My new slightly used 19-3

[Planosteve]

Here is quick picture of the 19-3 I picked up on Thursday. I still hate the factory grips so I swapped them out. I ran 24 round of 158 gr JSP through it and think I want to find a lighter load for practice. Any recommendations? Overall, trigger is great in both SA and DA. Ballance, again, is fantastic and it points beautifully. The new grips should make it more pleasant to shoot.

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The Serial number is 7K11XXX, if anyone can give me an idea of when it was manufactured I would appreciate it.

 

[JP@AK]

7K11XXX = 1974 (7K1 - 7K26043)

 

[OldChief]

Nice piece, I have one that was manufactured in 1958. It's a real pleasure to shoot. As for a lighter load I shoot .38s in my 19s (I have two) using 3.2 grains of bullseye pushing a 158 grain plated semi-wad cutter with excellent results.

 

[Planosteve]

Thankyou both for your replies, I appreciate your help. OldChief do you have any issues with fouling in the chambers when using 38?

 

[OldChief]

As for fouling in the chambers, not at all. Maybe that's because I'm old fashioned and clean my firearms following each range session. Also, I normally shoot 100 rounds each trip to the range. I take three different caliber handguns and put 100 through each. The 3.2 grain load is very accurate at 25 yds. and doesn't beat you up.

 

[JP@AK]

OldChief has it down. Clean it after the range.

I've been shooting .38 Special loads in my .357 Magnum revolvers for 5 decades, starting with the HP and later the Model 19. After each range session (in early life, it was "desert session") cleaning when I got home became routine. If you clean the charge holes as well as the barrel each time, you will never have a problem.

 

[Planosteve]

I always clean after I get home from the range. I have just never used 38's in my 357's. I currently have a Ruger GP100, and I used to have a Dan Wesson 15 VH.

 

[richcory]

Looks great

 

[Dillyp]

Fyi it's not a good idea to shoot lighter 357 bullets (such as a 125gr) in your m19. It puts unwanted stress on the forcing cone and decreases barrel life. Shoot 38 special +p's if you want a little less, but stick with 158gr.

 

[bananaman]

Welcome to the FORUM! Good looking 19 you have there! Plain old 158 gr. round nose lead or semi wad cutters in .38 special. You could use your 19 with those nice stocks on it then. I do have some .357 magnum ammo here. Can't remember the last time I shot some. Bob

 

[Planosteve]

Fyi it's not a good idea to shoot lighter 357 bullets (such as a 125gr) in your m19. It puts unwanted stress on the forcing cone and decreases barrel life. Shoot 38 special +p's if you want a little less, but stick with 158gr.

Thanks for the information, I have a ton of PMC 158gr JSP 357 ammo. Thinking about getting some 38 158 SWC to play with.

 

[Planosteve]

Welcome to the FORUM! Good looking 19 you have there! Plain old 158 gr. round nose lead or semi wad cutters in .38 special. You could use your 19 with those nice stocks on it then. I do have some .357 magnum ammo here. Can't remember the last time I shot some. Bob

I have removed the stock grips, they are currently wrapped in bubble wrap and in a box labeled do not throw away. The grips are the originals to the gun. I shot it today with the Houge Mono grips and boy what a difference. Still was a bit stout, but much more controllable and and quicker to get back on target.