The Model 19-2 That Could Have Been- Now w/Pics

[Fat B]

To make a long story short, my father was given a pristine 2 1/2" 19-2 complete with the box, all of the goodies, original bill of sale (1968), and a letter from S&W apologizing for the wait from 1969. It was from a widow who's husband died in 1970 and it was sitting in her closet since. My father doesn't want a safe queen nor a gun that he feels it necessary to baby so he offered to sell it to me for what the LGS was going to give him for trade. I'd mention the price but I've been trying block it from my memory. That's because I knew my brother in law was searching for a revolver and he is the type of person to treat his possessions very nicely. He wanted a revolver to carry while bow hunting in case he came across a bear which occasionally happens. I felt that it would have been nice to add to my collection but he fell over backwards when he saw it. So I offered my BIL the revolver with the condition that if he ever sells it, I could buy it back for what he paid my father for it. I know that revolver will never be mine. At least I still get to shoot it occasionally and I know it went to someone that will actually use it and take good care of it.

So here are my questions as I admit to knowing very little about revolvers. First, I hear a lot about pinned and recessed. I assume recessed is the cylinder end (face?) so it will accept clips for faster loading, correct? Moon clips? I also have no idea what pinned means. Next, are moon clips the best for speed reloads of the extra rounds are going to sit in a side pocket? I wouldn't want to talk him into moon clips if they don't hold the rounds securely and then won't all line up for a reload.

Anything else to suggest? I don't know if there are steps that are popular with model 19's that I am unaware of. And yes the practice and training are there. I ask because we are going to the range soon and this may be a good time to finally talk him into carrying extra rounds as he usually carries 6 in the chamber and that's it. I think it's a 19-3 based to the date so feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I'll snap some pics of the gun today too. Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[Art Doc]

The recessed chambers are meant to enclose the cartridge rims. The S&Ws in Magnum calibers and 22 rim fires were recessed, other calibers were not. They had nothing to do with moon clips. The only revolvers intended to use moon clips were those chambered for rimless auto pistol cartridges like the 45 ACP. No 357 Magnum revolver was designed to use moon clips. A revolver can be modified to use moon clips but it requires machining the entire rear face of the cylinder for clearance.

There are various speed loaders available. Some are drums that replicate the cylinder while others are rubber strips that are slower to load but lie flat in the pocket for easier carry.

The "pin" refers to a small pin that was used to secure the barrel in place. The pinned barrel feature was dropped in 1982. S&W has had problems with barrels ever since. The 19-3 is pinned. The 19-5 is not.

Here's the pin:

Here's the recessed chambers:

Clean the forcing cone (rear of barrel where bullet enters) thoroughly after shooting. There is a theory that carbon build up in this area can lead to barrel failure.

 

[kamloops67]

you can see if its a 19-3 by opening cylinder and looking behind the crane the model number is stamped on the frame

 

[bilmc]

Barrel problems?

The "pin" refers to a small pin that was used to secure the barrel in place. The pinned barrel feature was dropped in 1982. S&W has had problems with barrels ever since. The 19-3 is pinned. The 19-5 is not.

I have a 19-5, 2 1/2" barrel. I've heard there are various opinions about which is better. I inherited this pistol from a friend and like it but would like to know what to look out for.

Bil

 

[Fat B]

It turned out to be a 19-2! I have to check my facts as a swore that it was a 19-3 but it's been a couple years since I've seen it. Looks like I should have wiped her down a little better but i was in a hurry. It's a damn sexy gun. Here are some pics:

 

[Fat B]

And thanks Saxon for your explaination!

 

[mr.jbk79]

Awesome 19, They are damn sexy looking. I think most will say they shoot as good as they look, I know mine do.

 

[gradechecker69]

Your very lucky, love that gun!!

 

[Fat B]

Thanks for the complements. The blueing on the gun is what gets me- just gorgeous. Almost looks black until you look closely and see a tint of blue in the reflection. I know I sound like an old timer here when I say it but they don't put that kind of quality into the guns anymore.

 

[18DAI]

Congrats! It doesn't get any better than that. And won't either.

Everything you need in a revolver and nothing you don't. Enjoy that fine model 19! Regards 18DAI