S&W 19-4, snagged for $499 before taxes from under used gun counter

[Jboogie]

Hi all,

I was at my local large chain seeing what they'd give me for an old pump shotgun I've had collecting dust in my safe for years, and much to my surprise they gave me nearly what I paid for it new half a decade ago. While waiting for the sale to finish, I noticed this specimen under their used gun glass, a blued Model 19-4. They had it labeled for $625, which struck me as a decent deal for the gun. I slept on it and decided to go back for a closer look this morning, where I learned that in addition to my veteran & club-member discount, this chain does 10% off used firearms every Monday in December, so I got 20% off the sticker price for a grand total of $499.99 before tax.

I took the gun home, and it definitely has some scuffs and scratches that I didn't catch while looking through the glass, but nothing overly concerning. The stocks have a bit of wear towards the top (not sure if from holster wear or speedloader usage), there are some scratch or scuff marks (maybe even minor pits? unsure) on the right side of the gun and on the cylinder. Also, the trigger has what looks like a rust spot on the underside of the trigger. The lockup feels tight and the forcing cone doesn't look worn down from what I can tell. I'll probably take some 0000 brass wool and some CLP and see if I can cleanup some of these marks especially on the trigger. All in all, I'm happy with it! I do have a couple questions if anyone has insight and the time;

1) The serial number is 49K0225. Is there any way to estimate based on that approximately when this revolver was manufactured or shipped?

2) Dumb question, does this gun have "the three T's"?

3) I am assuming that I should keep this guy relegated to 38spl duty with only sparing 357 Magnum use, and if I do use Magnums, keep it 158gr or similar weight ammo? I'm assuming the dash-fours aren't exempt from that advice.

 

[Model29-26.5]

It’s not a 3T
Probably 1977. They’ve my made -4 for a year.
Decent deal though.
You did well.
Stick to 38 and occasional 357.
I’m a newbie for only a year, but have focused pretty much solely on models 19, 25, 27, 28, 29, 53 and 66 as far a value and various aspects.
Learning everything I can about them.
I’ve only scratched the surface but I think that’s pretty good info

 

[Model29-26.5]

These would be target Trigger and Target Hammer.
Two of the T’s.
These look like 500 as opposed to 375 or 400 which I am not sure whether they are considered target or not, but a full 500 width trigger and hammer spur are target.

 

[18robert]

i agree with model 29`1`. going by the book,looks like it shiped 78-79.

 

[Engine49guy]

Welcome to the forum,
Hard to pass up a nice Combat Magnum at that price.
Your 19-4 has everything you'd want in a Combat Magnum and is probably the high water mark in its evolution, pinned and recessed, speed loader cut target stocks, red ramp and white outline rear sites,
The wide target hammer and trigger made a big splash once upon a time and look cool but there are many out there that do not care either way, many like myself prefer the semi target hammer and smooth combat trigger.

 

[Yendor357]

You’ll never lose money on that.

Appreciating assets. Buy all you want.

 

[ColumbusJBR]

Great pick up! I also have a (very clean) 19-4 4", and I'd need a lot more than $500 to let it go. Part of that is the fact that it's the 1st S&W revolver I've owned, but still.... You got a great deal.

As mentioned, yours does NOT have the target trigger. But don't let that bum you out. They could be ordered in all sorts of configurations, but I never saw the target trigger on shorter barreled 38/357s as a positive, personally. To me the target trigger is not conducive to double-action shooting at all, so I'd be glad that 19-4 doesn't have it. YMMV.

Enjoy shooting it, they're a lot of fun and look good to boot!

 

[Green Frog]

Nice find. You got a nice shooter at a “beater grade” price. You should be able to enjoy it for years to come. I agree with a previous poster though, it should be fed 38 Spl ammo regularly and reserve 357s for “special occasions”.
Regards,
Froggie

 

[Hair Trigger]

Hi all,

I was at my local large chain seeing what they'd give me for an old pump shotgun I've had collecting dust in my safe for years, and much to my surprise they gave me nearly what I paid for it new half a decade ago. While waiting for the sale to finish, I noticed this specimen under their used gun glass, a blued Model 19-4. They had it labeled for $625, which struck me as a decent deal for the gun. I slept on it and decided to go back for a closer look this morning, where I learned that in addition to my veteran & club-member discount, this chain does 10% off used firearms every Monday in December, so I got 20% off the sticker price for a grand total of $499.99 before tax.

I took the gun home, and it definitely has some scuffs and scratches that I didn't catch while looking through the glass, but nothing overly concerning. The stocks have a bit of wear towards the top (not sure if from holster wear or speedloader usage), there are some scratch or scuff marks (maybe even minor pits? unsure) on the right side of the gun and on the cylinder. Also, the trigger has what looks like a rust spot on the underside of the trigger. The lockup feels tight and the forcing cone doesn't look worn down from what I can tell. I'll probably take some 0000 brass wool and some CLP and see if I can cleanup some of these marks especially on the trigger. All in all, I'm happy with it! I do have a couple questions if anyone has insight and the time;

1) The serial number is 49K0225. Is there any way to estimate based on that approximately when this revolver was manufactured or shipped?

