Model 19 or newer model? - need advice

[Skydog67]

I bought a Model 19-3 with a 6 inch barrel in 1994. I am at least the third owner and don’t know anything about the prior history of the gun. Soon after purchasing it, I did shoot it a few times, but never put it through a real serious workout. And I do recall taking off the side plate (and maybe even partially disassembling it) although I don’t recall exactly why I did that…perhaps just to oil/clean it, or maybe it was simply out of curiosity since that was my first handgun. At the time, I wasn’t really into handguns. It was all about deer hunting and deer rifles. So the 19 when into the safe and was pretty much forgotten about. Years later when I did eventually become interested in handguns and concealed carry, I purchased a couple of Glocks and a Ruger LCP. I also had a S&W 9mm semi-auto for a while. So the 19 still waited patiently in the back of the gun safe. But recently – and I really have no explanation for it – I have gotten revolver fever. I have a PC 642 ordered that should be arriving at my LGS in the next couple of days, and I’m looking forward to getting some steel & leather mixed into the rotation with the Glocks & kydex. And I even ran a few rounds through the 19 today…first time it’s been shot in over 20 years. Not sure why it took so long to hit me, but I am finally starting to understand the appeal of revolvers…older and wiser maybe?

So, I have a few questions about the 19:

1) How can I find out when it was manufactured?

2) Since I am now planning on shooting this gun on a more regular basis(assuming I decide to keep it)…what (if anything) should I do to have the gun checked out/serviced/cleaned since it is so old, since I don’t know the history of how the previous owners treated/mistreated it, since I could have potentially messed something up by partially disassembling it myself, and since it has been sitting in a gun safe unfired for 20+ years? It seemed fine when I shot it today – 6 rounds of 38+P, and 6 rounds of .357 magnum – but I think I would feel better about it if it was inspected and evaluated by a competent gunsmith. Thoughts? Recommendations? Nothing to worry about?

3) Mechanically the gun seems fine (at least from what little shooting I have done with it). However, the finish is worn off in a few places. And I would really prefer a shorter barrel, stainless steel and a newer gun. Are the current S&W K frames of the same/better quality as these older ones? If so, would I benefit from trading this gun in on a new one or should I hold onto this 19? At this time, I can’t really afford to keep this one and buy a new one, so I would hope to get a decent trade in value to offset the price of the new gun. Thoughts? And any rough ideas of what the trade in value might be?

Thank you!

 

[Nick_H]

I can't answer your questions but I have a 4" model 19 and that thing is a tack driver. Great gun. As for the PC 642 you have on order, you will love that. I just got my wife one 2 months ago and I'm jealous. They do a great job on that action, very smooth, fun to shoot. Just my two cents. Enjoy.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[k22fan]

Welcome to the forum.

The odds are your Model 19 does not need any adjustments or a tune up. You can evaluate it yourself using the information in 500 Magnum Nut's Frequently Asked Questions sticky thread in S&Wsmithing: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/94072-faqs.html

Since they have to pay their rent, payroll etc. and some prey on the ignorant trade in value at a store is usually very disappointing. If you decide that you want a stainless revolver with a shorter barrel You'd do better selling it yourself. Value is dependent on condition. Posting pictures helps us guess at what you might be able to sell it for.

Post the serial number substituting Xs for the last few numbers and I can date it within a few years using the Standard Catalog of S&W. Members who keep data bases of shipping dates from factory historical letters can date it more accurately and most likely one of them will do that. Those letters are the only way to know for sure since S&W did not assemble frames in serial number order and also their shipping department did not fill orders in serial number order.

 

[silentflyer]

You have a very nice S&W, many feel the Model 19 is the perfect all around handgun. My advice keep it, shoot it and add more to your collection.

 

[Skydog67]

Welcome to the forum.

The odds are your Model 19 does not need any adjustments or a tune up. You can evaluate it yourself using the information in 500 Magnum Nut's Frequently Asked Questions sticky thread in S&Wsmithing: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-smithing/94072-faqs.html

Since they have to pay their rent, payroll etc. and some prey on the ignorant trade in value at a store is usually very disappointing. If you decide that you want a stainless revolver with a shorter barrel You'd do better selling it yourself. Value is dependent on condition. Posting pictures helps us guess at what you might be able to sell it for.

Post the serial number substituting Xs for the last few numbers and I can date it within a few years using the Standard Catalog of S&W. Members who keep data bases of shipping dates from factory historical letters can date it more accurately and most likely one of them will do that. Those letters are the only way to know for sure since S&W did not assemble frames in serial number order and also their shipping department did not fill orders in serial number order.

Thank you, k22fan!

I will definitely take a look at that info in the FAQs, but I don't really feel like I am experienced/skilled/knowledgeable enough to handle much "do-it-yourself" stuff unless it is just really easy, basic stuff that doesn't require any specialized tools or knowledge. That's why I was wondering if it might be a good idea to have a gunsmith check it out.

The serial number is 7K12XXX.

I have some good pictures of the gun, just not sure how to post them on the forum...but I will try to figure that out. I doubt if the gun is worth much. It has Pachmayr grips on it, and I don't have the original wood grips. And the finish is in pretty rough shape. So I will probably just end up keeping it, and maybe have it re-blued.

Thanks!

 

[Iggy]

Your model 19 is a very desirable gun. Don't shoot hot/light magnum rounds in the gun. If you want to shoot magnums go with 158 grain rounds. It is a fine shooter and you can shoot .38s in it until the cows come home.

