model 19

[jordan tongson]

Ive read numerous articles about the appropriate ammo for a k frame model 19. Some have said that the model 19 will not be able to stand a good diet of 357 magnum and the more appropriate ammo would be 38 special or +p. Ive just read a SW safety and parts manual, under its ammo chart which says that model 19, medium frame revolver can be used for 38 special,+p and 357 magnum without any qualifications. So, Im confused!

 

[Snuffy2]

A K-frame chambered for .357 is certainly safe with any factory .357 load. However, extended use with hot, light-bullet .357s will eventually increase wear and tear on the revolver, particularly on the forcing cone. The forcing cones in K-frames are thin at the bottom where the barrel is relieved to clear the ejector. The pounding and high-pressure gas erosion has been known to result in the forcing cone splitting at the 6 o'clock position.

K-frame .357s were made originally to be carried and shot sparingly with magnum loads, with 38 Specials used for practice. In reality, very few people are likely to shoot enough magnum loads to wear out a Model 19, but it CAN be done.

In my own K-frame .357s (a 13 and a 19), I mostly avoid hot 110 and 125 grain loadings, sticking to 140 and 158 grain jacketed bullets and cast bullet handloads. Plenty effective and more pleasant to shoot.

Best,
Snuffy2

 

[kenpofan]

FWIW..

You can shoot all the 38's you want and IMHO all the 158 gr .357's you can afford.
In the past a issue with the hottest rounds ,in or around 125 gr, were reported to damage the K-Frame weapons.
Again my experiance if you keep a clean weapon and shoot factory spec loads you will not hurt a 19 model revolver.

 

[acl864]

.............

 

[MP1983]

Jordan,

Since no one else did, WELCOME TO THE FORUM! You'll love it. As you see, there is an ocean of knowledge here. Have fun!

 

[bennettfam]

Is Magnum not enough?

My M19-4 is going on 30 years old now and has survived everything I've put through her including 357 Mag +P's

Wouldn't that be like steroids on steroids?

 

[5Wire]

"The Model 19 is built on a frame that is slightly larger than a standard K frame in the yoke area." Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition.

 

[NFrameFred]

Some "experts" here (based on their own experience) will tell you to shoot whatever and as many as you want and it will not hurt the gun.

In my personal experience, I replaced a barrrel with a split forcing cone, and felt lucky to be able to put the gun back in service since replacement barrels are hard to come by as you sure can't get them from the factory anymore.

Do what you like - mine gets limited magnum use with 158 grain slugs, and mostly 38 specials. If I want to feel recoil, belch fire, and hit something that hard I'll just pull out the N frames or the L frame.

 

[chief38]

Welcome to the Forum J T!

I agree with most of the above responses. You should stay away from the 110 and 125 grain .357's as they will accelerate wear & tear on your M19. I shoot 158 grain bullets when shooting .357's. and as long as you don't pound the hell out of it every day with the Magnums, you'll be fine. My model 19 is 35 years old, has had countless quantities of .38 spl's. and a bunch of Mag's though it as well, and has held up just fine.

The real big push telling people that the M19 was too light for Magnums started just about the time the "L" frame revolvers were introduces in the 1980's. Gee, what a coincidence! I (being naive at the time ) ran out and bought a M586 which I still have, but to me my M19 will always be my favorite. I'll pull the M586 out when I am in the mood to make a lot of noise with the .357's. A good revolver it is, but I still prefer the M19!

chief8

 

[Armyphotog]

Way to go, chief38! I agree with every word! Nuf' said.

 

[G.T. Smith]

Welcome to the forum, and I believe that if you keep the forcing cone clean, I mean really clean, you won't have any problem shooting factory 158 grain loads. I clean mine after every shooting session which usually consists of about 50 rounds or so, and everything appears to be fine. I have never shot a 38 special round through mine. 65-4 4" barrel.
good luck, and welcome to the forum,
Peace,
gordon

 

[Mattkcc]

The worry about the K frame came long before the L frame and is likely why we have the L frame. There is a reason the N frame was built beefier. The problem with the N frame they were heavy to carry as a duty weapon. The K frame is much more comfortable to carry. Duty guns are typically carried a lot but shot a little plus most agencies that used them only allowed 38 special as duty ammo. The L frame is a little beefier but still not to heavy to carry comfortably. Weight and comfort are big issues to folks that have to carry a gun 8-16 hours a day. I weighted my duty belt once before I retired and it was 23 pounds. That's a lot of weight and your hips and lower back. I worked my last five years with a blown disc right under my duty belt so every once taken off that belt was important to me. But, if I'm going to worry about frame size and 357 loads it will be with my Model 60 357.