Unusual Model 19

[MarkL_01]

Today I saw an S&W revolver that was different from what I'd seen before. I thought was a Model 15, but was a Model 19 (no dash; four-screw frame). The barrel did not have a shroud enclosing the ejector rod. My terminology might be incorrect, but the ejector rod was in the open, with just a latch on the bottom of the barrel. It had been refinished with something like cerakote, so the barrel might have been replaced. The dealer said he'd seen one other like it.

Were there Model 19s that did not have shrouded ejector rods?

Thanks.
Mark

 

[The Kid]

Was the barrel marked 357 Magnum? It wouldn’t be any big trick to screw a M15 barrel on a M19 frame and set the gap and cut the forcing cone. But it wouldn’t be rollmarked 357.

M13 and M65 barrels didn’t have the shroud and could be fitted easily enough. But their front sights would be much too low for the adjustable rear.

 

[MarkL_01]

Now I feel like a dummy. I was focused on the markings inside the yoke and didn't even look at the barrel markings.

The refinish would keep me from being interested in it, anyway, but I'll have another look at it if they've still got it next week when I go back to their range.

Thanks for the reply!
Mark

 

[Model19man]

I bet the barrel is marked 38 Special.

 

[MarkL_01]

The barrel is marked .357 magnum. Doesn't rule out a barrel change, of course.

 

[stansdds]

The barrel is marked .357 magnum. Doesn't rule out a barrel change, of course.

Looks like a Model 19 with a Model 13 barrel that had an aftermarket front sight added to it. Also looks like this revolver was given a spray-n-bake finish. Don't really think I'd part with $500 for that one.

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. MarkL 01, run away with your $500 in your pocket.

 

[BC38]

I'm guessing this is probably one that had a cracked forcing cone and someone installed a barrel off a Model 13 or similar model to replace it. Then they cut a slot to add a pinned front sight. Might even be a barrel from a stainless gunl like a Model 66. That would explain the Cerracote finish.
I agree that $500 is too much for that one. Looks more like a $300 gun to me, and only that much if it is mechanically really good.

 

[brucev]

Frankenstein Special. Worth sum of the parts. JMHO. Sincerely. bruce.

 

[MarkL_01]

I have no interest in buying it. I was just curious about whether model 19s ever had a barrel like that.

The comment about replacing a barrel with a cracked forcing cone is probably a good guess.

Thanks.
Mark

 

[19leben]

It’d make a great truck gun for the right price.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Model19man]

I have no interest in buying it. I was just curious about whether model 19s ever had a barrel like that.

The comment about replacing a barrel with a cracked forcing cone is probably a good guess.

Thanks.
Mark

I think the internet has more cracked Model 19 forcing cones than actually happened.

 

[stansdds]

I have no interest in buying it. I was just curious about whether model 19s ever had a barrel like that.

The comment about replacing a barrel with a cracked forcing cone is probably a good guess.

Thanks.
Mark

That or it originally had a 6 inch barrel and someone wanted a 4 inch 357 Magnum and happened upon a Model 13 barrel. Could also be that the original Model 19 barrel was badly damaged by getting a bullet or two stuck in the bore and the next shot bulged the barrel. It could also be that the barrel was so pitted that it could not be refinished in order to make it presentable for selling, so a quick replacement was adapted.

See the ejector rod? There seems to be remarkably little finish wear on that rod and the finish on ejector rods is the first to show wear from use. A refinished revolver with no wear on the ejector rod is a red flag, at least it is to me. Refinished just to make it look good for selling. Makes me wonder if there are other issues.

 

[austintexas]

Cracked forcing cone

I see a lot of talk about cracked M-19 forcing cones but have never seen one. I have seen 2 M-15s with cracked forcing cones.
SWCA 892

 

[bummer]

I like the concept but not the finish

 

[ken158]

As noted, that appears to be a model 13 barrel with a model 19 front sight salvaged maybe from the original 19 barrel. Might be a good truck gun for someone, but not me.

 

[Murdock]

I have seen one M66 configured like the M19 you describe. I did some research and then went back to look at it again. The barrel shroud had been very neatly milled off, leaving only the front ejector rod lock.

No model 19's or 66's left the factory like that.