Questions about M19-5 and 14-3

[cjgarza]

I posted this on another forum, but I figured this is the S&W forum, who better to ask these wuestions, right?


I recently traded an HK USP for 2 Smith revolvers (a new interest of mine), a S&W 19-5 and a 14-3. I have a few questions:

1) I know the "K" frame .357 magnums can't take the abuse of the bigger "L" and "N" frame cousins. That being said, I'd like to shoot magnums without worrying about the revolver blowing up in my face. Are there any loads that are recommended?

2) I think I read somwhere that the model 14 can take .38+P ammunition. Is this correct?

3) The 14 comes with an aftermarket Pachmaeyr grip. I want to get the correct grips, or at least nice ones. Does anyone have any recommendations?

4) The 14 has what seems to be "narrow" hammer (and short actually, the 19-5 has a longer hammer). I thought they were supposed to come with the "wide" target trigger and hammer? The hammer looks to be of a different metal as well (looks to be of a different metal than the trigger)

BTW the serial numbers are:

19-5 ACY56xx

14-3 14K18xx

Could anyone tell me more or less when they were made?

Pics added:

Any and all opinions will be appreciated.

 

[K38]

#1 the model 19 can handle magnums fine but you should practice with 38 specials instead of a steady diet of magnums. However you could shoot thousands of factory magnum ammo and it would never blow up, It might get a bit loose.

#2 +P ammo is fine in the model 14 and any model numbered Smith and Wesson made since 1957

#3 there are lots on ebay and other places The grips on you revolvers should interchange. There are also lots of custom grip makers as well. I for one like the rubber ones. I am guessing that both your guns are square butt (I don't have my book handy) So any grip that fits a S&W K frame Square Butt will be OK.

#4 Model 14's can come with wide or narrow triggers and hammers depending on how they were ordered. These can be changed out by a good gunsmith or by S&W this is not for Amateurs.


Others will chime in.

Dwight