Engine49guy
Member
Nice K frame nickel 19-3 !
A few brief notes:
The Model 19 was first called "The Combat Magnum" because prior to the introduction of S&W model numbers all S&W handguns had "Names" ,
There is a little confusion of the Model 19-3 introduction around 1968 because of a slight overlap in the Model 19-2 and Model 19-3 revision (Basically relocated the fwd screw of the rear site slightly away from the blast area above the forcing cone)... otherwise the 19-2 nd the 19-3 are mechanically same gun....(revision changes denote a part change)
Your 19-3 is fine with "ANY" .38 special ammo including +p and +P+ which are less powerful than .357 Magnum,
The K frame Magnum was developed with the then standard 158 grain .357 Magnum load, years later in an attempt to push the performance envelope lighter loads were offered such as the 110 grain and 115 grain .357 Magnum loads, those lighter loads accelerated faster and made the "Jump" from the cylinder to the barrel milliseconds sooner, apparently since that "Jump" happened as the super hot gasses were still burning cracked forcing cones began to serendipitously appear in Model 19's at the 6 "O" clock position where it is thinnest.
If you stick to a diet of any .38 special for punching holes in paper with the occasional use of 158 grain Magnums your "K" Magnum should run fine for your lifetime.
A few brief notes:
The Model 19 was first called "The Combat Magnum" because prior to the introduction of S&W model numbers all S&W handguns had "Names" ,
There is a little confusion of the Model 19-3 introduction around 1968 because of a slight overlap in the Model 19-2 and Model 19-3 revision (Basically relocated the fwd screw of the rear site slightly away from the blast area above the forcing cone)... otherwise the 19-2 nd the 19-3 are mechanically same gun....(revision changes denote a part change)
Your 19-3 is fine with "ANY" .38 special ammo including +p and +P+ which are less powerful than .357 Magnum,
The K frame Magnum was developed with the then standard 158 grain .357 Magnum load, years later in an attempt to push the performance envelope lighter loads were offered such as the 110 grain and 115 grain .357 Magnum loads, those lighter loads accelerated faster and made the "Jump" from the cylinder to the barrel milliseconds sooner, apparently since that "Jump" happened as the super hot gasses were still burning cracked forcing cones began to serendipitously appear in Model 19's at the 6 "O" clock position where it is thinnest.
If you stick to a diet of any .38 special for punching holes in paper with the occasional use of 158 grain Magnums your "K" Magnum should run fine for your lifetime.
