New guy with a barrel question

[SmithNoob]

Hello all. I am new to the forum but I have looked around and already learned quite a lot. I just bought my third Smith. It is a 19-3 like new in the box with all the goodies. Like new cause it looks that it has had a few rounds through it but no wear anywhere on the weapon. It shipped May 1970. I will add pics to the Combat Magnum thread once I take some pics.

My question is what the benefit of a pinned barrel over a non pinned one? Also was it stopped as a cost saving measure? Thanks in advance.

 

[Gun 4 Fun]

Welcome to the forum!

The pinned barrel is so desirable, because it shows quality and care in manufacturing, and barrels can be removed and re-installed somewhat easier the the "crush fit" barrels that followed. They aren't actually crush fit, but rather are slightly mismatched on the threads which makes removing a barrel a bit more difficult to do, but it holds the barrel in place securely. The pin was dropped for cost cutting reasons as was the recessed chambers (which aren't needed anyway with the brass that has been available since the .44's mag's introduction, and even earlier for that matter), but again, they show quality and care/pride in manufacturing.
Pinned barrels have to be installed, then set for headspace/BC gap, etc. Then the hole for the pin is drilled though the frame, then the gun disassembled and finished, then re-assembled. All steps that addded to production costs, and were eliminated by going to the later style of barrel mounting.

I may not have covered everything, but that's a quick overview.

 

[SmithNoob]

Thanks for the Information. That makes sense. It goes with out saying that my 19 is pinned and recessed. Going by the date. I just couldnt figure out the reasoning for pinning the barrel. I finally decided to get serious about collecting Smiths. I had two others in my time but sadly sold them off over the years. I know where one is and a fellow forum member has it. I also ordered my SCSW book.