New member, first Smith (19-5)

[Segagee]

Greetings from the upstate of South Carolina. Have lurked the forums for quite some time, but traded for my first SW today. The venerable Model 19 (-5), not a collectors piece but in great condition overall to my untrained eye, gun seems to have the normal wear for its age. Slight loss of bluing on the left side of the muzzle but the gun still looks gorgeous to me in comparison to the modern day steel wonders. No box or papers unfortunately. I've tried dating the serial # but that seems a bit of a clusterduck, suppose I will have to call Smith to get the "birth date."

Funny thing is yesterday I came this close to buying a NEW 4 inch 586 for $770 OTD, but something (the dreaded lock perhaps?) told me to pass. Then the 19-5 just sort of fell into my lap today, traded a used Ruger SR1911 CMD I previously acquired for it. I'm not sure who go the better end of the "investment" deal, but both parties went home happy.

I am interested to hear everyone's thoughts how the 19-5 compares to the new "classics series" 586. Both seem like quality pieces to me, but I was glad to do a straight up trade for the 19-5 instead of forking over cash.

Also, I plan on cleaning the gun before I take it out, but should lube the gun anywhere specifically beforehand? Not sure how long it's been sitting.

 

[JohnAC]

Welcome and congratulations, that is a beautiful revolver!

 

[M29since14]

As long as both parties are happy, how could you have gone wrong? I happen to like the -5 versions of the 19 - particularly for shooting cast bullets. As to lubing the gun, a drop or two of very light oil is more than sufficient - basically on the hammer and trigger pivots and one on the rebound slide. Keep the cylinder and barrel of the yoke clean, with a drop or two on the yoke barrel and your 19 should hum right along. S&Ws should not "drip," although I seen quite a few of them that do. Too much oil just attracts grit and crud. No need to be removing the sideplate off your gun all the time. I have always been told to do so sparingly.

 

[g-dad]

Welcome to the forum. There are a bunch of great folks here. That's a good looking19-5 and a model I don't have yet.

 

[spearcrow]

My first handgun was a blued Model 19-5 4". That's been a long time back, but I still have it, still love it, and have several more. I would take -5 model 19's over new producton 586's all day long! The 19 is such a classic looking Smith, and they remain my overall favorite revolver. Enjoy!

 

[old 1911 fan]

I bought a 2.5" RB M19-5 new before I had gray hair. It is my favorite!

old 1911 fan

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Isn't this the one S&W called the Combat Magnum before model numbers? That's a cool name.

BTW, what is the s/n?

 

[629shooter]

Welcome to the Forum Segagee. That is a nice revolver.

Isn't this the one S&W called the Combat Magnum before model numbers? That's a cool name.

BTW, what is the s/n?

Yup, before it was designated the Model 19 it was just the "Combat Magnum." I don't have a "pre" 19. But, I'd like to own one just because.

 

[Rustyt1953]

Welcome and congrats.

 

[kff41]

Hi Prior to model numbers it was called the Combat Magnum Change in 1957 according to the Standard catalog of S&W a Mod 19-5 was produced between 1982 and 1988 engineering changes made were "Eliminate cylinder counter bore and pinned barrel; small change in cylinder length to 1.62 Nice looking gun by the way Best

 

[Segagee]

Isn't this the one S&W called the Combat Magnum before model numbers? That's a cool name.

BTW, what is the s/n?

Serial # AJC4417, called Smith this morning and they told me date of manufacture was 1985.

 

[Jaysq]

Welcome from the mountains of North Carolina. I was born and raised in Anderson, SC, but haven lived there in many years

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Serial # AJC4417, called Smith this morning and they told me date of manufacture was 1985.

I'll second that.

Likely in September.

 

[dcopper]

Very Very Nice! Looking for a 4inch 19-3 to go along with my 19-3 2.5 inch! Enjoy!