Picked Up a Smith Model 19-3

[justakyguy]

I have my 19-3 6". I also have my 66-2 4" and my 66-2 3". Unfortunately, I have yet to take photos of the 66's.

A thing of beauty! Until I got mine, I never really knew all the different model numbers & calibers. Learning a lot! I'm also learning that once you have a nice Smith, your other guns seem paltry lol. And you just want to ditch them all for more smiths.

 

[hoosier4guns]

I picked this up in a three way trade about a year ago. When all was said and done I ended up with this Model 19-3 from early 1974...serial number 7K175 with a six inch barrel and original box with only $200 invested. Ballistol works great and I use a very light coating with Kroil...very light. Welcome to the forum and enjoy your 19-3. Rich

 

[justakyguy]

I picked this up in a three way trade about a year ago. When all was said and done I ended up with this Model 19-3 from early 1974...serial number 7K175 with a six inch barrel and original box with only $200 invested. Ballistol works great and I use a very light coating with Kroil...very light. Welcome to the forum and enjoy your 19-3. Rich

Thanks! That's a gorgeous one you have, what a steal! I like Ballistol it seems to work well, also Hoppes Elite has worked well. I've used those, and them just a small dab of Rem Oil and then a coat of Renaissance wax and silicone rag to finish. I'm acquiring an even more beautiful blued one in a few days, which has it's original box and papers from 1976. Will be my first blued gun so these tips help!

 

[Snapping Twig]

It can handle hot loads, but in 158g + bullet weights. The 125g flame throwers are to be avoided for multiple reasons.

I personally load my own cast bullets of 160 and 175g to just under maximum, this after working up the loads of course. They are used in a 13-3, 13-4, 65-5, 19-4, 586-1, 27-2 and 627-0, the last three being L and N frames.

Go for it and enjoy your new roscoe.

 

[snowman.45]

It can handle hot loads, but in 158g + bullet weights. The 125g flame throwers are to be avoided for multiple reasons.

I personally load my own cast bullets of 160 and 175g to just under maximum, this after working up the loads of course. They are used in a 13-3, 13-4, 65-5, 19-4, 586-1, 27-2 and 627-0, the last three being L and N frames.

Go for it and enjoy your new roscoe.

I agree. I stay away from 125 gr. or less in .357 magnum in my k-frames. I prefer 135 to 158 gr. in both lead and jacketed rounds. I've also loaded some 180gr. rounds for use in the mountains.

 

[justakyguy]

Noticed this curved crease/opening on the right inside of the frame when I had the hammer cocked today, but after looking into it, I think this is just the normal crease where the right frame joins together, am I right? Sorry for such a newbie question, but just wanted to make sure.

When I shoot her I'll probably stick to just .38's, maybe the occasional 158 mag.

Took the grips off today for inspection and slight cleaning of the frame down there, in good condition! Gave it a quick wipe down put the grips back on. Can't wait to shoot her. Lockup is really good, I do notice a slight front to back movement on the cylinder/ejector rod when it is open, but when the cylinder is locked, tight as can be! Is it normal for slight play in the cylinder/ejector rod when it is open?

 

[Gordondet]

Noticed this curved crease/opening on the right inside of the frame when I had the hammer cocked today, but after looking into it, I think this is just the normal crease where the right frame joins together, am I right? Sorry for such a newbie question, but just wanted to make sure.

When I shoot her I'll probably stick to just .38's, maybe the occasional 158 mag.

Took the grips off today for inspection and slight cleaning of the frame down there, in good condition! Gave it a quick wipe down put the grips back on. Can't wait to shoot her. Lockup is really good, I do notice a slight front to back movement on the cylinder/ejector rod when it is open, but when the cylinder is locked, tight as can be! Is it normal for slight play in the cylinder/ejector rod when it is open?

Yes, that line / crease is the edge of the side plate that covers internal parts of the action. It is not recommended that you remove it unless you know how to do it properly. It's possible to damage the fit of the edges of the plate while removing it.

Yes the front to back movement is normal.

Nice Model 19. I recently got a blued 19-3 4". Love it.

Oh nice camera. I had to get out my 10x loupe to see the edge that close.

 

[justakyguy]

Thanks, just making sure! Looked into it and realized it was just where the side plate meets. Yea the cylinder locks up good when closed. Got a blued one in layaway myself. Can't wait to get it out.

 

[markepilot]

Congrats on your purchase! Looks like a sweet one. Now you need a 6"!

 

[justakyguy]

Congrats on your purchase! Looks like a sweet one. Now you need a 6"!

Thanks! 4" is the perfect size for me but if I see a good 6" I won't pass it up!