2) Dumb question, does this gun have "the three T's"?

3) I am assuming that I should keep this guy relegated to 38spl duty with only sparing 357 Magnum use, and if I do use Magnums, keep it 158gr or similar weight ammo? I'm assuming the dash-fours aren't exempt from that advice.

You did really well, it was worth the original sticker but getting the extra 20% off made it a bargain. I concur with 1979 as the probable year. The dash-4 was made from 1977 to 1982. It is identical to most dash-3's, the only difference being the location of the gas ring which was on the yoke of late dash-3's (late '74-'77).

Yours has the standard .265" service trigger and a .375" semi-target hammer. Your stocks are the Goncalo Alves Target stocks with the full speed loader cut, which was a new variation that started about that time. Older target stocks had a "football" cut that was not quite as easy to use speed loaders with. The dash-4 is the last M19 to have P&R features.

You're correct on the comment to stay with heavier bullets. Avoid full power magnum loads with 110 or 125 grain bullets. I have a 4" M19-3 from 1974, it's had a steady diet of magnum loads but I've reduced my reloads to around 1200 fps with 140 or 158 grain bullets. It's much more pleasant to shoot, but those loads are still hotter than .38+P bay a fair margin. You'll enjoy this revolver, I have no doubt. Mine is my 2nd M19, first was a 6" dash-2 a long time ago, wish I still had it. This one replaced a 4" M66 (no dash) I had and sold almost 20 years ago after owning it for 26 years. Stupid is as stupid does, so they say..

 

[Model29-26.5]

That is a Beauty.

 

[Model29-26.5]

i agree with model 29`1`. going by the book,looks like it shiped 78-79.

Aye. I just re read the variant years.

 

[swfan_mk]

v nice, i'd take that deal any day.
I'm fairly new to the forum - why is 38spcl / light magnum loads advised for this particular model?

 

[Norton 750]

I would have thrown my back out reaching for my wallet at that price. And yes, at my age my back goes out more than I do, but still that was a great deal!

 

[dsk]

I've been collecting S&W revolvers recently, but I've never come across a deal like that. Prices here in the PNW are usually close to double that for a decent pre-lock Smith.

 

[DoubleNickel]

Wow great deal!

 

[Muley Gil]

v nice, i'd take that deal any day.
I'm fairly new to the forum - why is 38spcl / light magnum loads advised for this particular model?

The K frame dates back to 1899 and was not intended for the higher pressure of the .357 Magnum cartridge. The barrels on these are thin at the bottom and some, not all, have split.

Short, light bullets at magnum velocities tend to cause flame cutting of the frame, above the barrel/cylinder gap.

When the Combat Magnum (later called the Model 19) was introduced in 1955, it was intended to mostly be fired with .38 specials, with .357 rounds reserved for duty or self-defense use.

This advice applies to all of the K frame .357 models-M13, M19, M65 and M66.

 

[Jboogie]

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. Sounds like this wheelgun was made probably 78-79 then, very cool.

As far as the T's, the trigger and grips (stocks) feel good to me, and I shoot mostly double-action so a wide hammer does nothing for me anyway. The handful of nicks and specs are a reminder to not baby this gun and to have fun shooting it.

Here are some more photos after a light rubbing with some Renaissance Wax. I plan to shoot it this weekend (time permitting) and I'll give the chargeholes and barrel a good cleaning after that. I'll keep it to 38spl and no more than a handful of rounds of lighter 158gr Magnums if that. Thanks all.

- JJ

 

[daveboy]

It looks a lot like mine. You'd better take that gun back or else you could be charged with burglary. You stole it!!!! I gave $700 for mine. It is also a 78/79 model.

 

[dsk]

The K frame dates back to 1899 and was not intended for the higher pressure of the .357 Magnum cartridge. The barrels on these are thin at the bottom and some, not all, have split.

Short, light bullets at magnum velocities tend to cause flame cutting of the frame, above the barrel/cylinder gap.

When the Combat Magnum (later called the Model 19) was introduced in 1955, it was intended to mostly be fired with .38 specials, with .357 rounds reserved for duty or self-defense use.

This advice applies to all of the K frame .357 models-M13, M19, M65 and M66.

Just for the sake of newer folk who may not know this, the current Model 19-10 Classic has a beefier forcing cone and is good for any .357 Magnum load.

 

[CH4]

Congrats on a great pick up!

I am very familiar with that chain and have benefitted many times from their inconsistent pricing. Found my most recent treasure a couple weeks ago at the Vegas store - cherry 2.5” 66-2 $586 OTD