Picked Up a Smith Model 19-3

[justakyguy]

First time getting a Smith! I knew I wanted a pre-lock, didn't have a particular model in mind but when I saw this 19-3 I knew I had to have it. Nickel-plated, stainless, gorgeous. Tight lockup, my dad gave me his approval after examining it. Serial number is 9K76607. I think it's 1967? Hopefully someone here can pinpoint the date for me. It's really gorgeous.

 

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on getting a nice one.
Looking at the SCSW it should be from 1976.

 

[noshow]

Congrats, 19-3s are fabulous! Nickel plating and SS are a no go. It would be blued or nickeled carbon steel. Stainless would be a Mod 66 not 19. My 19-3 was bought new in 1975 which makes me think 1967 would be in correct for yours.

 

[JP@AK]

9K76xxx would be from 1977. The 9K numbers for that year were 9K14001 to 9K83999. The earlier 9K numbers were from 1976 and those above 84000 were from 1978.

As noshow wrote, the Model 19 was always a carbon steel gun, not stainless. It could have a blue or nickel finish over the carbon steel. The Combat Magnum made of stainless was the Model 66.

 

[justakyguy]

My bad, so it's actually just nickel plated over the carbon steel. Still a really beautiful finish. The serial number is 9k76607. The guy who sold it said it was 1967. Ah well, regardless if 1967 or 76 I love it!

 

[Wyatt Burp]

There's no such thing as a truly all around gun, but if there was, that one will be close. I traded a Ruger Redhawk for my nickel 19-4. What a perfect gun. Or close, anyway.

 

[justakyguy]

Here's a slightly better pic of mine. I think I'm in love.

 

[gmborkovic]

All around gun, Mod-19 4". Do everyday work. Hands down. The best.

 

[justakyguy]

Yea. I know you need to clean nickel plated guns every time after you shoot them. Do these handle magnum loads ok? I believe you want to use something like striker hold and frog lube and not Hoppes because hoppes is abrasive.

 

[DevilDog72]

enjoy that fine revolver. I have 2 mdl 19's, a 2 1/2" and a 4" love the things

 

[dcopper]

I see a HOOK with a model 66,10,14,15,13,65 etc hanging as bait!!! Welcome to the HOOKED CLUB!!! There is no known cure. When you get one of each, you will start doubling up!!!! Just grin and bear it. Again welcome to the forum from Arkansas!

 

[Tom_R]

Yea. I know you need to clean nickel plated guns every time after you shoot them. Do these handle magnum loads ok? I believe you want to use something like striker hold and frog lube and not Hoppes because hoppes is abrasive.

I have heard bad things about frog lube when it gets in the workings supposedly it can gum them up. I don't know this first hand, just from what I have heard on the various forums.

I use Ballistol to clean my guns and it works well.

Also, you can use Mothers Mag Wheel polish to really put a shine on your nickel gun once you have cleaned it, and then out a coat of Renaissance wax over it.

This is a model 27-2 that I had that was also nickel and I would polish it and wax it.

It was a beautiful gun.

 

[JP@AK]

My bad, so it's actually just nickel plated over the carbon steel. Still a really beautiful finish. The serial number is 9k76607. The guy who sold it said it was 1967. Ah well, regardless if 1967 or 76 I love it!

I suspect what led to the mistake is that the Model 19-3 was introduced in 1967. They were made for a decade after that.

Here is one in my collection. It is also from 1977 (9K serial number just a few thousand lower than yours). In the picture, it wears Magna stocks instead of the Target style it came with (as you have on yours). I like this gun a lot. I'm sure you will enjoy the one you have!

 

[justakyguy]

Thanks I definitely think I'm in love with this baby. So Ballistol is safe to use on the nickel? I like Ballistol because it's no fuss no frills just want to be sure I use the correct type of cleaner on her. I'm of the school that one doesn't want to over lube or over oil a fine revolver, just clean it, do a light wax, and wipe with a micro cloth.

Question about the warranty, I bought used obviously, does the warranty still hold? How does that work, this is my first used firearm purchase.

 

[justakyguy]

I plan on mostly shooting .38 spl or .38+p out of her, because I hear those are easier than steady rounds of .357 on the 19? Also, when I do want to shoot some .357, should I go with 158 grain? Or 125? A buddy told me the heavier grain is easier on the gun than the lighter .357

 

[Tom_R]

Yes Ballistol works really well, Hoppes is supposed to be fine, even in Nickel. I just like Ballistol.

You can also get Lead Away cloth. But ONLY use it or Nickel or Stainless, not a blues finish.

The Lead Away cloth is excellent for cleaning the front of the cylinder and getting rid of those burn marks.

Enjoy that gun.

 

[bamabiker]

As far as cleaning I think the word from the wise is don't use anything that has ammonia in it. At least that's what I've read.
On the ammo, there have been reports that the lighter grain bullets will erode and possibly crack the forcing cone of the K frame magnums. This relates to magnum ammo only as far as I know, 38s are fine.

 

[raljr1]

You could not have picked a better first Smith. Enjoy.

 

[terminator2]

That's a beauty! Nice score. The 19-3 was my first gun as a new deputy sheriff in 1971 and it was just the right size and served me well until we had to transition to autos. Don't make the mistake I made and get rid of your 19-3...I regret it to this day. Welcome to the forums from California.

 

[Dr. Marneaus]

I've got a 66 that is the stainless cousin to your 19. As much as I like stainless, I feel like nickel ALWAYS pretty's up way better. I've polished out some stainless guns, but they just still dont come close to the luster of nickel plating.

Beautiful piece you have there. Make sure you dont use any of those lead removing cloths to clean it.