards my Model 19 no dash

Hey there, I appreciate all the responses, especially the info about the Model 19. I admit I am clueless about this gun as to If I should shoot it, how to maintain and care and show it Proper care.
I look forward to taking advantage of all the knowledge dwelling here. WHOOO. Take care.