New forum member and first post. I've owned a couple of S&W guns for several years. I purchased what I consider to be a pristine Model 19-4 yesterday. I was told by the seller that it was a 1979 vintage. It was filthy, looking as though it had never been properly cleaned. Someone, long ago, had rubbed white paint into the lettering. That had turned an ugly yellow-brown. A little acetone and a toothbrush took care of that. The bore was dirty, showing evidence of many firings and no cleaning. There was some leading, but everything came out and left a beautiful bore. I removed the sideplate, and there was some crud, but very little. I cleaned that all out. After removing several decades of dirt, I was very pleased in just how little used and pretty the finish was on this gun. I fired it today, and she shoots as good as she looks. I don't know if these old guns had glass triggers, or if this one has been worked on, but the single-action breaks beautifully at exactly 2 pounds. The double-action is exceptionally smooth. I hardly ever shoot revolvers in DA mode, because I can't hit that way. But, I could hit all day with this thing in DA. I know that the grips are not original, but they feel so good and fit my hand so well, I'm not sure that I will replace them. Anyway, I just wanted to share my recent find and I look forward to learning from this forum.
New member and "new" Model 19-4
- Thread starter daveboy
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Welcome to the S&W Forums. That is a nice looking Model 19-4, even if the stocks are not original, but that makes it a good shooter grade revolver. Please read up on the ammo limitations of the K-frame 357 revolvers, don't want to see that Model 19-4 end up with a cracked forcing cone.
Welcome to the forum a great resource for all things S&W. Lots of knowledgeable folks here willing to share info. Beautiful model 19.
With regard to Post number two by Dr. Stan, avoid Magnums loaded with 110 or 125 grain bullets. Heavier bullets are O.K., as are the lightweight bullets loaded in .38 Special.
Nice Model 19 and welcome to the S&W Forum!
Nice Model 19 and welcome to the S&W Forum!
Welcome to the forum from NW PA.
Welcome from Mississippi!
BKLooney
Member
Yes, I've read about that. I reload for .357/38 and I will definitely keep it on the mild side. I have a Python and a 586 for the magnum loads.
Yes, I reload and plan to keep the loads on the easy side.
Pardon my ignorance, but I'm still learning my way around this forum. How do I find this post by Dr. Stan? I did a search for posts with that name and came up empty.
Welcome from Southern Illinois!
Protocall_Design
Member
Probably post #2. After a while, we get to know each other fairly well. Dr. Stan is probably a dentist... Lucky for us - sometimes getting information is like pulling teeth. He's the right man for the job.
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Hair Trigger
US Veteran
Great looking dash-4, last of the P&R M19's. Like stated above, stick with 158 grain and you'll be fine. I load my .357's to about 1200 fps. Less recoil, less noise and still stronger than .38+P. I have an N frame for full loads if I want, but generally I use the same load in the three .357's I shoot.
Welcome to the forum from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
