Value of 19-3?

[happyfast79]

Looks like it has about .004 of end shake, so I'm going to fix that and go shoot it. How much rotational slop of the cylinder is ok?

Thanks for all the info so far.

 

[oddshooter]

If you look at the Poll running the last few days, you will see the Model 19 is one at the top of the list for shooters.

I wouldn't sell mine. The K frame is just a perfect size and balance for me. Forget the refinish. It's made to be shot

I shoot 357mag out of mine, but ONLY with 158gr to 180gr bullets. It's the 110gr and 124gr bullets that requires more POWDER to get the same velocity. It's the extra powder that causes the pressure, heat, and damage.
I will shoot my 19 until it breaks, which will not be in my lifetime (opinion). I also don't handload for velocity, but for accuracy. Stay around 1100fps and shoot it forever.

Prescut

 

[Benton Quest]

That gun has done things. It would be a sin to refinish it. Good honest wear. Shoot it and enjoy.

Sent from my SM-A025V using Tapatalk

 

[stansdds]

Looks like it has about .004 of end shake, so I'm going to fix that and go shoot it. How much rotational slop of the cylinder is ok?

Thanks for all the info so far.

0.004" endshake is about where S&W recommends correction when it comes to their magnum caliber revolvers. An easy fix is a cylinder shim, so long as it does not create excessive barrel-cylinder gap.

S&W revolvers do not have the tight cylinder lock up of Colt revolvers. So long as the cylinder stop engages the stop notch before the sear releases the hammer, it is considered good. At full cock, you will likely be able to wiggle the cylinder a little, again, this is how S&W revolvers work.

 

[happyfast79]

0.004" endshake is about where S&W recommends correction when it comes to their magnum caliber revolvers. An easy fix is a cylinder shim, so long as it does not create excessive barrel-cylinder gap.

S&W revolvers do not have the tight cylinder lock up of Colt revolvers. So long as the cylinder stop engages the stop notch before the sear releases the hammer, it is considered good. At full cock, you will likely be able to wiggle the cylinder a little, again, this is how S&W revolvers work.

Thank you. I have the shims ordered. My n frames are very tight, with my 329 having no discernible wiggle with the hammer back and my 629 has just a little. This 19 has more but I don't think it's crazy. Thanks again

 

[Jeromejr]

19-3

Good deal in my Area. Worth more to me. Would buy rite away if it was in my area! Seattle area.

 

[happyfast79]

I shot it today, shoots to the left with the sights centered, almost center with the rear blade all the way to the right.

The cases didn't want to eject after being fired, they come out a 1/8th of a inch and then stick. Maybe chambers are dirty.

Other then that it's a very nice shooter.

 

[Jeff Napoleoni]

My reloaded wad cutters are a blast to shoot out of my 19-3

 

[toad67]

What is the SN, and we can give an approximate date. For $480, I think you got a good deal. You don't need to remove the side plate to clean it, remove the stocks and just squirt some WD40 or some other grease cutter in behind the trigger and down the hammer slot, and wipe out whatever drips, keep going until it runs fairly clear, then a few drops of some good quality gun oil, and work the action. Unless there is substantial rust, I wouldn't refinish it, that kills collectability. Wear is the gun's life story; that one looks like it had time in a holster.

Here's my M19-3, dates to 1974, SN 7K12168. I gave $800 for it back in 2015. The picture doesn't do it justice.

WD-40?? That stuff has ruined more guns than the democrats...

 

[TXBryan]

Did "well" for $480?!

I don't know but Texas may be a seller's market - but that 19-4, in that condition, would be right at, or just under, a grand in any LGS I frequent from Abilene to Austin to San Antonio to Ft.Worth. You can't buy a Model 10-6 in that condition for less than $500 around here - or on-line.

You got a GREAT deal. Enjoy!

Bryan

 

[Greyman50]

Prices at gun shows around here are double what you paid, you got a very good deal. Checked a lgs today and a 19( didn't check dash number) was $1000? Sure might get price down $50,$75 doubt $100, other S&W prices were steep.

 

[SWFan27]

So I have the chance to pick up a 19-3 for around $600 but it has some holster wear and also I'm not sure of the year. Is it worth it? Looks to be in mechanically good condition.

That is a beauty.