Model 19s in decent shape are priced at gun shows in the $600 to $800 range around here.

Clean it, shoot it, clean it, and repeat and your grand kids will be able to do the same.

I gave my son this 6 inch model 19 and I am sure he will give it to his son when the time comes.

 

[0311INF]

If you tried to sell it with rubber grips, faded finish and the less popular 6" barrel, you'd probably be disappointed in the offers. You've had it a long time and would likely regret selling for $400 or something. 7K prefix puts it around 1974

 

[k22fan]

The SCSW writes 7K1 - 7K26043 were manufactured in 1974. 4" Model 19s are a lot more common than 6". I like the 6" better. Their longer sight radius makes smaller errors in sight alignment visible and they burn more of the powder inside the barrel increasing velocity and reducing muzzle blast. However, shorter barrels are in vogue.

I would keep the Model 19 and put off buying the shorter stainless .357 until it fits in your budget.

 

[Targets Guy]

Keep the Model 19. Mine is a '68 version and eats .38 spcls and .357's like candy.

post images

 

[Birdgun]

I do love my 19-3. I shoot this revolver better than any handgun I've ever shot. It's a jewel.

Thanks for giving it a look.

God bless,
Birdgun

 

[Old cop]

I got a 6" 19-3 for my 70th BDay last year and it is a tack driver. I've shot mostly thrity-eight but some magnum reloads from a neighbor friend. While I would have preferred a four inch barrel this on is a keeper.

 

[vipermd]

Welcome I purchased my 19 6" 41 years ago, it is still extremely accurate and just a sweet gun. A 4" is a little easier to carry, but my 6" has taken all weather, with just cleaning & lube. You listed other guns that you could use for carry, I would keep the 19,target, hunting, SD, clean & lube, shoot, hunt and pass it on to your grandchildren. Look for the shorter stainless and you may have the money when you find it. As stated above you would prob regret what a store would offer you, mine will never be sold by me, It will be sent on to be with my fathers, & brothers 6" 19's and hopefully enjoyed as much as I do. Be Safe,

 

[DevilDog72]

I have 2 model 19's, a 2.5" snub, my EDC, and a 4" 19-8. The 19-8 will be the last gun in my arsenal. It is way more accurate than I can shoot it, smooth as silk and tight as a drum. I have 1000's of rounds thru it and it is like the Energizer bunny... keeps on tick'n.

 

[Rpg]

The M 19 is a finer revolver than anything made today.

Getting rid of one in favor for a more recent production revolver is dumb.

 

[Skydog67]

Thank you to everyone for the great feedback!

Iggy/Birdgun - yall’s guns are a lot prettier than mine. I wish mine looked that good…and wish I had the original wood grips.

K22fan – thank you for looking up the date that it was manufactured. Good to know.

You guys have talked me out of getting rid of it or trading for a newer one…I’m definitely going to keep it. However, I would like to get it re-blued/polished (you’ll see why when I post the pictures) and replace the Pachmayrs with some wood grips. Any advice on getting it re-blued? I’m probably just going to let a local guy do it rather than sending it to S&W.

On a side note…I picked up my new PC 642 today. So I am now the proud owner of two S&W revolvers. Not much of a collection, but it’s a start.

 

[Skydog67]

Here she is...any hope for her?

 

[Skydog67]

So...I've been checking around on the cost to get this gun refinished. Pricing has ranged from $125 to $400 locally. And then the S&W Performance Center is right in the middle with $275 for High Bright Polish or $220 for Standard Polish.

I don't understand why there is such a wide range of pricing for the same job? The gunsmith who quoted me the $125 for reblueing and polishing came highly recommended from the owner of a local gun shop that I have recently done business with. The gunsmith also lives about 10 minutes from my house so there is the convenience factor of not having to ship the gun to S&W. Thoughts? Would you be skeptical/concerned since the price is so much lower than the others?

Also...a couple of other questions...

What is the difference between the High Bright polish and the Standard polish shown on the S&W website...when this gun was originally manufactured in 1974, which finish would it have had then as a newly purchased gun?

Is there a standard turnaround time for a refinishing job (local versus sending to S&W)? How long should I reasonably expect to be without the gun?

Thank you!

 

[0311INF]

Maybe you could ask to see some of the local guy's work.

 

[Skydog67]

I went by and talked to him just a bit ago. He showed me a rifle he had blued, but didn't have any recent revolver work on hand to show me. And frankly, unless it was just a very badly botched job - something obvious to my inexperienced eyes - I doubt if I would even be able to tell quality work from average work. He was a nice elderly gentleman - retired, veteran - with a small shop beside his house. My gut told me to go for it. So I left it with him. After all, what do I really have to lose for $125? The gun has been neglected and is in pretty rough shape. I don't intend to try to sell it. It's way too big for a carry gun (at least for me), and I have other guns that I feel are more suited to night stand/home defense duty. So it's just going to be something I own and shoot for enjoyment, and even an average refinishing job will be a major improvement over the way it looks now. And my gut tells me this guy knows what he is doing, so I'm thinking it will be a nice job.

Now...the next step is to ask for advice on new wood grips for the gun. But I think I will start a new thread for that. And I guess I should really be posting in the 1961-1980 section since my gun is a 1974 model?

 

[gman51]

From what I have read the 19s don't hold up to a steady diet of full magnum rounds. That is only downfall I have heard about the 19. But I have never owned one so...........

I hope you post before and after pics of your gun to see how the rebluing job came out.